Staying Healthy

My mother has diabetes so there is a huge chance that I'll acquire the disease. When I was pregnant with Johan, I kept that in mind and took the carbohydrates to a minimum. I restrained myself from eating too much sweets, too much carbonated drinks and too much rice. I know I could have gestational diabetes so I took really good care of myself when I was pregnant.

Lately, I was feeling really tired, extremely thirsty and I found myself making frequent trips to the bathroom to pee. My mom is concerned because these are the early signs of diabetes and she's been bugging me to have myself checked by a specialist but I've been putting it off for three weeks now due to so many reasons.

So, yesterday morning, I finally found the time to go see a doctor.

Unfortunately though, the diabetes specialist accredited by my HMO was out of town yesterday, so I only saw an Internal Medicine specialist. I waited for two hours in line just to get a Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test request and I can't have the test without fasting for 8 hours. So, I went home yesterday, took my last meal at 7 pm and went back to the hospital for the test this morning.

It's funny that I'm still afraid of needles even after having delivered via Caesarian Section, but it's true, I found my knees shaking just before the nurse took my blood sample. Hehe!

Seriously, I'm scared of the test result and I'm praying for a negative one. I know diabetes is a chronic disease and I can see how my mom is struggling because of it. I cannot have it, at least not this early. Now, I am thinking, I should have taken better care of myself and have been more conscious of everything I eat.

The test result won't come out until this afternoon so until then I am still hoping for the best.

Saturday Impromptu Date

Hubby had a dentist appointment this afternoon to (finally!) have his braces removed. He went to the dentist clinic alone but came back sooner. He said he's still on the waiting list and it'll probably take a while before his number is called so he came back to pick us up. We'll go to SM afterwards to run a few errands.

When we arrived at the dentist's clinic, there was still a patient inside so I decided to bring Johan to Jollibee to pass the time as I'm sure that the little boy's patience is shorter than mine and hubby's. :)

As expected, Johan's face automatically lit up when he saw his favorite mascot and when asked what he wanted to order, his immediate answer was, "fe fies". Fe Fies, it is!

Here are a few photos of our impromptu date:

Oh yes, he loves his fries! He can't wait to eat not one but two at the same time!

Johan also loves drinking Pineapple Juice.

Spending time with Johan is always fun and I'm planning to start an exclusive Mommy and Johan Saturday date. I'm already looking forward to next Saturday.

Hmm, where should I bring this little cutie next time?

By the way, if in case you're wondering if we ever made it to SM. No, we did not because this little boy probably had too much fries and pineapple juice, he made a tiny accident when we went back to the dentist's clinic after our Jollibee date. And the ever efficient Mommy chose today of all days to forget to bring an extra set of clothes. But, good thing is, we still have tomorrow to go to SM! Another date!

Friday Food Trip - Pepper Lunch

We have this trip planned two weeks ago, right after we ate at Blackbeard's Seafood Island. I've heard a lot about Pepper Lunch way, way back but I never had the chance to try it until today.

We went to their Alabang Town Center branch today after work. The place is quite small but their seats are very comfy. One thing that me and my friends appreciate because we wanted to relax, unwind and to just bond over good food.

The menu did not disappoint. You have lots of choices and what's even better is you can add a glass of beverage + side dish/dessert for an additional 60 pesos.

I ordered the most normal looking one on the menu (and the cheapest), the Beef Pepper Rice. I was scared to try the others because based on the photos, the rest of the menu looks overwhelming to my taste buds. But, I will give each one a try on our next visits.

My Beef Pepper Rice right after it was served.

Finally done cooking!

One thing to remember is that, you have to cook your meal right away. The sizzling plate is very hot so it makes cooking time very fast. I think mine only took 2-3 minutes to cook well. You also don't have to wait so long before your meal is served. Really great for hungry people like us and impatient ones at that.

The Beef Pepper Rice tastes perfect - not too salty, nor too spicy. I was worried it might be too spicy given the huge amount of pepper on top of the rice, but no, it's not at all. I also ordered Kuromitso or Caramel Ice Cream. It was heavenly, I tell you! The creaminess of the vanilla ice cream and the sweetness of the caramel just blends together wonderfully and I so, so love it. Too bad, I devoured it too quickly I forgot to take any photos. 

Overall, it was a great experience and one that's definitely worth doing again. My second visit might be with the husband as I've been raving to him about how good the food is at Pepper Lunch.

Total Costs:
Php  215.00  -  Beef Pepper Rice
Php   60.00   -  Add-on of beverage and dessert
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Php 275.00

Sizzle it your way!

Pepper Lunch
2nd Level, Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center
Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang

Thankful Thursday

I'd like to start a weekly meme on my blog. Since it's Thursday and for me, this day is when I'm laziest, tired the most and this is when I have the I-can't-wait-for-Thursday-to-end kind of thing. I guess it's because Thursday is the day when the week seems to be dragging and I'm too excited for Friday to come.

