Sunday, February 28, 2010

Stats



Checked my blogger and the new analytics on NN to see who's been checking out the blog. Apparently, I have readers from everywhere (posted today's pie of readers above). Not surprised to see a number of R's ex-flings visiting. I even got a message from a couple of 'em on FB!

Thank you all for reading my blog! :)

Staying Home Today

We were getting ready to go to Eastwood for lunch when, of all days, my daughter A decided to throw a tantrum. It pains me whenever she starts acting up because it normally takes her hours to get out of the mood and into the groove. It's a once a week thing here at home. And maybe she does need the attention since she practically had all the attention the past 7 years, only to have to share it when baby R came into the picture.

That, plus, when R lived with us, she was his baby. He spoiled her rotten. So much so that when he disappeared from her everyday life, she was the one who had to deal with the loss more than I had to.

So it's a struggle. We're now down to once a week. It used to be worse. So yea, we're getting there. But wooh! The pain of having to deal with it. Sometimes, I have no patience left over.

~~~

So today, we're staying home and taking a break. Tomorrow's another day.

~~~

Meanwhile, the new nanny came last night. My helpers have their reservations. And I must say, so do I. For starters, as A pointed out, "She has no front teeth, Mom!" (Thought Bubble: How much are dentures anyway?) But yea, we have to get over the 7-day itch and see how it goes. She seems to do well with the baby and A anyway. So yea, we'll see.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

MineShine Milk Tea

I've had my fair share of milk tea. Bitter ones, hot ones, over-powering ones, watery ones, etc. etc. On my last Hong Kong trip, I was fortunate to have tasted several great tasting Milk Tea - cold ones! My cousins from the US, who were with me during that trip, were complaining on how it is customary in the US to just say "Milk Tea" and it comes to them cold. In Hong Kong, milk tea is, well... hot. So once, during dinner at Cafe de Coral, they were questioning the fact that I was able to order for cold milk tea, while they were served the hot one still. I shrugged and said I told the order taker so. "Milk Tea. Cold. Ping." LOL. And it came cold. Voila!

In the Philippines, there are a number of great tasting brands. One favorite is Simple Life's Cold Milk Tea with Grass Jelly. But Simple Life only has branches in UST and along Dapitan, so I only get to drink it once in a blue moon - when my cousin goes home early from school and passes by the office to bring me an order.

Then there is Quickly's Red Milk Tea, which only a few branches have. I think I've only tasted it at their Theater Mall, Greenhills branch. Mmmmm... slushy milk tea with tapioca balls. Mmmmm...

Recently, there was a sale at Hi-Top for Pokka's Milk Tea in Can. Not so smooth, a bit bitter, but milk tea nonetheless. I don't really mind the bitterness, and it was fair enough to settle a craving.

MINESHINE MILK TEA. Then I read about MineShine and how it is supposed to be the best Milk Tea (in convenience packs/ RTD bottles) out there. So I headed to the 7-11 near my place to get a couple of bottles and... NOM! BEST MILK TEA EVER! Found out from my former boss, S, that Uni-President, makers of MineShine, is a major owner of Taiwan's number one convenience chain, 7-11. Hence, the tea is only available at their stores. Don't go looking for it elsewhere, I've already tried. Who cares? There's a 7-11 'round every block!

MineShine Milk Tea comes in the premium regular flavor and in Belgian Choco flavor. I don't care much for the chocolate one. I like mine plain and smooth. I was never a chocolate person anyway. But you? Head to the nearest 7-11 store and see for yourself!

MineShine Milk Tea in 500ml bottles are sold for P 40.00 each. The Belgian Choco one is more expensive. This is addicting, folks. Don't say I didn't warn you. :) But yea, it is the perfect partner to my Cafe World addiction! Now at Level 73, baby!

(Took the photo on the right using my cheap and free LG mobile phone. Good enough.)


Passion for Jesus!

