Mellow Yellow Monday: Yummy Cake-y Yellows

I missed Mellow Yellow Monday last week because I was busy at work.  Anyway, here's my daughter's Christening cake and first birthday cake. :)

My husband and I personally preferred the Angel theme of Max Restaurant for the Christening Celebration of our daughter, Rian.  The theme included the cute cake, as shown above.  We celebrated this last December 2009, around my baby's 5th month. P.S.  The blanket on the baby's head was edible!

My daughter loves Spongebob Squarepants.  That's why we ordered a Spongebob cake at Goldilocks for our baby's first Birthday Party last month.  P.S.  The jellyfishes were edible! :D

Happy Mellow Yellow Monday meme blogging! :)

My FB Post Story: On Miss U QnA

" Anong Ms. Universe question kay Ms. Philippines and ano sagot nya?  Can't access net @ office e.."  (August 24 at 11:32am via Mobile Web)

Pipo: Ano daw biggest mistake nya na nagawa at pano nya tinama yun. (August 24 at 11:41am )

Pipo: Ang sagot nya, wala pa daw syang "major, major" na ginawa dahil supportive ang family nya at suportive sa kanya. (August 24 at 11:42am )

Roy: wag mo nang alamin vane..baka mahiya ka lang sa sagot nya..sayang. (August 24 at 11:43am)

Katrina: Something about major mistakes in your Life and how or what did you do to make it right.
Her answer is somewhat... For the past 22 years of her life, she never had any major mistakes bec of her family's love. And she's thankful for making it sa Ms. Universe. (August 24 at 11:44am)
 
Vaneni: Wow,kung job interview pala un, bagsak na cya. Hehe.ü anyway congrats nalang din sa kanya, nkpasok cya sa top5 dahil sa beauty nya. Hehe.ü (August 24 at 11:49am)
 
Jin: hey vaneni! disappointing noh? over over over over confident that venus raj!!! (August 24 at 12:19pm)
 
Vaneni: Hehe..major major tama ka jan ms jin!ü (August 24 at 12:25pm)
 
Chelle: I dont think it's fair for us to judge her like that. Self-assessment yun e, kung tingin nya wala e d wala.
Tsaka 4th naman sya. Baket ba ang hirap i-please ng mga Fililpino. Kung kayo kaya. Naranasan niyo na bang sumali sa ms. universe par...a masabing kung kayo yun e magiging bongga ang sagot niyo? (August 24 at 1:13pm)

Alen: @van: now meron na siyang major mistake.. if ever she will be asked again.. hehheheheh.. (August 24 at 1:40pm)

Vaneni: For me kc, she's in a contest kaya hindi pwede ang pwede na. Must strive for excellence. And she's in the position to be judged talaga. (August 24 at 1:59pm)

Chelle: SAbagy judging portion nga e hahaa. Pero kase yung ibang tao mega react na kala naman nila pag sila yung andun sila magshine (August 24 at 2:02pm)

Vaneni: Hehe, ganun tlaga ang buhay. Yaan mu na, bukas ibang isyu na ulit ang pag-uusapan..parang ung hostage news lang yan. (August 24 at 2:09pm)

Jacq: hi vaneni! question goes lyk dis. wat was d biggest mistake uve ever done nd wat did you do to rise above it. her answer was 'thank you for dat question..gud evening las vegas...im proud dat in my 22 year of existence ive never done a MAHOR MAJOR mistake...blah blah..'. an answer worth of d 4th place. :( (August 24 at 2:35pm)

Jacq:  i meant worthy of d 4th place. (August 24 at 2:37pm)

Vaneni: buti nalang ang Q and A ginagawa during the Top 5 na. (August 24 at 10:01pm)

***********

That ends my FB status message chit-chat with my FB friends.  I'm glad that there's FB on mobile, coz I'm getting connected more with other people, and it makes me more updated with the world outside my boxes. Teheee! :D

Mommy Moments: My Baby's First Gadgets

When my daughter Rian turned 1 last month, she got a lot of toy gifts, and one of them was a toy laptop, given by my husband's officemates.  I wanted to thank them because I had always wanted Rian to own a toy laptop because she was always messing up with her daddy's laptop, especially when her daddy (or I) starts to type on it.  Having one of her own would somehow keep her away from her daddy's computer. Hehe.

Since my daughter just turned 1 year old, she was not yet interested with ABC's but she entertains herself with sounds and music in her toy laptop.  She loves to dance with the music!  Here's her photo with the toy laptop:

She has other toy gadgets and her favorite among them is the toy telephone which she always practices calling on it.  She knows how to put the receiver on her ears and say "Hello, hello?" (actually what she says was "kutsikuuu" which I think means "hello, hello?").  She also does the same with our cellphones.  I don't have a picture of her with the phone yet, but I will upload it sometime.