I'd like to revert the negative energy that Thursday brings me and turn it into a positive day instead by posting the things that I am thankful for - be it for the day, for the entire week or just in general. So, here's my first Thankful Thursday post. I know that I don't have a lot of audience but I'm very hopeful that in the coming weeks, more would join me in being grateful for everything I am blessed with.

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I am thankful that Thursday's coming to a close and it'll be the weekend in a few hours!

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I am thankful that I reached my goal for my weekly performance at work.

I am thankful that I got to see my family last weekend during Johan's birthday celebration

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I am thankful for being able to download a few podcasts of my favorite radio program, The Morning Rush, to keep me company when I am most drowsy especially right after lunch.

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I am thankful that the diarrhea I was having earlier has been banished by just one tablet of Diatabs. (I know it's gross, but I'm pretty sure you understand how hard it is to concentrate if your tummy's acting up!)

So, there you have it. My very first Thankful Thursday post. Please come join me and let's all be thankful together.

Here Fishy, Fishy!

Ladies from 80's raise your hands! Remember this toy?

I used to have one like this when I was a kid and I remember how much fun I had catching the fish. I've been searching the malls trying to find one for my son but to no avail. There's nothing like this available at any of the known toy stores.

So, imagine my surprise as I was walking home tonight and I saw this being sold at the sidewalk for merely 25 pesos! I know the toy won't live a full life, what, with the infamous ability of my son to throw things around, or stump on toys, or use everything either like a drum or a drumstick.

But, look at the gleeful look on Johan's face and the unwavering concentration he had while fishing. This toy proved to be useful in teaching my son patience, coordination and skills. I just hope I could find a much better, for-long-term-use brand of this toy. 

If you know where I can find one, would you let me know please?

For a toy that's worth only 25 pesos, the smile on Johan's face
make it seem like it's worth way more than it really is

Johan's Best Buddy

Last Saturday, Johan received a stuffed monkey as a gift from one of my Titas. He instantly loved the toy and hugged it tight when he took it out of the wrapper.

Right after this photo was taken, Johan put the monkey aside and went inside the room to play with his cousins. I thought that's the end for the stuffed toy. But, boy, was I so wrong.

When we arrived home in Cavite, I planned on putting the monkey inside the cabinet to keep it from getting dirty. But Johan cried so hard he thought I was going to throw the monkey away! He kept on saying, "My, no, no!" and tried to take the monkey from me.

When I gave him the toy, well, just look at what Johan did:

"Ket, ket.", he used his diaper as the monkey's blanket

Sharing his milk with his new best buddy

He seemed to be having a short conversation with the monkey

Aww, love!

Getting ready to sleep

His nightly bed mate

He really loves this stuffed toy and we are yet to give him a name. Hmmm...what should we name the monkey?

Johan's 2nd Birthday Celebration

Hubby and I filed for vacation leaves last October 4 so we can be with our son for his birthday. We started the day right by hearing mass at our parish church then we brought the boy to nearby SM City Dasmarinas before we head off to my parents' where Johan and I stayed until last Saturday.

Hubby was supposed to buy Johan an actual sized basketball but he didn't find the exact brand that he was looking for. So, we just allowed the boy to play in one of the arcades in the mall.

The birthday boy

He loves looking at some drums and he kept going back to this display
one too many times

Shopping for a basketball

We had the actual celebration of Johan's birthday last Saturday and we invited a few relatives over to celebrate with us.

Our simple "handa" - bangus sisig, old-school hotdog/mallows on sticks,
Chicken Gisantes, Pork Menudo, Siomai, Spaghetti, Minatamis na Saging na Saba
and Pichi-pichi

I have to thank my Mom for preparing most of the dishes, my MIL for making the Pichi-pichi and my cousin for bringing the Siomai and Popcorn which was a hit with the kids.

I'm pretty sure my son was shocked to see so many candles he had to blow that day. Thankfully, his cousins were there to help him out.

It was a simple yet fun celebration and Johan had a good time playing with his cousins who he only get to see once in a while. 

The birthday boy, hungrily eyeing his cake!

Happy birthday again, Johan! Everybody loves you so, so much!

Property Tax

We’re having a bit of an issue here at home regarding the tax of the property. Hubby and I just learned that eversince the house we’re currently living in was built, my father-in-law has been delinquent in paying the necessary property tax annually. This is one huge setback and well, will cause a lot of damage in our pockets given that the house has been built in 2007. So that’ll mean,  five years worth of property tax plus interest which we have no choice but to shoulder since the property will be transferred to hubby’s name.

Since we’re planning on applying for a housing loan right after we finish paying for the car and even if that’ll be four years from now, we need to settle first the property tax of the last five years so we won’t have any additional problems once we start on building our house. My mother has been giving me tax advice and providing me with information about property taxes – where to go, who to talk to and how to settle the payment.

