Kookie's days

Storage for my Girls' Kikay Stuff

2011-11-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Having three girls/toddlers also means having more than two hands full of clips, headbands, ponytail holders and whatever thing that can hold, curl, tie, hold back and style their hair. And we're not yet talking about sunnies, earrings, bracelets, etc., yet! I posted in my groups of newlyweds and moms, asking for suggestions on how to store these things, especially headbands. I'm so glad I got a few ideas here and there, and thought how it would work best with how I organize things.

There was the idea to stack headbands by looking for a cylindrical container, jazz it up and have the bands be on top of the other. I liked that but I feared that it would still be messy if it were standing up. Plus the cylindrical containers I thought of were oatmeal and Planters--oatmeal is good but I'd need at least two or three of them and thats a lot of oatmeal. Having that much Planters too would mean too much junk food!

Then the husby and I went to Greenbelt yesterday and I just had to go to the Japanese Home Center where everything was either PhP88, 66 or 99. I saw some baskets that I knew could hold headbands. What I didn't expect was that they were a little too big. Anyway, I didn't want to waste the baskets, so I thought of tying a ribbon (thats all I had at home) taut, to make sure that if I hang the hairbands, it will not droop.

Since I was already in the mood to fix things, I decided to fix the clips as well. I had existing baskets with bigger divisions and bought a few more from Japan Home. Gathering the ideas I got, I had this gift/decor ribbon, an extra from the ribbons I used for our wedding game almost seven years ago. Most of the ideas from the net used grossgrain and although I love grossgrain ribbon, I just decided to use this purple-wired ribbon. I just clipped all the clips, organized them into clips, small clamps and even smaller clips.

The inspiration I got from was that the clipped ribbons were to be bounded on a canvass board then hung. I preferred everything in boxes so I just rolled them and put inside one of the dividers in the baskets.

All (actually not all as I still have to search for others as I'm sure there are a lot more lying around the house!) the clips, clamps and other headbands in baskets....

They're stack-able too!Not perfect but it can do in small spaces :)

All together.. I need at least one more of the headband basket as the one on the extreme right is just a shoebox that I used for now...

Next up - all the toys! Wish me luck - that I dont get tempted to just throw everything away out of frustration! Hehehe :)

Excellent Customer Service, please!

2011-06-28T02:31:00.000-07:00

I’m guessing that our stars are not aligned this week as Adrian and I have had to face several customer service issues. I do not know if people have just become passive and dismissive when it comes to doing their job well, if there is an increase in the “bahala na” attitude and for that, it really pisses us off.

My first case – dealing with UPS. They are supposed to be a global company with a worldwide reach. So asking them to pick up items from Sioux Falls, SD, USA should not be a problem, right? Our request for a rush pick up was not even acted upon as 29 days from our request, our items were still in SD when I thought that they were already in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! To think that this was going to be our first transaction with them!

Adrian’s case – He brought our car to the service to have the bumper repainted (due to a bumper change), a second time. Upon checking, the colour matching was still wrong, and worse, it wasn’t finished well. It looked like it was rushed and the “bahala na; baka hindi naman mapansin” attitude seemed to prevail from the service technicians. To think that the car has been there for two weeks already, not counting the first time we had it fixed.

Then I don’t want to elaborate on the lawyer that had a defeating attitude on our air-tight case... And the bank’s new policy on deposits that signatories have to sign/endorse each and every check for deposit (what if we had collections nationwide? We have to send the check to Manila to be signed/endorsed??)… And another bank’s customer service hotline that doesn’t seemed to be literally “hot” as we were passed several times, just for someone to understand our problem! All these happened in less than a week!

I have been in the service industry for many years and have “retired” to help the family businesses which are still service-oriented, albeit offering a different product altogether. I have always made sure that my clients are happy, informed (on anything! Whether there may be delays or advances) and satisfied. I keep on wondering why these customer service issues happen to ME – am I supposed to “understand” these things? Is it an opportunity to correct the person who made the error? Am I supposed to practice extreme patience and hope that it will correct itself?

Anyone who knows me and has worked with me knows very well that I do not take these things lightly. Susugod ako kung kailangang sumogod. If I need to send a compliant email to the Head of customer relations, copy furnish the President, I will. Several times I have raised my voice and I always thought it to be justified. If you were a friend or a colleague that I had raised my voice to, you’ll know its just temporary and I’ll be sugary sweet and toasting the next glass of wine to your name the next time we meet.

Customer service’s basic tenant is to be able to do your job right and that is to make sure that your clients’ expectations are set and the products are delivered. I believe that all relationships are service/client oriented and this is not limited to the service industries. It applies to basic, everyday, interchangeable, relationships.

For example, employee and employer – employee is the “client” of the employer when the employer makes sure that the employee gets his wages on time and has a comfortable workplace. The employer is the client when the employee makes sure that he works well and gives revenues to the employer.

Parent and child: The child is the “client” when the parent makes sure that his needs are met, his is put into excellent schools; Parent is the “client” when the child makes sure that he is obedient and studies well, to please his parents.

My point is, service and excellent service should be ingrained in each and every one of us. I suppose it should come down to one’s respect for others. If one had respect for the well being of our ”customers” on a day-to-day, on all relationships, then there will be less complaints. Its just sad and disappointing that most people nowadays, do not even think of others. Have we been too self-centered? Or am I just grown up to see more self-centered persons in the world?