Happy Mommy Moments meme blogging!

My FB Post Story: On the hostage drama

Just last night and this morning, everybody was into the hostage drama which took place at Quirino Grandstand yesterday (August 23).  My Facebook was swarmed with news feeds about the hostage drama, exteding condenlences to the hostage victims and sharing disappointments and worries about the image of the Philippines, as well as our police force.  Since I learned in the morning news on TV that this Rolando Mendoza was dismissed from his position as police officer long time ago and received no retirement benefits because of certain criminal cases wherein he was accused of being involved, I thought of posting this message on my FB:

" Wala na ring retirement benefits ang hostage-taker after life!" (11 hours ago, on mobile)

True.  There's no benefit he can receive in hell.

I believe in the goodness of people.  But this certain criminal, with his past excellent credentials which don't matter anymore, and whose pledge he made before he became a police officer was to protect lives (which obviously he didn't value now), showed his evil side by killing innocent people, taking out his stress and anger towards them.  What he did was an example of cowardice.  He is a coward.  I could have pitied him for traveling the wrong path in life, but honestly, what I felt was hatred towards him.  I hate him not just for destrying the country's image but also for destroying the lives of families he victimized, including their joys and dreams.

My family and I pray for the souls of the victims, as well as for the strength for all the families they left behind.  May their souls rest in peace, and may their living families have strength to move on with their lives with hopes and blessings from God.  Justice will prevail, in earth and in heaven.

 

To know more of the story about the hostage-taking drama, click here or visit http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/23/ex-policeman-hijacks-bus-load-of-children-adults/

Observing my baby's developments

My 1 year old daughter, Rian, is currently having a 2-week vacation at my parent's house in Laguna.  We had to leave her there for a while  because I was so busy with my work assignments.  Last weekend, we visited her and found out that she's already standing alone in a longer period of time, clapping with glee.  It was a happy milestone.  Aside from that, I observed that she had developed intellectually and emotionally.  When she tried to crawl away from the bed (which was placed on the floor so that Rian could play around on it), I shielded her with my legs.  She gave a loud impatient yell but she didn't wail.  Instead, she turned around and played with me.  When she sensed that I was already distracted, she would again try to crawl out of the bed.  Then I would put my feet and legs across her again so that she could not go through.  When the time I slightly lifted my legs (because she distracted me again with her games), she crawled fast under it, making way to get out of the bed.  She succeeded!  I was so fascinated with the incident because it showed how smart she was!

My husband and I took her out for the Sunday Mass at St. Therese of Child Jesus at UP Los Banos.  Before the mass started, we went to the Carabao Park and let Rian walk around (with my support by holding her hands).  When she saw other people looking at her, she deliberately walked away, knowing they were strangers.  During the mass at the chapel, she and her 6 year old cousin (Ate Alyssa) played following-the-leader, wherein wherever Alyssa went, she followed her.  There was a time when Rian was distracted with another toddler who could already walk alone,  but when Alyssa called out her name, she instantly turned around and followed her again.  She was an obedient baby and she knew who she should go with!  All of us (including Alyssa's parents) were so delighted! Rian also knew how to get her Daddy's attention to give her a snack (she loved Iced Gems...remember those little round cookies with icing on top?).

Yesterday, I called my Mother to know how was my daughter doing.  She excitedly told me that Rian finally made her first few steps (exactly 3 steps, that is).  I was so happy that Rian finally reached her first step milestone.  But I was also quite sad because I wasn't there to witness it.  Well, that's the downside of being a career mom...you never get to see most of your child's firsts.  Anyway, every first step has its next one...and lots of another one.  So the next time I see her (which will be this weekend...it's time to go home with  mommy and daddy, Rian!), I promise to capture her independent steps...and hoping to share that with you in this blogsite.

My loves @ Carabao Park,

University the Philippines Los Banos

Mommy Moments: My baby's first books

I missed this meme last Friday, but anyway, I would still post something about it.  The topic's all about books.  Personally, I adored books since I was in grade school (and even younger!).  That's why I would also like my 1 year old toddler to be also fond of books.  Here's her first ever book:

I bought this when she was 5 months old.  It was not actually a story book with words, but a book with different textures inside.  I bought this so that my baby would be familiarized with different textures.  Back then she was fascinated with its textures and sounds.  Now that she had grown older, she fascinates herself with it by opening the little peek-a-boo's in each pages.  She realizes there are pictures inside the textured peek-a-boo doors, leaves, and clouds.