Were you there when Passion made Philippine History back in 2008? Well, guess what? Louie Giglio will be back with Passion Manila 2010! This year's event is scheduled for May 25, 2010 at the Araneta Coliseum. And just like last time, we are expecting the venue to be packed! So round up your friends, and don't miss the event of the year!



For ticket reservations and group purchases, please call Becca Music Inc. at 9105524 or 9105352.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Lunch at 145° Fahrenheit.

We were asked to attend the 3G Meeting Monday morning, so I rushed to the office at 8am. Good thing A didn't have classes that day! Found ourselves stuck at the Penthouse Conference Room 'til way past lunchtime so we all decided to have lunch together. My cousin J suggested we head to Romulo's, but the place was closed because of power outage that day. We headed to Katre, but the whole area apparently didn't have electricity.

So we ended up at 145° Fahrenheit over at Il Terrazo. My brother and I have always wanted to try out their steaks but found their prices too steep for our wallets. Besides, their steaks were mostly for sharing. So lunch there with the cousins was a good thing.

For starters, we had liver pate with Crostini Chips. We also had their 145° Fahrenheit House Salad. Mmmm. The salad alone will make me come back to this place! Yes, it was that good! Then for the main dish, we all shared two of their signature 145° Fahrenheit Tomahawk Chops. Priced over P3,000 each, the huge, 46-oz US Angus steak was good for 4-5 people. Yes, perfect for our group of 9! It came with servings of Mushroom Pilaf and Mashed Potatoes. The steak was cooked to perfection at, you guessed it, 145° Fahrenheit.

I was supposed to bring my camera that day, but left it by the phone that morning. So sorry, no pics. Will take pics when my brother and I bring our mom there. :) We were also too hungry to take any phonecam pics of the food.

I haven't had casual lunch with the cousins for so long. So this was a pleasant break for all of us. Got to catch up with news and work. Yes, we discuss work even over lunch and reunions. LOL. But yea, lunch with them was a good thing.


145° Fahrenheit is at the Upper Ground Level of Il Terrazzo, 35 Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan, Quezon City. For reservations, call 703-2725.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

It's Back!

The Crocs Mega Sale at the Mega Tent is back! I still remember last year and how I was there practically everyday. What can I say? Oh nooooooooooooooooooo... there goes my March budget. :P



See you there, folks!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

H.O.P.E.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

No Easy Feat

It is easier said than done, you know. Especially if kids are involved. You should try putting yourself in my shoes. Then you'd understand. ;)

I am trying not to take offense in the assumption that I am secretly hoping for anything at all. I hope, TRUE, but not in R! But in Him who can transform ALL things. But it is His will that shall prevail in my life. If He doesn't want this fixed then I can only hope that He will be glorified out of all these. However, do not forget I am merely human. If I didn't care at all, then there would be no blog. No emotions. You must remember that we are talking about the love of my life - the man who swept me off my feet over 9 years ago. How does one take that much love, stop and quit cold turkey and move on? If you have the perfect antidote to that kind of love, then do share it with me. As far as I know, if you really loved anyone with a love so true, it would take you years to take away that love, if not never. And if you didn't love the person at all, then there would be no pain, no hurt and thus, no need for healing.

Weeks ago, I placed the lid on whatever friendship R and I both had with each other. He was the one who came begging for another chance at it.

"Malapit ko na maayos ang buhay ko. Pray ka lang."

Not that I gave in, it was more of a "we'll see". Mainly because our daughter adores (well, used to adore, I guess... and is learning to let go...) her father. It is a slow process for her, as it is for me. But really, you will never truly come to fully understand my frustration with his ever-changing attitude towards his family and kids, unless you immerse yourself in our everyday lives.

You think I want to be miserable? It is not easy being in my shoes. I honestly think that people who've "moved on" with that stiff upper lip only pretend to have done so. When really, they are broken and hurting inside. Like love, pain isn't something you get over in a snap. We've all heard the saying about "forgiving easily, but forgetting never." My heart is on slow cook, so gimme a break.