I just hope that we start being more of a “man for others” (pardon me from quoting from “Ateneo”) and striving to do one’s work well. Growing up, it was ingrained in me that one had to offer one’s work, deeds, words and actions to God and that means doing it in the best possible way. You don’t offer something half-baked or done half-heartedly. It becomes your “prayer” to God. This is not written to be a religious piece, rather it also tells the practicality of the advice – if you do you work well, there will be less mistakes, less complaints, and all will live harmoniously.

I just hope that it’s that easy. But it’s something nice to impart to our children. Then hope that they all learn from it.

Shoes!

2011-06-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Bags or shoes? I think every woman is addicted to one or both! When my friends at Bolso Manila asked what was my 5 essential pairs, it was so difficult to just limit the list to five. Buying shoes is always a "necessary" thing - I want jellies as its rainy season... I want sandals as its sunny.... I need new flipflops as we're going to the beach... I wear black pumps to office everyday, I cant have just 2 pairs!... I dont have flats, all my pairs are at least 3 inches!.... So on and so forth...

Anyway, just to answer the five "essential pairs", here goes my list :)I know its super incomplete!

1) Black pumps - essential for work (especially those in the corporate world) and can take one from day to night. Ideally around 3 inches (or more!) -- "power heels", hehe

2) Flats - I prefer those with at least half an inch in height. Being a mom to toddlers, running after them in heels might just cause injury to the Mommy!

3) Strappy sandals - if one would like to feel sexy this would be it. Can be low (perfect for those after-pedicure sessions) or high (can be worn at a night out or just because!)

4) Nude, skin tone heels - long legs. No need to explain further.

5) Wedges - Because heels can be tiring... and if you're invited to a garden party, there will be no fear of sinking!

How about you? Or *horror* I wonder what my girls would answer in a few years when faced with the same question?? :)

Gaya gaya

2010-08-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Adrian's carino is to give names or taglines to everyone. He has already started to ingrain this personality to our daughters by having them answer to this line that goes, "Ang nanay mong....?" which should be replied as "Mataba!" (Of course the little innocent Elissa and Katrisse do not fully understand yet what that means...

So this, supposed funny, exchange happens throughout the day, any day, whenever Daddy Adrian remembers to say it out and if the girls are around.

One fine evening, as I was on the computer, I saw Katrisse peering over Lia's crib who seemed to be chanting, "ang nanay mong...? ang nanay mong...? ang nanay mong...?"

Surprised Mommy Karla had to ask Katrisse "are you saying that to Lia?"

"Yes," Katrisse says.

"And what did Lia say?", I ask.

"Mataba!"

I think I need to talk to Adrian about this!!!

Can you count like that??

2010-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

It is Elissa's Linggo ng Wika and they have been encouraged to speak in the national language, learn songs in Filipino and yesterday, played Filipino games in school. Yaya Miriam asked me to have Elissa count in Filipino as she seems to have a different set of numbers... So I told her "Eli, lets count! Isa....."

Elissa (with a smirk on her face): "Isa.... Tico... Benny.... Dora...."

Um, I didn't realize that Dora and friends could be numbers!

Katrisse and Doggie

2010-07-21T03:02:00.001-07:00

Doggie is a stuffed toy dog puppet that Ninang Faith gave Katrisse on her second birthday. Katrisse fell in love with Doggie from the start and she never left home or slept without her (yes, Doggie is claimed to be a girl). Just to know how much she loves Doggie, here are some anecdotes:

One night, while praying before going to bed, Katrisse says : “God bless, Daddy, Mommy, Ate Elissa, Katrisse, Baby Lia, Doggie, Yaya Miriam,....” (now we know the hierarchy in the family)

One morning before leaving for school, she goes in the room and kisses her Dad and says “bye, Daddy”, then “bye Mommy” (kisses Mommy Karla), then goes around the bed, finds Doggie at the foot of the bed, “bye Doggie *mwah*” ... Gives Doggie a short but sweet peck J

Katrisse claims to be the Mommy of “baby” Doggie. In fact, she even puts Doggie in the stroller and walks her around.

Adventures of Doggie

One afternoon the girls went with Poppop to the farm. They stayed in the house in the farm and when it was time to go home, Doggie was left behind. Katrisse was insistent that they fetch Doggie so Poppop had to turn back and pick her up.

On the flight back home from the US, Elissa and Katrisse travelled only with Wawa. They left Doggie in the airplane and had to ask the ground crew to get in touch with the plane crew to find Doggie. Thankfully he was found.

Doggie was left behind one Sunday in Ayala Hillside and Mommy Karla had asked Finina to bring Doggie to Alabang with Auntie Finina. Thinking that Katrisse did not look for Doggie, she did not rush that it be brought home. However, when it was time to sleep, Katrisse was looking for Doggie saying “I want my Doggie, Mommy... I miss Doggie” then buries her face in her hands then starts sobbing, over and over again... Needless to say, Daddy Adrian and Mommy Doggie drove to Finina’s house at almost 10PM, just to bring Doggie home.

The next day, Elissa and Katrisse went with Poppop and Wawa to Greenhills and ate at Savory Chicken. Because she placed Doggie on the chair, they all forgot Doggie and went home. Although Katrisse wasn’t crying that night, she was continually “chanting” “I miss Doggie.... I want to fetch Doggie...” to sleep. Daddy and Mommy had to make the trip to Greenhills the next day which made Katrisse very happy.

