Have a long distance relationship?

A long distance relationship is never easy, but if I'd be given a chance to do it all over again, I would. I met my husband in 2004 and he also left before the year ended. You see, we met in March and he left November. He came back after three years, to be exact, November 2007. During the 3 years, we relied on yahoo messenger, numerous phone calls and letters. Well, during the entire 3 years, I only received 1 letter from him. Despite that, I never grew tired of writing him, and sending him letters 3 times a month. I remember I would frequently go to the Post Office inside the University of the Philippines. Yes, those were the days. It was very difficult because it seemed back then that I had an imaginary boyfriend. It was hard to cling to promises. What made it harder was the fact that we were just in the beginning of our relationship when he left, just 6 months. It was a risk. There were times when I had to initiate breakups, but he never said 'yes'. Sure there were disagreements, but they were signs of how we miss each other.

                                                             Source: fitting-it-all-in.com

I think most long distance relationships fail because couples can't stand not seeing each other, as if the presence of each other is the only thing that will make their relationship stronger. It's true that physical presence is important, but when you enter a long distance relationship, you have to look for other ways to compensate physical absence. I still didn't know how I did it, or how I surpassed it. Maybe I just grew tired of not seeing him anymore. I made a conscious effort of writing him, almost everyday. I was not able to send the other letters that I wrote him, but writing to him seemed like I was writing in my diary during those days. It became a habit. And that habit beat the idea of not seeing him.

When someone decides to pursue a long distance relationship, be prepared to get hurt and don't expect a lot. Always consider what is important for each other. You have your own priorities when you're apart. Do not expect the other person to give in to your demands all the time. Remember, both of you have your own lives, your own responsibilities to fulfill and goals to pursue, Be understanding. Be prepared to understand even if it seems difficult to do so. During those 3 years, he was working for his family and I was pursuing my studies. We both have different priorities, but we never considered the difference as a hindrance to our relationship. Though there were times that I wished he was with me during special occasions, we had to let them all pass because there are more important things to focus on.

The question: 'Do I want to lose this person?' is something that I end up asking myself after thinking of how difficult it is to be in a long distance relationship. When I thought I could not wait anymore and got tired of waiting for phone calls and messages, I ask myself this question. The answer was always a 'no'. Most couples lose their faith in each other during long distance relationships. Time and distance will always pose a challenge in what you have and in what you have built together, but I guess the idea of losing each other would change everything and turn what you have in its original place. 

I've always believed that 'Patience is a virtue'. Do not be tired of waiting.

Customer Service Experience from Jollibee: Pass or Fail?

I recently availed of Jollibee's 45-minute delivery. I usually call them twice a month specially when I feel like rewarding my kids from being behaved and obedient. You see, my kids' faces lighten up when I order from them. I also do this when I can't cook anymore because of my hectic schedule. Talking to their customer service for order taking only takes 2 or 3 minutes, and then after that, the 45-minute wait begins. However, our food arrived an hour later. Jollibee promises P200-worth of gift certificates if they failed to bring the food on time. Since my food arrived late, I expected to get the gift certificates (GCs). However, the rider told me that the 45-minute rule starts when they, the riders, leave the store. I told him that I clarified that to the customer service already. But he still didn't give me the GCs. He even told me that the P200 value of the GCs will be deducted to their salaries. I think he said that to make me feel guilty. So I asked him to sign at the back of the receipt with the delivery time included. I told him that I'd be waiting for their call to address the problem. After he left, I called and clarified the information. I didn't wait for the call from the store manager because I'm not really sure if the rider would talk about my complaint to the manager. The customer service that I first talked to transferred my call to their supervisor. She was a bit surprised of the information that the rider gave me. She told me that she will verify the reason about the problem to the Manager-on-duty of that particular Jollibee store. She even told me that their company would never deduct from the employees salary. After a few minutes, she called me back to once again apologize about what had happened and assured me that proper information will be disseminated next time to the employees. And yes, she told me that the GCs will be delivered to me before the day ends:)

