Alektorophobia and Ornithophobia

Although I didn't really look for a definition of such fear, I came upon an article in my husband's Medical Observer magazine about Alektorophobia - the fear of live chicken.

Yes. I am afraid of these farmyard critters. If you want to torture me, simply leave me in an empty room with only one chicken (or chick) and I will surely die of fear.

On second thought, I not only fear live chickens but all sorts of feathered creatures. I will refuse even the most expensive of birds so dealing with pigeons in Europe (given that I will visit the continent in my lifetime) will be an extra challenge for me. Therefore, my fear could probably be classified as Ornithophobia - fear of birds.

According to Mednet.com, Ornithophobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of birds. Sufferers from ornithophobia experience undue anxiety about encountering and even being attacked by birds although they may realize their fears are quite irrational.

In terms of anxiety level, let's just say that I don't go wild at the sight of them but, as I said, I cannot be left alone in a room with any feathered creature.

Ondoy

Someone mentioned to me a while back that it is our obligation to help those affected by typhoon Ondoy. I agree completely.

An acquaintance lost his belongings in the flood. I am not sure if he was able to go home since Ondoy. Last time I heard, he was living at his aunt's place, with only a few clothes in his gym bag. I'm still waiting for an update re his situation. My ex-boss lost her house to the flood - the material things she worked hard for as well as family memorabilias. My aunt's entire 1st floor area was submerged in water. Relatives of ours, who are not well-off, still have mud in their house. I'm sure you personally know people who had a bad Ondoy story.

The tragedy that passed affected impoverished people as well as the middle and upper class. We could have been one of them and we would have been grateful for any help extended to us.

I went to mass on September 27 (the day after Ondoy) and asked God to have mercy on the flood victims. God answered me, and it was so clear; He said, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON THEM THROUGH YOU." I believe it is a message for everyone.

Let us remember how blessed we are to have been spared from the problems brought about by the typhoon.

Let's try our best to help those affected through our community or through any other organization.

Our blessings are meant to be shared.

Early Booking Boink

The holidays are fast approaching. I can feel it in the air. I can feel it everytime I look at the calendar.

BER - the last syllable in the last four remaining months of the year - also means that I have to start making travel plans to my hometown, Davao. We either spend Christmas or New Year there. This year, it's going to be Christmas.

Booked our flights early this time to avoid expensive travel cost that is usually a result of late decision-making. I was able to get really good return flight rates from a small but legitimate travel agency a few weeks back. When I finally booked our departure tickets last week, guess what happened? A few minutes after completing my online booking, I received an e-mail announcement from the airline about promo fares - half the price!!!!

The e-mail made me a little dizzy. Anyway, I contacted the airline and, based on computation, cancelling the flights and re-booking won't be worth it.

So if you're interested to go to around the Philippines between 1 November to 31 December 2009, visit your travel agency and check the promo rates from Cebu Pacific or visit their website http://www.cebupacificair.com/. Last day for booking is today, 12 October 2009.

(Logo courtesy of http://www.cebupacificair.com/)

Prep Camp in BF Homes, Las Pinas

In searching for a toddler school, what do you look for?

Aside from making sure that we get our money's worth with the standard of education the institution provides and, of course, the security, we are very particular about cleanliness. The classrooms should be bright and uncluttered. The restrooms should smell fresh. The playground equipment should be free from rust and the grass always mowed. The teachers should look neat and pleasant.

After visiting a few schools in our neighborhood we decided to enroll our 2 year old in Prep Camp. It's all a first-time mommy could ever want in a school for her toddler. If there's one word that comes to mind when I think about Prep Camp, it's "immaculate." It's all of the above and I have to say that we are extremely satisfied.

Prep Camp is located along Tropical Avenue in BF Homes, Las Pinas City. The school has been in existence for about 20 years and some of the teachers have been with them for 10 to 15 years. Toddler classes are being facilitated by 2 teachers and one assistant. No nannies or parents are allowed inside the classrooms during class hours to encourage independence. The classrooms are air-conditioned and is cleaned almost after every activity. They have a manicured lawn where children can play with safe playground equipment. Just as their website says, they created the school to be an extension of the home.