In just a year, Doggie has probably done more than the average teddy bear. On road trips and airplane rides, parties and doctor’s visits, grocery and mall hoppings, in school and even in church, she has been Katrisse’s constant companion almost on a daily basis. I don’t know how long will Mommy and Daddy keep on “rescuing Doggie” from the lost and found but one thing’s for sure – she is well loved.

Katrisse and Doggie

2010-07-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

One night, while praying before going to bed, Katrisse says : “God bless, Daddy, Mommy, Ate Elissa, Katrisse, Baby Lia, Doggie, Yaya Miriam,....” (now we know the hierarchy in the family)

Katrisse claims to be the Mommy of “baby” Doggie. In fact, she even puts Doggie in the stroller and walks her around.

Adventures of Doggie

Growing Up

2010-04-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Mommy Karla: Katrisse, do you want to be a doctor?

Katrisse: No!

Mommy Karla: What do you want to be?

Katrisse: A mom!

:)

Im Not Alone!

2010-04-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Elissa, at 4, has already started to reason out. This was her conversation with her Ninang, just last Sunday:

Ninang Yssa: Eli! Come on! Let's dress up na for mass!

Elissa: *pout* No! I am not going to mass!

Ninang Yssa: Whaaat? come on! Wowo and Mamita are going to mass! Auntie Bea, Auntie Guia, Ate Luz, and Ninang are all going to mass! We will leave you alone here sige ka.

Elissa: Mmmmno. I won't be alone.*holds up Mr. Rabbit* Because Mr. Rabbit will be with me, also Pikachu, and chicken, and..(names all the stuffed toys she was playing with over the weekend) So...no. I will not be alone. I will not go to mass.

And the Ninang just stared :D

I can actually imagine Yssa now.. hehehe...

Magic Word

2010-04-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation with Katrisse (she just turned two at this time) which went like this:

Katrisse - "Mommy open!!!" (her bottle)
Karla - "What's the magic word?"
Katrisse - "Hocus Pocus!"

Oo nga naman. Magic yun eh!

Funny Faces

2010-04-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

Kids just know what to say at the right time.

My pregnancy with Amelia was quite stressful. To make a long story short, I was just out of my comfort zone, Amelia was going to be delivered prematurely and Adrian was just not around when I give birth.

One time, I was in an 'emotional state' when 2y.o. Katrisse went up to me and said, "I'm here, Mom. Its ok' :')

And at another time, Elissa came up to me and said, "Mom, I'll make a funny face! " (to make me happy) then she and Katrisse just made several funny faces....

Needless to say, it made me much better :)

Resurrected Blog!

2010-04-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

Because it is the Easter season, I have decided to revive my blog and to immortalize the things that my daughters are going through, especially their witty one liners. These are stories that you enjoy saying at that moment and it would be nice to read them, years later, when they're all grown up. Plus, the last time I revived this blog was when I gave birth to Katrisse... Now that we have an addition to our family, Amelia Marie, I think it is high time for me to start this again, at least just for the kids...

Hopefully, you'll see more posts the coming days ;)

Care to blog-hop?

2008-10-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

Yssa posted at her Multiply her latest webcamming session with my girls... Check it out!

http://ychika.multiply.com/photos/album/37/While_Mommy_Karlas_away...

A Baking Weekend

2008-09-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

One thing that I look forward to when I have my own kitchen is to be able to bake goodies with my girls and for my girls. (Okay, the husby can also have some, hehehe)... One weekend, with all the eggs the we gave to my folks, I decided to bake. Yssa suggested that I make cupcakes (with her tried and tested super yummy and sinfully rich recipe) and I'd have Elissa help by putting on the sprinkles...

Cupcakes while cooling

It's actually nice to have Elissa do this as aside from it being an activity that would help enhance her fine motor skills and improve concentration ...

its definitely a bonding moment for us

I hope that we do this more often... With Katrisse, perhaps?

Eli.... want to taste?

Finished cupcakes with Elissa's sprinkes

Papasa na bang Nigella Lawson? Hehehe...

Kat's New Leggings

2008-09-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Kat's yaya has always requested that I get leggings for Katrisse. I don't know if she just wanted to go along the latest fashion trend but I also wanted to veer away from the usual jeans (although kids look so cute in jeans). Since Katrisse does not really look like a "girly-girl" because of her hair, I guesed that leggings paired with a cute top, would look good on her.

I went again to my multiply seller in Alabang and got her four pairs (yup, they were that cute! reasonable too)... She wore three out of four, two Sundays ago and it seemed that she had fun with them. Most likely Yaya Nita also got excited with them that she changed Kat's outfit many times that day.

Bagay kay Kat diba? :)

Katrisse by the foot of our bed

She just loved walking (sometimes running!) down that corridor

Pretty Kat with Auntie Yssa and Wowo Dads by the stairs

Change outfit! And playing with Auntie Guia

She's Really a Size 11! (Or maybe a passable 10)

2008-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit. I'm addicted to Multiply. I like posting pictures, blogging and surfing around my contacts' sites to see if they have anything new. One thing that I discovered are Multiply sellers that post their items and as you order, you can pay via bank deposit then the items will be delivered to you. I just find this so convenient and with the higher gas prices, I don't have to spend much to go "malling".

Sometimes though, in as much as I know the size of my girls, there are times that you cannot get them right. Once a bought Katrisse a pair of leather shoes and some dresses, intending for her birthday, but when they were delivered, the shoes were just right, almost making her toes curl inside. It was a good thing that the distributor was also multiply seller (in my contact list!) and I was able to arrange for an exchange to a bigger size (actually, their biggest size!)

