I started scrapbooking in 3rd grade. At that time, I didn’t even know it was called “scrapbooking”. I was into a lot of art projects in grade school, and one of the things that we did in art class was the collage. After making perhaps a dozen collages, I got bored with the flat surface and thought about putting other stuff on paper like old buttons, ribbons, cut-out fabric, etc. I wanted to feel some texture, some bumps, some form. So I got hooked for a while and did a few more pages to complement my school projects.

In fourth year high school, we were required to make a scrapbook that was to highlight our high school years. We were supposed to put in there all the achievements we’d made and then present the scrapbook to our parents during the Rigodon de Honor. Unfortunately, my parents did not even bother to look at my scrapbook. (It was a stressful time for our family, so I couldn’t really expect much from my folks.) After that event, I threw away the scrapbook and lost all interest in scrapbooking.

Last year, at Candice’s 1st birthday celebration, we received a scrapbooking kit from a friend. I made plans to start a scrapbooking project, but never got to do it until only last week, when I realized that it’s been more than a year since PJay gave us that kit. Sayang naman. And I know I’ve always wanted to give scrapbooking another try even though I’m busy raising a toddler and writing on the side. So, one quiet afternoon, while Candice was asleep, I went down to the basement and looked for the kit. I brought it to my desk, got my Bic glue stick and scissors, and began my first scrapbooking project for this century!!! I was able to do 2 pages in about half an hour. I still need to get more pattern paper and embellishments, so I can’t take a picture right now.

My first digital scrapbooking project, made using Scrapbook Flair

While waiting for my chance to visit a crafts store, I thought about doing some digital scrapbooking just to keep the enthusiasm going. I’ve been curious about digital scrapbooking for the longest time but never really bothered to click on any related link. A few days ago, I searched the Web for some freebies and found this free scrapbooking software called Scrapbook Flair. It’s a simple drag-and-drop software that lets you create digital scrapbooks in a jiffy, patterns and embellishments included. You can download more add-ons from the developer’s website. I’ve yet to explore the Scrapbook Flair’s other features, though. I hope to make more projects as I poke around the menus and all.

I wish I could easily replace my nose at this time of year. I’ve been dealing with a clogged nose since November. (Well, since I was young, actually.) Apparently, I suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. My nose reacts strongly to everything once the cold weather sets in. I normally abuse myself with antihistamine drugs and my trusty nasal spray when dealing with this dilemma. This time, though, I’ll have to skip the usual prescription and just bear with the discomfort. Why? I’ll explain later.

And speaking of allergies – Candice’s eczema is trying to make a comeback. I’ve been at war with this skin disease since November. It seems that my little girl has inherited her dad’s sensitive skin. I’ve had her on salt baths (NSS compress), antibiotics, antihistamine, and steroids for almost 2 months. Her skin got better for a while. But just a few days ago, I noticed some chapping again. And then, the wounds are there again. What’s a mother to do? I’m giving her steroids + antibiotics again. And, yes, the usual salt bath. I hope the wounds heal soon. The poor girl’s been rubbing her itchy right pinkie on every surface. Kawawa naman.

Hypoallergenic Fabric Conditioner

Upon the dermatologist’s recommendation, I got hypoallergenic bath and body products for Candice. I use Cetaphil cream and Nivea hypoallergenic soft cream to moisturize her body. I use Cetaphil gentle facial cleanser on her face. Her clothes are rinsed using Pigeon’s hypoallergenic fabric conditioner. I’ve yet to find a hypoallergenic detergent at the hypermart, though. Maybe when I get the chance to visit stores in Alabang, I’ll be able to find one.

Some moms have recommended Aveeno and Dove products. Unfortunately, they’re not available at the nearest supermarket. Have you tried Aveeno/Dove on your babies? Is it better than Cetaphil? I’d appreciate your feedback. In the meantime, I’ll have to stick with whatever I can get.

Now, for my nose replacement …

The little girl sings Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star *at least* once a day. It’s the very first song that she learned to sing in full.

