Actually, it has been more than a week. But this week is gonna be one hella hell week. A has finals, and a ton of projects to get done. Such is the life of a graduating 8th grader, and you can bet this single momma is hella stressed.
It started a couple of weeks ago with her school intramurals getting in the way of school work. There were deadlines for various subject requirements, and my daughter opted to concentrate on practicing for basketball and her class' cheerdance competition. So everything else was pushed back 'til we had multiple deadlines to meet on the same week. They did win the basketball championships so to her, it was pretty much win-win. But nope, that doesn't cut it with this Momma.
So yes, hell week. This Momma requires 10x the extra grace.
I have been wanting to write about this since I first got the news. Itching. Eager. And all the synonyms you can think of to mean such. But I didn't get the go-ahead from the campaign manager until last week, so I had to keep this piece of news all to myself. Well, myself and a few good friends. Hehe. But first, let me give you a brief background.
A few days after the New Year, I decided to join this year's Prayer and Fasting. Not because I wanted something from God, but because I knew I needed to work on my prayer life this year. I have not been so faithful - you get lost amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have been so busy, and although I know it is not an excuse, I have been lacking and missing-in-action in my daily quiet time with God. I know, bad. But such was life in 2015. I have no excuse, really.
So on Day 1 of Prayer and Fasting, I was particularly giddy. At the office, I was telling my assistant how I wanted to transform our office and how I planned to shell out the money for it. When asked how I was going to pay for everything, I declared out loud, "Mayaman ako, anak ako ng Diyos!" ("I am rich, I am God's child!") That evening, as I was going through the questions in my guide book, I came across this particular Q: "How has God been faithful to you in the past year?" As I reflected on this, I couldn't help but feel grateful because God has been more than faithful. I recalled a post that came up on Facebook Memories back in December, and it was this Christmas Wish List I wrote about 5 years ago. And it's funny, because I appeared to be so needy back then. But anyway, that post made me even more grateful as I reflected on God's goodness, because compared to back then, today, I have everything I need. So yes, back to my reflection on 2015... I was feeling a tad overwhelmed because God provided - He gave me even the things I didn't ask for.
As I reflected on the next question on my faith goal for 2016, I didn't know what else to put. I kept thinking about work so I decided that my faith goal for 2016, aside from financial breakthrough, would be a successful 2016 for work (sidenote: we have been struggling, so yes, work needs a major turn-around, a miracle to get us out of the red). As I prayed to cap the day, I asked the Lord for this specifically. Because I knew that was the burden He placed in my heart. I knew it was a burden for a reason. And for my personal goals for 2016, I negotiated, "Lord, I know You will take care of me. I will not ask for anything else but breakthrough for (insert place of work here)." That evening, I went to sleep at peace.
Backtrack a bit to December.
Every year, Judy and Benji of itsjudyslife hold a fundraiser for various charities. They call it #Dancember. Their main charity for 2015 is Convoy of Hope - a group that works to end hunger for children across the globe. All throughout the month of December, whenever they reach a specific milestone amount, Judy, Benji and their friends dance on their vlogs. They also hold a 24-hour live broadcast around the third week and showcase other vloggers and social media personalities. Overall, for #Dancember, they raised a whopping amount of P228,000! So during the live broadcast, I decided I was going to contribute to their good cause. I donated!
Now, this particular #Dancember is special because Judy and Benji worked with a campaign manager, Prizeo - they were actually giving out a prize! Each $5 donation earned a participant one raffle ticket. They were giving away a trip + VIP experience to VidCon2016!
So back to Day 2 in January...
I woke up to an email from Prizeo telling me I had won that trip to VidCon! Not just for me, but also for my nominated friend. I had nominated KY since we both watch itsjudyslife religiously. There I was, staring at the screen for a good 5 minutes, filled with unbelief. Thousands had contributed to their cause. Out of thousands, only one would win, and that person was me. A random pick, but God chose me!
Let me just say that although a trip like this wasn't part of my faith goals for 2016, I was believing in God's provision - trusting He knows the desires of my heart. The cool thing is - this was part of KY's faith goal! She had prayed for this because she recently started her own YouTube channel. KY was, needless to say, ecstatic. Beyond ecstatic!
He gives you even the things you do not ask for. Truly, the Lord holds nothing back. He is our Heavenly Father who loves us more than anyone else would. What more if you make your prayers known?
