True Colors

Please be advised that this event I'm about to share happened in the past. I am in a better state now that's why I'm able to put it into context. I was hesitant to make this post or to put this entry online. But if I don't, then that makes me untruthful and worse, towards myself. We all go through adversities, what's life without it.

It was a tough 2 years for me. 

Staying positive is an important aspect I hang on to everyday to remain sane in my daily challenges. But with the bombardment of assumptions towards me as a person, as a mom, as a wife and just simply a girl who was able to make her first travel extraordinary,  the lighter side dimmed down. 

Change happened after our family vacation in the United States 3 years ago. There was a bit of a struggle going back to our daily grind after living there for almost half a year. While we were in America, I was warned by my husband of the changes that could happen, especially because I've experienced and seen what life is in a different perspective. 

The very reason why we made our long time plan to travel to the United States materialize was because our children were old enough to appreciate the experience. It was due time to see our family abroad and for the fact that it will take a long time before we can make such event happen again.

This travel unfolded easily for us, it felt right so we went on with it. The feeling was surreal because I was with my own family. The experience became extraordinary because it was a dream fulfilled with my children. It changed my perception in life. How to react on things, how to deal with people and how to be more sensitive of my surroundings. I became knowledgeable of things people most probably thought I'm not capable of. 

When we were finally home from our trip, I was so excited to tell stories about the things I learned and experienced to anybody who was ready to listen. But the reception was different, some got disappointed because we weren't able to meet their expectations. Others were not as enthusiastic just because "maybe",  they don't want to show they're excited for us. Some were truly thankful and happy for the gifts we got for them. 

As the days moved on, it turned into months and came a point when my other half had to leave for the United States again.  There were few who questioned our motives and most especially our capability to pursue the plan of moving to the United States. It came to a point when a certain individual even researched and tried to debunk our said goal.

We share these things because being part of the small group we trust, it is more likely expected that we will get support, that we will get encouragement, but that did not happen. Anyway, I survived this particular phase.  

In 2017, I functioned as a single mom for 6 months because my husband had to take care of things in the United States. I was at my best everyday to get by as a single parent. 

During this timeline, my role as a stay at home mom was also questioned. Why am I not working? Apparently for some, work, money and title are forms of empowerment. I greatly respect that, but no one can choose what I should do and tell me what I should contribute.  

For the past 15 years, I maintained a well- balanced home, I created a healthy environment for my family, and that's all on me and my husband. The sacrifices I  made are worth more than the money and power these people are suggesting. 

My purpose is to keep our family intact despite the distractions we are getting, despite the intruders that came into our family life. Support is the very foundation of every good deed. Once it crumbles down, it loses the whole essence and reason of doing the deed at all. 

Lessons and Realizations: 

Find your purpose and focus on it than on someone else's life. 

Plant memories beyond what money can buy and what will stick to those you love once you leave this world. 

The best thing about hard times and defining moments is you get to see the true colors of those around you. 

0o0

What happened for the past 2 years was a turning point for our family. A complete transition. We saw our plan of the future as something good, we were filled with so much hope. With the feedback we got, we thought, it is also something we should learn to let go.

Even with the absence of support, there were those who remained true. I commend the people who reached out and cheered us on.

I learned to play around it by standing firm. I remain quiet but I know when to treat a situation and demand respect in return. 

Spoiled Daughter- In- Law

In the recent reunion I had with my childhood friends, the talked about topics was mostly family life. What's new, the fun part as married women and the ups and downs of sharing a new relationship with people we didn't grow up with, yet, are there to complete our families. I'm talking about our "in-laws".  I was the last person to share in the group about my experiences with my in-laws.

My friends asked me on what kind of relationship I share with my mother-in-law in particular. All I blurted out at that moment was "I'm a spoiled daughter-in-law".  Over-all, my relationship with my in-laws from my mom-in-law, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and even cousin-in-laws are close to perfect.

 We all have our stories to share, all are expected to be different and all relationships are bound to be created depending on the person or what defines both us and our in-laws. I realized in the end, it's all about respect. It's all about finding your spot in the family and by being sensitive or being aware on what's happening around you.