I observed that she was more excited now to flip pages of my mommy magazines and books.  She didn't anymore tear paper pages, but instead, she looks at pictures and words (and even try to just turn pages one by one).  That's why I introduced to her a hardbound bible book.  However, it was not a new book (it's my husband's bible book when he was little).  I make the book reading more exciting for her because I read the stories in it while she flips the pages.  Sometimes, she would babble, making comments out of the story.  We usually make the story telling before she goes to sleep.

I guess, she would love books like I do.  Curiously flipping must be the first sign of loving books!  I don't want her to become a nerdy bookworm but I want her to appreciate books because it would increase her vocabulary and widen her creativity and imagination.

Reminiscing the Past: Subic Galore!

December of 2007.  Jeff and I, along with some of his officemates, decided to take a Holiday out of town trip at Subic.  Subic Bay in Olongapo City is one of the famous tourist spots in the Philippines bceause it is developed to be an Eco-tourism place wherein you can experience different kinds of activities such as jungle activities, water sports, night life, and visiting historical and natural sites. As for us, since we only had two-days and one-night stay, just visited the Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure.  But we also had fun in the beach because we stayed in a bay-side hotel.

My hunny, me, and the beach of subic!

Our first stop after we unloaded our bags in the hotel was the Zoobic Safari.  It's actually a big zoo but the experience was more natural because at times, there were animals which was just lurking around!  Well, they were the friendly ones.  But there was a part in the tour wherein we had to ride in a bus because we would go inside a big secured place wherein tigers were freely doing their own thing!  Some of them were salivating especially when we threw them dressed chicken.  Some of them even jumped on the bus!  We also got to feed crocodiles.  I didn't like the feeling of feeding them because at first, they were so still, they looked like statues.  But when the moment you get showed them the dressed chicken (again!), they would suddenly jump to bite the it.  It startled me a lot.  But anyway, I really enjoyed the zoo tour.  It was like a tour in the African Safari.

Inside the bus cage...while the tigers are freely lurking around outside!

That night, after the kids of my husband's officemate had gone to sleep, we started to drink and relax.  I didn't drink much.  I wanted to dive in the beach waters...but since it was dark, of course, I was frightened to do so.  After drinking, Jeff and I walked on the shores, with hands clasped together, breathing the sea air, hearing each others heartbeat.  It was a warm starry night and I was very happy to be with the one I love.  I had dreamed of that scenario before...to walk on the shores with my loved one beside me.  We didn't talk much because the silence said it all.

The next day, we went to Ocean Adventure to see the dolphin exhibition.  Well, we first watched the sea lion's show, then in the middle of the day (and the sun was too high), it as a good thing we visited the fish museum (it was cool there because of the aircon! Hehe).  We were delighted with the fishes we saw in there.  Then in the afternoon, it was time for the dolphin exhibition.  Though the crowd was thick, we still managed to get good seats wherein we could see the show better.  The show was amazing!

And so we wondered...how was it like being the fish!

After the Ocean Adventure, we prepared to go home.  The tours were really enjoying and sooo sulit.  I promise myself I would tour my daughter Rian there when she turns 2 or 3 years old.  I'm sure she will love each moment of her experience there!

Mellow Yellow Monday: My "Bridal Magazine"

My "bridal magazine"...get yours at http://www.fototrix.com/

Geez...I missed being the bride...heheee

Mommy Moments entry: Fave Rian Photos

theme: favorite photo of your kid

This was taken when my daughter Rian was 11 months old.  I love this photo because when I told her to smile to the cellphone camera, I was surprised to see that she actually smiled! (she didn't grab my cellphone or just stare at it like she did before)  Now that she understands that she should smile infront of the camera! :)

My husband loves this pic.  He had this photo on his Facebook profile for the longest time. Our daughter was around 5 months old back then and she showed so much excitement when we introduced the walker to her.  Yup, she really wanted to be mobile back then...and now, she strives hard to be mobile by walking with support.  Hmm...now I imagine how mobile she would be when she starts walking by herself!

Nightime Routine

Now that my daughter Rian can sleep peacefully straight at night,  I can sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours, unlike before which I had to wake up in the middle of the night because Rian was crying and I had to either feed her or cradle her back to sleep (and I ended up having eye bugs and gloomy face in the morning).  Moreover, Rian can now put herself to sleep, as long as she sees us (her parents) also lying on the bed, preparing to doze off.  Getting off the bed or a nightime visit from other people is prohibited because when she sees someone else sitting or standing, she would also sit up and begin to play around (and it would be harder for us to make her prepare to sleep again!).  Well, at least I don't have to cradle her every single night, unless she miss it so much.

I had a few practiced tricks on how to prepare her for a sound sleep at night.  Before, I usually gave her a milk before sleep, and I still do that until now.  The difference is, before, she was fast asleep after drinking milk.  Now, drinking milk relaxes her before bedtime (which is better because milk residue in her mouth while asleep would be bad for her two front teeth).  After having milk, she would either roll on bed and find a perfect spot for sleeping or just lay on her back with arms and legs wide spread.

