Motherhood Teaches You To Be Creative

Early this week, I was asked by my son's teacher to prepare a box which he can wear and be covered with art paper. As explained, this is going to be for their monthly interaction activity. Every end of the month, the school organizes activities for the kids. They play, have fun and learn all at the same time. Its like giving the kids a break from the usual school work.

This month's theme was Robots' Antics & Frolics.

As I was buying the materials for the box, since its a robot theme, I decided to cover it as Bumble Bee (which is yellow and black). Then we were instructed to use recycable materials for the face of the robot.

I gathered perfume boxes, caps from drinking bottles, playdough caps. From the beginning my son started attending school, this mind of mine has been working pretty hard, creating projects for school. I like it everytime the school instructs us to use old materials. They give big value, not only for the parents' efforts, but also on the financial aspect. The children learn more than the lesson itself. But their exposed to the whole concept behind every activity. And not to forget, the mom learns to be more creative and resourceful too.

I Have A New Fish!

Last Saturday we went to Cartimar Pet Valley to canvass for a pet dog. We were choosing between a chow-chow, a labrador or a shih tzu. My sister and I have been thinking of getting into the dog business. Anyway, Cartimar is also known for fish lovers. As we were looking for dogs, I was also entering fish shops, and found Aj! This fish is the new member of the Cichlid family I have.

The only thing this fish lacks are long eye-lashes :D

Remember the movie Shark's Tale? Angelina Jolie voiced over this sexy fish who also has puffy lips. This Blue Dolphin reminded me of her in that movie. Also, Mrs. Angelina Jolie-Pitt is my favorite actress. I have been meaning to grow this fish for a very long time. And I was able to purchase it for a cheap price. Blue Dolphins reminds me of grace and femininity.

This fish earned its common name because it is blue and the shape of its head closely resembles the shape of a dolphin’s head. Other common names include Malawi Blue Dolphin, Dolphin Cichlid, Blue Moorii, and Hap Moorii. This relatively peaceful cichlid is gorgeous to look at due to its bright, shiny blue coloring. -source-

Tag and Tutorial---Reflexology

This tag is very timely. Thanks Mommy Jac of Mom’s Special Diary! I am now occupied with this book called Secrets of Reflexology. In connection with my recent post Stress Relief , this book serves as my guide on giving the perfect stress buster for my husband.

1. Collect the book that you have most handy

2. Turn to page 161

3. Find the 5th complete sentence

4. Cite the sentence on your blog

5. Pass it on to 5 other bloggers

The 5th sentence states: "In the winter, many people experience a form of depression caused by a lack of light".

I haven't experienced winter yet. We get same results with a gloomy, cloudy, rainy day. To continue---Therepies such as reflexology aid to the relaxation and improve well-being of a person.

I want to tag:

Shy of Simple Happy Life
Chris of The Mommy Journey
Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary
Recel of Rare Ordinary Thoughts
Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts
Willa of A Life That Is Less Ordinary
Kikamz of Just About Anything

Stress Relief

Let me start my week with some affirmations. Since my husband and I got married, we never really had the chance to go on a vacation. If we plan, something more important always go in- between. It has been a goal every year to seek time to take a break.

I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
I CAN CREATE INNER PEACE

Last night I was just talking to my husband about stress. And the result of stress are showing lines and a dull glow on his face. I understand his concern. He is the only one working for the family. Since he started working, he literally never went on leave. We all have our limits. I think he reached his first. As we went with our conversation, we thought of other alternatives to make things a bit easy. Let's be realistic. Work pays high but it eats up a lot of your time. When it doesn't require so much of your service, it pay less.

Its only either of the 2...or you start a business for you to call the shots. So, we ended talking on going for a short break from our everyday tasks... we don't have to spend just to be able to say, "hey, we went on a vacation". Straying away from the usual is already big. Work off your mind, means good relaxation. Then the body reflects the good thoughts, it rejuvinates.
Over the weekend, we arranged a spa-like area in our home. We bought meditation music, scented candles and oils. We went on Youtube to watch some techniques on massaging. Its even better than the real spa, because we can go over more than an hour. :D

Try it! -photo-

I will do anything to make things easy for my husband. As a SAHM, a spa treatment is all I could ever give to make his system feel relaxed.

