Yes I am 41... Thank You...

     It has been a while since the last time I blogged or posted something. Yes, that will be almost a year. I have to admit I went to a very long hiatus, finding "myself", asking what am I really doing in this blogging world. Do I really fit in? Despite the many mommy bloggers that are really good. But then again, everytime I read post made by my favorite bloggers, I can't help but missed it. As of now, I will try my very best to go back to writing. Write whatever that pops out of my head. I miss reading too, I have lost my reading mojo as well. I will try my best to share the books I have read since last quarter of 2014. Honestly I still have A LOT OF BOOKS to read and hopefully share it with all of you.

     Today marks my 41st birthday. Yes, you read it right, I AM 41 YEARS OLD. And proud. I may not have that "slim" or "sexy" body that I used to have 18 - 20 years ago, but who cares. Yes every time I see some of the mommies who could maintain their figures the way it used to be, I get envious. I have to admit I have that lazy part in me to do some exercise, but doing all of the household chores in the house without help, for me is like a form of exercise already.mbut I know that is not enough. And I have to do something, to take care of my health for my family especially for my girls. I have those flabby arms, have those "love handles" or "bilbil" as they call it. But who cares?! 

     I may have all of those, I know my family, my friends (TRUE FRIENDS THAT IS), my girls loves and accepts me for who and what I am. I am thankful as well that my health the past year was good except for few asthma attacks and fever, but all in all I believe my health was ok. Thankful for my girls, who all did a great job in their academics last school year. Thankful that in my 41 years here on earth, I am thankful to the good Lord for all the happiness, loneliness, success, trials that came my way. Because of these things I am the woman that I hope my girls will be proud of someday.

     I will try my very best to write down my thoughts so that I have something to blogged about. I hope that you, my dear readers will give me some of your time to read my post, whether past or the current one. Thank you again... And yes I am 41 years of age...

1st Summer Activity: McDonald's Kiddie Crew

     Few months ago when Amaya and I went to a McDonald's branch here in Lipa, a marketing assistant came up to us and asked me if I would like Amaya to joint their summer workshop as a kiddie crew. Instead of me giving the answer, it was Amaya who replied OPO (yes). And since she answered already, there's nothing I could do. So I filled up a form and paid 595.00. It was Amaya who chose which week she will be doing the workshop. She chose week 7 from May 12 - 16.

these are the things
your kid/s will be getting
during the workshop. 

     The workshop is a 2 hour, 5 days activity. For the week Amaya chose they were 13 kids. And on the first day Amaya has made a friend already. On the first day of the workshop, Kuya Randell (the name of the facilitator) asked each kids to introduce themselves by saying their name, age, and what is their favorite food at McDonald's. After the introduction the kids had a short tour of the store.

this is Amaya on the first day.
So sad that the shirt given to her
was really big. But if there's a will
there's a way... 

     Day 2: the kids had to paint their aprons.The kids had so much fun doing it.

on the lower left side,
that is the finished apron of
Amaya. hehehe!

   Day 3: The kids made their own cheeseburger. It was also their meal that day. hahaha! 

every time they do eat, the kids
were taught to wash their hands.
Amaya had a great time doing this, though
I helped her in wrapping it. 

     Day 4: The kids were given the chance to "work" behind the counters and had experienced assisting the older crews.

I was so proud of Amaya
cause she was able to "help" in making
the fudge and in preparing
the drinks.. Ako na talaga ang
stage mother. 

     Day 5: The last day was sort of the culminating activity where they sang the kiddie crew theme song entitled MAKE IT HAPPEN. They were able to receive pins and certificate that showed they were able to complete the one week workshop at McDonald's.

Never been so proud of Amaya

     WHAT I HAVE NOTICED:

          - Though the facilitator is well loved by the kids, I noticed that he wasn't that prepared, every now and then he has to leave the party place (a separate room where parties are held) to get this or to get that. Just by doing that, it wasted time.

          - This is also why there is a so-called REGISTRATION. I believe that most of the parents were able to do that BUT on the day itself of the workshop, the facilitator have to accommodate a parent who registered her 3 daughters, this is why the workshop has been disturbed a lot of times until the manager stepped in for the facilitator.

WHAT I LOVE:

          - Kuya Randell was so patient with the kids most especially to the 4 year-olds in our batch.

          - The facilitator gave leeway when it came to painting the kids apron. He didn't care if the paints are out of line already. Some face of Ronald McDonald after painting ended like a flower. He also allowed the kids to put their names on the apron which made it more personal.