Do you believe in breakthroughs? Prayer is a powerful tool, and it comes free. The Lord is faithful, and I am humbled by His goodness.
“Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you." Matthew 7:7 NCV
So 2015 was a blur. Seriously, last year, right after the holidays, I was promising a recap on that family cruise we took. Now, here I am, in the year 2016, and I haven't even written much on what went on the past year.
So we spent the holidays with family. I spent it cooking, baking, and taking A out on quality momma and daughter bonding dates - something we both really, really need.
Bonding over good Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung.
And I didn't bother much about seeing other people, except for Mish, Mia, Candy and Shar for Holiday Tea on the 23rd.
Holiday Tea-ing with the girls. Incidentally, Mish will be selling these really pretty table linen for #MotherWhoBrunch. Check them out on Instagram at @motherswhobrunch
After getting myself stuck in traffic for three hours driving home, I decided I was going to shut down my phone and spend my Christmas and New Year incommunicado. So I am sorry if you were trying to reach me. I had my phone on DND - really needed a little peace and quiet.
So no, I didn't even bother going to class reunions (oops), and I didn't see any of my girls (nope, not the BentoMommas, not the Chinese Mafia Moms, none of the SoMoms, or the So-so-Moms, hehe - nada).
For Christmas, we spent the evening at my parents' place. I prepped Tri-Noodle and Russian Salad, while my brother cooked Bistek. We didn't have the usual, as the helper was out for Christmas, so we cooked what the kids and the folks wanted to eat.
My raclette cheese plate from Christmas Eve dinner.
In between Christmas and New Year, RL spent the whole time with KY, so A and I got to bond some more. For the New Year Countdown, we got to stay at Marriott.
RL ready to attack his fresh mangoes at the lounge on the first morning of the New Year.
It was a good break from the hustle and bustle. And a great chance to separate myself from all the negativity and stress. I am thankful beyond words for the year that has passed.
Hello folks, I am back. I have been away, and I will tell you why.
OZ
I took a vacay. Well, not exactly since it was a working vacay. Flew to Australia for the Hillsong Conference and what a blessing it was to have been given this chance!
Harbour Bridge, Sydney. Taken from the Train Station at Circular Quay.
I wasn't prepared for the cold though. It is Winter in Australia, but the forecast all showed 13-18 degrees, only to find out it went down to even -3 degrees while I was there. Crazy!!! But what an experience it was!
Bondi Beach. Would you believe there were actual surfers and people in two piece bikinis that day?
The company I work for has been the exclusive distributors of the Hillsong brand since the 80s and this is the very first time we've attended their annual conference. Usually, during the June-July period, we fly to the US for a Christian Retailers Convention, but this year, after the Hillsong Worship concert, I had the desire to see and experience Hillsong for myself. Good thing my boss agreed and allowed me this opportunity. I am forever changed.
Hillsong Church has been holding conference for 30 years (it's their 30th next year). And wow. When over 20,000 people (plus a lot more online) come together to worship God in one place, it is more than amazing. I have no words, as words cannot fully grasp what my heart is trying to say. But it was awesome. It is awesome. I still have a hangover.
AllPhones Arena at Sydney's Olympic Park was full!! Amazing experience!!!
Imagine 5 whole days of worshiping with Hillsong? That's like attending 5 worship concerts - all day, everyday.
Next year, the conference in Sydney is happening from July 5 to 8. If you seriously want to go, we are looking at forming a group. I have yet to confirm this, but do stay tuned.
SICK
I came home to a sick little boy. The first weekend I was home, RL didn't seem like his usual self. We even went to catch the Minions Movie, and he wasn't excited at all. Turns out, he had contracted Chicken Pox! Where? When? How? I have no idea. We called his school, his school bus, and no one recently had it. So we kept him home for the next two weeks. He is back in school now, and his blisters have all healed. He hardly has any on his face, thank goodness. He did miss a few vtrs. Boo, but we know God has something better planned for him.
My poor little boy with his babies. Hehe.
While RL was sick, I came down with the flu. Oh what perfect timing to get immunity down right when a highly contagious virus is present at home. But all is well, since I got the pox as an adult in college (I know, late). So I've been in and out of it since that Oz trip. But all is well now, and like I said... I am back to the daily grind.