Aside from drinking milk, we also play quietly.  It means no rough play like tags, hide and seek, and other active games.  We would just get few toys like stuff toys and her telephone toy and play with them on her play mat.  We would play until she gets bored and sleepy.

Story reading is also one of my techniques to prepare her for bedtime.  I would either read her the Bible Story book (which she lifts the next pages even when I'm not still done reading the former page) or create a "Once Upon A Time" story which she loved listening to because she hears her name when I tell her that the princess' name is Baby Princess Rian. She even talks back at me when I tell her bedtime stories.

When she's already relaxed, it's a signal for me to dim the lights, get the baby oil and massage her all over her body.  I usually do the I-Love-U  massage on her.  And whenever I do that to her, with matching smile and cute voice saying "I-love-you" to her, she smiles back at me.  Obviously, she likes it!  When she starts to get fussy, I massage her legs.  She loves to have her legs massaged eversince I introduced it to her when she was one month old-- she was just lying on her back, watching me quietly while I touch her legs and feet.  And when I begin to massage her head, her eyes begin to feel droopy until she finally falls asleep.

Writing this blog makes me sleepy...so I'll probably say goodnight too. Goodnight everyone! :)

Daddy Jeff and toddler Rian, sleeping.  They both found a perfect spot for a peaceful sleep. 

Goodnight dearests! :)

New Food Recipe for my Toddler

While I was writing this, I was also doing a research for food recipes for my 1 year old daughter.  She probably is bored with her daily menu (plain lugaw + veggies) because she lately couldn't finish a bowl.  That's why I decided to research, plan and introduce new recipes that she may like.  After my research, I thought of simple recipes that could be easily prepared even by the maids (and even edible for adults!)

Cheesy scrambled eggs

A hearty breakfast recipe

scrambled eggs + cheddar cheese + veggies (gonna start to introduce ampalaya and tomatoes to her!), bits of sausage or ham + butter (instead of cooking oil).

Fruity Mashy Snack

Delicious and yummy

mashed fruits (can be avocado, banana, or apple) + my baby's formula milk (not condensed or evaporated milk) + cereal (Cerelac-- wheat and milk or chicken and veggies or any flavor...but I think the wheat and milk flavor is the best because adults like the taste of it...I know because I tried to eat it too...haha!) + small amount of honey (not sugar).

Tinola / Sinigang / Nilagang Baka

A taste of adult food

Soup of Tinola / Sinigang / Nilagang baka + rice + bits of chicken / pork / beef + mashed veggies (malunggay, zayote, potato, papaya, etc.)

Munggo Galore
Healthy meal again

the usual munggo recipe + rice.  I haven't tried this yet but I hope my daughter would love eating it.

Pasta Perfect
A taste of  Italian food

Pizza - my daughter loves pizzas!
the usual Spaghetti / Carbonara recipe
the usual Mac and Cheese recipe

The next step I would do is to plan weekly meals.  And I pray that my daughter would have a healthy appetite because she still needs 2 kg to reach her supposed-to-be-normal weight at 1 year old, which is 10 kilos.

Happy eating baby Rian!

Shopping for my family

It's true that once you have a family, you will think of them first before yourself.  And that goes too with shopping.

There was an anniversary bazaar in our company last week and the prices of the items there were lower than the regular prizes in malls.  My colleagues started to purchase items mostly for themselves during the opening day.  But I got to shop on the last day of the bazaar because it was also our payday (too bad all new employees weren't able to get yet the bonus...and I'm one of them.  Worse, my salary was deducted because I got  absences this month because I got sick.  Read my blog about it: On Sick Leave. ).  But despite of those things, I still de-stressed myself into shopping.  I bought the following items:

2 terno outfits for my toddler Rian.  I initially picked just 1 terno (pink strapped top with shorts) for only 50.00 Php.  But since the saleslady didn't have change for 1K, I decided to buy 2 terno's (I added the green strapped top with shorts).  The outfits could be worn at home or going outdoors.  When I got home, I realized that both outfits are of the same design, they just differed in color!

2 kikay caps also for Rian.  This is worth 25.00 Php each.  She already have 2 caps at home--- one white and one pink. So for her collection, I purchased one green and one checkered (blue, pink, green, white).  We already used the green one earlier when we went to her pediatrician for her monthly check up, and I was surprised she didn't take off her beautiful cap like she always did before.  And when I stood her infront of the mirror with her new cap on her head, she smiled with glee, probably she knows how cute she is with her new cap.

