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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