Katrisse in her exchanged shoes

Although most of them do not do meet-ups to check the actual sizes and items, there is one seller whose warehouse is in Alabang. Perfect for me as it's just a short drive away and I really like the things that they're selling - affordable clothes for the girls (branded items), some toys and other kid-related stuff. I'm glad that they allowed me to go to the warehouse as I am able to actually see and even fit the item/s, if needed.

My first (and I hope not the last) time there, I brought my two girls some shirts and a skirt for Elissa and a dress for Katrisse. While fitting, I saw this pair of sandals that were really super cute! I wanted them for Elissa. She already needs a new pair of sandals as the ones that fit her are already 1) overused and 2) almost tight.

Elissa in a size 8 shirt

And size 10 sneakers

I asked for the biggest size, a size 11 that normally fit 4 or 5 year olds. As sometimes expected, but I was initially hopeful, it was tight :( Elissa's feet are "matambok" (can't think of a better English term... feet entrance are too high?) so not all shoe styles fit her. Sometimes, one cannot believe that a two-and-a-half year old would have feet that big (or her size for that matter) but I guess, with her genes and a healthy appetite, I am not surprised. I'm just glad that she's a super active kid and that whatever she has been eating, gets burned up somehow.

Elissa's new outfit, bought from the multiply sellers - George size 7 shirt; size 8 red cheerleader skirt; size 11 Gap shoes (a little big because its wide but fits anyway)

The problem with with this "convenience shopping" is that I just might end up buying so much, so soon! Of course, my justification is that the girls are growing up so fast and they need something to wear! :) And I'm not breaking the bank --- yet! ;)

Do you remember this dress?

2008-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

In fourth year high school, one of our projects in Home Economics was to make baby clothes from whatever craft we learned the past year/s. It could be sewing, crocheting, darting or whatever that we probably felt was easy to do. At that time, my sister Bea was around a year old and I wanted to make something for her to use. If the dress survives, it'll be a nice thing to give for my daughters.

It survived. :)

Too bad I just can't seem to find a picture of it with Elissa. :(

Calling Bea! Please scan your picture and send this to me... So that I can add it to this blog :) hehehe...

Elissa, my English-speaking toddler

2008-08-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Elissa goes to school three times a week at Toddlers Unlimited and one thing that I look forward to is her teachers' weekly anecdotal report. Sometimes the teacher mentions about Elissa liking the train toy and how she would be "extra playful" (aka magulo?) and would get to settle down during singing time.

Recently, the teachers mentioned that her words were clearer now and that she'd name the animal first before playing with it, such as "cow", "pig", etc. I wasn't so surprised with that as I knew she was very familiar with the usual animals and their sounds. In fact, she knows most forms and shapes of animals that when she saw a lechon earlier at Tita Ahlee's party she had to shout, "Look Mom! Pig!" Oo nga naman... Hehehe...

Elissa, admittedly is very conversant in English. I think I have myself to blame as I talk to her in English, even her yayas speak to her in English! Not to mention her TV watching and books are all in English. Her common expressions are "oh man!" similar to Swiper of the famous Dora cartoons and "wake up Daaaaaaddy!!!" Which can be very very cute :)

Funny moment, one of Adrian's cousin's mom-in-law was talking to Elissa in straight Filipino. Elissa replied, "sorry". Gosh. Was she sorry for not being able to understand or not being able to speak in Filipino? Or she just had nothing to say so "sorry"? Haaay... Need to teach her the language now! Besides, this should be the best time to learn a new language :)

Playing with the Girls

2008-07-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

How fast time flies! Elissa is almost two and a half and Katrisse is turning 1 next month... These videos are so precious! It's a good thing that with the digital age, it's so easy to capture special moments such as these...

Katrisse walking and Ate Elissa making pa-cute

Kiss Mommy, with beautiful eyes

Dancing Queens

Again, again... Katrisse's pics

2008-06-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

So sorry... Bea forgot to make her album a public one. For those who were not able to see the pics, here's the link again :)

Visiting KatKat in the Hospital

Katrisse's Hospital Pics

2008-06-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

I was not able to take pictures of Katrisse in the hospital. Good thing Bea brought her camera when they visited... Please see the pics from her multiply...

Visiting KatKat in the Hospital

Side story: On their way to Asian Hospital, the car broke down. Good thing they were in a gas station with a Jollibee outlet so that they were able to rest, even take an afternoon snack. Adrian and Uncle Ferdi's driver had to fetch them there to go to Alabang... Good thing they didn't get stuck on the road!

My Rant about the Huggies Christmas Promo

2008-06-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

(If you're from Kimberly Clark if you know of someone, please forward this their Customer Care, especially if they value customer feedback)

Just before Christmas just last year, Huggies came out with a Fun Time for Mommy and Baby Christmas promo where one can earn and save points if you buy certain Huggies diaper packs in exchange for some Chicco toys. Since both girls were still wearing diapers and I did have the preference for Huggies Comfort Dry for their sensitive butts, I thought that saving up points would be easy. Plus if I had saved 50 points, I can get a Chicco slide at 50% off. It would be the perfect Christmas gift for the girls.

I actually started saving points late so when they extended the promo to January, I just continued to save the points and called the hotline to redeem my toy. And here is where my rant begins.

I called the hotline (or should I say not-so-hotline as it was so hard to call!!!) in mid-January 2008 and gave them my personal details, what toy I'd like to claim and that it'll be picked up in Chicco, Filinvest. I even thought of maybe Megamall as it was nearer the office but the final decision was Filinvest as it might be a bulky item and the nearer I was to home to drag it, the better.