Of course, something this perfect doesn't come cheap. The tuition fee is quite pricey. How much? Let's just say that some my little girl's classmates have body guards. However, payment is on a monthly basis and I think we have an option for a 3-day school week. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth it.

Ever since our daughter entered Prep Camp last August, there have been a lot of exciting developments. She loves school and is always excited to show me her stamps.

For now, we're sticking with Prep Camp until it's time for her to go to big school or until we feel that the tuition fee creates a dent on our monthly budget, whichever comes first. :)

For more information about Prep Camp, visit http://www.prepcamp.edu.ph.

Roseola Virus

First-time parents like myself learn a lot of things as our kids grow up.

A couple of months ago, I was so stressed with worry because my little one had an on/off fever. I was scared that it might be dengue so we had her blood tested twice. However, her pediatrician assured us, after looking at the laboratory results, that it was not dengue.

Her fever persisted for five days and it was replaced by rashes on the sixth day. Of course, the first thing that entered my mind was measles...and I was pregnant! I texted her pediatrician once I noticed the rashes and he called at once. When I described the rashes to him he told me not to worry because it wasn't measles and, again, it wasn't dengue.

What was it?

Since we weren't satisfied with a diagnosis thru phone, we brought her to the pediatrician's clinic for the nth time (since her fever started) and showed him the rashes. He immediately identified the illness as Roseola Virus. Hubby and I looked at him blankly. What in the world was Roseola Virus? Apparently, it was normal (yes, normal) for toddlers and infants to catch the virus.

According to http://www.essortment.com/, "Roseola is a generally a non-eventful childhood illness. Once it has run its course, it goes away with out any further complications." Our pedia said that the rashes usually come out after the 5th day of fever or when the fever is gone.

Our pediatrician just prescribed us with Ibuprofen to control the fever and prevent seizure.

It was one learning experience that I will not forget soon. I realized then that I should trust our pediatrician more. He has good credentials and a lot of satisfied patients.

As for our little girl, I have to say that we're blessed with a strong kid. She didn't show any signs of fear when blood was extracted from her fingers. She didn't even flinch. In fact, she even looked on as the medical technologist was conducting the procedure. She's just like her mommy. :)

ACT LIKE A LADY / THINK LIKE A MAN by Steve Harvey

My brother gave me a belated birthday present which I received yesterday. It's a book by Steve Harvey (who, by the way, I don't really know) entitled Act Like A Lady / Think Like a Man. It's supposed to give women insight on "What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment." Sort of a play book for women to understand men. Mind you, it's a #1 New York Times Bestseller.

I'm only on the second chapter of the book and I already find it more entertaining than informative. There are points in the book that I can't help but share here in my blog.

1. No matter if a man is a CEO, a CON, or both, everything he does is filtered through his title (who he is), how he gets that title (what he does), and the reward he gets for the effort (how much he makes).

2. Encoded in the DNA of the male species is that we are to be the provider and the protector of the family, and everything we do is geared toward ensuring we can make this happen.

3. Even more, we want to feel like we're number one.

4. Because in his world, he's being judged by other men, based on who he is, what he does, and how much he makes. That affects his mood.

5. His eye will be on the prize, and that prize may not necessarily be you if he isn't up where he wants to be in life.

6. Chapter 2: Our Love Isn't Like Your Love

7. I'm just saying that a man's love is different - much more simple, direct, and probably a little harder to come by.

8. If your man loves you, he's willing to tell anybody and everybody, "Look, man, this is my woman" or "this is my girl," "my baby's mama," or "my lady." In other words, you will have a title - an official one that far extends beyond "this is my friend," or "this is ___________ (insert your name here)."

9. And a man who truly loves you would never makey ou ask for money for necessities - he would make sure that you need and mostly want for nothing,...

10. ...a man - a real one, anyway - wants to feel needed.

I shall read the book some more and share some more points soon.

Newlyweds@work

I'm part of this wonderful e-group called newlyweds@work where moms and wives (sometimes husbands and dads) share tips, information, experiences, worries and other things. Although most of them are faceless, it's great to be part of a group that you can "run to" when you need advice, opinion, help or prayers.

