Be Careful of What You Wish For

Another story about a very familiar quote, "Be careful of what you wish for", is Coraline. A story by Neil Gaiman, now turned into a movie by Henry Selick. Coraline is a girl who is bored with her family. Alone, ignored and lonely from having to move to a very plain and seemingly uninteresting town, she discovers a secret door that leads to a better version of her home where everyone - the neighbors, the pets and the parents are nicer and more exciting than the ones she had before. In this parallel world, everything seems perfect - its as if her wishes had come true but things turn scary when her "Other" parents, specifically her "Other" mother wanted to keep her in their world for good.

A story reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, its a story of trying to escape from the issues of the real world. In this "other" world, there are no pressures, no problems and the feeling of being loved and wanted is constant. You feel like everything is going your way and nothing can go wrong. Things get done without you having to break a sweat and people are at your beck and call. How wonderful, if places like Wonderland, Neverland and the "Other" world existed. But reality hits as hard and in this world, dreams may seem to only be achievable when we close our eyes and sleep.

I myself have wished to be blown away to these places whenever I felt like I'm neck-deep in problems and no one seems to understand or give a care. But in the end, I feel more depressed and disappointed because deep in my heart, I know that there is no such place, and that I won't be able to escape my concerns. But you know, even though its difficult to face your troubles, movies like, Coraline, remind you that a perfect world does not exist. Alice had to deal with the Red Queen trying to kill her, Peter is constantly hunted by the Captain Hook and the pirates and Coraline had to escape the "Other" mother. Perhaps wishing for a quick solution to your problems may lead you to even more trouble than you have begun with. That's why I believe in thinking twice when it comes to wishing. Unlike children, you don't think of the consequences but if you are an adult, its a whole new ball game. There is so much at stake when you make a wrong decision and one mistake can have a "domino-effect" that can make your life miserable and hopeless.

I want to say I have escaped my share of these wrong choices but I am after all still human and prone to mistakes so instead of just wishing for other worlds, dreaming of magical solutions, I turn to my own kind of escape, prayer. Silence and peace at the presence of God, I have never forgotten how many times I was recharged and comforted by just lifting my problems to Him. Though my problems remain after praying, I feel more hopeful that I can solve these issues with His help. By remembering His promises and feeling His love in the people that surround me, I get a new perspective and a new attitude that there is always a silver lining, that there is always sunshine after the rain and after I am reminded by that, "magic" starts to happen. I find solutions because my head is now clear of frustrations and negative thoughts.

I know that this life, obstacles, challenges, bad circumstances happen, even the people who you love and trust can betray and let you down, but be reminded that you are never alone. You can think that the whole world is against you and that nothing you do can make it all better, well, you're wrong. It's just a matter of having faith that God does not give you anything that you can't handle. He wants us to be brave and strong so that we can battle our personal demons and those of this world. Coraline could not escape the other world without first, battling head on the other mother, so we are not much different. We can't escape our troubles, we have to face them by ourselves but by first, getting help and being equipped with the right tools to confront our problems.

Don't worry, at first, it might seem impossible but remember, help comes to those who have faith and believe that there is always light at the end of dark tunnel.

Barney's Silly Sad Happy Mad Video

I know what you are going to say. "Eww, Barney? Isn't he the purple gay pedophile dinosaur?". I was a skeptic myself as to the effects of watching the silly antics of a weird purple mascot and I had doubts before letting my kid watch Barney but hey, if it works, then why not continue letting your children watch the Purple Dino?

I bought this first video of Barney in the hopes of introducing my son to bright colors and happy songs. Caleb has been watching this since he was a two month old baby. Perhaps you are wondering as to why I had to introduce my son to Purple Torture? Well, mothers always have the best interests of their child in mind and since my purpose was merely to have Caleb not be bored at home, this video did the trick.

It's colorful, entertaining, and there is a lot of movement. It helps to have 3 colorful giant looking stuffed toys dancing. The songs are a bit catchy too. Caleb, now an 8 month old baby, recognizes the songs like "Clean Up" and "Colors". He smiles when he hears the songs being sung to him. He never fails to pay attention whenever the video is setup. If you want to distract your little one, then this is a good video for him or her to watch.