I was told that because of the demand of toys, the slide had ran out of stock and that I had to wait til March. Gosh. Christmas promo in March? It didn't matter anymore since it wasn't to be a Christmas gift. Of course I was disappointed but I suppose the law of supply and demand was in place -- too much demand, they didn't expect the numbers, hence the scarcity. No worries, I told myself. I'll wait for their call in March.

March came and passed, it was already Holy Week, I have not received any call. Again, I called them and they apologized and promised that I will have my slide. I was already complaining to the hotline operator, almost demanding to talk to an officer of Kimberly Clark. I was told that they are of a different company and that they were only hired to do the marketing and the promotion of this project. Of course I already gave them a piece of my mind and mentioned that they had better do something soonest as I didn't not spend thousand of Pesos on a possible promo that will not deliver.

End of May I received a phone call from Huggies that my slide has arrived (hurray!) and may be picked up from Chicco Filinvest by the next weekend which was about May 30 or 31. I had asked Adrian to pick it up from Filinvest the Tuesday after and guess what -- it wasn't there yet! Haaaay... Sobra na akong nainis talaga.

I called Huggies again and I was informed that there still was problems with their delivery and that I should be able to expect the slide by June 6. So I said, so in case that I go to Filinvest on June 7, I should be able to get it? "yes, Ma'am. I promise". Anyway, since I have been waiting since March, what's waiting for another week, right? Haaay...

Because of Katrisse's accident, this slide was the last of my concerns until I received this nice phone call from Huggies on June 11 -- that I could get my slide in Chicco, MARKET MARKET, FORT BONI. OMG. I don't even remotely remember that I had even mentioned Market Market as an option among the many, many months that I have been talking to them. I remember the conversation went something like this:

Huggies: Ma'am this is Huggies and we'd like to know that you can get your slide in Market Market
MrsKookie: What? Market Market? Di ba dapat sa Filinvest?
Huggies: Ah, Filinvest ba?
MrsKookie: (exasperated) Yes. You told me that I could have already picked up my slide last June 6. Now you're telling me, June 11, that it's not yet there? So if I had gone yesterday I would have been disappointed, again, because it's not there?
Huggies: We're really sorry (blah blah as I could not anymore take the excuses) Kailan nyo ho ba balak kunin, ipapadala na lang namin from Market Market to Filinvest agad
MrsKookie: Eh di ba dapat June 7 pa nga kukunin? So, just make sure that it is in Filinvest ASAP so that when I decide to pick it up tonight, tomorrow or even next month, when I feel like getting it, nasa Filinvest yung slide. Ok?
Huggies: Yes ma'am.

Taray ba? I swear my patience was wearing very thin. To top in all, I get a phone call June 14 (so that makes it three days after the June 11 call), saying that finally, my slide is in Filinvest already. That day. Had I tried (again) to pick it up the day before, it wouldn't be there. I told the representative to tell Kimberly Clark that I have STOPPED buying Huggies for both my children who are not yet toilet trained and have shifted to Drypers and EQ Dry because of this experience. And in case that I really really need XXL, I will seriously consider Mamy Poko, even if it's expensive, just not to buy Huggies. And I am posting this to hopefully bring it out into the world wide web that such promos can really affect the purchasing habits of buyers. My case though, was the opposite of what most companies want to happen.

My message to Kimberly Clark - please make sure that whoever you decide to handle such promos deliver the goods to their customers because it's not easy to part with hard earned money to buy your pricier diapers in the hope to get a nice toy for our children. Most parents are willing to spend more, sacrifice their spending to give more to their kids and this is what this promo did to some of us. We bought Huggies, which is a tad more expensive, possibly spent some of our Christmas bonus to buy in bulk just to earn the points in time for the promo deadline. Then you tell us that we cannot get our toy because of supply and delivery problems. Plus it's your company brand and name that's at stake.

I'll probably get the slide at Filinvest soon before my children get to be too old for it. I just hope that they didn't give it away.

Second Chances

2008-06-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have been ignoring this blog for quite some time. I started this as a second attempt at blogging and breastfeeding. I was only able to sustain breastfeeding for six months (but that's a feat for me considering I only breastfed Elissa less than four months, mixed feeding pa) and it seems that I was about to botch my chance at this blog again.

It's not that I do not have anything to say (friends know me as someone who always had something to say all the time) but maybe I just needed the time to actually log-on, compose, possibly post pictures and write. Ok, I became lazy. But that's not really the point. I suppose everyone deserves a second chance and my inspiration for this sudden post is my daughter Katrisse, who also had a second chance in life.

Last Tuesday, Adrian and the kids were supposed to go swimming at the Country Club when they decided to pass by the house that's being constructed. It was actually just a routine thing as there are times when we bring the kids to the site to see the progress of the house. Poppop was carrying Katrisse when he lost his footing and slid down the stairs. We don't know if Katrisse hit her head during the fall or only at the last moment but she suffered a concussion because of the accident. Good thing that Poppop is OK (it is sometimes scary for older people to have accidents, especially falls) but Katrisse was unconsious for a while and had to be brought to the emergency room.

I was on my way back to Ortigas from Pampanga when I got the call from Adrian. All I could comprehend was that Katrisse and Poppop had an accident and that they were bringing Katrisse to the emergency room of Asian Hospital and that I had to go there right away. I had hoped that it was not serious as I could hear Katrisse crying in the background. I thought that if the baby was crying, then it shouln't be too bad, right? But then the suggestion to have a CT Scan seemed that the situation was critical and that we had to know for certain if she'll be alright.