Hubby and I are really worried and almost scared to know how much the balance now costs with the added interest but we’re set on paying for it at least by the end of this year. Is there a tax condonation of some sort for delinquent payers? I also wish I know how to file a tax extension, if there is indeed one for properties.

The Past Two Years

Dear Johan,

I think you might be a musician someday because you love playing the drums - an empty can of milk, casseroles, the CPU, the TV - well, literally, every surface to you is a drum waiting to be pounded on. You might even be an engineer because you love building things - a fort, a house, a tent, a slide - with a mattress, a blanket and a lot of pillows. Or even a doctor because you love putting your toy stethoscope on my chest and laugh when I say, "dug-dug-dug-dug, said my heart".

Our house is a mess every time I arrive home from work but it's a pretty mess because I know that your imagination is running wild and you are learning all the while that you are playing. I have been told that you are on your terrible twos but I'd like to say that it is not terrible at all, but terrific instead.

You can now say a lot more words and it amazes me each time. You take away all the stress of the day when you welcome me home with a kiss and "A-yu (I love you!)". I am the proudest whenever you say "Thanks!" when you are given snacks, milk or toys. My heart melts everytime you say, "Please..".

You've got me wrapped around your chubby little fingers and I'm afraid I'll spoil you too much. But, you'll only be a little boy for a while longer. Soon, you won't have me kissing you, hugging you or calling you, "Becoy" and I'd like to take the opportunity to do all those while I still can.

Anak, you completed me. Cheesy, yes, but it's true. You gave my life a whole new meaning, a direction. You are mine and Daddy's greatest blessing and we thank the Lord each day for you.

We love you so much, Anak. Happy 2nd birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Making My Day Better

While having coffee at the office pantry this morning, I was reading through the day's copy of The Philippine Star when I chanced upon one article entitled, Make the Day Better. Inspiration hit me and it made me think of the things I do to make my days, well, better days.

I promised myself that I will remain positive no matter how negative my environment or the people around me can become. And if you come to my office, you'll see how pessimistic my colleagues can be (with the quota and the accuracy issues) and if you're one weak person, all the negativity can drag you down.

So, I am listing down my ways on how I make my days better each time. Here goes:

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Wake up early. There's nothing like getting up at dawn with the house really peaceful as I go about my tasks. Have coffee in silence, visit my current favorite website, Houzz.com, and inspire myself as I dream how our future home will look like. Besides, getting up early gives one more than enough time to prepare and minimize tardiness.

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Listen to music. The album on my repeat mode is Overexposed of Maroon 5. All the songs in this album are great and upbeat, just right to start my day. And there's nothing like facing the day with the hunky Adam Levine, right? Right!!

Cuddle. I kiss and smell and hug my little boy a million times before I leave home for work. He's my inspiration and his future is my motivation to work harder.

Make a happy list. I have never done this before but I started today after I read the article in The Philippine Star. I wrote down the things and the events that made/make me happy - seeing my son for the first time, our wedding day, watching hubby tickle Johan, etc, etc. Believe me, as soon as I finished the list, I felt instantly refreshed and happy. I'll share my list on a separate post, well, come to think about it, it might be better to make it a weekly "Happy List" post.

This post just ended my day right. How about you? What makes your day better?

Disappointed with Globe Telecom

We've been having internet problems since we had our CPU fixed last week. We already called Globe Telecom's customer service hotline and the first agent that we talked to told us that we already reached our bandwidth limit for the month that's why we're having internet interruptions. Hubby told the agent, how was that possible when our CPU was broken for almost two months. The agent then said he'll just schedule a technician to visit our house the next day.

That was supposed to happen on September 28 but no technician arrived that day and we never received any advisory from Globe why nobody came. We let another week pass since we don't use the computer often during weekdays but when weekend came and the internet connection still sucked, hubby again called Globe's customer service and filed another complaint.

When hubby asked the agent why nobody came on the scheduled date, the agent said that they were having network issues that day and all technical visits were cancelled. Aren't they supposed to inform their subscribers these things ahead of time or at least on the same day of the scheduled visit? They wasted hubby's time waiting for the technician to arrive and to think that he adjusted his own schedule just for that.

So, during yesterday's conversation with another agent, she told hubby that we'll be scheduled (again!) for a technical visit today. Can you guess what happened? Yep, no technician arrived today and as of this minute, nobody from Globe contacted hubby as to why it happened again.

It is very frustrating and it makes me so mad that a huge company like Globe will treat their subscribers this way. We've been loyal Globe mobile users for more than seven years and we switched from another internet provider to Globe two years ago. Now, after dealing with their crappy customer service, we're thinking about changing internet providers and I am seriously considering letting go my seven-year Globe mobile number and switch to another mobile network. This is how angry I am with Globe.