Of course I plan to wean my son from the Purple Guy before he learns to love the creature and ask me to buy more videos but for now, I'm still enduring the "I Love You" song. If it Caleb is happy, then so am I.

Jonhson's Head to Toe Wash: A Review

My Caleb's first baby wash was Johnson's Head-to-toe Baby Wash. I had no idea of what my baby's wash products where going to be so I assumed the tried and tested Johnson's would be a good choice. And I was right.

First of let me tell you if you want that baby fresh scent then this is it. It has a mild, sweet and almost floral scent that leaves your baby smelling so nice, you just cannot resist hugging and kissing your son or daughter all day.

It's easy to use since you just need water, your hands or a washcloth to apply on your little one.

The same no-tears formula goes into this convenient baby wash, so you don't have to worry about the soapy lather getting into your darling's eyes.

It can be used as a shampoo and as a body soap. You don't need to reach for any other particular product during your baby's bath time. When I give my little one a bath, doing it alone might seem very difficult, especially if your young one reaches the more active stage, where he squirms a lot and weighs more than during the first months of life. I have a very heavy baby and preparing his things takes a lot of time and juggling. With Johnson's Baby Wash, all I need to prepare is the bath water, the bath towel and my son, (rubber duckie, optional). It takes me just a few minutes to have fun in the tub with my son.

The head and body wash is easy to wash off too. Thanks to this product bath is quick and easy.

One word of advice though, for those with newborn's and a case of hypersensitivity, I suggest you dilute the wash first then place it on a washcloth. The first time I used this on my son's face I applied it undiluted, on his head and face, he had a temporary reaction to it...As you can see, the tiny bumps on his forehead and cheeks. I had to have his pediatrician take a look. It wasn't serious or anything, thank God.

Anyway the product is still a winner for me and my baby. Check out the Johnson's link here to learn more about the product. http://johnsonsbaby.com/product.do?id=1

Human Meat Pies - A Review of Sweeney Todd

"Could I interest you in the worst pies in London?" - Mrs. Lovette

Appetizing or could this be the most disgusting thing you’ve ever heard? Well I blame myself for having been influenced by the movie, "Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".

For those of you who don’t know, Sweeney Todd is a dark tale of revenge, set in the 1840’s. Justice was a distant memory. Authorities abuse their powers and the commoners either resort to conformist living or take matters into their own hands. Accused of a crime he didn’t commit and torn away from his beloved wife and daughter, Depp stars as the vengeful barber, Sweeney, who returns to Fleet Street armed with his "friendly" razors he seeks the throat of the evil Judge Turpin, the one responsible for the ill-fate of Depp’s wife. During the process, he slashes unsuspecting and unfortunate customers looking for the "closest shave of their lives". Along for the ride isMrs. Lovette (Carter), the accomplice, who uses the corpses of the victims for her infamous, meat pies. What a truly dastardly pair! Honestly, fun to watch, if you love dark and gory musicals. But what can you expect from the director of Sleepy Hollow, Tim Burton?

"Seems a downright shame…seems an awful waste, such a nice plump frame, whats his name has had…has…
Seems an awful waste, i mean…with the price of meat what it is…when you get it, if you get it..could you got it?" - Mrs. Lovette

"Think about it."

Human Meat Pies - Why in the world would I ever consider that? Well maybe for some stroke of madness, I was thinking about it out of curiosity but then I didn’t mean eating it literally. It was a truth that was hard to swallow. The thought of it is inconceivable - if you’re one of the hypocrites who believe in a perfect world.

"Man devouring man out there. who are we to deny it in here…" - Sweeney Todd

When you put meaning into that verse, it’s been happening for decades and even centuries. I am appalled at our society. A solid example of this idea is the Crab Mentality of the Filipino Culture. Bringing down people for the sake of selfish desires to rise to the top. I doubt anyone has ever really admitted of doing this but we are all guilty. It is as common as the corrupt officials in our government. Whom I presume have resorted to this strategy to be in that position of power.