That was probably the fastest Pampanga to Alabang trip that I had because I was already walking to the emergency room about 2.5 hours from Adrian's first call. Katrisse could not do the CT scan as she was awake and could not sleep. We didn't want to sedate her just yet. Oh but I tried to touch her head - it was depressed and soft on one side, a bruise on the other. She looked so tired and puffy, maybe from the crying. At this point, I was still very calm.

She had to have an IV and it took three doctors and five (my gosh FIVE!) attempts just to stick a needle in her vein. I tried to detach myself when looking at each attempt as she could not stop crying nor spanking at the person (or persons) holding her down. If I didn't detach myself, I could have probably shouted at these doctors for adding stress to my baby but I understood that they were just trying to do their job and that it was really really hard to get a good vein from her.

Finally the CT scan was performed and a few minutes later, the pedia called me for the results.

It wasn't easy for any mother to hear "slight fracture", "skull depression", "hemorrhage" in a matter of seconds. My calm frame just had to make the tears fall as the accident dawned on me at that time. It was only then I realized that she fell at the construction site, which can be very deadly (all the while I thought it happened at home) and from the story of the yaya, she fell unconscious for a few minutes, was limp and unresponsive, until the car ride to Asian. From then on, I held Katrisse in my arms until we were wheeled to our room.

Since she had to be observed for at least 48 hours we did not leave the hospital that night. Yaya and Adrian went home to get our things. It was a time for me to pray the rosary and to do a text brigade to family and friends to make me strong, after all, one cannot doubt the power of prayer.

The pedia-neuro came in a few minutes later and assured me that the fracture will heal and that the bleeding should be absorbed back by the body in due time. She did some tests and Katrisse was responding quite well. We stayed for three nights, with Katrisse being out of the IV after the second night. She was very responsive, already playing with her aunts when they came to visit on Wednesday and we were glad that Friday was spent at home.

However, we had a slight scare on Saturday as we felt that she had a seizure. That day was spent going around hospitals for a second opinion and an EEG test to determine her condition. This was probably the longest three-day weekend as we only got the result of the test today - normal EEG! She's OK :) (Thank you, Lord!)

Of course, we now have to be extra careful and while she's recuperating, we're not letting her watch any TV as to not excite the brain too much. She's "grounded" in her playpen that are full of pillows to avoid any hits on her head. I already bought a lot of the rubber mats so in case that she can already play on the floor, it should cushion any falls. We all seem a bit overreacting but better to do the extra effort than to go through the anxiety again.

I believe that Katrisse has her second chance now as I know that it could have been much worse.

And as for this blog, this deserves a second chance too. Although this will not merit a miracle ;)

UP Survey

2008-02-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

I'm stealing this survey from Brian and Pao as this seems interesting to fill out. Timely too as we're celebrating UP's centennial this year. Here goes...

Student number?
94-13162

College?
School of Economics

Ano ang course mo?
BS Economics

Nag-shift ka ba o na-kick out?
Shifted from BS Statistics. (one of the better life decisions that I made)

Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT? (Where did you take your entrance examination?)
Law Center. Tapat ko aircon. Lamig, sobra.

Favorite GE (General Education) classes?
For some reason, I enjoyed Kas 1

Favorite PE?
I had table tennis, volleyball, social dance and bowling. No favorites.

Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot girls sa UP?
(I suppose that since I'm answering the survey, I should say "hot boys")
AS, hands down. Although I SHOULD say Beta Ep tambayan (hehehehehe)

Favorite Professors?
Monsod, as I really got to appreciate Econ with her.
Least favorite GE (General Education) class?
Kas 2. Asian history in Filipino - I just could not stand it.

Did you sign up for Saturday classes?
Yes. Because the teacher in the other section that had a Tues-Fri sked was a terror.

Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
I was supposed to join the Kas 1 trip but I didn't. So no.

Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
Yup :) (cum laude 'to pare)

What Organization/Fraternity/Sorority were you a member of?
Ecosoc, JMA, UP SESC

Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
AS lobby/AS steps in first and second year. Ecosoc, minsan JMA third and 4th years. And madalas sa Beta Epsilon tambayan, naghihintay ng boyfriend ;)

Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
House. It was only 20 mins away. Even commuting from home was easy.

Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun?
Econ or BA siguro

Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
Blockmates. But I usually had my Poveda friends and classmates who were all friends with some boys from 4A Ateneo and Assumption. And Brian Dy - Lasallistang singit sa Ateneo boys. hehehe...

First play na napanood mo sa UP?
I don't remember the first but definitely I watched Macbeth in Filipino.

Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
Usually, buy in CASAA and eat in AS lobby. Beachouse. Katips (Full House, madalas nun)

Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP.
Wala naman conyo orgs ah! Hehehe... AIESEC.

Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
Ecosoc, JMA and sige na nga, Beta Epsilon (full fledged Betanette na ako!)

May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
not actively

Masaya ba sa UP?
Masaya sa UP. Yes :)

Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
Hindi kasi pro-commercialization ako eh :)

Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council?
Once or twice. Definitely when I ran (and won) for councilor.

Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
Mejo. Kaya nga nag shift ako eh. Umabot naman. Salamat Lord :)

Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
Of course I have to say the cute Beta Ep guy na si Adrian Santos, diba?

Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
Ateneo. Management Eng sana.