1 pair of Adidas shorts for my hubby Jeff.  Most of his shorts are already torn and do not fit on him anymore.  We had been planning to buy himself new shorts but he always prioritizes our family's basic needs, he ended up having money shortage (hehe).  That's why when I learned that there's a booth for men's shorts in the bazaar, I got to pick the kind of shorts that my husband would love (he wanted a short that could be worn either at home or outdoors).  And guess what, I got it for 100.00 Php only. 

1 pair of Liliw shoes for my sister-in-law.  After all, it was her birthday last Thursday, and it's our welcoming gift for her, as well, because she just came back from Bermuda.  Giving gifts to our dear friends and relatives are part of our family's tradition.  My husband and I decided to give her shoes which were made from Liliw, Laguna, Philippines, because know that when she go back to Bermuda, she could wear those shoes with pride because it's Philippine-made and export-quality, as well.  Too bad I got the wrong size for her, but anyway, I could still exchange it for the right size next week.  Hey, I ordered those Liliw shoes at my officemate who also happens to be my office seatmate! 

Finally, I decided to buy for myself also but I purchased the item which would benefit myself and my husband, as well.  I bought something that both of us would benefit from it so that he wouldn't get angry with my shopping galore (hehe).  It was red and black, made from satin, 2 piece outfit which can be worn at home (at at night!).  Top is spaghetti-strapped, with lace.  Bottom is panty-like, matching the design of the top, also with lace.  Sexy enough but not super lusty.  Guess what it is?  Yup it's a nightie. And I bought it for 350.00 Php.  When my husband saw it, he approved it.  I still haven't worn it, though. Probably tonight. ;-D

Shopping is really fun and de-stressing.  But after it (like now), time to worry about how could I live for the next two weeks.  Haha!

Rian's 1st Birthday Bash!

You are warmly invited to read this post about my baby's 1st birthday milestone!

What: RIAN's 1st BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!

When: July 17, 2010 (Saturday), 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.  A sunny Saturday morning (thank you Lord for the wonderful weather).

Where: McDo Festival Mall, Alabang

We're the first one to arrive, along with my sister-in-law, Yin, who came all the way from Bermuda to take a short vacation here in the Philippines.  It was almost 11:00 am and the guests were still not around...oh well, I forgot to put an earlier start time in the invitation so that they could come earlier (or just be on time).  Hehe.  After about a few minutes, the guests started to arrive (hurray!), and by then, the program began.  We all had McDo Chicken, fries, and sundae for lunch.

A Spongebob cake! (coz Rian loves Spongebob!)

There were games for adults and a game for adults with kids.  Our friends were so cooperative that they willingly joined the games (well, most of them loved the prizes...especially the clapper!).  My husband Jeff and our little celebrant Rian also joined the Trip to Jerusalem game (also known as Musical Chairs).  Rian was so energized, she also walked around the chairs (with her Daddy's support).  She didn't win, but I guess she had fun.

Daddy and baby participating in the Trip to Jerusalem game

Yup, our little celebrant really had fun during her party.  Actually, it seemed like she was the one who was having blast more than the rest of us.  She didn't wail and didn't have tantrums, except during the picture taking at the last part of the party probably because she was already tired.  She was dancing to the max with the music, and she loved the mascots Ronald McDonald and Birdie!  I observed in almost all of the photos we had with them, her head was turned to those two mascots.  She seemed fascinated with them because she was smiling at them all the while.  She even kissed Birdie!

Baby Rian kissed Birdie!

We never had lots of guests, most of those who were invited weren't able to come.  But what matters most for me is that Rian enjoyed the occassion....After all, it's her birthday!

And hey, Rian's not a baby anymore...she's now a toddler-- the stage between infancy and childhood, with lots of more milestones to come.  She's now the toddler Rian, but will always be our baby in our hearts and home. :)

Thanks to all who had given time to attend Rian's 1st Birthday Party--- my parents, my brothers Bob, Mark, and Adri and their girlfriends Monna, Mariz and Joanna, my niece Alyssa, my officemates Erick, Saber and Marco, my relatives-in-law, Jeff's college friends and officemates.  You made my little toddler's day a memorable one for all of us!  God bless! :)

A Yabadabadooo Picture!

from: http://i-love-cartoons.com/

I was browsing for a good clipart to add in my blog, and I found this one!  This picture really reminds me of my family---The Flintstones!--- I'm Wilma, Fred's my husband, and Pebbles is our baby Rian.  We don't actually have a dog to portray Dino, but we have a stuff toy cat named Baby Siops (a gift I received from my husband way back when we were still in bf-gf relationship).

I loved watching The Flintstones because it was funny and entertaining.  Actually, I enjoyed watching it than the Jetsons (which had a complete opposite scenario with the Flintstones because they futuristic).  Hey, I even remember that I used to take Flintstones Vitamins when I was a kid!  And I still remember its TV commercial...why is my Flintstones different from your Flintstones?...Why are you wearing mommy's shoes???  Because...  Hahaha!

