BLOGGING WITH DIANE

HOW IMPORTANT IS BONDING TIME WITH YOUR KIDS?

Posted by: DEE on: December 15, 2008

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BONDING TIME
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BONDING TIME

We all know that bonding time with our kids is very important.  As they say, ” Our children need our presence more than our presents.”  This Christmas season,  I would like to stress out that as working parents, it is still very important to take some time off to spend with your lil’ ones.  I saw what a big impact it had on my kids!  My goodness, one time, we took the day off and we brought our daughter to an amusement park, and after that, she requests to go back there almost every weekend!  That is because we had so much fun!  We rode roller coasters several times, rode bump cars, ate hotdogs, cotton candies  and bought souvenirs (I posted most of the pics in my Facebook account) … Now,  Christmas Day will be on a Thursday, and we have work on the 24th and the 25th.. but, hey… we decided to take the day off as well :)

Looking at my five year old, I noticed how fast time flies.  It was not long ago since I have carried her and changed her diapers.  Now, she’s the one helping me change her baby sister’s diapers.  She rummages through the wrapped Christmas presents and reads out the names aloud.  She corrects misspelled names,  and guesses what’s inside the colorful boxes.  I know a few years from now, my second born, Isabelle, would grow up without me feeling how quick it has been.   I am just trying my best to spend as much time as I can with my children.

Before I end this entry, I would like to wish all of you “Happy Holidays”!! Enjoy the season with your families!! Each season I spend with my family makes me more excited since we are growing into a bigger, happier family :)

P.S.  I’m glad we’re done with the Christmas rush..  :)
OMG! And, thanks Hon, for your advanced Christmas gift! I was really enthralled! I didn’t expect it.. I know you worked soooo hard for it :)   Thanks Hon!!!  I looooove it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is my first, and I know it won’t be my last!  *hugs*

ALL SOUL’S DAY

Posted by: DEE on: November 5, 2008

Here in the Philippines, All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day are public holidays.  They’re considered holidays to give time for the people to visit their departed loved ones.  Well, as for me, I just offered prayers and lit a candle for my departed relatives.  I will just visit them maybe another time, when it’s less crowded.

Since I am writing about All Soul’s Day, another thing that came to my mind is the word “death”.  Whenever I think of it, I can’t help but feel sad and scared.  I fear not of my death, but  the death of my loved ones.  Losing a special person can be devastating… so, what I have learned from it is we should value each and every moment we spend with them.

 I lost my father at the age of 25.  It was more difficult for me, since he died in another country, and his body had to be brought back home.  It’s traumatic to see a loved one in a “box”, which for them, they ship as ‘cargo’…   Seeing him for the first time after 14 years was more difficult.  He died a month after his 61st birthday.  Before he passed away, we didn’t talk much.  The last conversation we had was not really a conversation, but just a text message that I sent on his birthday, a month before he died.  I send a plain “Happy Birthday from all of us” text… and he replied, “Thanks, I love you.”  So, of course, I replied again, “I love you too…”  And that was the last time I heard from him.  When I saw him, he was in a wooden box which hardly made him fit (he was six feet tall) and I touched him.. he was cold as ice.  I wanted to tell him so many things, but at that moment, I felt, it was too late.  I just whispered some things to him, that I know, one way or another, he would hear.  At that point, I realized numerous things.  In life, we encounter many loose ends, and yes, there would be severances between yourself and your loved ones.  But, it all boils down to this, “Life is short.”  Ler’s make the most out of it.  I sometimes ask myself, “If I would die tomorrow, what would I do today?”  Well, I came up with a long list of answers.  And, it includes expressing to my family how much I love them.

I love both my parents.  Though I grew up with my mother and apart from my father, I never had any bitterness against him.  But, the moment I saw him lifeless, I felt like blurting out ”I’m sorry” many times.  It was like, I had wasted all this time.  I should have told him everything I wanted to say when he was alive.  (*sigh*)

After his death, I have become more vocal to my loved ones, especially to my mom.  She’s the only parent I’ve got left.  I don’t keep anything from her, and I try my very best, to remind her that I love her everyday.  We don’t live together, but she visits my house almost every week.  Those are our special “bonding” time days. 

I love to count my blessings.  And when I do so, I start with my family.  Then, I never seem to stop counting :)

MY DAUGHTER’S FIRST…

Posted by: DEE on: October 15, 2008

Our children encounter many ‘firsts’.  Their first time is always exciting, fun and memorable.  Of course, we want to document their first day of school, their first visit to the dentist, their first school dance and many other milestones in their lives.  We are happy for their achievements and take endless photos and videos of what they have accomplished.

