Communicating with Teenagers – In Their Own Words

Do you sometimes feel that when you communicate with your teenage son or daughter, it seems like both of you are talking about the same topic but using different languages? I do. At times, when my 16-year old son speaks with me, I feel like I’ve been warped to a different universe or time zone. I’d usually end up blinking my eyes, totally at a loss at what he just said.

My son teases me about my seemingly-amusing reaction and would patiently explain what he meant using some “old school term” (his words, mind you) just so I’d get it.  I hear acronyms like LOL, BRB and IDK all the time that I sometimes couldn’t help rolling my eyes. At first, I was mildly annoyed. It took a while but I eventually I caught up and can now fairly communicate with the kids using “their language.”

Ok, so I mentioned LOL, BRB and IDK a while ago. Just so we are all on the same page (for Moms like me who kind of need some catching up with teen language), here are just some of the usual Teen terms that I have gotten familiar with and what they mean:

• BRB – be right back. Yes, instead of uttering all three words, they abbreviate it.
• LOL – laugh out loud. This is fairly basic and is actually a chat acronym until I heard it being spoken out. For instance, instead of saying “Mom, that’s funny,” the kids will say “LOL Mom”
• IDK – I don’t know. I get “IDK” when at times I ask the kids about some item that I may have misplaced.
• DL – download. They’d say “I already DL’d that recipe you asked me to.”
• My Bad – meaning “my mistake”
• BFF – Best Friends Forever. The kids declared me as one of their BFFs. Yey!
• Chillaxin – Chilling and relaxing

The list goes on and on… And yes, we heard it a lot of times – “the only thing that’s constant is change.” In every generation, teen language also tends to evolve depending on the highlights and major influences of the prevalent culture. Seeing how different media platforms have influenced the younger generation is such a marvel.  Information travels so fast these days from one end of the world to another that it only takes one click, and zoom! Information is accessible to practically everyone at anytime. A big part of its powerful influence is the continuous evolution of the way young people communicate be it verbal or written.

I must admit, as entertaining or as novel as this may seem, I did worry about how this has influenced their writing skills. With the paranoia of a typical OC Mom, I checked on their essays and their completed home works. I breathed a big sigh of relief when I saw them still using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

I see no problems with some of these language variations. As long as disrespectful words are not used (and no cussing please!), that’s fine with me. In fact, in my experience, learning to adapt to their language keeps me “in the loop” and makes bridging our age gaps pretty much natural. It makes it easier and more comfortable for us to converse about things that matter. It’s sort of a smooth conduit that allows us to share our individual way of thoughts and feelings in a manner that is often light, fun and engaging.  

Healthy communication with my teen is something that I take seriously. If it sometimes entail learning their ‘lingo’ to be able to continue maintaining our lines open and to further keep tabs with what’s going on, count this Mommy in. 

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Vegetarian Cooking Class

Image credit: Science of Identity Foundation and Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe

Last Saturday, my daughter and I attended a vegetarian cooking class for the first time. For as long as I can remember, that has been on my bucket list. Unfortunately, due to one reason or another, I have not been able to do so in the past.

The class is an initiative of Science of Identity Foundation. They coined it “Easy Vegetarian.” I learned about this activity from the Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Café Facebook newsfeed.  Being a big fan of Greens Vegetarian Resto and Café (I swear they serve the most delectable vegetarian food) , I was so looking forward to meeting Green's Restaurateur, Ms. Mary Ann Duran, who will be facilitating the cooking demo.

The venue was easy enough to find. It’s very near LRT Pureza station. My daughter and I arrived on time. The place is so cozy and relaxing. The sound of soft, beautiful music greeted us upon entrance. There were also warm lights and the aroma of something sweet made my mouth water.  The ambience is like being in a spa; all the elements in it placed me in a very pleasant and tranquil disposition.  What a way to start the day, right?

A free recipe booklet was also handed out upon registration. The fee costs only PHP 500. This is the menu:

• ·         Veggie Waffle Dog
• ·         Assorted Dips
• ·         Vietnamese Spring Rolls
• ·         Fruit Crumble

The activity started with a brief discussion on vegetarianism. The talk touched on identification of the different types of vegetarians as well as some of the major reasons why people choose the vegetarian lifestyle. Immediately after that, Ms. Duran started demonstrating how to prepare Apple Crumble Bar.  The scent of cinnamon was simply divine!