 My in-laws give importance to my part in the family, which I really appreciate. They respect my role as the mother of their grandchildren and nephews. They never bypass my role as the wife of my husband. 

My parents taught me well in order to have a smooth relationship with my in-laws: pay respect by recognizing their positions and their roles in the family, radiate self-respect and  by being simple. Personally, as much as possible, I try to be the one to adjust in any given situation. 

Honesty is also part of a successful relationship, especially with your other half. 

It is given that we all have our ways in running our own households. On my experience,  being open about the things I prefer matters. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts on certain things. We all have our perspectives so honesty and sincerity will help both sides meet in the middle, agree on something without stepping on each other's roles in the family. Well so far it works for me.

I am very happy, thankful and partly proud to share with my friends the closeness I have with my in-laws. It kinda shed a new light to something where the in-laws (particularly the mom-in-law) plays the villain.  I guess for some it might take time, like a lot of time. Hopefully for most of us, everything is running smoothly. 

If there's one thing to learn when dealing with others in general, it's always to be respectful and understand our differences.

When I said that "I'm a spoiled daughter- in-law", it became a spot- on realization that made me even more grateful for meeting and marrying a man with such a lovely background and family. If my husband is a nice person... my in-laws are nicer. 😁

Pumpkin Patch

In my previous posts, Fall marked our trip in the US last year. We arrived in June and our planned stay was just 2 months. But since it was our first family trip and we haven't seen our families in GA for years, we decided to extend our stay until at least we can celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday, my son's birthday, our great grandma's birthday and to experience Fall. 

As I was told that it's during Fall that the Pumpkin Season begins and so is Halloween preparations and Thanksgiving. It is also the most liked season because of its warm colors and cool breeze.

My youngest son grew fond of pumpkins since. It became his favorite vegetable, he loves Halloween and he even uses his pumpkin container for trick or treating all- year round as toy basin.

At this same time, for the past 2 weeks we've been driving by from church when we noticed that they're slowly setting up the patch. As first- timers, we got really excited. The day has finally arrived, and again from church, we went straight to have our first pumpkin patch experience.

It's like a mini fair. There's an ice cream truck, small rides for kids. One of the things we enjoyed was the scary maze, it was for the whole family to enjoy. The set- up was perfect, nothing too intense.

These pumpkins are for sale, the price will depend on the size. Wheelbarrows are made ready so it would be easier to tow pumpkins around. We bought small ones and displayed it by our kitchen window.

Pumpkins are often used as decorative lanterns (jack-o'-lanterns) for Halloween. By tradition, it is cooked or baked for Thanksgiving. Since we live in the south, the Country feel made it extraordinary. It was my first time, it brought out the kid in me. I mean, pumpkins of different sizes, with hay under my feet and Country music playing... I don't get that everyday, so I'm one happy mom.

4 Facebook Accounts

I started joining social media in 2002. Friendster was so famous then. Through the years since the boom of the internet, the only applications I got involved in (aside from Friendster), was Multiply and Facebook,  I also maintained both my blogging sites. 

Like everyone else, I enjoyed the whole idea of being able to connect with friends from distant places. Schoolmates whom I haven't seen for years, and just the whole idea to be able to connect to people and voice out ones thoughts. My story goes around why I ended having 4 Facebook accounts in the last decade.

My first Facebook account was running smoothly. It was linked to my blogs and I'm very much friends with everyone until... it was hacked. My life was so open and sharing stories on my blogs thinking that I'm just an ordinary mom, I have nothing to lose.

The problem started when somebody tried to get log-in info through my details online. You see, aside from blogging, I am also an active gamer until 2013. I play World of Warcraft online. W0W requires so much and if millions are playing it, millions are also interested into getting an account for free, no matter what. To be able to join, one should purchase the game itself, create an account and pay on a monthly basis for game time. My account was a gift from my husband by the way.

Throughout the process, an account with a good setup can also be sold (for a good amount) to another interested gamer. Given that, later on, aside from my Facebook, my Blizzard account was also targeted for phishing. I deactivated my Facebook immediately, I changed all of my account info and I simplified the things I put on my blogs and online over-all.