There are benefits behind this stressful story. My husband still wanted me to stay at home. We want to invest on a good business soon. We haven't thought of what kind, but definitely, we will be considering. Personally, I would prefer handling a business, than working. Our conversation helped tone down stress a bit for my husband.

Through stress/ challenges, we thought of new solutions, a new light--- putting up a business. we're able to have a healthy conversation, we seeked to understand each other and comfort each other.

I CAN SEE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AS CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES BRING OPPORTUNITIES

I Need Protection For My Cam

If there 's something on my wishlist for 2009, these are going to be it. A goal, that I'm hoping--- to reach before the end of this year...Hay...

One of the hassles carrying a big camera is bringing a big bag. If not, an extra bag just for it. Really, I didn't mind at first. Evetually, it became hard for my shoulders. I am talking about the smallest DSLR Canon had ever released. I can't imagine the more complex models (which are larger) and consider a tripod present. Apart from this dilemma, I also can't just leave my camera at home. This gadget has already found its spot on every outing we made. And to keep it light, I sorted out my personal bag, removed all unnecessary things in order to make room for my camera. The scenario--- I ended up carrying my camera around my shoulder and a small bag which I share with my son. I have an exposed camera with me... It could just bump into anything unnoticed, breaking the lense.

On Ebay $14

On our last visit at the Mall Of Asia, I saw a man carrying his DSLR covered with this camera protector (above). The material is "kinda" made out of foam, a very sturdy foam. It covered his camera and he carried his gadget swinging around his shoulders like he is not carrying anything at all. I thought, this could be the answer to my small situation.

A camera bag is essential when you're going to travel, change lenses or if it will take you the whole day out taking pictures. As for me, a basic, fully- charged cam and this protector will do.

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In a few months, my family and I are off to the beach again. This is an underwater protector for any Canon DSLR from Rebel XTi, XS, XSi, 500D. I am an underwater enthusiast. Last time we went to the beach, I went home frustrated. The underwater cam I brought had an expired date on it.

With this, it will give you all the fun taking pictures while on the beach and in the water. It will provide clear pictures without the thought that your cam might get destroyed.

On Ebay $120

Also perfect for capturing the lovely site of life from the world under...

Solar Eclipse July 22, 2009

Was the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting as much as 6 minutes and 39 seconds in some places. Actually, when I took a peek at our window at 8:30 am, it was on going already. I was on and off looking until 8:45 am. It was still partially covered.

-photo source-

The first phase of the partial solar eclipse is seen at an observatory in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century pitched a swatch of Asia from India to china into near darkness as millions gathered to watch the phenomenon.

(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

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I had to blog this rare event because it was my first time to witness a Solar Eclipse. Not totally, but I'm all good. The last Total Solar Eclipse happened in 1991, I was in gradeschool then. It was only seen across the Pacific. This time, I had to experience it. I waited and observed early this morning, around 8:30am. Just right after dropping off my son from school. I hurried home and made an improvised eye protector. Protect kung protect.

With the partial eclipse, it turned a bit cloudy and cooler. The wind started to blow a bit too. Saw gray clouds surrounding the partially covered sun.
The next event from this series will be on August 2, 2027.

La Mesa Ecopark

Private Transport: From QC Circle, take Commonwealth Avenue---Pass Sandiganbayan---Fairview Public Market---bear right look for Winston Street---Dunhill Street---La Mesa Ecopark

Public Transport: Fairview bus or jeepney that goes all the way to Litex. Go down at East Fairview Subdivision gate. Ride the tricycle to the ecopark.

The Park Map

Welcome to the La Mesa Ecopark!

Boat Deck

Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream...

Park rates and Amenities

Main park...perfect to play some games and to go on a picnic

Butterfly Trail and Hatchery

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. La Mesa Ecopark envisions a better environment for our children. Our mission is to spread environmental awareness through education and advocacy. La Mesa Ecopark is a venue providing for healthful outdoor recreation and a true forest experience. It is a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education and aims to be a center for biodiversity conservation. In 2006, over 280 different schools from all over the country, some coming from as far as Laoag, Bohol and Cebu, trooped to La Mesa Ecopark for their educational school field trips. Today, the park continues to be a popular destination for family outings and picnics; a more healthful alternative to shopping malls.-source-

We will be going back this weekend to go on a picnic, fishing and swimming :D