Ms. Mary Ann Duran, Restaurateur of Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe conducted the cooking demo.

While the Apple crumble bar was placed in the oven, Ms. Duran moved on to the preparation of the assorted dips. She showed us how to prepare vegan sour cream and onion, spinach dip, and fresh tomato salsa. Again, the aroma of the different herbs and spices is definitely a treat to the senses!

Pouring the apple crumble topping.

The veggie waffle dog was easy enough to prepare. The wafting vanilla scent while the waffle dogs are being fried is heavenly. I definitely loved learning this simple dish because it will be great to serve for children’s parties or it could be a healthy, light snack for friends who visit and hang out at home. The veggie waffle dog may either be fried or cooked using hot dog waffle maker.  

Frying the veggie waffle dog.

We had the most fun with the hands on preparation of the Vietnamese spring rolls.  We each managed to come up with our culinary output of the spring rolls. Some rolls were fat, some too thin. But it was enjoyable!

My daughter enjoying her hands on experience and doin' it like a pro.

My daughter's culinary output.

Vietnamese spring rolls

Spinach dip, Fresh Tomato Dip with tacos and bread sticks. Nyum!

Vegan Sour Cream and Onion with veggie munchies. 

Afterwards, a small buffet was laid out and we ate the mouth-watering food to our hearts’ content. Amongst the three dips, most of us loved the spinach dip. It was definitely the tastiest and creamiest. The apple crumble bar was definitely a hit and the veggie waffle dogs are my daughter’s favorite. I love the Vietnamese spring rolls. The ingredients are so fresh and crispy and I am mad about the smell of mint on this dish.

Ms. Duran was very accommodating in answering all of our questions and was very helpful during the hands on activity. It’s very evident that she loves what she is doing and that positive energy permeates within the room. I really like it that she is warm and very approachable.

I really count myself lucky for having attended this. Primarily because it is so hard to find vegetarian recipes that include ingredients which are easy to find in the Philippines. Most of the vegetarian recipe books that are offered in our local bookstores have recipes involving vegetables that are mostly grown in other countries.  Aside from meeting new friends, we were also able to swap information on the best places to purchase vegetarian ingredients (i.e. mock ham, veggie meat, veggie hotdogs, etc.). Plus, we got to learn from one of the country’s best vegetarian chefs. How cool is that, right?

Overall, the experience was educational and delightful. So much so, that I am definitely looking forward to SITEC’s next vegetarian cooking class. You bet I’ll be there. 

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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: A Firsthand Account

Image credit: University of Maryland  Medical Center

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has recently gained its notoriety when news about the outbreak of a deadly epidemic showing HFMD symptoms hit Cambodia. It claimed the lives of at least 60 children since April this year according to the Department of Health (DOH).  The last time I remember HFMD this popular in the Philippines, was way back 2010 when Kris Aquino and her sons were reported to have been diagnosed with this disease. Imagine my horror when my daughter was diagnosed with HFMD just this weekend!

Cramming the feeling of rising panic down my throat, I immediately called the pediatrician when I noticed sores in my daughter’s hands, feet and around her mouth. The baby sitter was insisting that its chicken pox. However, my   daughter was already given the chicken pox vaccine so I was pretty sure she must be mistaken. I have no firsthand experience with HFMD so I deemed it best to consult the matter right away to the person of authority.

We were advised to bring her to the clinic after I reported all the symptoms that were ailing my child. I detected low grade fever during the wee hours of the first day of illness as well as lack of appetite. In the early evening of the same day, she had high grade fever and vomited twice. The next day, sores developed around her mouth, on her hands and soles of her feet. Although the sores were very few, it was alarming to me.

During the check up, the pediatrician confirmed that it is indeed hand, foot and mouth disease. We were advised to give plenty of fluids to my daughter and she was prescribed to take Immunosin (an immunostimulant). There is no vaccine to prevent HFMD and no specific treatment as it is a viral disease. We just have to let it run its course.  To relieve pain and fever, over-the counter medications may be taken.