My second Facebook account was made as soon as I deactivated my hacked FB. It stayed for awhile until... My husband requested me to deactivate it for a very important reason. You see, my husband is a private person, he is my opposite. If I like posting stuff, you won't hear a thing from him. So prying  irks him a lot. If they can't get through him, the next person was me. It just so happen that I wasn't blogging as much too and I seldom make posts that's why this next deactivation process was not difficult to do.

My third Facebook account is supposedly for business purposes. With the deletion of my second FB account, my husband got rid of his own too and we decided to create this third as a business marketing instrument. For about a year, we were able to run a specialty loaf business. Then mid- 2016 we went out of the country for a long vacation. When we got back, everything changed, our lives changed and we did not push with the business anymore. 

Coming from a good 4- month vacation, me and my husband agreed that I convert this FB "business" account as personal so we can share photos to our families. Later on, this third account went crazy (even with the most private setting) I got several requests from people I/ we have no intention of adding. When I mentioned crazy, there was just too much going on that it was already annoying so... deactivation time.

This fourth Facebook account I just made yesterday was carefully considered. I must admit, Facebook has become an essential in a sense that we want to be in touch with the "important people" in our lives. This account will serve close family members, relatives and friends I want to keep and "I'm actively" in touch with. Not much posting, no comments, no likes (maybe) but I'll be there for anyone who wants to share a conversation.

4 Facebook accounts... 

Throughout this transition I also learned a few things specially when it comes to privacy. From having hundreds of contacts composed of family, friends and acquaintances, I was able to filter it down to less than 50. People worth keeping are those who were and still are very supportive and generous of their time to us, those who inspire us, precious beings we value because we matter to them...

My family is in transition, we want a fresh, clean beginning, and  this is one part where we choose people we know that are true to us and who can be part of this new journey we're taking.

Minimalist Living

My understanding of a Minimalist Living is running under the "less is more" perception.

It is also going back to basics at some point and it was just recently when I became fully aware that this way of living has always been our set up at home and it is called Minimalism.

We started this kind of approach the moment we started a family. Life began from the very bottom. We get by from paycheck- to- paycheck. This kind of situation has taught us to become wiser. We saw the positive effects in "having less". We get by with what is only needed and we spend less time hanging out.

Lifestyle is a key player in our lives. Its impact takes effect instantly. Sometimes it is stressful and there are moments that can be inspiring.

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A Minimalist's life for me is simple living. As for our function as a family, we were able to learn and appreciate the art of detachment. It is one way to unburden oneself and clearly an easy path to get rid of items that we don't need and we feel will only serve as clutter. Time management is also important in setting one's priorities.

At Home

• My goal everyday as a stay at home mom is to make and keep a well- balanced household. It all starts within the four walls of our house. Having a conducive environment at home helps one overcome the mess that is outside, like a downpour of work or just the nonsense one has to deal with everyday.

• The reason why we bought a condo is because it is more manageable. Less maintenance, less headache. It's smaller than a house but it is still spacious enough to decorate and play around with. A basic square cut is always recommended so in times you want to rearrange or redecorate, it's easy.

• Get rid of old items especially those that are not being used. Toys, clothes, shoes etc... Not only you get to declutter but you also get to wear or keep newer things. In our case, we donate our old items. 

• Avoid excessive decorating. 
• Have plenty of storage and store items you want to keep properly
• Build a personal space in a corner of a room.
• In the kitchen, I also have the basics. Baking tools are on a set basis only.  When I got my KitchenAid mixer, I gave the old stand mixer back to my mom. 
• I have 2 sets of plates one for formal dining and another for everyday use.

These are just examples, the list goes on.

Benefits:
Less clutter, less stress to the eyes and mind.
More room, more space for meditation or quiet time.
Less clutter, less dirt, less bugs and pests.
A clean house dictates clean living and a healthy lifestyle.

Food

• The main goal is to avoid wastage and to equip your kitchen with your preferred essentials.

• Buy the ingredients or items for cooking that are often used. In a week, I was able to practice to come up with a menu good for 4 and that becomes basis for my grocery list both perishable and dry goods. Not only you avoid wastage but you replenish your fridge with fresh items every week.