          - There were some singing and dancing which made even more fun for the kids.

     

     Will I recommend it to other parents? Of course I will. It is a fun filled week where kids will be able to meet and make new friends. They will be able to know how their favorite foods at McDonald's are cooked and prepared. Amaya had a blast, for sure you're kids will have one too.  

The Big 4-0

     Today marked my 40th birthday. Yup you read it right my dear blog readers, I am 40 years old today. It has been a while since my birthday fell on a Holy Week thus Easter Sunday. Today, I celebrated my natal day by just staying at home with my girls. It is the second year that I celebrated my birthday minus my hubby who is at another country working. I just had a quiet time with my girls. Had a simple lunch with them. To be honest, I am scared but looking forward to being 40.

     Scared because health wise, I am kinda "heavy" which makes me prone to more asthma attack. I have been telling myself that I have to exercise and all but I always keep it off. Call it being lazy and all, I guess I have to agree with you. I have my reasons but then again, as I look at my pictures, and see that I am kinda "heavy" this makes me want to lose weight. Since I can't afford to go to a gym, the exercise I could think of that is "free" is running, and that I am going to do.

Since I have a good pair of
running shoes, for sure
"we" will have our dates soon.

     Turning 40 makes me "feel" old. Hahaha! Is there someone out there who doesn't feel the same way? And to be honest among my girls, my youngest is more "scared" of me getting old. She doesn't like me daw to be old.She said, MOM DON'T DIE HA KASI YOU'RE GETTING OLD NA. What the?! Hahaha! But then again, aside from all my "fears" of turning 40, there are far more I am thankful for as I turn another year older.

     I am thankful for my girls. They are my strengths. They are the ones who makes me happy, makes me who I am today. I have 2 teenagers, Arielle and Joie. Sometimes, they give me "headache" but at the end of the day, we talk things and at the end of the day, we make sure that things are a-okay between the three of us. It is difficult to balance things out with them. It is a give and take between the three of us. I listen to them and they listen to me. I may nag all the time but they know all what I saying and doing are for their own good.

my 2 older girls
Joie (with cap) and Arielle

     And there is my youngest, Amaya. The one who usually gives HB (high blood, not literally... hahaha!) probably because of her way of thinking, the way she talks and the way she gives her point(s) every time we do our review time and during simple conversations. Amaya literally brings JOY and HAPPINESS to me and my 2 older girls.

As my friends tell me,
she is my
"mini-me"

     This year, I am so thankful for new friends I met, either online thru blogging and people I met cause my friends introduced me to them. Online, I consider the bloggers I really look up to as my friends cause they encourage me to continue doing what I am doing right now. I really wanted to meet Martine de Luna of Make It Blissful. I never fail to read any of her posts, it inspires me to become the "best" in my blog. One of the other blogger I really follow and read is the blog of Toni Tiu, Wifely Steps. I really wanted to meet them, big time.

     I am thankful as well to Francis, for being there for me no matter what happens, despite and inspite of. He is my ROCK and the WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (naks!) He is my partner in raising my girls. He is trying his luck in working overseas for the future of the girls. I have seen how hardworking he is. I have seen the LOVE, PATIENCE, AND UNDERSTANDING he is giving my daughters. I have seen the LOVE and PATIENCE he have shown me as well. And for that I am thankful that he is part of my 40 years here in earth.

This photo was taken
2 years ago, it
is the only photo I could post
that I find it "formal"
(hahaha!)

     I am thankful for my immediate family, my mom and brothers who never fails to make me laugh. They are the ones I could count on, no matter what happens. No judgement just LOVE....

my mom and brothers
with my niece Ela (in red shirt)

     So what do I look forward to being 40? Mmmm.... Simple, good health (which is far more important) for me and my family. More books to read (hahaha! and to think I still have other books that I haven't started reading). Hoping one day my blog will be known like the other blogs I follow. To see my girls take one step at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. And I have to make my own bucket list, so that there is something I could look forward to. 

And yes I am 40 years old
(sorry for the picture. )

A Mom's Oath

     This morning while I was browsing the feeds in my FaceBook, I came across with this picture. I can't help it not to share with all of you....

source

I am so Back

     The first quarter of the year is done. And now the second quarter is on. It has been a while since the last time I really put a post here in my blog. March has been one busy month for me especially as a mom. My youngest daughter, Amaya, graduated from Kindergarten. Yup, nowadays, graduating from kindergarten is a big deal already. And this coming June, Amaya will be in grade 1 already, that means more patience and understanding for me especially when it comes to her assignments and study habits.