It's a good feeling to reminisce the Yabadabadooo! child in me.

The Liwanag family picture, taken during Rian's baptism

On Problem Solving

I attended a training workshop in our company which talked about Problem Solving and Decision Making using KT (Kepner-Tregoe) process.  KT process includes a very systematic way to analyze and address problems.  We run this training program in our company to boost our Managers' problem solving and decision making skills in work.  But the KT process can also be used beyond our career...it can also be used in our daily lives.  And I'm going to share with you some insights I gained from the training workshop, which could be helpful in solving problems in any aspect of your lives.

Do you argue with your husband in some things most of the time?  Does your kid have school dilemna?  Can't you sleep peacefully at night because there are lot of things you're thinking and worried about? Can't choose between two or more good options?  Problems are obstacles that hinder you to achieve your goal.  It's the gap between the actual state and the desired state.  Moreover, problems can be anywhere and can come up anytime.  But  we can minimize, avoid, and solve them.  And we can effectively solve them by having the right decisions.

Sometimes, we just tend to address the problem by a "reaction".  We do whatever that comes into our minds or do the traditional solutions we know just to solve problems.  And the problem occurs again the future.  Let's ask ourselves...are we really solving the problem?

Here are some tips in Problem Solving and Decision Making, from the popular KT Process (I will not elaborate the whole process because it's a long discussion.  Just leave a comment if you're interested to learn more.  I'm willing to share the whole thing with you).

1. State the problem.  When you feel grumpy or angry, a friend tells you, "hey, what's your problem?!".  The next time you hear that, don't just let it pass through your ears.  Ask yourself, "what is my problem?".  By answering that, you would know your actual state.

2.  State your goal.  Knowing now what's your problem, ask yourself, "what is your goal?" Given the problem, what do you want to do with it? By this, you would now know your desired state.

3. Know the root cause of the problem.  Knowing the root cause of the problem is like knowing the main illness of a sick person, not just the symptoms. This is important so that we can provide the right medicine (solution) to the illness (problem).  Because if we wouldn't address the real root cause of a problem, it will just come back again and again.  You can use the Fishbone Diagram in knowing the root cause.  In doing this, you ask yourself why did the problem came up? Then you ask yourself again, "why?".  Ask it again for 5 times until you have reached the real root cause or root causes (if there are many).

Fishbone Diagram template

4. Think of possible solutions or options.  Write all the options you can think of.  If the problem involves other persons such as your husband or your mother, encourage them to brainstorm with you and come up with possible options.  But we'll consider those as options as for now, because later, we'll pick the best solution among them.

5.  Know your MUST Criteria.  MUSTs are the criteria you would set that are necessary in picking the right solution.  Cross out one or more options (from step 5) if they do not meet this MUSTs.

6.  Know your WANTs Criteria.  WANTs are the criteria you would set that are not necessarily the basic needs but what you prefer in picking the right solution. 

7.  Rate your options.  For each options left from # 5 step, rate if each of them has attained your WANTs Criteria.  You can scale the rate from 1-10, 10 being the highest.  Then get the average rating from all the options. Consider the option with the highest rating the best solution for your problem.  (P.S.  Reflect also on the solution.  It must be harmless, safe, and humane.  For example, terminating an employee because he / she is not delivering properly her responsibilities may not be a likable solution.  Hmmm...you cannot even terminate your husband if he is not doing his job as a good husband, as well...though it seemed like a pretty good idea for some.  It is better if you choose a win-win solution for the problem.)  Also check if your solution will take you to your desired state (from # 2 step).

8.  Delegate tasks and make a commitment.  Knowing the right solution doesn't end the whole Problem Solving process.  You have to DO IT.  And you can do it by either delegating tasks to yourself and to other people who are involved in the problem and/or making a commitment with yourself or with them.

9.  Follow up.  Review how the solution changed your life.  Has it eliminated the problem or do you have some improvements to do?  What are the things you should do in order to prevent it in the long run?  Prevention is really important so that the problem would not happen again.

10.  Celebrate!  Hey, you're 1 problem down! (this was not originally in the course module.  I just added this step because I believe that we should give ourselves a pat on the back because we did something good and right.) :)

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and you have gained some insights which could be used in your daily lives, especially at home.  Happy problem solving everyone!

Toy Story 3 Experience

It was last June 27 when my husband Jeff and I watched Toy Story 3.  We actually wanted to watch it on a weekend before but cinemas were all jampacked!  Even on the day we watched the film, cinemas were still crowded, we ended up buying a ticket for a 3D (which we really planned to), in IMAX at Mall of Asia. It was the last full show.  At least we still had a lot of good seats to choose from.  And yes, we got nice center seats.

