Drills for Kids

In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, hubs and I started trying to make our elder son Yakee aware of how to take care of himself. Pappie has practiced standing by doorways with him and I have cautioned him to stay away from broken anything: mirrors, lamps, TV or even outdoor lighting fixtures.

But I think, most important of all is to practice obedience and following directions. We also have to have a great level of communication, otherwise, we won't be able to help each other in times of crises. Just a simple 'stay put' could save his life... or a 'get this' save mine.

Praying for the Japanese

With so many displaced, some of whom are probably injured, I really hope the Japan government has trained its people well to go to Centers for Medicare as soon as they need assistance. They may not have to evacuate like those living in the nuclear power plant or in the tsunami areas but just cleaning up after those aftershocks (almost 300 already based on the last resport from CNN I saw) can result in injuries.

My friend has even said that the first thing they cleaned were the broken mirror after their mirrors and TVs fell during a particularly strong aftershock.

I also understand that the health care provided in Japanese can easily compete with Texas Medigap and the like under normal circumstances. But what's happening to Japan right now is so far from normal. It's so scary and guilt-generating, watching and praying for those in Japan while at the same time thanking God it's not us, it's not here and that it ends in Japan.

I'm wondering though if the Japanese will start paying for Medicare Supplemental Insurance like what sort of happened here after Ondoy... or their government will just really shoulder everything.

I am, however, really amazed at the efficiency by which they have handled such a catastrophe. I know the room for improvement is there but even video feeds do not show so many people, as they have been able to evacuate properly. Even the United States didn't lack their calm and coordination.

I am really praying for Japan... that support will be found, less lives will be lost and that they bounce back stronger than before. Like they did after Kobe.

Earthquake Scare

I was out shopping for clothes and diapers for my sons when I got a text from hubby asking that I go home as soon as possible. The earthquake that happened in Japan today is currently scaring everyone here as all are on tsunami and earthquake alert.

I felt a little panicky when I realized we don't have a working flashlight at home. I have to make sure there are some snacks and water and light in the house, in a bag, along with our important documents. It is kinda great that office supply is the furthest thing from my mind... and I thank God somehow that I am still breastfeeding (which wouldn't amount to anything if an emergency strikes and I am separated from Yamee) because it ensures clean food for my sons. Yes, both of them.

Let's all pray that we are not next... and that Japan and New Zealand recovers soon.

Enrolled My Son Today

Figured out a way to really commute to St. Michael Playhouse. It seems I got enchanted going home though because I rode the wrong jeep (found myself in Ayala so I turned back). Got off at the wrong place so I had to walk another block. Then, rode the wrong jeep again so I had to ride a pedicab to finally get home.

Disaster!!!

But still, enrolled my son today.

And I did get another Eden breastfeeding top, a babydoll one this time. Size small! :)

Milk Mama Diaries Blog Carnival for Women's Month

Fab Naima has been joining breastfeeding blog carnivals. I suggested for her to host one, the first Philippine one, with the topic: HOW HAS BREASTFEEDING CHANGED/AFFECTED YOU AS A WOMAN?

After all, it is women's month!

So far, we have 12 that have signed up already. We're not after so many that it will be tedious to read all the entries, but everyone out there who believes in breastfeeding and want to share their story... is very much welcome!

Just sign up please :)



Oh and if you know anyone who's just pregnant and planning to breastfeed, we will be at the Medical City this Saturday, 9 AM - 12 NN to discuss best beginnings in breastfeeding. It's for free!!!

Managing Finances

I used to manage a monthly cash flow statement. Then I stopped doing it.

Then, for a time, I monitored my spending by listing down daily expenses. I thought it a great money management help to be able to actually track which things we spend on that are not necessary. It was mostly Starbucks frappes, haha.

But now, we have so many expenses ahead of us. Yakee will have his usual swimming lessons (which we deem very important) and we're pushing through with summer parent-child school at St. Michael. Then, we're having him also try football.

That's just for the summer.

If I figure out a way to commute to St. Michael, we'd be enrolling Yakee in their 3-day, half-day day care program too. Then, there will be our birthdays, a possible family trip to HK with hubs' side of the family... and Yamee's birthday. And then, there's the home purchase we're shooting for... and the daily expenses of a 2-children household.

Do I need a personal finance software or what?

Oh... and have I said I intend to take some classes too?

So, wish me luck managing our finances and say goodbye to all the junk food we're buying (mainly, chocolates, cupcakes and ice cream). :)

Scatterbrained Mom

It was sale at Baby & Company at SM. I knew I did not have much cash on me but I still kept shopping for cute polo shirts for my sons and was planning to charge them instead.

Then, I realized I did not have my credit card with me. I stopped carrying it because I always end up buying stuff for my sons when they already have enough. Plus, I was waiting for the Eden launch :)

I left my purchases by the counter and tried to look for an ATM bank. Unfortunately, the ones by BPI (for Express Net) are capturing cards and no good. BDO is not accepting my Land Bank card... and when I tried withdrawing using my EON, I forgot the PIN (which I haven't changed to my customary PIN).

I was sooooo annoyed. Good thing LBP was nearby so I just walked there to withdraw money. I still had to leave a dress and socks though because I didn't have enough cash still.

Argh!

I spent a long time looking for my PIN info, my credit card and our dollar account passbook (which I realized I have also misplaced). I looked high and low and gave up... only to find them under our DSLR :)

Good luck consolidating all our important documents and life insurance information, yes? Haha.

Hubs says it made him want to spank me.