But I thank you for your concern. I will take all your suggestions to heart. And yes, I am already on that path to getting myself off this coaster. Do wish me well. :)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

The Great R Coaster! Come on Board...NOT!

So this roller coaster I'm on... it goes up and down. While really, I want out. I go from one emotion to the next just being on it. WHY AM I EVEN ON IT???

Get me off this thing!

Useless J*rk!

I don't know why I even thought he'd be willing to help out. I must've eaten something to make me even think he'd go out of his way to be a good father. Last night, I texted R to let him know about the whole situation with the nanny. And what did he have to say?

"Pahanap ka sa mommy mo ng bagong yaya."

"I did, R. So just in case I don't find one by the end of the month, can you maybe babysit the baby while I'm at work?" I replied.

No reply. I tried calling, but he didn't pick up. After a couple of tries, his phone was off.

So this afternoon, I called him and asked about him taking care of the little one, just in case.

He barks at me: "Hindi pwede! Hindi pwede! Madami akong ginagawa! P*t*ng-*na!"

Goodness. I am not asking for the world. I am asking if maybe he can spend some time with his son, while I slave away to provide for our kids. He doesn't even do anything! He doesn't even have a job! All he does is... well, I don't know what he does. He spends time at the gym. Then I don't know what else. Sleeps all day and around, I guess. But nothing as important as working for your children's benefit. He doesn't even give his kids anything.

So forget it. R, do whatever you want. Other fathers would give up everything just to be with their kids. You, well you just weren't cut out to be a dad. So let's not go on pretending they mean anything to you. Sure, you get guilty at times and play the better parent. I used to think you were the better parent. But it's just not true. And yes, C was right when she wrote that if men loved their kids, they'd do all that they can to provide good homes for them (and that includes staying away from infidelity!).

So yes, forget it. You can stay as far as you want to from your kids. Better not to have you around and be a bad example to them. I want my son to be anything but like you! I see so much of you in A already and I still have a chance to set things right while she's young. Go. Do your thing. God will take care of us!

All Good.

Sent a text message to my business partner J (and a whole lot of friends, actually) in an attempt to find a new nanny. I was in despair, really. Pathetic, no? The news of our nanny's imminent departure caught me by surprise, although I remember that a few weeks after Christmas, she did mention something about going back to school sometime soon. I just didn't think it'd be THIS soon. Don't ask me what she plans to do from the time she leaves 'til school opening, because I do not know really. I don't even want to know anymore. I'm just sad that it has to be so soon.

So this morning, I received a reply from J and it served as a great reminder that even when some things don't go as smoothly as one wants it to be (like life, for example, and all its trials), God is in charge. J reminded me that the issue at hand only involves a nanny! A nanny, K! You lost your husband a few months back and it hasn't fazed you! Why should a nanny's leaving you disrupt your composure, let alone your faith that God has something better in store for you!?

And you know, she is right! God has someone better for us. He has our good in mind. It's all good. I'm all good. That better nanny will come. In the meantime, I shall count it all joy. :)

Friday, February 19, 2010

:(

Our new nanny of 3 months just told me that she will be leaving us by the end of THIS month to pursue her studies. (No! Not when our little boy is already sooooo attached to her).

She was our old nanny's cousin, and she previously stayed with an aunt somewhere in Pasig. Their aunt promised to send her to school, but she became their maid for one whole year. Maid with no salary or allowance. 500 pesos for Christmas. C'est tout. Promise forgotten.

So she "escaped" to another cousin's household where she became her cousin's kids' nanny. Still no salary or allowance. Celphone load occasionally. C'est tout.

After Ondoy, during which the cousin's home was not spared, she again "escaped" to my then nanny's home in Bulacan. One month, doing nothing, washing clothes on weekends and still without pay. So my nanny thought it'd be a swell idea to have her cousin replace her as nanny here.