How to make a child ready for school

                                                             Source: pyambr.com

A child is no longer a baby when he/she starts schooling. I have two preschool girls that just started their classes last week. The eldest's schedule is from 7:00am-10:00am, while the other is from 10:00am-12:00nn. I consider myself lucky because my kids never cried or threw a tantrum on their first day of school. I guess it is still normal for kids to be fearful of a new environment, specially on their own. This is why I understand the difficulty of other parents and children who cry in schools. My kids have already adjusted to their morning schedule. They usually wake up at around 5:00am because of my work, have breakfast, brush teeth and take a bath. It's been a breeze so far because I remind them every night of what they should do in the morning. These are only some of the reasons why I think my children are ready for school. Let me share more of my observations:

1. Kids should be taught how to be responsible.

Going to school for the first time is a big adjustment for both parents and children. In my case, early on, I've been constantly reminding my children that since we have no helper to depend on, they have got to understand the importance of being responsible. It's not an easy task in the beginning. There even came a point when I have to keep on repeating my reminders everyday, getting blank reactions from them. Others may think that I may be expecting a lot from my kids, but I have always believed how kids are intelligent in understanding and seeing the difficulties around them. 

2. Kids should be taught the value of time.

It is never easy to wake up in the morning, specially for kids. Kids love to play even until way past their bedtimes. However, it is important for parents to instill the importance of time and being on time by cultivating the things that their kids need to do during specific times of the day. When a child gets used to doing something on a regular basis, it becomes a habit. Later on, the child would then initiate doing what he needs to do even if he is not reminded. 

3, Kids should be taught the value of learning.

Kids are naturally inquisitive. They may ask anything they see on tv, outside of their houses, or just anything in their wonderful minds. I believe that learning should be nurtured more by giving utmost attention to our children. When we listen to them, they feel that they are given importance. Whatever their stories may be, their little minds really have a lot going inside. When kids are exposed to songs, nursery rhymes, reading and playing, parents may discuss how similar activities can also be experienced in school, with new found friends. With this, a kid understands that similar activities are not only confined to the colorful walls of their houses, but can also be enjoyed in schools.

How was your child's first day of school?:)

Comelec Registration Procedure

It is not my first time to vote, but because I didn't vote for two consecutive elections, my name was erased from the database of voters. Presidential elections will be on May 2016. However, the Commission on Elections has started its registration last May 6, 2014 until October 2015. Filipinos are once again called upon to exercise their right to vote.  Last May 7, I went to the COMELEC office at the municipal hall of our town. Since I have not voted for a long time and has never received a voter's ID, below were my concerns:

1. My name was not in the database of qualified voters in the Comelec website.

2. I transferred to a different municipality.

3. I want to use my married name for registration

The Comelec website contains a lot of information related to my concerns. So before going to the office, I brought all my IDs, and other documents like marriage and birth certificates. This is to make sure that I will not be going back and forth to their office. Upon arriving at the Comelec office, I was asked to photocopy a valid ID. After that I was asked the last time I voted and my complete name. My record was then checked and it appeared that, it is true, I am not in their records anymore. I was, then, given a registration form that I need to complete in three copies. After that, the form was checked to see if I missed out in answering any part. The biometrics, which included all the necessary information in the form and my fingerprints, were saved. I was then given the stub that I need to show the Comelec officer so that I could vote on election day. The whole process took me 30 minutes. I arrived at their office at around 9:30am.

Tip: Read the Comelec website first before going to their offices for registration. Do not expect that a voter's ID will be given immediately after. I was told that I have to wait for more than three years before I could get mine.