In my opinion, Todd’s case was not as taboo as people might think because like I’ve said if you conform to the ways of foolish people, you ignore the meaning of justice and no solutions can ever be made to solve a problem that was never addressed as one in the first place. Sweeney’s actions were something that served as an eye opener to the masses of his time. No one would have thought that a man of power, Turpin, hid behind the mask of righteousness and was in fact a demon in disguise. Only those who fell victim, with their silent screams, know of his treachery and they could not have done anything from beyond the grave. But here is a man, the dark barber, who was crazy enough to rage war against the oppressor.

Do not condemn me for justifying a murderer’s actions. Do not misunderstand me. I am merely voicing reflections on an issue plaguing our subconsious. I succumbed to thinking and this is the fruit of it. I have always tried to look into villain’s intentions and actions. It has been said that, "Villains are only misunderstood beings" and that is why I try to unlock the truth behind them.

The fact is murder is never a solution and we have never been given the right to judge people for their actions, but in fiction it is always presumed that the lead character in every play, movie, or story, can do pretty much what they want and that means going against reality, against the norm of what things are or else it would have been boring. Killing people just won’t solve anything. We imagine, we say things, we curse and we wish ill for the people who deserve to be killed - those who hate the current administration raise your hand. But we never pick up guns or knives to literally kill the person. We do nothing. And because of that attitude, our powerlessness - we turn blind, deaf and mute just to avoid the issue. To solve problems, to feel power, to do something, we resort to the very characteristic that we hated in the first place. "Nagpabayad, nanloko at nagsinungaling din tayo" - We corrupt ourselves as well.

Man eating man is like the saying "dog eat dog wor". Either eat or be eaten. That is the truth. Through the mistakes and the experiences of our early ancestors, we have learned nothing. It is sad but I am doing my part to change something here. I recognize the problem. And people such as writers, movie makers, artists, they let people know. If it wasn’t for the movie I saw I wouldn’t have been thinking about these things and now that I am. I am proud that I took time to consider this issue. I don’t want to conform anymore, instead of moping around and being a victim, instead of just bad-mouthing the people who cause us pain. I do my own thing. I believe. I have faith. Faith that someday, I know people will realize their ignorance. I pray for this moment. I pray for wisdom and I wait patiently and fulfill my role. I believe soon this madness will be over and we, the future generation, will reap the benefits.

The moral of the story…don’t be a cannibal. If you are tempted to take a bite of these so-called, "Human Meat Pies", refuse it. If you are not in a position to say no, taste but never swallow. Spit it out at once. Don’t be corrupted by what you see and think that other people do. "Mag-isip isip ka kaya muna?" (Why don't you think it over?)

A Filipino's First Winter

December of 2007. I consider myself blessed for being here in Wisconsin and experiencing what we Filipinos have never before seen in our entire lives in our warm and 2-season country - that is snow. Perhaps I, like so many others, enjoy the many firsts of being in a foreign land. The excitement of the first snow fall, the moments of anticipation and joy at the sight of falling snow flakes, thinking of capturing each second on camera and basking in the warmth of a heated home so as to escape Jack Frost’s whistle. I am glad to be here and yet I miss my homeland, despite the many discomforts, the people and the traffic, the thought of my family celebrating my success here and also the gift of Christmas is what fills my heart with joy during those moments of despair.

I am a newcomer and I have yet friends with whom I can share memories with and since I am working, I do not mind much. It is with the internet that I stay connected with what I call, a piece of my mind, a piece of my heart. For I have yet, to surrender my fondness for anime and the like. I check my email now and again, I post pictures of my "firsts" and then I go and search for countless things that pop into my head after a hard-day’s work. Ah, yes, work, the one thing I dread during my care-free student years, for I have been suffering a case of "Peter pan syndrome", wishing never to grow up and now, here I am, joining the planks of boring adults.