The Pediatrician assured us that the HFMD cases that were reported in the Philippines to date are mostly the mild, non-fatal forms. And I am so relieved that it is what my daughter was diagnosed with. According to the Department of Health (DOH) update, "the Cambodian Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) was of the encephalitis type and not HFMD as earlier reported."  They said that the cases in Cambodia generally involved fever followed by rapid respiratory deterioration and impaired consciousness resulting to death 24 hours from hospital confinement and clarified that EV-71 infections do occur in the country but are reported with irregularity. Fatal EV-71 infection is still very rare in the Philippines.  Furthermore, DOH assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag, state that enterovirus and mild HFMD occur in the country but in mild form and not fatal or self-limiting illness.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) acquires its name from its dermatologic manifestations, specifically, sores or blister-like lesions around the mouth, on the tongue, gums, inside the cheek or on the palate as well as on palms of hand and soles of feet. Symptoms also include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Malaise
• Sore Throat
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability in infants and toddlers

Initial symptoms are mostly fever and often followed by the loss of appetite, sore throat and sometimes malaise. The appearance of the sores happens within a day or two after the onset of fever. The incubation period (the time between infection and start of symptoms) of HFMD is about three to seven days.

HFMD commonly affects infants and children. It can sometimes be transmitted to adults especially those who have immune deficiencies. During the initial week of the disease is when children with HFMD are said to be most contagious. However, the disease can still be contagious long after the symptoms have disappeared because viruses that cause it can remain in the feces for weeks.  Some people who are also infected may unknowingly be spreading the virus, including most adults, as they may how no symptoms. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The DOH is urging the public to ensure proper disposal of baby diapers or human waste. Observance of strict personal hygiene and frequent hand washing is of outmost importance in order to prevent viral spread. Nasal or throat emissions (such as saliva, sputum, or mucus), blister fluids, and feces of infected persons contain the viruses. Items that were handled or touched by infected persons may also transmit the virus.

To lessen the risk of infection to other family members, the following may be observed:

• Isolate an infected member of the family by having him/her sleep in a separate bed room.
• Aside from frequent hand washing, use of face masks by other members of the family if direct interaction such as playing with the infected child is unavoidable.
• As much as possible, avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging or sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses with the infected member of the family.
• Proper washing of hands after changing baby’s diapers and using the restroom. This should be thoroughly explained to the Yaya (baby sitter) so that she will be able to fully appreciate the importance of observance of strict hygiene.
• Disinfect unclean surfaces and dirty objects, including toys.

Since HFMD is highly contagious, it is best to practice preventive measures to protect others from catching it. For parents like me who are concerned about their symptoms, it is most prudent to immediately contact the doctor or health provider for proper diagnosis and guidance on HFMD management during the entire period of the illness.  

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Camayan Beach Resort: An Awesome Summer Get Away

Image credit: zazzle.com

Summer and its blasting heat are back. Time to don that favorite bikini, grab a sun block and head on to the beach!

This year, our family decided to select Camayan Beach Resort as the destination for our summer get away.  Primarily, because we have heard so much about it from our friends and it’s just about two to two and a half drive from Manila. It is located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Directions are easy enough to follow. Just visit their official website and voila! You have a detailed guide to get to the resort: 

• Take the NLEX north to the Clark exit onto SCTEX to Subic Bay Freeport. 
• SCTEX merges into Tipo Road as it approaches Subic Bay.
• Take Tipo Road until it ends, and then turn right.
•  At the first traffic signal, turn left on Argonaut Highway.
• Proceed past Subic Bay International Airport.
• Turn left at the T-junction to Triboa Bay on Corregidor Road.
• Continue through the Naval Magazine Security Gate and follow the Ocean Adventure / Camayan Beach Resort road signs through the forest.
• At signs for Morong Gate follow the road to the right and proceed approximately 5 kilometers to Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure.

We loved the warm hospitality of the staff who greeted us upon arrival. They were all very solicitous and accommodating throughout our stay at the resort. We surmised that this kind of customer service says a lot about Camayan.

We also appreciated that their rates are sensible considering the comfort and the beauty of the rooms as well as the services that they provide to customers. We booked a superior room in advance at a reasonable price. A superior room contains two comfortable queen sized beds.  This is absolutely perfect for our family of five, consisting of 3 adults and 2 children.  We loved the fact that aside from air-conditioning, refrigerator, WIFI and satellite TV, the room also offers a mini-bar and a terrace. We were very pleased with how well maintained their rooms and facilities are.  