     April is my favorite month. Because it is my BIRTH MONTH. I am about to turn another year. I am excited at the same time nervous. I know there are people who would rather consider their birthdays like any ordinary day but for me, I don't. I look forward to my birthday. Look forward to what will unfold on that day. Do I expect a gift, NO. Yup, NO. Hubby and my girls knows why. But it is definitely fine with me. As long as I am going to spend it my girls I am totally happy with it. Nervous, because I don't know what is in store for me as I enter the big 4-0.

     Since the girls are on vacation I could schedule my posts for this month. I will definitely make it up with you my dear blog readers. So for the meantime, have a great day ahead of you.

 
   

TFIOS: My First John Green Novel

     The first time I saw this book (and was highly recommended) was on the blog of Saab Magalona. She said good thing about it. Since the title is so intriguing, I decided to go to National Bookstore here at SM Lipa. When I asked about the book, it was out of stock. And the person I know at NBS - Madz - will reserve one for me as soon as their orders arrive.

     Few days after, I received a call from Madz that my book is finally there. Imagine how happy I was. Super duper happy, the copy I got was the hard-bound copy, keber na sa price (I don't care about the price anymore).

my favorite book... 

     I have to tell you that I was so excited to read the book. And as soon as I started reading it, I really got hooked with the story and the main characters namely: Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters. They met on the support group of young people who have cancer. This is my first John Green book that I read and I fell in love with it instantly. I never knew how these kids see LOVE IN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. They live for the moment. They live and enjoy life as if it's their last (to quote Hazel THEY ARE LIKE A BOMB). Despite and inspite of being sick, they LOVED EACH OTHER, ACCEPTED ONE ANOTHER.

     let me share with you some of my favorite lines from this book.

"Pain demands to be felt"

"Sometimes people don't understand the

promises they're making when 

they make them."

"I"m in love with you, and I'm not in

the business of denying myself the simple

pleasures of saying true things.

I'm in love with you, and I know that love is

just a shout in the void, and that

oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all

doomed and that there will come a day when

all our labor has been returned to dust,

and I knew the sun will swallow the only 

earth we'll ever have, and 

I am in love with you."

"Oh I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace, 

it would be a privilege to have my heart

broken by you."

"But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you

how thankful I am for our little infinity.

I wouldn't trade it for the world. you gave

me a forever within the numbered days

and I'm grateful."

"I love her. I'm so lucky to have her.

You don't get to choose if you get 

hurt in this world, old man, but you do have

some say in who hurts you.

I like my choice,

I hope she like hers."

     Now I can't wait for the movie version of this book which will be shown by June of 2014.

   

     How about you, have you read the book already? What is/are your favorite lines from the book? 

What's with Books?

     Since part of the name of my blog, aside from being a mom and wife is that I am a self-confessed bookworm. It is a term meaning a person devoted to reading and I could say that I am that. So I will try my very best to share with you books that I have read last 2013 and for this year too.  

     So what's with books? This is one question I believe that is quite difficult to answer unless you're a bookworm like me. 2 years ago and until last year I bought a lot of books, or better yet HOARDED (I guess this is more appropriate term) A LOT.  All the books I hoarded are well-kept already in 2 plastic containers (1 extra large & 1 medium). since there is no space yet for a bookshelf in the house, my "babies" - yes I call them that - are safe in their respective containers. So far I have 80+ books and counting. Have I read them all? I could safely say 1/2 of those I have. 

my books (blue container is the
extra large one and the other is the
medium one) 

     Lately a lot of gadgets like kindle have been available in the market so that it would be easier for one to read. You don't have any bulky book to hold, you don't need bookmarks, you don't need to "ear-marked" your book. No additional heavy book in your bag. With kindle (and other similar gadgets) one could easily download or buy E-books and read it right away.

     But pardon me, because I AM NOT A FAN of such. To those who loves and appreciates these kinds of gadgets, good for you. There is something in books that I can't explain. From the time I bought it, remove the plastic, to turning of the page(s), and the smell of a newly bought book. hahaha!  I don't mind holding a bulky book. I don't care about that "extra weight" in my bag as long as I have a book in my hand, I am a HAPPY ME. As they say, to each his own.

     How about you, what about books that you love or don't love at all? Share your thoughts....