My Lap-Chole Experience

                                                            source: drahmadmd.com

Last April 3, 2014, I underwent a procedure called "Laparascopic Cholecystectomy". The main aim of the procedure is to remove gall bladder stones by inserting a camera through the four holes made in one's abdomen. I discovered I have gall stones when I felt a sharp pain in my stomach while standing up, that was just last March. I thought I was going to die as I have never had any other surgery except for my c-sections. A day after I felt the pain, my sister advised me to see a surgeon because she thought I maybe having appendicitis. However, the abdominal ultrasound showed that I have a lot of small gall stones that might go through the small ducts and reach my other organs. It was hard to accept at first, because what came into my mind was my kids. Again, I thought I would not be seeing them grow up. Fear has already enveloped my mind and body. But I have realized that it still depends on how I am going to face the situation. What I did was to do online research about 'cholecystectomy' and pray. The procedure itself was a bit painful. The most painful part was the anesthesia. Two weeks after the pain, I underwent the surgery. Fast forward to the week after, I was already dining out with my friends in a buffet restaurant, lol! Many thanks to my family and friends, most specially to my husband, who was there all throughout.

With a history of cancer and heart ailments in the family, it's impossible for me not to worry about my health and my children's. Honestly, before the surgery, I worry about it everyday. I have realized that because of my worries, I have missed a lot in appreciating my health more. So the idea now is to enjoy the present and pray for my worries. 

The Joys of Raising Children

Who doesn't love kids? If there's one thing I learned from having a family, it's the happiness brought by raising children. I got pregnant almost every two years. Sure there were regrets that I am not really ashamed to admit, but love blossoms when you bear a child. I now have a 5 year old, a 4 and a 1 year old. I don't have a nanny also. When I see news about children being maltreated by people you thought you could trust, it breaks my heart. Even if I wanted to pursue a career outside my home, I have begun to accept that raising my children is now my career. Here are some things I have learned so far:

1. Children are different from each other. It is a challenge not to compare kids. But I think that there will always come a time that comparisons will be made. My husband and I discuss our children by ourselves, making sure that the kids would not be hearing anything. Yes, we compare, but we make sure that we put utmost attention to the behavior/characteristic that needs improving.

2. Children are intelligent individuals. I have noticed and learned that the approach to learning should be adjusted on the needs of the kids.One child may require a lot of information and explaining to do when he/she asks a question,while the other may not. Kids ask the simplest question and a parent's job is to answer it as truthfully as he/she can.

3. Children needs attention. In my case, the challenge happens when one kid after another demands attention. Sometimes, one kid asks a question, while another tries to tell a story, while another starts to cry because he hurts himself. It's crazy and fun at the same time. It is the parents' responsibility to give attention to the children. They feel loved and appreciated by the acceptance and approval they get from their parents.

4. Polite words matter a lot. Kids do and say silly things. However, it is always up to the parents on how their children will grow up. Teaching words of politeness is my priority at home. I've always believed that polite words hone a person's character and it will always be seen on how he/she deals with people until he/she grows up.

5. Discipline with love. With three children and a never-ending pile of housework to finish, I always end up getting easily irritated by mess and fighting. I do 'face the wall' or 'time-out' strategies to make kids understand what they've done. However, I always see to it to explain to them the mistake they have done. It's true that sometimes they are too young to understand, but the hugging and apologies that comes after are what usually makes my heart melt.

Jan 27th

When death strikes in a family, everything falls apart. I lost my mother from cancer. It was a Monday, 6:00 a.m, also my sister's birthday, January 27. It was the most painful and unforgettable experience for me. I still remember even the littlest detail on that day. I felt lost and alone. I tried to convince myself that she just went abroad and was never heard from again. Tough times. I decided to quit my job because I couldn't bear the pain and I realized that the only way for me to accept everything is to just do nothing. Even if I have tried my best to move on, it seemed the most difficult thing to do. 11 years later, I am still trying to rebuild myself. I have tried my best to be a good mother and wife,so that she could be proud of me. I am trying to be the mother that she wasn't. Yes, the opposite. My sisters and I grew up not receiving all that love and guidance that most mothers give to their children. This pain never leaves me and I promised myself that I would not be doing the same mistake to my children.