Of course no matter how inviting the comforts of the rooms are, we cannot wait long enough to dash to the shores and wallow along the beach! No disappointment there. The white sand is simply gorgeous! The water is pristine. To declare that we really enjoyed swimming there is such an understatement. We were practically in the water every day from breakfast till late afternoon! We just cannot get enough of it! We also noted that the life guard on duty is ever watchful. It gave us a sense of assurance with regards to the matter of the guests’ safety.

It may be a bit crowded at this time of the year considering it’s not a very big resort, but Camayan has a lot of cabanas, cottages and guest rooms to accommodate the influx of customers.

The resort offers a variety of recreational activities that the guests may opt to avail. We were thrilled with our kayaking adventure. The guide was conversant and very helpful. He accommodated all of our inquisitive questions. We also played beach Frisbee. I am not really into snorkeling but I tried it for experience. I was pleasantly surprised at how awe-inspiring it is to leisurely explore the reefs and observe the wonders of marine life under water. I was able to take note of at least seven different kinds of fish during this activity. Being one with nature in that manner was beyond doubt an extraordinary experience.

Dining in the restaurant was a pleasant experience as well. Food was good but it was the setting that impressed us. To have the benefit of having a sumptuous meal while enjoying fresh air and the panoramic view of the beach front is such a delight.  The ambience was so serene. It washed away all the tension and stress of the Metro. Camayan also offers buffet breakfast and we loved their coffee too.

On top of that, the resort offers massage services. Who wouldn’t want to pamper themselves with this service? Getting good massages it can do a world of good. It’s so much therapeutic and beneficial in managing stress, enhancing sleep quality, reducing fatigue and improving circulation and concentration. And I loved it!   

Of course, the resort is just right next to Ocean Adventure, which gives it distinction from other resorts. We dropped by and were able to watch their dolphin friends’ show and their sea lion marine patrol show. Everyone had a great time.

True to our all friends’ feedback, the place is remarkable!  It satisfied our expectations in terms of accessibility, value, cleanliness, and service.  Most of all, one that makes Camayan resort truly unique is that this is a place where sea turtles are well-known to nest in. Although we were not fortunate enough this time to be able to see these amazing creatures, it’s something to look forward to in our next visit. And yes, we are definitely coming back! 


Note: This updated version first appeared in Manila Standard Today.

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Setting up an Event to Remember for Your Graduate

To witness a child finally receive a College diploma is probably one of the most blissful moments of a parent’s life. A child who has finally grown up and achieved this milestone is a dream come true for all parents, who always want the best for their children.  Truly, graduation day is an exceptional event in honoring years of diligence, uphill struggles, sacrifices, and past triumphs as well as looking forward to a new chapter in life.

Such a feat usually calls for a special commemoration. Here are some tips to hold a graduation celebration that is truly memorable.

Choose a theme. Having a fun theme can be more entertaining for the celebrant and the guests. For example, you may plan the party around a theme that depicts something about the celebrant’s future profession. Throw a costume party where everyone can dress up as nurses, doctors and patients if for instance the celebrant is a nursing graduate.  If the celebrant is an athlete, it will be cool to hold a sports themed party. Cheerleaders or noise-makers with pom-poms may greet the guests upon arrival.

Decorate the venue with interesting adornments. For a “This is your life” party theme, make posters of amusing baby pictures, out of town photos (e.g. retreat pictures), sporting and other school events plus barkada photos. You may also scan and post tickets of concerts your graduate and friends attended. Another option is to showcase past accomplishments by displaying a keepsake table.  In this table, you may place a special scrapbook containing mementos of your graduate such as kindergarten, grade school and high school pictures, medals, diplomas.  Use balloon bouquets that represent the college or school colors to decorate the place if you are holding a career themed party. Place them on tables, corners and in doorways. For a sports themed party, you may display pictures showing the celebrant in sports uniform throughout the years as well as photos taken with team mates. These snap shots as well as trophies and medals may be exhibited throughout the venue or a special table may be set up for guests’ viewing.  Throw in some inflatable basketballs, volleyballs or soccer balls as well, whichever is applicable.

Decide on the menu. Whether you hire a caterer or ask relatives or friends to help you prepare the dishes for the party, make sure that the menu will go with the chosen theme and the venue. Serve cup cakes decorated with graduation cap with cute edible tassels. The graduation cake may contain the words “Shoot that ball!” if you are holding a sports themed party for a celebrant that is into basketball.

