I Received Two Awards!

I am happy to received these twin awards from a new blogger friend, Dee of Tales from the Mom Side. These two are the first ever awards I received from blogging and I am just thrilled. Thank you so much Dee. I really appreciate it.

The Brigadeiro Award

and the Neno's Award

I love blogging because it allows me to create my own space in cyberspace. I can write down my thoughts and experiences and be able to share it to the rest of the world. Gaining new friends is one of the perks of blogging that I enjoy.

This award is:

* a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging;
* to seek the reasons why we all love blogging.

Instructions:
* put the award in one post as soon as you receive it;
* don't forget to mention the person who gives you the award;
* answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging;
* tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like;
* don't forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

I am passing this award to Eden, BuhayTips, Pu Niao and Webmaster Philippines.

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Favorite Scene in American Beauty

American Beauty won Best Picture in the 2000 Academy Awards and I know why. I loved the film when I first saw it and since then have watched it a couple of times. Find the film so deep and sad, yet there are light moments too. It tackles too many concepts and challenges the viewer to be more critical, more thoughtful, and to look beyond the surface.

I have always loved one particular scene in the film. It was a very simple scene, no violence, no deafening sound effects, no drama but the stillness and silence makes it a very moving scene for me. I was amazed at how a junk material like a flying plastic bag can be a symbol of such a moving concept. I remember jotting down the words spoken by one of the characters in a notebook.

Here are the words spoken and the video clip I found on YouTube.

It was one of those days. It was a minute away from snowing and there’s this electricity in the air-- you can almost hear it, but this bag was just dancing with me, like a little kid begging me to play with it… for fifteen minutes. That’s the day I realize that there’s this entire life behind things, this incredibly benevolent force, that wanted me to know that there’s no reason to be afraid- ever- Ricki from American Beauty.

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Filed for SSS Maternity Benefits

It is a busy Monday for me and my husband as we scheduled it for the filing of my maternity notification at SSS. Unfortunately, my office doesn’t have an HR department so I had to take care of it myself (don’t mind it so much). The MAT-1 form can be downloaded at the SSS website, but the one I used was sent to be my friend via email. Had the form printed and filled it out. The instructions were printed at the back of the form. Together with my laboratory pregnancy test result, I had the form signed by my boss. I also prepared the xeroxed copy of my digitized SSS ID.

My husband and I went to SSS Diliman branch this morning, because that is where I applied for an SSS ID. Unfortunately, the SSS system for National Capital Region is decentralized by now so we were asked to go the branch where my employer remits my SSS contributions. In my case, that is the San Juan branch. So from Diliman, we went to SSS San Juan. There were so many people there but none at the maternity section so my form was stamped within seconds I think. I was advised to attach the stamped Mat- 1 form with the Mat-2 form when I give birth.

My husband and I could have filed for a change status and in my case a new digitized ID. However, we were unable to do so because we still don’t have our marriage certificate printed on NSO security paper. What we have is only the one we got from the church where we were married. As we were married only two months ago, we weren’t able to get a certified true copy of our marriage contract at the NSO satellite office. My husband requested a copy at the NSO main branch but it will be released after two weeks. We just have to wait till then before we can submit the SSS E-4 form at the SSS Mandaluyong branch. According to the SSS employee, we should file the change status form at the nearest SSS branch where we currently reside. I really hope SSS system becomes centralized again. The new system is very incovenient for the members.

For those who needs to take care of something at SSS, you can see the complete list of SSS branches here. http://www.philippinecountry.com/SSS/

For other inquiries, you can also contact the SSS hotline: 9206401.

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What is Your Blood Type?

According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?

TYPE O	You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.
TYPE A	You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
TYPE B	You're a rugged individualist, who's str aightforwa rd and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.
TYPE AB	Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.

MOST IMPORTANT INFO NOW: GARDS, MANIKAND

You Can Receive
If Your Type Is	O-	O+	B-	B+	A-	A+	AB-	AB+
AB+	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
AB-	YES		YES		YES	YES
A+	YES	YES			YES	YES
A-	YES	<

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I Am 15 weeks Pregnant

Received this email from BabyCenter.com.ph. My baby is growing fast.

You are now 15 weeks pregnant


Your baby is still small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. New this week -light sensitivity and a bad case of the hiccups, a precursor to breathing. You can't hear them because her system is filled with fluid rather than air but don't be surprised if you feel them later on.

One of the most exciting moments of pregnancy is feeling the baby move. Most women notice "quickening", as it's called, between 16 and 20 weeks. You may feel these first wiggles as a flutter low down in your tummy. Once you realise it's actually the baby turning somersaults, make a note to tell your midwife at your next visit. Some women feel the baby move later or less often than others so there's no need to worry if you haven't noticed your baby moving yet.

Your immune system is slightly impaired when you’re pregnant so you may have noticed that you’ve had more coughs and colds than you normally would. Although, they are annoying and tiring, these sniffles won’t harm your baby. Other infections that you may come across while you are pregnant such as slapped cheek disease, chicken pox or rubella can cause problems for your unborn baby depending on the stage of pregnancy when you catch it – but chances are you’ve already had these infections in your own childhood or, in the case of German measles, been inoculated against it, so you will be immune anyway. Shingles won't harm your baby but you should avoid other pregnant women.

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My Visual DNA

This is one cool online quiz. Love the images and the result. It said I am a go-getter, an adventurous soul with a bit of a romantic outlook.

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Baby’s Heartbeat Finally Heard!

My weekend started with a visit to my OB. I am scheduled for a checkup only two weeks after my last visit because my baby’s heartbeat wasn’t heard last time. So I woke up early and went to the hospital with my husband. We have to wait for a while because my OB still wasn’t in when we arrived. I was quite disappointed because as it turned out, I still hadn’t gained a pound when I actually thought I did…I really need to eat more. My tummy is also still small although there’s a little bump already.