First Year Block
O1

Very First Subject
Kas 1

Favorite Elective
I liked CL23 (Philippine Literature by Women Writers) and BA 150(?) Marketing

Pinaka-terror na teacher
Edita Tan, pero mataas magbigay ng grade sa thesis kaya ok lang. Oh and Abrenica.

Most Favorite Major Subject
Econ 191 and 161 (banking, I think)

Least Favorite Major Subject
Econ 151 - wala akong naalala

Favorite UP Tradition
Lantern Parade

UP Tradition(s) Missed
Hmmm... can't remember

Most Memorable Thing You Did Just For Bonus Points
I didnt want to take the final exam for Kas 1 but Dr. Paz told me to as he thinks that I'll do well. I did - topped the exam and got my first 1.0.

Allow me to add to this survey:
Witnessed A Rumble?
Oh yes. I was in the middle of it.

Fave Places To Eat Around The Area
Barbecue at Beachouse. Chocolate Kiss - the Chicken Kiev, chocolate cake, eggplant parmegiana.... Pares at Rodics, isaw at Kalayaan, fishballs at Engg, oh! oh! and the fried lumpia sold by the guys that go around. Yummy with a lot of suka.

New Year's Eve, 2008

2008-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

It's been some time since we celebrated New Year's Eve in Manila. For the past years, we usually go to Punta Fuego to escape the smoke and dust that is usually associated with the fireworks on the eve. Plus, we get to appreciate the fireworks of the other people on holiday at the neighboring houses and resorts. We bring our own bottle of wine, grapes and cheese and just lounge around in our casita or in the main dining hall.

When I got married, we joined my family last year for the celebrations and because Elissa was sick at that time, the weather and air was just perfect for her to recover.

This year, with Adrian's folks in Boston, we were going to celebrate it with my side of the family again. I don't know if Daddy was not able to reserve at Fuego but we saw ourselves celebrating the New year in their new house at Ayala Hills. I thought it was fitting especially that it is a new house and we try to incorporate our New Year traditions in the new house.

It saw my Dad buy the usual torotots and firecrackers (what? No "sawa", Daddy?!?!? And watusi? Only Judas belt??? Hehehe...) with the requisite katol to use to light up the fireworks. I missed putting the coins all around the house for years and it was nice to see all the coins on the stairs and inside each rooms. They say that these coins are supposed to attract more money for the next year. When the clock struck 12, all had to jump (they said that we needed to jump to grow taller) and we ate our 12 M&M's - 12 for each month of the coming year and M&M's being round, are supposed to be "lucky"). We received our "mini-ampao's" also at midnight and I kept them in my pocket as I'm supposed to have money "all-year-round"... But one thing I noticed - why is that my Mom only gave coins to us kids but gave a bigger amount to Dad and vice-versa?? Hehehe...

The big difference this year is that the kids are not us anymore but they're MY kids. Its nice to see the passing of old traditions to the younger ones, my sisters the ones helping out Daddy with the fireworks and putting the coins all around the house. In fact, I didn't do much, except to take pictures and shout "Happy New Year" at midnight all throughout the house (and still jumped like a rabbit in the hope that I'll grow taller)...

And, for once in a long time, it was nice to sit down in a proper dining room, to celebrate the Media Noche with good old Hizon's ensaymada and hot chocolate. Not to mention the queso de bola and ham - our staples for New Year and Christmas Eve dinners... I'm sure my Mommy must have been tired as she has not prepared New Year Eve in a long time but it was nice to spend it in the good, traditional way.

Now if only Ate Luz was able to make the palitaw...

Going to the Market

2007-11-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

I prefer to surf the net than to watch TV. I suppose it's my multi-tasking habit. If I watch TV, then I would have to switch channels or endure the commercials. With the internet, I can choose to ignore the ads, read and reply to email, chat, read websites and the news, upload photos, get entertained by the videos and if I can even watch TV if I want to.

One of the websites i frequent is Market Manila. His blog layout is pleasing to the eyes, his writing style is easy to read and his topics - from food, markets, kitchen gadgets, flowers, recipes (some of which I have yet to try), holidays, experiences and rants on customer service and local politics - are all interesting. What's nice is that he regularly updates so there is something new all the time.

Recently, he had a Christmas fund drive to provide free lunch to public school children. I was more than willing to donate as I believe that children need to be fed the right food, to develop their brains. Kids in our public schools are most often malnourished or undernourished so this was a worthwhile cause. Imagine if each child just eats better, he'll do better in school, hopefully get encouraged to learn, maybe finish school and finally, be more productive to society. So I purchased some shirts and two totes, the plan for the latter to be my staple Alabang Saturday market bag.

Let's go to the market, Mom!

I have been going to the Alabang Saturday Market for a few weeks now. I used to accompany my Dad to the Sidcor, now Lung Center Sunday Market to buy fish, vegetables, breakfast food for the week. It was our little bonding every week, not to mention pre-breakfast as I'd be eating barbecue (Ineng's!) while walking.

When I got married and moved to Alabang, I missed going to the market and I'm glad that there is a "mini-Sidcor" here. Now, it's my bonding time with Elissa, with the usual barbecue and puto to keep our tummies full, lest we start buying more than what we need.

Elissa's Marketmanila Suki bag

The Alabang market is not as extensive as the one at the Lung Center as it does not have my favorite tapa and fresh fish. But it's good enough for the usual veggies, breakfast and cooked foods. And at least they have breads (I get this really good foccacia from Monster Bread) and kesong puti (from Mrs. Oppen with very good bibingka)! I wasn't able to take pictures as I just wanted to take a photo of Elissa with the bag... Maybe next week...