So I finally got over the Big P and resumed work on my articles. That huge wave of procrastination hovered on top of me during my birthday week and lingered until the first few days of December. How wicked. I practically wasted hours on Facebook checking out photos and comments, searching for old acquaintances and friending them while the Word Processor stood by.  Then one day I just woke up and decided to slow down on all these mindless (and totally unproductive) activities.  This barn owl pecked furiously on her keyboard again and produced/published several articles.  The revenue stream began to flow again, and I was happy.

I still am. Happy and writing. Writing about things that interest me. And keeping control of time spent at my office desk.  Every time I go online, I try to stick to the day’s to-do’s and accomplish whatever I can accomplish.  Then I go about the usual “voyeurism” in search of items worth clicking.  Lately I’ve been soaking my brain in online publishing, microblogging and social networking. The three platforms seem to go hand in hand when you’re writing articles about topics that are either evergreen or trending. While I have my ever reliable boilerplate files stored in this laptop, there are still matters out there that resurface in interesting times.  And so I stand by and see what’s going to emerge eventually.  Twitter generates a lot of article leads/ideas; Facebook offers a lot of opinions, promotions (and temptations); and LinkedIn points me to credible clients and markets.

I seem to enjoy working amidst the systemic chaos, the endless distractions, and the occasional downtime.  Derailed attempts may cause some lapses on my part, but I’m thankful every time I’m able to make the most out of my short attention span. I get a certain kind of high whenever I cross out an item on my to-do list, because I know I get things done.

I got this strange message on my birthday. It was sent via the contact form on my Suite101 profile page.

From: danica
Subject: Hello Dear,
Hello Dear,

My name is Danica, a female. I am a nice loving and good looking young lady. I came across your profile page and I picked interest in you. Can we be friends? Contact me back direct with this my private email address (danicawilliam@hotmail.com) so that i can send you my photos as i also introduce myself properly to you, at least for us to know each other more better.

I will be expecting your quick response, until then

Do take care of yourself and have a nice day

Yours Danica

It’s been a great day for me, and I’m thankful for all the love and birthday wishes sent by friends and kin via SMS, Facebook, Friendster and Twitter. I feel warm and giddy all over!

Earlier on, I had planned on just lazing around and doing mindless things on my birthday. But upon checking my datebook, I thought I’d get ahead and accomplish some tasks before the long weekend comes in. Here’s how the day went:

* At 8:30am, after a quick breakfast with G, I left in haste. I went to the Nat Home branch in Imus to pay for the house’s monthly amortization.

* At 9:30am, after paying for the amortization, I walked to the nearby mall (Robinsons Imus) to get some stuff from the grocery, buy a prepaid card for my MIL, and to withdraw some money. I also made quick trips to Booksale and National Bookstore, hoping to score some books (it’s something that I like to do on my birthday). But I didn’t find anything worth buying, so I ditched the idea and went to Jollibee for some lunch take-outs.

* Got home at 11:20am and had lunch with Candice and Alfie. The two girls had burger steak, I had Jolly Spaghetti.

* Gave Candice a quick bath at noontime. Afterward we read books and talked about colors, horses and even more horses. At past 1pm, she asked permission to watch a Barney ep. I let her watch the Mother Goose special.

* When Candice finally dozed off at 2pm, I got online and replied to birthday messages (which kept coming until around 11pm). I worked on an article on scrapbooking, albeit highly distracted by friends’ birthday wishes. I finished the article and submitted it to my editor. Whew. After a few more clickety-clicks, I shut down the laptop and took a nap.

* At 5:30pm, we left for Alabang via the Kabisig shuttle service. It was my first time to bring Candice to Alabang on a public vehicle. I’m glad she was well behaved while we were inside that dark and cramped van.