Anyway, when my name was called, I am a little worried that my baby’s heartbeat still would not be heard even though the OB said that it is usually during 14 weeks of pregnancy that it can be first heard. I think I am praying hard when my OB tried to listen to the heartbeat using a Doppler. The heartbeat wasn’t heard right away, it was a couple of seconds of trying to locate the baby’s heartbeat and I am so scared during those brief moments…I think I am actually ready to cry which is really paranoid of me. I felt relief and happiness when the OB finally said that it was my baby’s heartbeat we are hearing. We both laughed as the OB joked about me being so serious.

It was nice to hear the assurance from my OB that my baby is okay. I hope I will have an ultrasound next time so I can get a first glimpse of my baby. As for my cough, I wasn’t given any antibiotics because my condition has greatly improved by now. I was only advised to take ascorbic acid and have a lot of rest.

Hearing my baby’s heartbeat for the first time put me in a very good mood the whole day :-)

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Busy Friday and the Legendary Turon

I woke up feeling refreshed, happy with the thought that it’s already Friday… the last day of my workweek. Fridays have never felt so good to me now that I am pregnant and still suffering from cough and colds…thank God the fever did not return and I guess my condition is improving

However, even if it’s Friday, I can’t take it easy at work because my boss is giving me tasks after tasks. I really don’t want to complain because I see my new and additional tasks (SEO, link building) as a challenge.

In spite of the workload, I still can’t help but procrastinate a little at work, don’t know…really need a breather once in a while especially because some tasks can be boring.

Today at 4pm, I have finished quite a few tasks and still working on others…don’t want to be too stressed out so I take it one at a time.

Anyway, every Friday at the office, my boss buys a simple merienda for all of us. It’s a sweet gesture and we appreciate but for the nth time…it is this too sweet for my taste TURON…. I swear, the first time he bought it; I enjoyed it but now, almost all of my officemates including me grimace at the sight of turon every Friday. We know it’s still free food but our taste buds just got so used to it so much that our system just won’t accept it anymore. I just saved the turon as pasalubong for later hehe. I Good thing, I have a number of snacks to eat.

This turon is getting to be one of the regulars at the office, when I go on maternity leave in August, maybe i will miss it somehow hehe.

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Happy Women’s Day

An officemate sent this in my email and decided to share it here. I guess being pregnant made me more aware of my femininity. The texts are directed to the male species:

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are; Who is earning almost as much as you do; One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents and brothers and sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more, and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important, relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this......

Please appreciate "HER"

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2 Days Absent

The terrible dry cough left me feeling so bad last Wednesday night that I end up having a slight fever. I am so scared because I know that one must avoid getting sick while pregnant. I still don’t want to drink any kind of medicine so I just covered myself with jacket, thick blankets and socks. My husband also rubbed my face and forehead with a cloth soaked in tap water and alcohol. Luckily, amidst the cold and coughing fits I fell asleep and woke up one hour later in heavy sweat. Thank God, the fever was gone and I felt a little better.

When morning came, I decided to just take a day off from work so I can really recuperate. I spent the day at home being pampered by my mom and aunt. I slept, lazed around, and drank lots of calamansi juice. I really did rest but alas, I still cough a lot that and that left me feeling exhausted.

I really intend to work on Friday but then as I am still feeling tired; I again informed my boss that I can’t go to work. So I missed two days at work, and it was a well-spent and much needed rest. I was able to relax and my husband commented that maybe it will be better if I just quit work…Well, he is right, I am calmer and more relaxed at home of course but I still don’t want to give up my job… at least not now.

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Under The Weather Again

I hope I have taken a leave today. This is my thought as soon as I reached office this morning. Although my energy and appetite seems to be improving, another predicament takes its toll on me. I am now suffering from colds and dry cough which made it harder for me to breathe, talk, and move around. I don’t want to take any medicines besides calamansi and fruit juices.

It’s a relief that my two bosses are out for a meeting so I was able to take it easy at work today. I am trying my best to feel better so my officemates won’t notice. Not because of anything but I just don’t want to look so helpless and weak anymore. Anyway, I hope this cough will be gone soon and I will feel better

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Pregnancy Superstitions

By reading some pregnancy books and websites, plus listening to tales and advices from my mother, aunts and friends I am amused at some superstitions surrounding pregnancy that I am learning. Here are some of them:

Food cravings can reveal your baby’s gender. They say that if a pregnant woman craves for sweet foods, then she will have a girl. If one craves for salty foods, then she is carrying a boy.

Don’t buy maternity clothes yet. My husband wants us to go shopping for maternity clothes but my mom said that it is not advisable. They said I should wait for the time when almost all of my pre-pregnancy clothes do not fit to avoid bad luck or maybe miscarriage.

Don’t buy baby things yet. Baby items are so cute and it’s so timely that SM is on sale for infant items. But just like with the maternity clothes, it is also not advisable to buy them yet. Patience is a virtue during pregnancy.

Can cause trees to wither. My officemate said that if a pregnant woman took a liking on a fruit-bearing tree, the tree will die a natural death. That is, unless, the pregnant women herself would volunteer to water and care for the tree.

Eat and sleep. Sharing with the food of a pregnant woman can make you sleepy. As a result, most of my officemates are afraid to partake some of my food.

Baby’s Features. They say if I am always irritated and is quite mean to my husband then the baby would look like him, but if I am kind to him then the baby would look a lot more like me.

One of my officemates said that if a baby looks so much like the father, then it means that the mother loves the father so much and vice versa. Don’t quite bite this one. I think it still depends on the genes.

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