Saturday, October 17, 2009

How to De-Stress


1. Stop what you're doing for 5 minutes. Take a deep breath. Stare blankly and just sit still.

2. Think happy thoughts and put a smile into it.

3. Stand up and walk around. Distract your thoughts by walking leisurely.

4. Think more happy thoughts and maybe have some nice comfort food.

5. Have a play date with your family or loved ones.

Overworked

I've just clocked a total of 112.08 hours from Oct 1-15, 2009. No wonder I feel exhausted. I don't really do much during the day but it's the start and end of the work day that really wears me out. This is when we do a series of brainstorming activities to figure out the why how or what are we supposed to handle in situations that the project presents.

It can be exciting at times especially if presented with new puzzles but it's also exhausting since something seems to always come up on a weekly basis.

I feel so helpless at times especially if it's the hardware or the network that brings the headache.

I feel guilty everyday coz I am missing those max moments. So this is how it's like to be a parent. Too bad i can't be there all the time for Max even if I want to. Hopefully, I'll find something that will give me more time for family. Just a few more months..

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Not the Usual Flooding

Flooding in Manila brought fond memories of childhood. I remember making bankang papel, eating champorado and playing with shadows during power outtages.

Now that I live in Marikina, 'flooding' gave me a different concept. The unusually heavy rainfall last Saturday brought almost 80% of Marikina underwater. Water from the river overflowed and low-lying areas has houses submerged in water. We were spared because our place in Parang is on higher ground. We had continuously supply of water and electricity. Most of Metro Manila was on blackout so it was only until the next day or later when they found out about the overall impact of the typhoon.

There was water swelling up from our floor but that's just spring water shooting out to level with the paved road. It wasn't as alarming as the strong current of the flood washing away everything on it's path. As the water subsided in the following days, I got to see the grim reminder of what just happened in a span of 6 hours. What was once a beautiful and clean city is now dredged with mud. People are traumatized by the experience. I kept thinking about my son and was glad that we're safe during the flooding. I kept thinking about my siblings and was glad that they too came out safely. I thought about a lot of things and I am thankful for a lot of things.

Flooding as I grow older is no longer as fun as it used to be.

Goin 360

Shifting into motherhood took a 360 turn in my life. I knew I had it coming but I never thought it's going to be like this. Books and heaps of advise is never enough to prepare you to this new role.

It's an immense responsibility to provide much care to such a helpless little being. At this point, it is easier to forget one's self just to satisfy or nurture the mini-you. I have learned to detach myself from work, even to the demands of my social circle, as I chose to prioritize my baby's needs.

Since Max came, our world became focused on him. I thought I'd forget myself in the process but as the weeks passed, I've realized that I have added a new facet in my persona. From daughter, to sister, friend, wife, in-law and now, a mom, I have been fortunate to get full support in my circles.

My son is turning 4 months in a few days. And, as I continuously enjoy his daily little milestones, I find more reasons to smile as I tell myself "I'm so glad to be his Mom." I hope that he grows up as a happy person, sending smiles to people's hearts. I love you Max!