And she was a great nanny. My son adored her after a mere few days with her. Now she wants to leave. Because according to her, her aunt's daughter doesn't want her to be a nanny, and gave her a lecture about leaving the aunt. And eventually gave our new nanny a renewed promise for sponsoring her schooling this coming semester.

Our nanny obviously took the promise, and told me tonight that she's officially leaving us. This, in spite of a good salary, perks and all (hmmm, should I take back her Havs?). Of course I cannot force her to give up a chance at fulfilling her dream.

:(

But I don't know what to do. Where will I find a nanny I can fully trust, rely on, AND like (hehe) on such short notice? Sigh.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tiger Woods and Infidelity

Got to watch Inside Edition today, while waiting for my little boy to fall asleep. So I got a snippet of an update to the Tiger Woods Controversy. Apparently, it doesn't involve just one woman but lots. I cannot help but see parallels to this story with R's.

Collecting women. Do you know how bad it really was (or I don't know, is, maybe... who knows?) for R, with his womanizing? I was going through emails with my good friend M just last week and stumbled upon a few emails dating way back 2007 where R would write woman after woman, asking them to "wait for him" (he was in the US then) as he was supposedly working his butt off in the US for them. I cringe at the thought and attempt to picture what was going on or how he figured he'd manage fooling all these girls! M had a great laugh with those emails. A number of them were sent to around 5 girls in a single day! With R promising them the moon, the stars and the heavens, all at the same time. Hit or miss, I guess. Who knows?

Ego. So we were trying to figure out how anyone could manage liking more than one woman all at the same time. "He must be a nymphomaniac, K!" M says, snickering. "Sure, a schizo-nympho," we concluded. Bottomline is, it all boils down to pleasing the ego. Boy, R sure must be one insecure dude (read: two inches, guffaw!).

It is the same, I suppose, with Tiger Woods. With his fame and fortune, why he seems to be so unsure of himself is beyond me. To think his wife's a knock-out! What made him go for all these hoe-looking women and getting a few pregnant even! (This is according to Inside Edition, so don't quote me, LOL).

It is the same question I ask when it comes to R. He had everything. I may not be stunning like all the other women (hey, not all of his women were beautiful, no!) but I can proudly say I was a good wife. And he really did have everything (let me say it again) because when he was here, he really didn't spend for anything. And yet, he went looking for fun elsewhere. So look at him now. He doesn't even have a car. He is practically a parasite at his brother's. He doesn't have his kids around. Kids who adore and love him unconditionally at that. Is he happy? I KNOW HE ISN'T.

More to Lose. Really. Men who cheat on their wives and kids have more to lose. Wow. You there, you didn't know that (points to cheating husband reading this blog)? Look at me (sure, I still feel sad at times), I can honestly say I, along with other wives, am happier than R or the cheating hubby. I came out stronger. Wiser.

Infidelity may be a tsunami to emotions, a big storm to marriages. But look who's left standing after the storm! Elin Woods may be devastated. But Tiger Woods can lose millions (and his kids) to a nasty divorce!

Nope, It isn't true that the wife loses most. Plus, God is always closest to the brokenhearted. So chances are, the wife will most likely come out victorious. ;)

KKK

I received a rather amusing invite when I visited my Facebook account today (well, I saw it today!). An old middle school schoolmate of mine, in all humor, invited me to join a group called KKK. Can you guess what it stands for? KKK - Kapisanan ng mga Kontra Kabit! LOL!

So I checked out the group over lunch and behold! Over a hundred members in just a few days... yes, amusing group indeed. Discovered a few news articles I can relate to. A blog entry from Gel Santos-Relos is one. Check out the article here on "Why Women Stand By Their Man Despite..." Also discovered (I haven't had much time to browse the web for news or catch the news on TV) that a supposedly cheating husband in Tuguegarao wasn't as lucky as R. Check out the GMA News article here. LOL!