A shot after the movie, in 3D glasses

I loved the film, and I admit, I wept towards the end of the movie.  But husband just chuckled at me when he heard me sniffed.  I didn't know where my mother put my childhood toys but I hope my mother didn't trash them away because I would surely be sad.  I would want to think that she had given them to unfortunate children and those kids took care of them. But come to think of it, if they were given to other kids before, those kids are now grown ups too...and ooohh...I don't want to think of this anymore.  I suddenly missed my childhood toys (and I remember, I only had 1 Barbie Doll back then.  No Ken's).

Now I'm a mother, and my daughter has now a collection of her own toys.  Someday when she grows up, she would stop playing with them anymore.  And before deciding on how to dispose those toys, I would ask my daughter if she wanted to trash them or give them to other kids.  And I hope, knowing that she has a big heart, she would decide to donate them to the less unfortunate children, like what Andy did in the movie.

Here are some of Rian's current toys.  Her other toys are in Batangas and Laguna.

These toys have their own stories to tell.  And they all know that they belong to Rian.  And their mission in life is to play with Rian and make her a happy happy baby! :)

On Sick Leave

I'm having a looong weekend right now.  But I'm not in the mood to celebrate it because I'm on sick leave.  And there's nothing exciting on being sick.

Monday afternoon-- heavy rain poured down from the heavens.  And because I didn't want to get stuck in the office because it seemed like a long heavy rain, I got out of the office after work, 5pm on the dot.  It was raining hard outside but I got an umbrella.  I guessed, it would shield me  from the rain...but that's what I thought.  My head was safe but my feet and legs were not (I was wearing our uniform skirt and stockings that time).  So cold water crept in my open toed shoes.  And when I got inside the airconditioned bus, the feeling became worse because I started to feel the coldness inside my whole body.  When I arrived home, I changed clothes fast, fearing I might catch flu.

Tuesday-- I felt cold in the office, probably because I used my only uniform blazer again (which was quite cold from the rain.  I didn't have time to iron it again to make it warm).  That night, I started to feel chilly.

Wednesday-- I put socks on my feet and jacket the whole day.  I was like a suman.  And I felt a little silly because all the other members of the house were wearing light clothes while I was in almost-winter clothes.  I watched the newly appointed President Noynoy Aquino's speech (but I didn't finished it because I really felt so bad).  My head and throat also ached a lot.  I skipped lunch and just slept.  I know I really needed a lot of rest.  My husband, who had an overtime work at his office, treated me that night at North Park because I couldn't eat anything but soft food.  I ordered Nanking Beef and Wanton soup with HongKong noodles, and had a Honey Lemonade and water for drinks.  Imagine, we're eating in North Park, in my pajamas (and imagine, I didn't even take a bath that day because I was too cold).  I felt like a lucky street kid.

Thursday-- I told my boss I couldn't be able to go to work because of my fever and flu.  I felt warmer than Wednesday, and I was perspiring a lot.  But I knew I was still not well because I still felt weak.

Friday--  I was supposed to go to work, but my body was still weak and I was afraid to get cold again and catch flu.  My officemate teased me, "whatever your reason is, hihi!", maybe she thought that I was just making excuses to have a long weekend.  I told her, "Girl, trangkaso ito dahil sa ulan nung Monday!".  If I only have enough strength to go to office, I would go because my sick leaves aren't paid....and it is so much harder to have a deducted salary.  If others thought I'm happy with this sick leave, they are totally wrong.  I won't be happy also if I go to work despite of my current health status and would find myself in worse state afterwards.

Good thing, my daughter's at Laguna right now, away from all the virus I might spread.  I pray that she would stay happy and healthy there.  I miss her.

Rian's Milestones

After two weeks, Rian will celebrate her very first birthday! And as her mommy, I'm very excited and proud of her!  Over a year, Rian has grown to be a cute baby who has a strong personality but with a very big heart.  She knows what she wants and would not stop wailing until she gets it.  But she's also a loving baby who shows affection to those around her by showering them with smiles and kisses.

Looking back, she has developed a lot and probably already absorbed much information about the world she's living in.  Therefore I would like to share with you some of her baby milestones.

At O months, she already had strong ligaments, and could stretch her arms outside the receiving blanket which enveloped her whole body.  She liked sleeping with her arms stretched out.  When she turned 1 month, she liked sleeping on her side. 

On her 2nd month, a funny thing happened while I was breastfeeding her...she suddenly smiled at me.  As in a big grateful smile. On her 3rd month, she started smiling frequently, especially when I was making faces infront of her.  It became our special playtime.