Rambling on and on about complaints I can never voice out, I sit in a corner of my room each night, contemplating my very reason of being here, and I stare outside my window, the neighbor’s house covered white glistening snow, I close my eyes and find myself in the embrace of my family and I don’t feel so lonesome and alone.

I love the snow, but like each snowflake, the joy of the white gold is just a fleeting moment in time. Give me the warmth of my country, the noise and the pollution, give me the lights of parols and the scent of bibingka, snow is just snow, but my Filipino family is what has been my driving force - their faith, their happiness and their love.

Weight Loss After Pregnancy

Weight loss had always been an objective of mine right after my pregnancy. After all those days of fattening up for the sake of my baby, it was finally my time to get back to my pre-pregnant weight. I started off with a weigh-in and a long look in the mirror. I had so many problem areas to deal with and I had a deadline to meet. I had psyched myself up to lose as much weight, the safest way before my son’s christening which was in 4 months time. Since all our friends and family will be attending, I had promised to look my best for that day.

I forgot to mention that during the entire pregnancy, I was pretty much in hiding, not because I was ashamed of how I looked but because I was very easily fatigued and the edema in my legs gave me a hard time walking for long distances. I was very much overweight during and right after giving birth and my road to recovery took longer than expected because I gave birth via C-section. Resuming daily activities and now, Mommy duties proved to be a herculean task for me. But still I was determined to not look like a mom and of course to be healthier and leaner for my age.

A big concern for would-be dieters who just had a baby is the breastfeeding. I must stress out that for breastfeeding mothers; it is a definite NO to dieting. Any type of alteration in a mother’s diet, directly affects the baby. And drastic weight loss leads to body fat being burned and turned into an excreted substance that is harmful to the baby. So how did I go about dieting then? It was an unfortunate yet inevitable choice for me. I had to stop breastfeeding after a month because of the demands of my work as well as the treatment I was undergoing through for a medical clearance which was also job-related. It was a sad decision but with this I had nothing to hold me back to start losing weight.

I grew up in a health-conscious family, which was an advantage for me because I get to eat vegetables and fruits almost everyday. The pantry was stocked with healthy options and I had no trouble following menus for certain diets. Yes, I had to start with decreasing my intake and eating the right kind of food. I wanted to try different “fab” diets but I was too weak to resist cheating on the menus and also most were too confusing to follow so I had to find one thing to give up and stick to it. I gave up eating carbs. I didn’t eat anything sweet, white, and starchy – that meant no rice, no bread, potatoes, and corn. If my family ate together, I ate small amounts of viand and drank lots of water. I ate only little portions of red meat. I didn’t eat junk food or drink soda. I didn’t eat at fast foods. I resisted eating sweets and dessert. A few days into my diet and I felt like I wanted scream. It was very difficult at first but eventually my body adapted. Every week I trained myself to eat as little as possible and only when I was very hungry. Coupled with daily exercise, an hour and a half’s worth of aerobics, I was finally getting a routine set.

A month of doing my routine, I didn’t notice much change. I kept weighing myself and in the end get very disappointed at only a few pounds lost. It was a good thing, my parents and my husband kept encouraging me. At that point, I thought I should’ve just given up, but I persevered. My patience and endurance for resisting good food were put to the test almost everyday. It didn’t help coming from a family who loves good food and I also have very good parents who can cook up such delicious and mouthwatering goodness during every meal. I was very deprived during my weight loss journey.

After a few more weeks of doing my routine and focusing on taking care of my baby, I finally noticed my shirts and pants getting loose. I could wear my old clothes again. I could feel my body getting lighter, and I had more energy. I felt good. People started to notice and I couldn’t believe it. It was because at this point, I stopped looking at the weighing scale for fear of being disappointed once again. After 3-4 months of diligence, I weighed myself that day before my son’s christening. Lo and behold, I lost 39 pounds amazingly enough, and I managed to lose that much with the method I chose. My friends and family gave me such good feedback that I really am very proud of my achievement. My husband too, he couldn’t help but ogle at how good I looked during the celebration. I really am so happy I found the strength and diligence to stick to my diet and exercise routine. So, from a huge 182.6 lb weight to a fair and fit 143 lbs, its safe to say that diet and exercise definitely work and people who support and encourage you during the process, play an important role to keep you motivated. If I can do it, so can you!