* We reached Festival Mall at 6:15pm and got to MyHealth Clinics at 6:30pm. G was waiting for us at the lobby. We had Candice’s skin examined by a dermatologist and were told she has eczema. Oh, dear. After I’ve discussed medication and prophylactic procedures with the doctor, I realized my wrist watch was missing. It wasn’t anywhere in the clinic; I must’ve dropped it somewhere. I kind of felt bad because the watch was an anniversary gift from G. And I’ve had that watch since I was pregnant with Candice. And, well, it’s hard to live without a watch!

* At around 7pm we went up at Shakeys and ordered pizza, chicken and mojos. While dinner was being prepared, I rushed to the nearest pharmacy to get Candice’s prescription meds. When I got back, we all stuffed ourselves with good ol’ Shakeys food and downed a pitcher of iced tea. I got a free sundae because it’s my birthday.

* Got home at 9pm and gave Candice NSS compress. Then, we prepared the suspension (my first time to do it!) and gave half a teaspoon to the little girl. Gave her antihistamine too.

* While I was putting Candice to sleep, G gave me a good foot massage. Then I gave him a back rub to relieve a bit of the wheezing. He’s been sick since Monday, my poor hubby.

* Went online again at 11:30pm. Yawn.

Now it’s just me and this yawning fatigue. I’m aware that I’ve officially turned 34, but I’m afraid I’m still none the wiser. Maybe I just have to wait ’til everything sinks in.

Before I log off, may I just share with you this Advent prayer sent by Catholic Digest:

God of all creations, the
days grow shorter,
and I hope for the returning light.
May this Advent be
a time of patient waiting.
May this Advent be
a time of patient
hoping.
May this Advent be
a time of patient
longing
that the Good News
will be fulfilled.
As days grow darker,
give me the eyes
to see
your lights in the faces
of all I meet.
Fill me with the light of your grace
that I may proclaim
your goodness from
dawn ’til dark.

Amen

Okay, I will have to agree on the “surprising” changes that occur when a child turns two. I have witnessed a lot since October came in. And even until now I notice some developmental steps and leaps that make my daughter a true Toddler Two. Yup, that’s the label I prefer to assign her at this stage. While the label “Terrible Two” seems apt, it encloses a lot of negative things which I do not really see as terrible.

I’m aware that my child is going through a lot of changes in her life. She’s become aware of many things, but she’s yet to learn how to properly deal with her feelings. I too am going through a lot of changes. When before the play-eat-sleep schedule was normally designed by yours truly, some cute ideas are now being proposed and preferred by the Little Lady. Every day compromises are made, deals are done, and rules are imposed. I am actually re-learning patience and reminding myself too often to empathize with my child.

My Toddler Two now asserts herself (quite strongly) and says “No!” when she doesn’t want it and “More, please!” and “Good!” when she likes it. She has also established her own preferences for some things. For example, she often refuses to wear a dress when she’s at home. Whenever she sees me picking out a dress after she’s taken a bath, she says “No dress! Shorts, please!” and then grabs the dress and puts it back into the cabinet. At times when we have to go out she will agree to wear a dress, but she has to be the one choose the pair of shoes that will go with the outfit.

Of course, most things are still under my marmee-ish control. But with matters such as snacks and fashion, I can let her exercise her decision-making skills. I want her to learn to decide for herself. She’ll be doing a lot of that when she grows up.

Sigh.

A friend of mine, who’s giving birth to twins in a couple of days/weeks, is planning to breastfeed her babies. She’s a busy career woman, but she thought she’d give it a try. I’m proud of her as I’m proud of all the other moms out there who decided to breastfeed their babies.  Sure, it can be painful at first, but it’s a true act of love.  Breastmilk is a gift to your child and you should give it to her for as long as you can.  You don’t have to compete with heavily lactating moms who are able to breastfeed for 2 years (and use a breast pump every 2 hours or so). Just breastfeed for as long as you have enough milk coming from your breasts.