Set up a Photo Booth. Rent a photo booth service for the party. There are photo booth services which offer really good packages such as free photo album, free personalized tarpaulin background, DVD copy, personalized or creative photo layout and design to add the theme of choice, online photo gallery and of course fun props and costumes.  Everyone will have a blast smiling, posing and looking different wearing wigs, masks, or hats while the camera clicks away! This will allow your guests to take home endearing mementos of this event.

Play a memorial graduation (musical) slideshow on TV with a DVD player. While waiting for all the guests to arrive, and while the activities have not started, this will entertain the first arrivals. It’s easy enough to create the music slides. Good image slide show makers can be downloaded from the internet free to be installed in your computer.

Hold fun activities during the party.  Here are some cool ideas:

• Take out some permanent or fabric markers and T-shirts for friends to sign.
• Put together a time capsule. Ask each of the friends write something in a piece of paper about how he/she sees himself or herself  10 years from now, fold these notes  afterwards and mark them with their respective names. Make each of them bring any item that symbolizes something about their College years. Have them place the notes and memorable items in a box. Hand it to someone for safekeeping with the intent of opening the box, reading the notes and showcasing the items on their tenth year reunion.
• Play “Knowing me-knowing you.”  It’s a simple and fun activity that will open your eyes on how the participants see you. Ask guests to go around and write short descriptions of each person on post it notes. These notes will then be attached on the back of the person being described. After 5 minutes, ask the participants to collect the notes from their backs and one by one read out what were written.

Lastly, don’t forget to record the celebration on video. Enjoy the party!  

Note: This updated version first appeared in Manila Standard Today.

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Casa Ibiza Antipolo Overnight Deal

I came upon this very good Metrodeal offer comprising an overnight stay in a Deluxe Villa in Casa Ibiza Antipolo for 5 persons with breakfasts for only PHP 3,200 per night. It was perfect for a quick out of town get away and a quiet birthday celebration that I was planning. With my heart pounding with barely contained excitement, I immediately checked Casa Ibiza’s official website. I wanted to check what the resort looks like and see if it will be perfect for the event I envisioned. Lo and behold! The pictures were gorgeous! It boasts of having the ambience of the Mexican warmth and passion. For a deal costing only PHP 3,200, I figured, why not?

The reservation process was quick enough. We were really pleased with the fact that they accommodated a special request of serving vegetarian breakfast meal instead of their usual offering. At that time, we felt that it said much about Casa Ibiza’s desire in satisfying its customers.

On the way to the resort, we almost got lost as the directions provided in their website were a bit confusing. We were not familiar with the place so it took a lot longer getting there than we expected. We actually almost missed it as their gate was slanted and faced the opposite side of where the road was heading for.

Contrary to my expectations, the resort size was actually smaller. I guess I was so enthralled with the beautiful pictures in their website that I expected more. Still, the architectural design of their resort villas was something else. Although it doesn’t look new, it really looks quite charming from the outside because of its attractive facade and colors. 

The staff was warm and attentive. They also did not fine us for the birthday cake that we brought along as we intended to have a quiet birthday celebration in the evening. Since we find their corkage fee quite exorbitant (that’s PHP 2,000 per full meal dish), we did not bring our own meals. We also asked if we can request for serving of our chosen fare or 'off the menu' dishes for dinner, as most of us are on vegetarian diet. They agreed and we breathed a sigh of relief. Besides, we just wanted to stay in the resort and really enjoy and relax. Nobody wanted to go out to dine out.

Inside the villa, there’s a small living room with TV and the dining room looks quaint. It has a big fridge and a sink where we can wash utensils. We found a spacious master’s bedroom and two smaller bedrooms fitting single sized beds in the second floor. The air conditioners were fully functional. The master’s bedroom has a separate bathroom. A small communal bathroom is also located in the second floor. However, the flush was broken. I wish they had it repaired as it was most inconvenient for us. The rest of the rooms were all clean.

They have two pools. The kiddie pool was quite littered with leaves. I was hoping that they would have taken more effort with making sure that leaves were taken out. I wasn’t comfortable having my daughter swim in that despite all her pleadings. We used the big pool instead as the water looks more pristine. The cabanas look attractive. 

It actually is the perfect place if you need quiet and relaxation as the place is serene. The fresh air is priceless! We went there on a weekday so there was only one other occupied villa. We enjoyed the freedom of having the place almost to ourselves.  The kids enjoyed their frolic in the pool. We took lots of pictures as the resort looks better in pictures than in reality. Casa Ibiza also has an attractive gazebo. 