Females usually have a lot to say about marriage and parenthood so it's not a surprise that the active members are moms and wives. From conception to childbirth, from diaper brands to choice of school, from house loans to choosing furniture, from intimacy to infidelity; name it and I assure you that it has been discussed at some point in the e-group. Those of us who have online stores even advertise our business in the e-group. For some, it has become some sort of support.

Our mothers didn't have this kind of privilege and access to so much information. Their life would have been a lot easier, not to mention interesting.

Technology has a positive and negative side to it. This e-group is definitely on the plus side. I'm glad I found it.

Cory In My Life

Let me talk about Cory Aquino and how her death has affected me.

When I learned that she had colon cancer I felt sad because it reminded me of a close aunt who passed away due to a colon disease. More than that I knew that only a miracle could cure colon cancer...even though Mrs. Aquino was a person worthy of divine healing.

When she passed away during the first week of August, I cried. Of course, nobody saw me because I did it while I was in the shower. The tears were for her, for her family, for the country and for the many memories that her death brought back...

I was in kindergarten in Davao during the dictatorship and I could never forget seeing dead men on the roadside, on the public highway where we passed going to school in the morning. "Salvage" was a common word in Davao city and I remember hearing adults saying "curfew". I didn't understand what Marshall Law meant then.

Cory Aquino's death reminded me of my happy childhood and of loved ones who are long gone - my wonderful maternal grandmother, a beloved aunt, cousins, my school.

Although away from EDSA, I could remember the yellow ribbons made of glossy, stretchy material that we - yes - tied on trees. I remember the Ninoy shirts and the relief on adult family members' faces when the dictator was gone. But I especially remember the time when Mrs. Aquino's helicopter landed on our school's field for her Davao visit. Did I see her? I know I did but I don't remember how she looked.

Cory Aquino also meant my first airplane ride. It was right after the EDSA Revolution when my parents decided to bring me and my brother to Manila (also for the first time). Part of our itinerary was to visit Malacanang Palace and that was an experience that I would cherish until this day. It's just unfortunate that cameras were not allowed in the palace but it would have been so great to have photos of Ferdinand Marcos' room, the golden toilet and bath, Imelda's shoes and jewelry, the beautiful paintings and statues.

It was only when I grew older that I realized how much I valued the democracy that Ninoy died for and Cory fought for. They loved the Philippines so much that they sacrificed time with their children. They loved their fellowmen so much that they fought for what they believed in until each one's end.

Cory's son, Noynoy, was asked about the family trial that they had to face during their mother's demise. I don't remember the exact words but he said something about growing up with trials in their life. I thought, that's what he remembers about growing up - the trials. How hard it must have been. And yet the Aquino children do not harbor any ill feelings toward their parents or their country. In fact, they continue to serve the very people who have stolen their parents time from them. This was the reason why allowed tears to flow for Cory Aquino and her family.

I thank Cory (and Ninoy) for believing in the Filipinos when we, ourselves, did not, for the prayers she said for the country and especially for sacrificing time with her beloved children to serve the Filipino people.

Back to Blogs

After a long hiatus from blogging, I'm back in the blogging world again. A lot of things have happened since my last entry....

1. Cory Aquino passed away
2. Smart finally gave me my new (retention) cellphone - E63
3. My little girl now attends toddler school every day
4. We went to Davao for another holiday last July
5. Househunting has been one of my favorite pastimes recently

I'm sure there are a lot of other things that I don't remember (my alibi: epidural) right now but will probably blog about in the next few days.

Oh, by the way, there's one more thing that happened - I got pregnant with Baby # 2.

SARAT...Our 100% Pinoy Online Store

ECOMARKET @ Market! Market!

Friends of ours opened shop at Market! Market! in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Aptly named ECOMARKET, their store offers all-natural products that WON'T make you feel like you're contributing to global-warming.

I meant to blog about it before they opened but didn't find the time to do it in March.

Let's Go Green! and visit ECOMARKET!

"ECOMARKET is your one-stop shop for earth-friendly everyday products... from household care to personal care... from mommy-care to baby care. We proudly carry your favorite brands like Messy Bessy, INDIGObaby, Leyende, Planet Noah, and Victoria."

Possible Impact of LBC Ad

Teacher: Spell "remittance."

Student: Ma'am, L-B-C!!!!