Going through a ton of homework, tests and activity sheets he had missed! A TON!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work has been crazy, and that is an understatement. We are planning something big at the office, and I have had to put the blog on standby. But I want to write! And all my blog drafts are in my head. Argh! But I can't quit my dayjob, nor can I sidestep my responsibilities at BentoMommas. Plus my momma duties are crazy! RL's daily homework and weekly tests have taken a big chunk out of my daily me-time. Sniff.
Seriously, someone find me a partner, I am drowning here.
The little boy is now a first grader. I cannot believe it. I no longer have a baby. It is official. Yep, yesterday was one of those days - you know, the day you try to hold off as long as you can, but can no longer deny because it has finally come?
Prepping for first grade. I did so at the last minute (a day before!). In denial much?
First grade books! Imagine he has to lug these to school every single day?
Thank goodness they switch to tablets in third grade!
Because I didn't want to waste my money on another box trolley he will not get to use after two years,
we chose a High Sierra wheeled bag instead. At least, he can bring this on trips!
First grade.
I had put a down payment/ deposit on another school (our first choice, as it is also my alma mater, and it is closer to home), but alas, God had other plans. RL had passed both schools. But at the very last minute, we decided it was best for him to go to this one. Long story. But one day, I will share why.
Besides, it wouldn't make sense to put a Green Blooded model in another school's colors. Yep, my little Archer is right where he belongs.
My little Archer. :)
Here are some photos from yesterday.
Excited for his first day in first grade!
Loving the fact that he has the whole service all to himself.
Smiling here, but he actually dislikes the fact that he sits right in front.
He doesn't want to get noticed daw. LOL!
Comfy in school. No tears. Good thing we had him take advanced classes there this summer!
Yes, folks. Transitioning to a new blog title - Hoarder Diaries. If you guys know me, or if you have been reading this blog from way back, then you know why I am switching to this blog title.
But. The new header and blog logo are still under construction. Please expect changes to take effect in the coming weeks (or so). My little brother is still helping me out with the artwork, so it might take a short while, because we have a number of events happening this month.
Anyhoo, I wanted to tell you, before you start hearing about it from others. Yes, the fat lady sang, and the First Wives Club Blog's curtains are now closing. In the meantime, I am retaining the blogspot address, until such time I iron out my domain.
Change is good. Or so they say. But as mentioned in my previous post, I am set to overhaul my life and this blog.
The other night, while discussing possibilities with my friend M, an idea popped into my head. You know how you can't really write much if you aren't into something? Well, my blogger friends would agree that you would have to be passionate about something in particular for the words to just flow. The same goes for products that get sent our way. If the product isn't good, how do you find the words to write about it? Anyway, I digress.
My point is, I am no longer passionate about the underlying theme of this blog. I am throwing "First Wives Club" out the window. Not to divulge any details for the reasons behind this, because right now, I do not wish to disclose anything just yet.
So yes, please expect changes. Still on this site, so I do not confuse my readers. Just changing the header and the byline. Will start working on it over the weekend.
I went on vacay and my brain went on an extra three weeks off. I totally zoned out. But let me tell you about the months that passed.
MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED.
All dressed up!
WE CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR IN PHUKET.
Flying a paper lantern on New Year's Eve.
WE GOT A NEW CAT.
Meet Sophie.
I MADE A THOUSAND AND ONE CHARABEN BENTOS IN BETWEEN.
Baymax for one of 'em parties.
Life has been nothing short of toxic. I've been doing a lot of thinking (with little sleep, if I do get to sleep, that is) and soul searching. And I now know that it is time for a change.
I have had enough.
And yes, I learned it the long (winding!), hard way, but I suppose it takes time, these things.These realizations. These convictions.
Now I know that I need that change.
IT. IS. TIME.
~~~
Dear friends (and PR friends). I am back. I will make time for this blog. And for that backlog. I apologize for the long hiatus. But yes, back. So see you around.
I have been having a very stressful last quarter. My brother is getting married first week of December, and I have been tasked many duties and errands. I hope to be back on the blog soon. Excusez-moi s'il vous plait!
Hardly true. But I did make 60 detailed bento boxes for a London-themed party over the weekend!
Took me the whole evening to get all these bread done! But it was worth all the hard work. My client was pleased. Love how she took time to text me about my apple carving. Yes, I love carving apples. It relaxes me - haha, even if I have to carve 60+ slices (I actually did over 80 because I had another order before this one)!
