Nostalgia washed over me as I look at Seunggi’s enlistment photos. Where have all the days gone? Is it that time already?
Can’t help feeling proud that Seunggi has maintained a clean, good boy image through the years. I have picked the best guy to idolize. I may not be an active fan like I used to, but I’m proud of him just the same.
See you after 2 years Seunggi-yah. Make me – and all the Airens – more proud when you get back. ❤️
These past few days I was preoccupied about something. I was researching for a school I will send Sophie to. I know she just turned 2, but as early as now I would like to make a shortlist of my options, since 2 years is not so far away (we plan on sending her by age 4). Also, most of these schools do open houses at the beginning of the year, so at least I can anticipate any of the school I have shortlisted.
If I was asked a year ago, I’d probably say BSM in a heartbeat. But spending for almost a million a year, for nursery until highschool, is waaay too outrageous for me. And considering that we are a normal family, meaning we’re not expats, diplomats, politicians or known personalities. So I scrap the idea of BSM or any international school. Its just a wishful thinking, a fantasy of mine.
I also scrapped the idea of an all-girls school. I have been to one and believe me, it wouldn’t be healthy for her. Co-eds are more fun, esp. in highschool years.
I was thinking of 3 schools last night. SISFU (Southville), DLSZ and CSA. I read a mommies forum and one mom said she’s a SISFU alumna but doesn’t want to enrol her kids there. The kind of crowd she belonged to was not good. Some are kickouts, some are in and out of rehab.. I mean I’m not generalizing. I know its every individual’s choice what to do with their teenage lives. But if you’re exposed to this kind of environment, then there’s a possibility you will become one too, right?
I think DLSZ was my best bet. Though I’m not fond of DLS in general (purely personal, my guts don’t like them) I think DLSZ is conducive for us Southern people. BUT, I read about their color coding scheme and it turned me off. It was implemented just January this year, that all non-resident cars must ONLY have 1 of the 2 colored stickers, and they alternate daily. Say, if you have a white sticker you can only use your car to fetch your child MWF. This was implemented by the exclusive village where the school is located, to lessen the ongoing traffic the vehicles make during hatid-sundo time. Most of the parents are furious about this scheme. I mean I would too, imagine, you incovenient yourself by enrolling your child to this school, when there’s tons of good schools around who do not have a traffic problem, right?
I was pretty bummed about DLSZ. But I know this will be the top contender for Sophie’s school in the future. I know CSA is a good school also, some of my classmates were from here, and they’re nice, down to earth individuals. I think these 2 schools will be my best bets. I’m also thinking if I should include SBA (San Beda) to my list. I think its a good school, too.
I will be researching more to find the best school for Sophie. Budget-wise, as long as it doesn’t reach half a million a year, I think it should be fine. Of course, its going to be a different story when another offspring comes.
For now, Sophie is still enjoying Gymboree, but we might transfer her to another kids gym in BF called Club Bambino, or Little Gym in Alabang. Location wise, these 2 are more convenient since we are in BF on weekends. I have to book her in trials first, though.
Anyways, there’s a good one year or so for school hunting. This is going to be tough because once she enrols, its going to be her 2nd home until she graduates highschool. So this is some serious stuff for a parent like me. Whatever she will be in the future, its us parents who first made the choice. ®
Before the year ends, I just have to post one last time, to sum up my 2015. It has been the best year so far, and maybe my most travelled year. I have travelled to several countries, Vietnam, Japan, HK and locally to Bohol, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo. I’ve also been to unforgettable places for the first time, such as the Holy Land and London. The best part of all the travelling was being with my loved ones, Sophie and Tabs.
Careerwise, there has been ups and downs. I can’t still fully say I love my job, being my in-law is my boss and she gets on my nerves most of the time. But I am groomed for my future life, and I’m too blessed, too undeserving to complain.
Financially, I have saved a little somehow. I still do not have a million, but step by step I will get there. I’m still a big spender, hopefully this is the trait to improve on next year, so I can save more, for Sophie’s future studies and my parents house.
I may have financial issues with my family, as my elderly parents depend on me frequently. But I’m still thankful they are healthy this year. We also travelled locally a couple of times, and hopefully more next year, while they still can and able.
Healthwise, I still haven’t lost some weight. I maybe even gained more 🙈. But I had my share of efforts to be healthy. I joined several runs and drink cold-pressed juices sometimes. I still breastfeed so somehow I feel I’m okay, though not fit physically.
Social media wise, this year is probably my most active. I try to post something constantly, a photo or two so I can share a bit of my life to my friends and family.
As for Tabs, we love travelling together. We go to work together, and basically just do everything together. Its a bit sad that he’s not pursuing his medical career, but in exchange, I’m thankful because I can be with him everyday.
As for my little girl Sophie who turned 2 this year, everyday is so much beautiful with her in my life. Motherhood and breastfeeding maybe the most difficult job gifted to me, but its also the most fulfilling. I hope I deserve another Sophie, (or a boy perhaps) in this lifetime.
What a great year it has been! Thank you 2015. Happy new year 2016, I’m excited to see what you have in store for me. Lets bring it on! ❤️
To wean or not to wean? I contemplate time and again.
Its difficult on some days, some days it gets better.
Then I see my child and realize how fast she’s growing.
That I can’t stop the time so I can keep her little.
I know in time she will stop.