The food served was just moderately palatable. There certainly is a need for improvement there but still, we were glad about the accommodation of our requests.

I also want to specifically mention that my daughter was thrilled at being offered a free ride on a (retired) champion horse. It was very generous of them and my daughter truly loved the experience.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Certainly not grand but it was ok, if you are not expecting too much out of a low-priced deal.  Having said that, I’d still like to sum up some of the areas for improvement that we felt should be put into place by Casa Ibiza:

• On Resort Signage – despite their Google map and website map directions, it is still a little difficult to get to the resort. A well placed and clear sign on the main road before turning to their secondary road will help a lot.  Putting up a sign in the resort wall that is visible to guests arriving. As previously mentioned, Casa Ibiza’s gate is positioned in a reverse almost 120-degree angle so we almost missed getting to the place. We actually passed it. We had to make a difficult U-turn on the very narrow 2-lane road.

• The Restaurant look and feel

• Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like a functional restaurant. It appears closed down as the staff always tilt up the chairs. We understand that this is procedure to help keep the chairs clean BUT they always put them to ‘night mode’ even during the afternoons. It gives the impression that they do not want guests to use them or that the resto is so dead that no guests ever bother to go there.

• Additional items will be good on the tables and bar counter to make it look like an active resto. Putting condiments on the counters, table decors, menus on the bar. A desk bell on the bar counter also wouldn’t hurt.  Since it was obvious that they do not have full time staff manning the place, the bell makes it easy for guests to call and make orders. More orders equate to more profit and sales.

The Resto, view from the pool

• The Villa – nice and comfortable. Here’s how they can further maximize them:

• Stock up the fridge with some goodies. Put canned drinks and bottled water. They can put a clear and welcoming sign on the door of the ref showing prices and contents. These are items that need not always be ordered in the resto (considering we had to spend considerable time looking for the staff manning it all the time anyway). This will make it easy for the guests to spend.

• Room preparation – lack of extra bed. The staff confirmed the headcount and should have realized beforehand that we needed an extra mattress. We actually requested for one but it was not prepared. We had to hunt down the stay-in staff and ask for the extra mattress.

• Other services and amenities – one of the staff mentioned that guests may also request for massages. Casa Ibiza should put up signs and information easily seen. This will tell the guests about what other services they can avail.

• Punctuality and timeliness of meals – we properly coordinated what time we wanted our meals to be served since we were asked. Unfortunately, dinner and breakfast were 30-40 minutes late. Since we have kids with us, we hated having them wait for food.  

If there was one thing that we were greatly disappointed with, it was that Casa Ibiza never bothered to acknowledge our comments. We received an email from them thanking us for choosing Casa Ibiza as our choice of accommodation and asking us to email them back for comments, suggestions or concerns. We did. But they never acknowledged the email. Failing to respond to customers’ comments, suggestions or concerns may leave an impression of indifference on their part or lack of desire to communicate. Coming from the BPO industry, I highly respect and recognize the value of customer relationship in any business or enterprise. Sadly, I it seems that this is something that Casa Ibiza has yet to learn.  :-( 

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About the Blogger

Welcome to my blog. I’m Red, a stay at home Mom. Several months ago, I resigned from a well-paying job belonging to the BPO industry, where I worked for several years. Staying at home to become a full-time devoted Mom is beyond doubt a great decision.  I am now able to give more time for my children, which, admittedly, I have not been able to do so in the past due to the high demands of my job. It is so rewarding. I now enjoy the liberty of managing my time at my own pace and dedicate most of it to the family and being more involved in my children’s lives. 

Like any other Mom, having my “me” time allows me to survive the chaos and all the craziness that goes along with motherhood every now and then (note: I say this fondly and lovingly). A big part of my ‘Mommy time-out’ is blogging. Simply put, it’s a way of putting my creative writing juices to good use. It’s where I put my ideas, thoughts, insights -- my heart and soul as a mother and my own person-- into words. I hope to make the most of the prospect of sharing my experiences, whatever I have learned and what I know to other Moms like me out there. I hope that when they come across my blog posts and read them, they will discover some things in common with me, something helpful or probably interesting. I also wish to learn from other Moms and connect with them and if and when they leave comments.

I am a novice Mom blogger, breastfeeding advocate, an amateur artist, a voracious reader and a writer.

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