Anyway, here's a closer look for your viewing pleasure. Each bento comes with my best-selling tri-noodle spaghetti, chicken nuggets, bread deco, and an apple treat.
And yes, this is why I am extra tired, and why I have been absent from the blog. But it pays for A's tuition and gives us extra savings for that rainy day. So I am not complaining. But I do hope to find time (and make time) for blogging. Lord, please give me strength.
Interested in Bento Catering? Send us an email today at bentomommas@gmail.com!
I know I said I was back, and I do have a couple of blog posts that need a little fine-tuning, and should be out this week. BUT, I am interrupting regular programming with this post, because it is a game changer for many, many things.
Yesterday, while at the shoot for a brand we are currently endorsing, I got up to help BM A cook something on the stove. While she handed me the tongs, and I proceeded to get whatever was cooking from the pan, the tongs sprung open and scooped hot, burning oil - splashing me (and a little on BM A) in the process. So yes, I burned my arms, and a bit of my chest. When I say a bit, I mean not-my-whole-body-kinda-bit, but yes, it is bad.
This was taken approximately an hour and a half after the accident.
So when it first happened, my first instinct was to head on over to the sink and wash off the oil. I literally scooped water and wet my neck, blouse et al. I was washing out the oil from my arms when the helper at the studio told me not to wet myself as it would cause the burnt parts to bubble. But I remember reading somewhere that you should wash out the hot oil to stop it from cooking more into your skin.
I was right. But I stopped washing after a few minutes because I was scared she was right.
I normally bring a tube of Neosporin in my bag, since the kids are always with me, and I want first aid handy (Long story, but one time we were at an amusement park, and A fell and scraped her knee. The emergency people at the park had no antibiotic ointment, just some wash that ate up her flesh. What was once a scratch led to an infected wound that had us at the hospital after two weeks). So yeah, Neosporin. But A had gone to Boracay a few weeks ago, and I took it out of my bag to put in her toiletry pouch. So no first aid ointment. :( I did have a tube of Hydro-cortisone for my eczema, and read upon checking first aid burn sites that it was an alternative, I smothered myself with it to keep my skin hydrated and cool. I opted to rush home (about an hour away, thank goodness, no traffic on a Sunday in spite the UPCAT) and applied burn ointment immediately - only an hour or so too late.
So in case this happens to you, here's first-aid treatment for hot oil burns:
1) Rinse out the oil. Get your skin under flowing cool water. This will stop the hot oil from causing further damage. Sites recommend a good 15-30 minute soak, depends on how hot that oil was. Remove clothing, jewelry and other accessories. Do not use ice directly on your burn. You can, however, ice the water a bit to get temperature of the water down, if you are opting to soak your burn in a cold bath.
2) Assess your injury. Check and see if you suffered a minor burn or a serious burn. My burns from yesterday's accident range from first-degree to second-degree burns. Thankfully, on the arms, back of hands and lower neck only, and not on the face nor the eyes. Second-degree burns are the ones that cause the burnt part to swell and bubble, destroying just the first layer and sometimes, exposing the second layer of your dermis.
3) Apply antibacterial cream or ointment on your burns. If your burns are first-degree burns (red, but without blisters), you just have to wait and let your burns heal. I prefer however to err on the side of caution and apply that antibacterial cream anyway. No need to worry about it scarring or getting an infection. I got a tube of Flamazine cream or Silver Sulfadiazine and lathered a thick paste on my burns. Yes, Yaya, forget the toothpaste! Also, I learned from friends that aloe vera gel is ideal in keeping your burns cool. Must buy a plant.
4) Keep burns moist. This one I learned from reading a ton of material online last night. The key to nice healing of burns is to keep it from drying out. I bet you didn't know that, eh? A friend of mine suggested wrapping with cling wrap to keep your antibacterial cream from getting wiped off or drying up, and to protect your wounds from getting scraped. Picture my arms wrapped in cling wrap. Thank you, GladKitchen! LOL!
5) Take that bath. I know that the old folks usually say you shouldn't wet your wounds. But take that bath. Don't scrub your wounds. Best to keep them clean to prevent infection.
6) See a doctor. When you think it's bad, it must be bad. So go see a doctor. And forget about home remedies that could do you more harm. Thankful my neighbor's a doctor, so I'm having him check my wounds tonight.