KRISTELLE ON CAM

KRISTELLE ON CAM

My daughter has always been a little shy.  But, since she has experienced mingling with other  children and performing in front of a lot of people in school, she started to have less inhibitions.   She is now interacting with others, and is learning a lot of new things in school about reading, writing, mathematics, culture, planting and even preparing food!  I am so happy for her.  In line with her ‘firsts’,  I would like to share with you some photos of my daughter’s first TV appearance at GMA-7.  It’s for a children’s show that will be airing every Saturday starting next month.  We are so happy for her.  She had so much fun that day! And, even though my husband and I were both working that day and we couldn’t accompany her, the support of her two grandmas (our moms) were overwhelming.  They volunteered to stay with her the whole day.  So, I am happy to share with you photos of my brave girl :)

I’M SO PROUD OF MY DAUGHTER!

Posted by: DEE on: September 29, 2008

SMILING WITH A LARGE CROWD!

SMILING WITH A LARGE CROWD!

 

LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER
LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER
As parents, we want the best for our children.  We want to be there every step of the way, and we want to be present in all the special events in their lives.  As a working mom, it’s hard to balance time with my kids and of course, with my husband.  But, I’m so happy because our jobs permit us to do just that.  We can still spend time with our kids. 

A few days ago, my daughter danced in front of 200 people in their school auditorium.  She gave everything she could!  She danced to the groove and swayed her hips to the music.  The crowd applauded.. We’re so proud of her! At 5, she can follow steps and choreography very well!  t was an incomparable feeling of happiness and elation! :)  

PROUD MOMMY

PROUD MOMMY

It was worth the time and effort.  I’m so happy to say she is growing up to be a talented, intelligent girl.  She gets honors in school and she always gets a perfect score in all her exams. (since she was nursery.. yes, even in nursery, they have exams..)  It is true that your children are your treasure. I make sure that no matter how busy I am, I take the time out to tell my child a bedtime story daily!  It’s not too much to share to a five year old some made up fairy tales (most are my originals!) and some Grimm’s Fairy tales as well.  It’s something she looks forward to every night.  My mom-in-law told me to enjoy our kids while we can, since time flies by unnoticed, and they grow up sooo fast! Indeed, they do!

“While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

“There comes a time when a woman needs to stop thinking about her looks and focus her energies on raising her children.  This time comes at the moment of conception.  A child needs a role model, not a supermodel.”
~Astrid Alauda

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” 
~Jesse Jackson

“If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.”
~Diane Loomans

 

 

CHUCK LIDDELL VISITS MANILA!

Posted by: DEE on: September 22, 2008

MEETING THE ICEMAN CHUCK LIDDELL!

MEETING THE ICEMAN CHUCK LIDDELL!

OMG!! I am soooo happy :) (actually my husband is too!)  Today, we were able to meet and greet “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell himself. We were privileged to be in the VIP area, with front row seats, plus a lot of freebies!  I’m talking about UFC caps, wristbands and keychains. 
 
We woke up so early today, considering the fact that we slept at 5am already. We came from my mom’s house, and after that, we had to fix  alot of things when we got home.  Nevertheless, I was up early and giddy to see our idol :)  
 
We arrived at the Mall of Asia around 12pm, registered, got our VIP passes and photo stubs, and waited patiently for The Iceman.  There were over 4,000 people in the area, most of them standing ringside and on the second floor.  We were so lucky to get front row seats, and I told my husband repeatedly, “This is all so worth it.”  I mean, most of the people didn’t even have the chance to get near him.
 
 
 
THE ICEMAN POSES FOR THE FANS

THE ICEMAN POSES FOR THE FANS

I can’t explain how I felt when I saw him.  I felt elated and excited! When he made his way into the ring, the crowd gave a loud applause.  The crowd shouted, and even grown men, most of whom trained in MMA, acted childlike upon seeing The Iceman.

 
He climbed the ring and was interviewed by ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo. He gave a demo of some MMA moves.  He sparred with his trainer, Ian Parkinson.  He did some take downs, take down defenses, leg kicks, right hooks and uppercuts.  He also showed the crowd his signature move, the overhand punch, also known as the hay maker.  The crowd cheered with his every move.  He seemed a little tired though, maybe because of  jet lag, since he arrived just this morning.  But, we appreciate his enthusiasm to sign some autographs and even say “Mabuhay Philippines!” After the demo, we had the very rare opportunity to have our pictures taken with him. 
ROCKIN' WITH CHUCK LIDDELL!
ROCKIN WITH THE ICEMAN CHUCK LIDDELL