Many women are reluctant to breastfeed because they are not properly informed about the benefits of breastfeeding.  If you think you’re one of them, you might want to read articles from these helpful sites:

• La Leche League - http://www.llli.org/nb.html
• Breastfeeding.com - http://www.breastfeeding.com/
• L.A.T.C.H. - http://www.theperfectlatch.com/
• About Breastfeeding - http://breastfeeding.about.com/

This is my work area at home.  Yeah, it’s kinda pink. I usually work in the afternoon, while my little girl takes a nap.

The crucifix is carved by my dad-in-law. The desk is from my mother-in-law (it used to be her office desk). The lamp is a gift from a former boss. The shelves and the laptop are from dear hubby.

Note: I wrote these while we were in the process of moving from one house to another. More updates in a few days. Still busy with a lot of things. – C.

Tuesday, 29 September 2009, 11:00pm

Well, we’re here. Almost here. Most of our stuff have been moved to this old house, which will be our house in the next few years. We slept here last night, our first time to “sleep out” since the time we were in Days Hotel in Tagaytay. I’m still namamahay, and I don’t know how long this’ll last. I hate it, of course. Even my little girl is feeling the same discomfort. But I know she’ll be all right for as long as Mom and Dad are with her.

I am writing this entry at my office desk. Yup, I have a “corner office” that includes a desk, a wooden chair, a lamp, a window, 2 bookshelves, a framed photo of me taken at Central Park, and a laptop. It’s all fine by me. I don’t need much else. It was actually so sweet of my dear husband to set this up for me. Of course, we share this office as his work extends beyond the bricks of Southridge school.

Tomorrow, we haul again — the books, the clothes, the little stuff, etc. Every time I see one item go from that house to this house, I feel a pinch in my heart. Yes, I’m a sentimental fool. I can’t help myself. I love that house. I called it home for 3 years. G and I have beautiful memories made in that house. We were in that house when I finally had the chance to freelance from home. That house witnessed how we managed (barely) to get through this second pregnancy and have our first child. Truly, I have a treasure-trove of good memories that I can retrieve in a split second. And lest we forget – that house was Candice’s first home. She practically spent the first 2 years of her life in there. I hope she won’t forget the place even until she grows up.

What was once Our Little Mansion

I pray that in the next few weeks – and yes, it’ll take weeks! — I’ll get over my separation anxiety and begin to call this house my home now. This old house is just as lovely and quietly boasts of its systemic housekeeping. Several repairs are necessary, though. But overall, it has its good merits.

***

Monday, 05 October 2009, 3:21 pm

Finally had the chance to work at my desk, as in REALLY work. I’m thankful for this home office. It’s a well-lit, well-ventilated corner.

My brain is tired. It’s time to rest.

P.S.

Because I can’t use online references at this time, I am back to my trusty Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage. What fun!

***

Tuesday, 06 October 2009, 1:37pm

Mmmm. I can already smell Christmas. I’m working at my desk while savoring the cool Cavite breeze. This makes me want to play standard Christmas songs. When I was a child, I enjoyed many afternoons of the ‘ber months staring at the falling leaves and smelling the earth’s scent. Every leaf that fell was like a tick of a clock. The observations would go on until Christmas arrived. I didn’t care much about the gifts that I might receive. I just wanted Christmas to come soon.

(It’s amazing how a one-paragraph entry can instantly revive memories. I am now looking at scenes from my childhood. Lots of ‘em. Mostly wonderful scenes.)

Ah, but work beckons.

***

Friday, 9 October 2009, 1:58 pm

I hope to have broadband back by tomorrow afternoon. Strangely enough, I am not having withdrawal symptoms. I’m enjoying my time here at home cooking, watching tv, sorting stuff, etc. But I do worry about my Gmail inbox, as it is constantly swamped with work-related emails. And I’m not actually fond of wading through a flooded inbox. I probably have about 100+ emails by now. Sigh.

Rains have been pouring since the time of Ondoy. Fortunately, the past few days have seen much better weather. There’s usually a bit of drizzle at noontime and a few hours of rain during the wee hours of the night/early morning. The air is cold – I love it! I hope the temp stays this way until Feb or March.

***