Welcome to Motherhood

When does being a mother start for a woman? Is it at the time you missed your period? Is it the second your pregnancy test reads positive? Is it the first visit to your OB-GYN? Or is it only at that point when you hold that precious bundle of joy in your arms for the very first time? For me, it started that night when I told my husband that I wanted to be a mother. It was a joint decision for us, since it definitely was a huge step for any couple. I didn’t have any regrets and at that time I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. But despite having a very good grasp of reproductive and women’s health, experiencing the whole process throws whatever stock knowledge you have into disarray.

It’s the whole nine-month waiting period, wherein for every mother the only thing that mattered was the health and well-being of their developing baby. It’s true that there’s a lot of material that helped in understanding what’s going on but to be honest, no matter how many books you read, no matter how prepared you think you are, each pregnancy is different, each experience unique in its own little way. I have proven most of the information to be either true or not applicable in my own situation.

Let me tell you, it was an emotional, psychological, and physical rollercoaster for me. The physical part was very obvious since the characteristic trait of a pregnant woman is the big belly. The inevitable weight gain was definitely a very big deal to me – but its safe to say that even if you’re not pregnant, your weight matters a lot. From a weight of 65kgs, I weighed a whopping 83kgs during my ninth month. It really felt like I was carrying a very big person inside of me. I kept wondering how my husband could stand to look at me since I got so huge and so ugly with all the darkened areas, and don’t get me started with all those stretch marks and cellulite. I couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror.

Now comes the emotional part. Oh boy, the mood swings were terrible. I felt sorry for the people around me especially my husband. I cried about every little thing. I got mad about trivial things, I was almost always in a foul mood and I would get overly depressed or emotional over things that normally wouldn’t have ignited a simple, “meh” or “huh” from me. I was almost impossible to console when I’m having a tantrum or hissy fit. I always found something to argue about and I easily get mad with my husband, my parents, or my in-laws for the simplest reasons.

Psychologically speaking, I was a mess. I was stressed and utterly almost always on the edge of insanity. A lot of things kept crossing my mind with each passing minute of every day, week and trimester. I kept myself busy thinking about the baby, the cost, my job, my husband, my family, my health, the bills, literally everything that I usually trouble myself with plus the concerns accompanying the would-be addition to our family. I would space out and stare off at a distance just thinking about how to handle each and everything once I was about to give birth.

I was sure I wouldn’t be able to handle it since another problem I had was that my husband was away most of the time doing overtime and doing his best to save up as much as he could in preparation for our baby. This meant a lot of time I was going crazy was spent without the most important person in my life. I would often talk to my unborn baby to voice out my sadness and frustration, but I guess it was a definite blessing for me that we still managed to see each other and be together during those critical moments that I was feeling so helpless and alone even for a few days at a time. I was grateful I had family and friends visit me during the very difficult moments. Throughout the entire span of the pregnancy, I could sum up the ordeal as unpleasant since I was definitely agonized and shocked by all the changes. I was never really prepared for anything. But after those whole nine months, my entire perception was changed. At that moment in the delivery room, when I was so close to feeling like I was going breathless, the sound I heard was the most important and unforgettable sound I have ever heard. At that second, time stood still and every nasty feeling that I had, every worry, every concern seemed to have magically disappeared - that moment I had heard my baby’s cry. God’s perfect blessing our lives was born that morning, healthy and perfect.

It was then that I was truly welcomed into the ranks of motherhood. The whole process was indeed arduous and paved with pain and worry but every mother knows that the reward is beyond any measure, the moment you hold that precious newborn baby in your arms for the very first time. I knew everything was worth it, and at that time nothing else mattered but the feel of his tiny hand grasp my finger, the throb of his fluttering heart and the warmth of his body against my breast. I was now a mother.