When Rian turned 4 months old, she began practicing to sit, and she already raises her head and chest when put on tummy.  She also began babbling...a beginning of being a noisy baby. Haha!  She also began recognizing sounds, like Spongebob opening music (her favorite cartoon!).  But she didn't anymore startle to familiar sounds like the opening of the door or someone talking, probably because she already knew them.  Rian was a breastfed baby, but when she turned 4 months, I tried to wean her...and it was very stressful because she really wanted my milk.  I told her

Daddy's of my Life

My Daddy...he's the most patient man I've ever seen, the one who treated me almost like a princess (well, I'm his only daughter!), but also never forgot to give me lectures and lessons about life.  He had been my model especially in my studies because I had always wanted to become an active stud like he was-- a writer, a student council member, a very studious and responsible student.  He was very strict when we were kids, but he had grown to be a cool dad now.  He loves my daughter so much, he practically takes care and plays with her every single moment when she was visiting him.  I love him soooo much!  Happy Father's Day to you, Daddy!! 

My baby Rian and her grandpa

My Brother, Bob...the first to have a kid among us, siblings.  He's the daddy of Alyssa (my baby Rian's cousin). He's my most troublesome brother, but the most patient and cool-headed.  He loves his daughter so much, and he also shows affection towards my daughter, too.  He gives me advices on baby caring because he's got much more experience in it than me.  I think Bob is a cool but strict dad. I love this guy, as well as all my other brothers.  They never abandoned me and they really show respect towards me because I'm their older sister.

My brother Bob and her beautiful daughter Alyssa

My husband, Jeff...the DADDY of our baby Rian. Among the guys I had relationship with, Jeff is the most responsible.  Yup, he's a very responsible family man.  As a Dad, he's strict and conservative, but playful and very patient.  Rian knows she's her daddy.  Whenever I ask her, "Where's your daddy?", she always looks at him (or if he's not around, she looks at the place where her father spends most of his time-- infront of the computer playing games. Hehe).  At night, Rian always like to hug her daddy (hmm...probably he's got more fats to hug? Haha!).  But then, when Rian feels hungry and / or sleepy, she would stop playing with her Daddy.  She would start to cry and search for me. :D

Rian, before her 1st month, and her first-time Daddy

I love this photo! :)

To my own Daddy, my brother, and my husband...and to all the fathers out there,

★★★ HAPPY FATHER's DAY ★★★
 to all of you! 

You're all the best superheroes to your children! :) ❤❤❤

Reminiscing the Past: Experiencing Indoor Pool at Los Banos, Laguna

Thi blog is about my summer get-away with my hunny last May 2010.

Los Banos, Laguna is most famous in hot springs resorts in the Philippines (and I'm very proud of it because I grew up in this town!).  It is also famous for its Buko Pies, Espasols, and Cow's milk (yummy!).  And of course, the well-known legend of Maria Makiling took place in here,in the deep forests of Mount Makiling.

My husband and I decided to celebrated Mothers Day and his birthday to have a weekend summer overnight at a hot spring resort in Los Banos, Laguna on May 15 to 16.  We chose to stay at City of Springs Resort because we wanted to experience its indoor pool and the resort's view of Laguna Lake.  We reserved a room a week before, and we were very thankful because there were still available rooms, considering the fact that it's a peak month for summer destinations such as resorts and beaches.  The room we got was worth almost Php 1,900 per night (couple room, airconditioned, and with waist-deep indoor pool ).

Experiencing the indoor pool!

After checking in the resort hotel, we visited our daughter Rian at my parent's home, where she was staying for 3 weeks.  My parent's home was just 5 minutes away from the resort.  Then we bought snacks, vodka, and even an FHM Magazine copy at the grocery.  Before dinner time, we tried the indoor pool...and the water in it was hot!  Well, what can you expect from a hot springs resort, huh?  Even the shower was hot too (no need to put a heater, indeed!).  But it was so relaxing, especially when I let my back touch the flowing water which fills the swimming pool...it's like I'm having a water massage! But I couldn't stay too long in the water because its heat made me thirsty.  My husband and I took out Barbeque Chicken Joy at Jollibee.  And after dinner, we dived again in the pool and started to drink our vodkas.

Hmm...I don't have to continue the story after our vodka drinking, do I? ;-)

I suddenly loved my Mudshake vodka!!!!!

The next day, we had breakfast in the hotel, facing the outdoor swimming pool.  Yummy tapsilog.  Then I dived again into the indoor pool (hey, it looked like we totally ignored the outside swimming pool!).  This time my hubby didn't join me so I enjoyed my one last swim in it alone.  Then around lunchtime, we checked out of the hotel, went to my parent's house to give Rian hugs and kisses, and went back to Alabang.

We realy did have a stress-free weekend!

@ City of Springs Resort at Los Banos, Laguna