I know in time I let go.
When that time comes,
I will be happy, I will be sad. There will be a feeling I can’t explain.
I will be longing for the little child I nourished,
Wishing that time can take me back, and do it all over once again.
Breastfeeding at 25 months and counting.
I have wanted to try yoga for a very long time. I haven’t been working out in several years, except the runs I have every now and then. When I was enrolled in Fitness First years ago, I would always peek at the yoga class and thought how gracious the participants were and how easy it looked. Maybe I can also try that at some point.
Recently I enrolled in KFIT, an online app of thousands of activities at hundreds of gyms/studios (Php 999/monthly). I scheduled for a Bikram Yoga class at the date and time I preferred, at a studio nearby home. Its how convenient this app is.
Before going to Evolve Yoga & Fitness in Alabang, I made known the things I would be needing. I bought my own yoga mat, brought 2 large towels (1 for use on top of the mat, and the other 1 for taking a bath), brought my own toiletries, water bottle and padlock (I forgot this, but they let me borrow). I ate a little and hydrated myself 2 hours before the class. I dressed into my dri-fits, I was nervous but I thought I was ready.
Before the class began, the 3 of us first timers were briefed by Coach Lorena the do’s and don’ts on the floor. No pressure if we can’t do the position or we can catch our breaths and just sit if we can take it anymore. At first I thought I was doing okay, but as the class went on I thought about quitting halfway into it. Bikram Yoga is typically 90 minutes and has 26 positions, and believe me, these dragged on. It felt like forever before we finish one position. It was a hot yoga (read: no ventilation whatsover), the room was stuffy and every pore in my body sweat like crazy, even my palms. I was dizzy and felt like throwing up at one point. I couldn’t follow when it got to the harder positions and suddenly had a bad chest cramp 70 minutes into the class. I whispered to Coach that I was having cramps, and she stretched my arm a bit and told me to lie down and rest. I rested for about 10 minutes but followed again to finish the rest of the class. It was by far, the most exhausting thing I have ever done in my life.
I decided after the class that maybe yoga is not for me. Maybe its the stuffy room, or maybe because its my first time, but god I never expected it to be so difficult. I felt like I went there to punish myself. I’m not closing myself for a yoga in the future, but for now, I just can’t yet. ☹️
While waiting for JV All Events official photos to arrive, I just have to post Sophie’s first trick or treat. We celebrated Sophie’s 2nd birthday in Jollibee a day before her actual birthday. Since we have nothing to do on her birthday, I signed her up for a Pumpkin Patch in Gymboree. I dressed her as Queen Elsa, complete with shoes and tiara. No scary costume for her coz she gets scared easily.
Before going out for trick or treat, the teachers prepared different activities for the kids like storytelling, making Frankenstein art, gymplay and prepared small snacks for the kids.
The trick or treat was tiring, as we went all the way up to the fifth floor. I know Sophie got tired too, but everytime someone drops something in her pumpkin, her face lights up. Her pumpkin was loaded when we finished, and she was so happy with all the candies she received.
We treated her after for a nice birthday dinner in Chili’s for a job well done. Happy birthday Sophie! ❤️
How time flies, Sophie is turning 2 in a month, just like that. I love seeing her photos done in a studio, so since she was a baby she has always photoshoots.
Sharing with you some of Sophie’s pre-birthday shots. This was done in Take Your Pic ATC. It has a very small studio because its more of a photobooth than an ordinary studio. They have affordable packages and I got the 2,000 package which includes 8×10 photo with frame, 4 5R prints and 15 digital files in CD.
Take Your Pic Alabang Town Center – 02.218.7689 IG: takeyourpicstudio
I love makeup and skincare products. I have discovered my love for makeup in 2010, and skincare since I started having facials in Luz back in the day (late 90s). Over the years I have tried different brands (from drugstore brands to high ends), so somehow I had the idea of the better and reasonable ones to purchase.
Anyways, the only brand that I haven’t tried is Shu Uemura. I constantly overlook this brand in malls and Duty Frees. Maybe because I’m more interested in Shiseido and SKII, given they’re all Japanese brands. SKII has an amazing (and very expensive) skincare products, and I love Shiseido and Maquillage’s powder foundations.
I was just browsing thru IG when I chanced upon the scheduled Beauty Class of Shu Uemura for those who will purchase 6k of their products. I became interested to join because even though I am a makeup junkie, I never had any teachings from a professional. So I went to ATC and bought some stuff so I could qualify. I bought a complete line of Tsuya skincare, and man, this line is impressive! I know my goal is to just qualify for the Beauty Class but I stumbled into something more. I have discovered the amazing products of Shu Uemura. (and no, I didn’t get paid to say this)
Even though Shu’s products are expensive, I am sincere to say they’re worth it. I highly recommend the Ultim8 cleansing oil. Shu is famous for its cleansing oils but the Ultim8 is the creme ala creme. And the Tsuya line (lotion, essence, emulsion, night cream) is pure heaven! I’m just using them for a week and I love them on my face! Really, what a surprise find. ❤️
The Beauty Class is just a bonus. I know my basic makeup but I learned more techniques from Shu Master Cats Del Rosario. Thanks to her and the rest of the Shu Beauty Team ATC for beautifying me and the other participant, Ms. Jackie.
Here are some of the highlights of my well spent afternoon.
leerenah 
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