I think I will hang around and see what else this group can offer. Besides, I need a little humor in my life.

~~~

In other news, the supposed post-V-day dinner failed to materialize. Well, in a way. R ended up having dinner with us at home today. Leftovers from yesterday's Pasta night. I guess he misses dinners at home. :P He spent half the time lecturing us on A's bedtime schedule. I told him he was getting old as he is now the nag in our family. Yea, and what a nagger he is!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Date That Never Was

R asked us out for dinner Monday night. 8pm, he said. But I already knew. It wasn't going to happen. So at 7pm, I had A eat dinner. True enough, 8pm came and went. At 9pm, I had A call her dad.

Where he was, I do not know. But he wasn't anywhere near our place. Apparently, I didn't call to remind him. He was the one asking us out on a date, and I had to remind him?! Gimme a break. So he wanted us to drive to where he was, but I was already tired. Besides, I was no longer in the mood to see him.

So he rescheduled. To Wednesday night. I already have this feeling, you know. Wait... why am I even agreeing to this? Legal Wives usually get the 14th for Valentine's, right? How many women were lined up this year, so much so that I ended up with the 17th of February?

Monday, February 15, 2010

Frozen Hotdog

I bought a kilo of TJ Cocktails from the coop last week. We haven't had red hotdogs for quite some time. So when A saw it in the freezer last night, she wanted some. But I was too lazy to cook. It was past bedtime, and I was getting ready for bed. But no, she wanted one. She was hungry daw. Fine, I told her to go eat it frozen (which was really a joke). And she did!

I thought I was the only one in my immediate family who bothered eating frozen hotdogs. Apparently, my daughter takes after me. So I had one as well. And reminisced the good ol' days when my cousins and I would have frozen red hotdogs under the big Indian Mango tree at our grandparents'. Ah! Frozen hotdogs and childhood memories of carefree days when all we did was talk about Voltez-V and Candy-Candy or whatever it was that was on tv.

If only life was just as problem-free today...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Hmmm...

I am on this roller coaster ride called R.

Around 1:04 am today, I received a text message from R. "Happy Valentine's", it said. So I thought for a while before replying. "You must've sent this to a dozen girls."

"Kaw lang no."

Yea, right.

"Kaw lang nga."

~~~

Early this evening, I found out from A that her dad was at the mall. Which mall? Gateway, he says. With who? His brother. On V day??? Yea, right.

Happy ♥'s Day!

No one special to celebrate the day this year (come to think of it, I didn't have much of a Valentine last year or the year before either. Hmmm... run: sad flashback, LOL!). So, won't someone please be my Valentine? I mean, other than my kids? Hehe...

Oh well, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Vindication

I've spoken about vengeance and how it isn't mine but the Lord's. And many times, I've faced temptation to seek revenge on someone who has caused me much pain, but then, I am reminded that you cannot really avenge yourself, unless you leave it to God. So last week, when I was told that someone's misdeeds are finally surfacing, I couldn't help but give God the glory. Not that I want this person to suffer, but truly, any sin that is hidden eventually reveals itself.

I can only pray that this person will learn from this. Sometimes, when you live in sin, you become too comfortable with it. You swim in it like a pig swims in mud. Relaxed ka lang. And you forget that you are in a sty. Until you reach that point where you don't see it as sin anymore. This particular person immersed himself in his sin. So much so that he has justified it as "doing good".

Good luck, pare. I wish you well. You're gonna need it.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Incommunicado

Yes, that is the word that best describes my week. It helps me deal with things patiently, if you can say that. Is it the right thing to do? I do not know. Sigh.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Love Blooms

GIVE A BOUQUET OF LOVE BLOOMS THIS VALENTINE'S DAY! An exclusive offering brought to you by House of Praise and NappyCakes!

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LOVEBLOOMS. Washcloth roses that say... "KEEP ME. I'M YOURS."