• Establish what is needed to be bought in bulk and in minimal amount. 
• One of the things I love about the products we have in the Philippines is the "value pack". It gives the exact amount you need in one cooking or recipe.

Closet/Clothing

• Let's say, for some of us, it is when we go shopping we greatly damage our budget or savings. One of the perks of being a homemaker is I'm not required to dress up everyday. Shopping for new items for events and gatherings or even just to replace whatever I have are the benefits I enjoy with having less or just the basics in my closet.
  

• For whatever season it may be, "invest" on the basics and just do mix and match.

• When it comes to footwear, storage can be an issue. Shoes have a life span whether it is often used or not. I personally have "one pair" of what I think is essential. A pair of flat shoes, strap- on/ sandals, flip flops, slip-on, walking shoes/ running shoes and I have a heavy duty pair  which I can use during the rainy season.
• Accessories, make- up, perfume: Basic, what you prefer of course,  and just enough to consume at a certain period of time so you can treat yourself to a new set again.

Most of this basically hits on the amount we tend to buy and keep for a long time.

Travel

• One of the things I keep in mind when I travel anywhere with my family is to pack light. On our recent trip to America, even if we were given an allowance of 2 50lbs each (x4), aside from our personal bags, we opted to bring 3 large suitcases only: 2  for our clothes and a luggage filled with pasalubong/ gifts. With kids in tow, it's always best to travel light especially for long haul flights.
• Set your mind on souvenir items that are going to be useful when you get back home.

• It's a different case when you've done major shopping at your destination. For us, we shipped the items we bought ahead of the time of our departure.
• Based on our experience being around the East Coast, for a family of 4 we survived our daily tour with just my personal crossbody bag and a medium backpack in tow. 

• Wear the most comfortable clothes and shoes, the set of clothing you're willing to let go or you'll often use throughout your travel so you don't have to pack it.

Social

This is going to be more on a personal perspective.  In 2015, my husband and I got rid of our personal Facebook accounts. Many wondered, a lot made speculations... and it's just Facebook! Whatever accounts we have now are just active for communication purposes.

For me, the only active accounts I have is Instagram which is on private and with chosen few as my contacts, plus my blogs.

Simplify your world online. The thing we don't like about social media is prying, and there's too much negativity circulating.

We choose the people we hangout with as well. It's cool to have a few friends that you can trust and be open with, than a lot which you barely know.

When it comes to social media or on mingling, filter your activities. You don't have to get rid of your accounts just filter everything and be wise on what you post and share online.

0o0

The reason why my husband and I are able to achieve goals and meet them on our specific timeline is because living with less gives us a wider perspective of things, of life itself.

Avoid getting too sentimental.

Don't ponder and overthink too much.

Choose to Live in the moment.

We can plan well, relax, look at our options, and study everything before we plunge into something. It gives us a huge amount of time, at least some room to breathe.

Being a minimalist helps us achieve goals. It also teaches our children how to live a simple life.

No one is getting deprived by the way, Minimalism is simplifying things. It's humbling and it shows the brighter side of life itself.

World of Coca- Cola Tour

Location:265 Park Ave W Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

The World of Coca- Cola is situated within the Centennial Park District. It's just a few steps away from Centennial Olympic Park that was built for guests during the 1996 Olympics. It is right beside the Georgia Aquarium.

The World of Coca- Cola was the 2nd tourist spot we went to in Atlanta. Aunt Mel treated our whole family to the World of Coke as a welcome gift, but we were able to go during my eldest son's birthday last September.

 I love Coke! It's my go- to drink if I want something refreshing on a hot day or just to unwind and while watching a great movie. This tour was one of the highlights of our US trip last year because we visited the home of Coke, where it all started.

John Pemberton Founder of Coca- Cola

Information Booth for interested guests

The Lobby

Here, folks will welcome you with Coca- Cola drinks.

This is also where you will find the Coca- Cola bottle sculptures and the waiting area that will lead to---
 The Loft

The tour officially begins at The Loft. You will find memorabilia that represent the 125 Years of Coca- Cola from 30 different countries.