Now if only I can wake up earlier to catch the Salcedo Market....

Elissa and the Breastpump

2007-10-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

This is proof that kids initially learn by imitating others. Us grown-ups really need to watch what we say or do... See Elissa and her attempt at breast pumping!!!

Oooohh... Mommy's shields

Need to put up my shirt

Now where does Mommy put it?

Need to put both of 'em on

There's the pump! Lets put our shirt down...

Where's the switch?

A Party Filled Weekend

2007-10-07T04:26:00.001-07:00

Elissa had a full social calendar this weekend, celebrating three (actually, four) birthdays. The celebrants ranged from ages three to seventy-nine!

October 5, Friday, was Lola-lola Mila's 79th birthday. Ninang Faith organized a party for family and friends at Matahimik. There was a merienda cena of Mongolian food, halo-halo, bibingka and puto bungbong that stretched to dinner. A pianist provided the music and Lola's Wednesday Group friends came to try a Mary Kay facial and make-up trial. The pianist stayed until the evening and some of us got encouraged to sing and dance along.

Groovy Lola-lola singing (note Elissa in a Mary Kay headband),
Lola Pearl and Mommy Karla singing along

See Katrisse in her party outfit

Elissa was shy at first as she didn't want to sing nor say Happy Birthday. When most of the guests have left, her Auntie Bea gave her the microphone again and she didn't want to let go!

Elissa with her Ninang Yssa having a Mary Kay "facial"

October 6, Saturday, was Mommy Mel's birthday. We heard mass at St. James as we offered the 5:30PM mass for Mommy's birthday thanksgiving. We had a scrumptious dinner at Old Swiss Inn and ice cream at home for dessert.

The birthday Wawa with Elissa (holding hands pa sila!)

The afternoon of October 7, Sunday, was spent at Outback restaurant to celebrate the birthdays of Adrian's friend, Ritchel and his daughter, Nicole. Ritchel was turning 30 (or 31?) and Nicole was celebrating her 3rd birthday.

Elissa did not join the games but enjoyed playing with the balloons and eating the chicken wings, with her fingers - "Ammy!" (translated as "Yummy" in Elissa's language) Too bad my camera's battery ran out and I wasn't able to take a picture of Elissa nibbling on the chicken bone. Oh, I could have taken a picture with my celphone but I was too busy nibbling on the chicken bone myself - hehehe...

Elissa with the birthday girl, Nicole, and her balloon

Elissa clowning around with her balloon (taken with the cameraphone)

It was a tiring weekend but well spent with family and friends :)

Smiling and Cooing

2007-10-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

When Katrisse turned two months, she wasn't cooing or reacting much. My initial reaction was that "she should be cooing by now!" But being a mom for the second time, I should already know that all babies develop and behave differently from one another.

We know that she saw us as her eyes followed us when we move. Only that she wasn't reacting. Little by little, we talked to her more often, we heard her cooing back and giving us a small smile. Last Friday on our way to my Lola's house, she was in a super good mood that she gave one of her biggest smiles...

I didn't need to be worried after all. :)

Potty Training

2007-10-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Elissa is now 1 year and 8 months and I have yet to properly toilet train her. She used to like the potty chair but I think with the change in yayas when she turned one and since I was always tired (most likely lazy) when I was pregnant with Katrisse, I wasn't really patient enough to put her in the seat. I even bought a seat that you put on top of the water closet, hopefully to change her image of toilet training because she really didn't "move" anymore in the original potty chair.

After several mornings of putting her in the bathroom, she was willing to be brought to the toilet yesterday. She said "poopoo" and we brought her there. After several minutes, SUCCESS!!! :) As a bonus, it happened again this morning! :) I just hope that I'm not just lucky and that she's really prepared for the potty already.

Amy Tan and Burma

2007-10-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

I love reading Amy Tan. I started off, many years ago, with The Joy Luck Club and it probably encouraged my liking for other Oriental-themed books. She recently came out with Saving Fish From Drowning, something that is quite different from her usual works. This is one of the many books I purchased during the National Bookstore book sale that I recently finished.

Honestly, I was quite bored at the start but I just patiently read more until the story and its characters stated to mix together well. It's about tourists from the US who "disappeared" while touring Burma, or now known as Myanmar. Whatever happened to them and all their side stories were narrated by this Chinese art-lover and socialite who's dead. She was supposed to join the group but passed away unexpectedly and joined the tour "in spirit".

What is more interesting is that current events are now talking about the demand for democracy in Myanmar led by the monks. The book touched on the military junta and their suppressing regime. The book was just apropos. I suppose if not for the book, I would not have been interested in what is happening in that part of the world which recently have been detailed in the news websites.

Interesting no?

Why Kookie?

2007-09-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Kookie is an old nickname that my maternal aunts used to call me. It was originally "Kuk-kuk" then the Kookie was added later. I didn't really mind it as growing up, I loved Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. I'm not sure if that blue monster puppet had an impact on my fondness for cookies... hmmm...

I found it an unusual nickname only to find out that there are already "Kookies" in the world as I cannot get it exclusively at free web email addresses and usernames anymore. Not a lot of people know that it's my nickname as I've always introduced myself and have used "Karla" for identification. Besides, I don't think I'll look back if you called me "Kookie" to get my attention. However, I like it as it gives me some sort of a "second identity". Plus, it's cute. :) that's all there is to it.