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Monday, February 8, 2010

ABS-CBN Children's Center

ABS-CBN Children's Center is an excellent, excellent school. To others, it may look like some small trying-hard school in some old house in Quezon City, but let me tell you what, the facade doesn't say much about the school. Well, except maybe for the fact that children are so at home here. The teacher's are hands-on and very nurturing. Being in the school makes you feel like everyone's family. A has been studying here for the past 4 years, and she doesn't see herself in another school ever (well, not until high school, anyway). With what happened with R this past year, I must commend the teachers for addressing the problem in a way I am most pleased about. Well, because A is still the way she is, more cheerful even! What's more (and great!) is that in spite of it being a "small" school, children from the center are easily accepted into the big schools like Ateneo, Miriam, LaSalle, etc! Successful big school transition rate is a high 99%!

The best part is: THE SCHOOL ACCEPTS OUTSIDERS, and not just kids of employees of ABS-CBN and its sister companies. Class size is a perfect 1:12 (1:15 at most). So, if you are scouting for a great, hands-on, holistic school for your little and not-so-little one, then ABS-CBN Children's Center is the place for you!


ABS-CBN Children's Center is now accepting students for School Year 2010-2011! Incoming Nursery to Grade 5 students may apply. If interested, let me know so I can refer you. For inquiries, call (02) 374.5150 and look for Teacher Maricar or Teacher Maloy. Don't forget to let them know that I referred you! :)

ABS-CBN Children's Center is located at #12 Scout Borromeo Street, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

All Sorts

Spent the day at the Xavier School Fair. Lotsa people. All sorts of kids. Believe me, all sorts. My friends and I were tasked to man a booth at the bazaar. I overheard my friend R ask his girlfriend J, "Were you like that when you were in highschool?" Then he laughed.

I looked up to see a group of girls having their photos taken at the photobooth. Young girls, about 10 or 11 years old. One had make-up on, the other chewed gum noisily as she tried on a tiara. Then as I got up to buy "chits" for A at the ticket booth, a fat (ok, scratch that, healthy nalang) girl, about A's age, bumps into me and mutters "Loser!". I looked back, and only managed to roll my eyes at her.

Kids!

Kids nowadays! Where did respect for elders go? Ok, ok, so maybe it's because I looked like a kid? :P

Meanwhile, I lost A after lunch to my cousin's son. They rode the rides together. Later, I found out that my nephew was embarrassed by the fact that he was made to baby-sit A in front of his friends. LOL! He was being nice to A, but I could see how he was just being nice. Hehe. Poor J.

So we stayed 'til late and started packing up in time for dinner. Another day at the fair tomorrow. What sort of kids will tomorrow bring? Ay-ya!

The Battle with Patience

No. This does not involve R. Although, he has tested my patience more than I can count. LOL. This is about someone else.

A friend owes me money. It is not grand, for I do not have so much. But in my eyes, it is big enough. Well, because I work hard for my money, and money doesn't come easy (nor does it grow on trees - just had to say it, but we all know that already). So anyway, this friend owes me money. And it has been 8 months now. Over the holidays, I sent her a text to remind her about it and asked if I could collect the debt, given that it has been so long. And she said she will let me know once she has made the deposit.

A month passed, and no text. So I sent her a reminder. And I was given a specific day. The day came and went. Still no deposit. I texted the day after the supposed day, and she replied with "I lost your account details. So sorry, please text back. Will pay tomorrow." And of course I texted asap. But didn't hear from her after. It was the same the next day. And the next. And the next. I wondered if it was polite to ask for it again. I didn't want to disrespect her. After all, she is the mom of my little brother's friend. I asked my not-so-little brother for advice, and he suggested I call. So I did. I gave her a call early this week. And she promised "Tomorrow, Sweetie. Tomorrow."

And tomorrow came and went. And the next, and the next. Because my phone broke Wednesday morning, I couldn't call or text her. So I let Wednesday and Thursday pass. Today, I went to the bank to check on my account. Still no sign of the deposit.