Our tour guide was very excited and asked each guest of their country of origin. It was amazing that the groups and families that we were with was composed of travelers and tourists from around the world. Switzerland, Korea, China, USA and even Greece. Of course, we got very excited to announce to all that we're from the Philippines.

Coca- Cola Theater

At the theater, a short film called Moments of Happiness was shown. It revolved around stories and moments of people from around the world with different cultures, how they celebrate and share their most valued journeys with Coca- Cola. It was a heartwarming film about love, life and family. The joys a drink can bring to our hearts.

I did not feature some of the other places we went to during our tour because we weren't able to take pictures. But you can visit: https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/ for details.

Pop Culture Gallery

Bottle Works

 Coca- Cola Polar Bear

The finale of our Coca- Cola tour was the Taste It! Experience. Here, we're able to taste over 100 Coca- Cola products from around the world. I guess, on what we've tasted so far, a country or continent's beverage is represented based on their culture or way of living.

Coke dispensers from places around the world: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America

I took note of the following drinks I've been eager to try:

Japan- Vegitabeta ( not too sweet, refreshing, a bit bland)
Madagascar- Bonbon Anglais (unexplainable!)
North America- Gold Peak Sweet Tea (my new favorite in Georgia)
Korea- Joy (fruity)
North America- TAB ( gave me a nostalgic feel, milder taste compared to Coke)
Italy- Beverly (it's like vodka with sparkling water)

Over-all, I'm amazed on how Coca- Cola was able to recognize and come up with the distinct flavors that made each destination unique. I am proud to say that Asia has the most balanced set of beverages.

 My eldest son trying Coca- Cola products from Europe

Aside from the Taste It! experience, a section was also made available for other Coca- Cola products we're more familiar with. Keep your cups cause you might want to extend your Taste It! journey with some Coke Life, Cherry or Vanilla Coke, or with the Original Taste we all love. My second best choice was Raspberry Coke!

 Happy Me in My Happy Place

 More Coke for take home!

 Coca- Cola Store

We truly enjoyed our visit at the The World of Coca- Cola. It's one of our most memorable in this trip. It introduced a greater meaning than just recognizing and drinking a bottle of Coke. This whole experience showed us the other side of a famous soda brand, how it brings joy to everyone. I am very grateful to have experienced The World of Coca- Cola with my family. I mean, we love Coke!

The Trip Worth Waiting For

How can travel define a person? I guess it depends on his/ her dreams, goals and of course, the travel companion. There were times when my husband would tell me to proceed and explore new places even without him. You see, my husband's work requires a great deal of his time as a global manager for one of the biggest global law firms. He is entitled to go on a certain no. of leaves but his role for this company is very important globally,  it's tough to find that window to go on long vacations. I always tell him, that I will never go anywhere else without him. Since we got married, in everything that we do, it was done with both of us in it. I don't care if it's a trip around the world, for as long as it's not with him and my children, a trip will never be as fun and memorable. My family is my life, and they make it sweeter.

It has been 12 years... 12 years full of love, laughter, unforgettable moments and learnings. My husband and I went through a decade filled with discoveries that nurtured our relationship even more. We waited and waited... true enough in God's perfect timing everything was easy.

Finally, we have arrived at the moment when we get to try  something new and different not just as individuals but as a family. We're about to fulfill another dream... the dream to travel as a family. I'm very happy that our 12th wedding anniversary is going to be extra special, definitely outside the country. Months away from the busy life we have here in the Philippines is surely worth waiting for and  it took us 6 months to prepare.

Travel does wonders to each of us, regardless of location and how it's spent. Near or far, travel makes us better beings, it pulls out our greatest strengths and fears and it brings us to a certain high where all we can think about is to explore and be limitless.

A new experience, a path to discovery and awareness. The most important for me is the impact of this whole new event to my children. My kids are at a stage where they like to discover and recreate, it's the perfect moment to make those thoughts come to life right before their very eyes.

As to where we are going? Let me hold that as a surprise...

Beyond Rodrigo Duterte

Election day is just a few winks away this will be the last on my thoughts.