So yes, see how it is a game changer for my daily list of things-to-do? Although my burns no longer hurt, I cannot imagine being the demo person for the next few workshops. LOL! Already, I am commissioning BM M to do the demo, while I stand on the sideline as workshop commentator. I don't want to ruin the photos with my blistered, ugly hands! Also, I already told BM A that I will be in charge of the bentos for the next shoot and that there is absolutely no way she can get me near that stove. I've never really been afraid of getting a few splashes of oil from cooking. But yesterday? Yesterday was nothing short of traumatic. Here's hoping my wounds heal in a few weeks, and that I'll be good as new when my brother's wedding comes along.
And hopefully, I can get back on the blog for good. When the year started, one of the things I promised myself was to make sure I blogged regularly.
And yet, once again, life got in the way. Mostly not my choice. RL got hospitalized for dengue, then right when we thought he was fine, he catches another bug - a viral exanthem that gave him a bad, bad rash. Last week, the skin on one of his palms started peeling, and we thought it was something bad. Good thing, he didn't get a fever, or I'll be worried sick again. And broke. Haha!
This was just the onset of the bad rash. Two days later, his earlobes and cheeks were so swollen.
Swollen cheeks. Sigh.
Then BentoMommas. Ohhhhh, BentoMommas. The girls and I see each other at least once a week, every week. Talk to each other every single, freakin' day. Pwede na kami magpalit ng mukha. Just yesterday, while talking to BM A, I asked her, "will there be a day that I don't call you at least once?" LOL. Because I do call her everyday. At least once. Seriously, give me a life!
With BM M, right before a Bento Demo...
So yes, the past month or two, this has been keeping me extra busy. I work after office hours. I work even on weekends. And if I'm not working, I am in bed, trying to catch some shut-eye.
Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow's pretty light. That is, if the kids and I decide to stay home. So if we do, I am blogging. Have a lot (and I mean a lot - that's such an understatement) of pending posts, and I seriously need to get those published.
Binabagyo buhay ko. Literally. Aside from the fact that life has been pretty stressful, busy, toxic... (insert negative adjective here), it took a turn for the worse when just yesterday, the little boy was admitted to the hospital.
UPDATE: Latest test result confirms dengue. Sigh.
I am not one to complain about trials and every bad lemon life throws at me, but yesterday, I found myself asking the Lord why? This, after finishing the Book of Job, and learning that God allows storms in our lives for us to realize that they are not really to punish us, but to see how strong we stand during the storm.
But yes, Lord, why? I say this exactly one week before tuition payments are due at A's school - right when I had come up with a plan to get enough funds to meet the deadline, this happens. Plus, Lord, diba I have that bento catering order on Friday (thank goodness it got moved from today)? How will I get that done when my son's in the hospital, and I have no choice but to make all those boxes on my own with no help?
Sigh.
Life and lemons.
How hard is it exactly to find joy in suffering? Today, as dozens of people posted about the storm and how they don't have power in their areas, my little boy and I lie comfortably in an airconditioned room, complete with free wifi and hot food. When my daughter A texted from my mom's house about how the tree from across the street fell on my brother's SUV, I realized God kept my vehicle safe. I park out in the open (a perfect target for flying and falling debris), but last night, my car was kept safe inside the parking tower across the main hospital.
A week ago, while driving home, I realized how important it is to build one's life on solid rock. When I was a kid, I learned a Kids Praise! Song from Psalty that had this phrase...
"...you have to build your house upon The Rock,
Make a good foundation on a solid spot.
And the storms may come and go...
But the peace of God you will know."
So yeah, I am in the middle of this storm right now, but I sure am glad my life is standing on solid ground.
So. I've been driving my daughter A to school the past two days, and did so again this morning. Today, I was in the office at 640am.
Check out the clock register when I finally got my lappy running.
I'm thinking maybe I can do this the whole year. I've been trying so, so hard to wake up early, but can't get my system to rest before midnight. I realized though that once you're up and running by 430am, your body gives off the "I'm-exhausted-let-us-please-sleep-NOW" signal by 10pm or even earlier.
I never really had a knack for writing. But I kept a journal growing up and I wrote about anything under the sun. Blogging makes journaling easier. Only now, you have readers, and your secrets aren't kept under lock and key.
