the toddler phase

Now that it's December, the prams are upon us. Too many prams in the shopping centre just today at midday, as I was in a rush to procure presents for kids in my circle.

On Friday, (minus the pram), I brought my toddler to the centre, hoping she would behave. We were made to vanish while her dad was dusting and hoovering. It was a nightmare, my sweet two year old couldn't yet comprehend the concept of "no touch, no screams, just look." This phase of "lying on the floor" in protest when she doesn't get what she wants is not amusing. Nor is her screaming non-stop. For the screeching noise, I got dagger looks in the bus.

Children grow up as DR (who's DR?) pointed out to me in September (childcare issues, wth?). But this page and the paragraph above is for keeps, as next time next year she'll be more prudent and won't just choose all the pink dresses in her wardrobe.

nobody will read that.....

I love the world of reading. And writing. Yesterday, I heard a comment in the middle of work elucidating that nobody reads blogs. In this ever changing, improving world where certain media is obsolete, where we have choices, whether we prefer print or the internet, I say to the commenter, you're not only archaic, you yourself is obsolete. I no longer buy newspapers when certain ones are being distributed for free. Likewise, what's the point in parting with the pennies to gain access to a media paywall? There are other outlets that provide insights and analysis without the hassle of handing over cash. There are also better views and news in blogs than most media outlets.

Sometimes after daily encounters with some really chosen people, perspective is easy to absorb. Those of who have never been exposed to poverty and hardships, been spoiled and selfish all their lives and feel that the world owe them special favours and privileges need to really look into their inner self and travel to third world countries and see the machinery of a government that don't care about its people. Trying to gain understanding about those who have so much less in life in countries we sometimes deny their existence will make us better persons.

But people are most of the times ingrained and embedded in their beliefs. If they think they should be the first and foremost in the competition of life, so be it, go write and read in your paper.

trifle

thanks to Pappy. 💜

wants vs. being far away

What I really want to do is watch T'yanak in Bacolod. I miss going to the movies in general though. It has been years.

old movies, ok.

I couldn't find any shows on the telly to watch regularly unless you count endless repeats of Micky Mouse Clubhouse and Peppa Pig as mainstream tv. I know there are loads out there. I missed an entire season of The Great British Bake Off due to lack of time, energy and I'd rather sleep. I still feel I need more sleep especially in this weather.

But after 1900 hours or during those quiet downtime before bed, I've come across viewings of a few Pinoy classics (as I define the word) -- Working Girls (Bernal, 1984), 14 Going Steady (Gosiengfiao, 1984), Friends in Love (Garcia, 1983). All three films I've seen in real time. I was eight when Sharon, Rowell, William, Jackie showed the world the gorgeous and fascinating lives of young people to the manor born. In the movie they clearly have manners. They have nice clothes. They go to the school for the rich.

Just recently I've decided to relive the all too eloquent speech of Sandy (Sharon, again) to her parents in Forgive and Forget (Garcia, 1982). Or actually I just want to see Nida Blanca and Nestor De Villa dance that routine at the end. I mean, Wow! The stars of a bygone era were just simply marvelous. They could cry copious tears in dramatic moments and dance and sing like magic in the finale.

fever, colds ...

It's such a puzzle for me, the way I embrace exhaustion with such flourish. Wouldn't it be nice to be relaxed and pampered once in a while? When you have a toddler and it's just you and the husband taking turns running after her, soothe those screams .... it's a delicate situation.

What about child minders? I'm not a sociable person so a paid person is not conducive to my personality while my friends are all busy working.

Whilst members of family on both sides are not based in London.

So it's only mummy and daddy for my tiny tot and the two days tweety bird spends at nursery. The three of us are managing as long as we don't develop a cold and get confined to bed.

As it happened a few days ago, my sweetie was so hot for three straight nights. She has never been that sick so far. If only she was not refusing sponge bath, the brat. But eventually, after much worrying on my part, she gained back her normal body temperature. The lesson is that kids test your fortitude and makes you worry, worry, worry. They also fake-cry and throw tantrums as if adults easily succumb to manipulations.

a boost, yes a boost

I shouldn't blame my rambunctious, sweet little girl for my lackadaisical attitude. But the pile of clothes don't get ironed by themselves, the floor still needs hoovering, etc., etc. I find it already hard to move my muscle when my tiny albeit cute, daughter runs around every where, wreaking havoc in every corner. However as one annoying elderly once told those within hearing distance, once children grow and they can take care of themselves. Do they really, now?

Navigating the tumultuous seas is never easy, not having the time for yourself, not having friends... I'm stuttering in mid-sentence.