I am frustrated. I texted her again tonight. Called her even. But she missed my calls. All my calls. She didn't even bother texting me back, nor did she bother to return my calls. I wrote her a lengthy message on Facebook, then decided against pressing 'Send'. I so want to hurl angry words at her (I am frustrated, gimme a break!) by saying all the things that come to my head. But I just cannot find it in me to do so.

I hope she sees the grace God has given me to deal with her and the situation she has placed me in. Besides, I wouldn't ask her for the money if I didn't need it in the first place. I do not wish to deal with this patiently, but I am left with no choice. Some people just come with a tags that say"EGR -Extra Grace Required". So please, help me, God. I need Patience with this one!

Thursday, February 4, 2010



I am my son's favorite thing. At least someone loves me with all his heart. Hehehe.

Labo!

I woke up to the sound of my mobile phone beeping. A text. I received a text from that helper that left Tuesday morning. Nyar. She texted to let me know she was coming back.

Tekaaaaaa...

Ang labo mo naman.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Househelp Woes

Today, one of my trusted helpers left us. She woke me up to let me know that she was taking a break from work. She goes to school somewhere north of the city and has to commute to and fro every single day, excluding Saturdays, but yes, including Sundays! She is on her final leg in college, but needs to work for the money. I didn't really want to hire her at first, but was left with no choice when our former nanny left suddenly when she gave birth to her second-born. She is actually her little sister.

So because I thought I was helping someone in need, I hired her. I was told that because my former nanny had to stop working, no one would be helping her sister with financial needs (read: tuition and miscellaneous expenses). So yes, I was willing to help out, even if it meant I'd be spending more each month on salaries, food, etc.

All along, I thought she was okay. Each day, I'd ask if she was tired and understood when sometimes, she'd go straight to bed instead of washing the dishes or say, doing the laundry. But I suppose that wasn't enough consolation for her. I gave her transportation allowance to cover her commute expenses. Gave her a monthly salary, even if she provided less than a half day's work. Alas, you can't please them all. Sigh.

Then to top it off, I found out that my former nanny used up my baby's milk and diapers over the holidays (she stayed over with her kids while A and I were out of the country). Yes, used those on her own daughter. I mean, I don't mind at all. I understand her situation and her need (now that she doesn't have work, not to mention an irresponsible boyfriend!) but I wished she told me and I didn't have to find out some other way. I was wondering why that case of Promil got used up in less than a month, when my little boy normally uses up a can a week. Double sigh.

Then my new nanny got to chat with one of my aunt's helpers and found out that the other helper gets paid a 5-digit salary. So of course she felt sorry for her measly salary, and expressed her desire to leave come June. For school, she says. But hello, my aunt's helper has been with my aunt all of 17 years! And my new nanny has been with us, what? a good 2 and a half months! Ha-ya! Besides, she needed work. She was referred by her cousin, my former nanny, and got promoted to nanny only when her cousin left. Haaay. :(

It's funny. You try to be nice to people and yet, you can't please them all.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Great Friends

Had a chance to meet up with two of my good girl friends over the weekend, one of which I haven't seen in years! I had a grand time having catch-up dinner at Abe over at Serendra. Then coffee at Starbucks, High Street.

Got home at 4am and couldn't sleep 'til 8am. I had caffeine in my veins. I didn't mind. It was worth it. My friend B flies back to London tomorrow. I am glad I was able to see her, even for a few hours. 'Til next time, B!

~~~

In other news, I heard that some of my schoolmates in the US have been talking about my life story over reunions. That means, each time a birthday, a holiday or a Pacquiao fight comes along, I am the choice topic at hand. Fancy that! It just irks me that some of them continue to be chummy with me, when they actually talk about me behind my back. And how malicious some are! Goodness! I need to prune my friendship tree! Soon!
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