I'm supporting the candidacy of Mayor "Digong" Duterte.
Why did I choose him?

Track Record. I haven't been to Davao but that land has become home to my father who does business there almost every other month. Knowing my father as a choosy person and who you won't be able to persuade just like that, fell in love with Davao City, to a point that he almost bought a property in preparation for his retirement. As to how he describes the city,  as a traveler,  he never felt so secure in a place. There's a strong hold on peace and order. Pubic service is present. The people are very  nice and approachable without sensing any form of threat or insecurity at all. Given that the people are at peace, there's cooperation, sense of direction, discipline and a functional city, all of this, applied on a much bigger scale (the whole country), why not. Track record is a very important factor on choosing a leader. Davao is proof of his capabilities and strengths of becoming the next President.  That is just one of his works being a public servant for the past 20 years.

A true leader, a working leader.
A man of action.

New Approach. When I was still a teenager, I wasn't mindful of these things. It's when I started my own family when I got really affected on how and where this country was headed. For the past 12 years, I didn't feel or see any improvement, it was downhill all the time. I saw that there was no respect towards law and order anymore. It has become a dog eat dog country.

Everytime I go out with my family, especially when taking public transport, I feel threatened and uncomfortable. So I thought, if we can't change the governing system, why not try a new approach. It's all about the Filipinos in the end--- How can we live peacefully without threat, with food on the table, schooling, opportunities and equality. There's nothing to lose because we lost a lot already.

Change of government system? why not? that's how bad it is. This country is in great danger. I'm coming from the point of view of a regular housewife who does budgeting, marketing, basically everything to have a functional home. I get affected by the events in an instant because I feel it everyday. It's different when you drive your own car. It's different when you have helpers around to work for you. It's a different story for the common people. 

If he wins, whatever is going to be thrown at us, I have to say, we deserve it. Most have become abusive of the so- called democracy that was given to us. Apparently, most of us forgot that such freedom goes hand in hand with great responsibility.  Why fear when all you have to do is follow the rule of  law.

Very simple, if you don't like Mayor Duterte then don't vote for him. Those lambasting the Mayor as if they were there when it all happened, to those who live by making  assumptions and one- sided judgements... stop washing your hands of, we're all dirty as hell.

Whoever the President is, society itself is already a threat. So whether a presidential candidate made a bad joke, or said something offensive, or even got involve in a sort of misconduct, we need to look beyond that because the present governing system has been tainted already, it's all trash and manipulation even with our international ties. The qualifications for Presidency is crap, that anybody who "wants" to run can do so. Media is crappy as well (self explanatory).

What now right? consider the person who will be able to deliver what is rightful for the Filipino people. The leader who will make life less difficult, someone who will put his goals into action and will make the people of this country his #1 priority.

Why can't we move on? We're always stuck, we are always stuck. We like to dig graves and dwell so much on the old and the past. Nothing will happen if we will always react and let our emotions take over.

Personally, I'd rather have a leader with a dirty mouth but has a good governing track record, a strong sense of leadership and direction more than those who are playing clean but has done nothing but steal and burdened this country even more.

If you are troubled by the words and actions of Mayor Duterte, here's one for you, Morality starts within the four walls of our homes not with the President. Moral issues should be settled at home. A strong foundation at home neutralizes the storm we have to go through everyday outside our four walls. If you're sure that your principles and beliefs are intact, then there's no reason to get affected at all. 

Majority of Duterte’s supporters are the common people. They recognize themselves with him. These are the very same beings who will unite if things will go wrong. The people has spoken, this is not a battle between good and evil, this is a battle for equality and for what we deserve. Ibigay ninyo ang nararapat sa mga Pilipino.

They are afraid of Mayor Duterte because he is a man of action. The rich will not be able manipulate this country like they used to and how they want it to be--- always in favor of them. The DECENCY that Mar Roxas speak of doesn’t imply to the Filipino people, it reflects the rich and the business sector, also a state of mind that was brought to the heads of each Filipino--- that you have to be rich, powerful and famous in order to run this country and it goes all the way back in history.

-updated- 5/6/16