 My husband was second in line, after his photo was taken with Chuck, it was my turn.  When I climbed up the ring, I told him, “I’m your number one fan,” he looked me in the eyes and said, “Really?”.  Then  I hugged him, kissed him on the cheek (yup! I had the guts to do it… hey, it’s a once in a lifetime event!) and told him “I love you, Chuck!” He smiled and said, “Thank you.” Then he wrapped his arm around me and we had our photo taken.  Of course, I had to wrap my arm around him too! :)   For an MMA fan like me,  it’s such an honor to be able to even go near him.  It’s something that truly made me and my husband happy.  It’s such  pity that he will just be staying for 2 days.  We are sooo looking forward to the UFC event to be held next year! Wow, we can’t wait!! :)   I’ll be posting more pics from Chuck’s visit in Manila.  I’ll keep you guys posted!!

Wanna read more about the event? Do so at UFC.com.  I’m so flattered and excited about what they’ve written! 

 

I JUST LOVE RAINY DAYS

Posted by: DEE on: September 10, 2008

SPORTING A NEW 'DO!

A NEW 'DO!

 

 

Some people say rainy days make them feel gloomy and sad… well, in my case, I feel just the opposite!  I love it when the days are just packed with things to do, and when you look outside the window, you see the raindrops, the trees swaying and after the rain, you smell the dew of the crisp green grass.  Makes me feel soooo relaxed!  Too bad my hubby and I can’t jog tonight because of the rain.  But hey, they are more things to be happy about, like a busy day ahead and a relaxing night after work!

DOUBLE DUTY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Posted by: DEE on: September 3, 2008

Since one of the top views from my blog come from my “TOP FAVES”, I wanted to share some products I use that give me value for my money.

:: DOVE BEAUTY BAR WHITE::   It moisturizes my body from head to toe! Yes, I sometimes use it for my hair.  When my hair is piled with styling products, I use it to remove all the grime.  After rinsing it off, I follow it up with a dollop of conditioner.  It leaves my hair and skin squeaky clean, great smelling and fresh.  You can also use this beauty bar when you suddenly run out of your usual facial wash.  It does just the same thing  :)

 

:: DOVE BODY WASH WITH CREAM OIL :: This is one of my favorites!  I love the scent, and it leaves my skin soft and supple! No need to follow up with lotion.  Just a small amount on your loofah or shower puff lasts a long way!  Also, it doubles as a bubble bath if you run out of suds!

 

:: OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS ANTI-AGEING CREAM  ::  This is less pricey compared to the other brands, but I can say, it works as well! I have tried many expensive brands, but this one won’t cost an arm and a leg, and it gives you promising results!  When I was pregnant with my 2nd baby, I was confined in a hospital twice, because of premature labor.  During those times,  I  had puffy eyes and of course, no make up.  But, most of the nurses and doctors complimented my skin.  They said it was rosy and smooth.  Well,  I have Olay to thank for that  :)   This serves as my night cream and day cream, so no need to apply several kinds of cream on my face.  Aside from that, I pair it with Olay Total Effects Eye Cream for moisturizing and lightening my dark under eye circles.

 

:: PANTENE HAIR FALL CONTROL CONDITIONER :: After giving birth to my second child, I feel as if more strands fall off from my hair compared before.  My doctor said it’s normal after delivery, and so, to lessen it, I cut my hair into a bob, tried my best to eliminate unnecessary stress and I used this conditioner (paired with Pantene Hair Fall Control Shampoo) It’s not really expensive, it’s effective and it doubles as my shaving cream when I suddenly run out of shaving cream in the shower. 

 

:: NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN CLEANSING LOTION :: This is my alternative to Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil A/O.  Neutrogena Cleansing Lotion removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara quickly.  You don’t need to apply any cold cream or any baby oil to remove the foundation on your skin or to take off the long lasting lipstick you’ve got, this’ll get the job done.  It doesn’t require vigorous rubbing, so it saves time as well as money.

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JUST BLOGGING :)

Posted by: DEE on: August 21, 2008

TAKEN LAST JULY 2008

TAKEN LAST JULY 2008

Oh, this day is soooo tiring :) But fun! Anyway, I just feel like blogging about my weekend.  We went to my mom’s house to visit her, and oooh, I missed her a lot! We went to a bazaar and bought some new clothes, and my mom cooked yummy spare ribs with hickory sauce… aah, just thinking about it is making me hungry again!  We also had a very successful garage sale in my mom’s house.  Do you know, having garage sales really benefit people who have a lot of clutter in the house, just like us!  Instead of throwing the things you don’t need, there is a saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, so, things that are useless to you may be useful to others :)   And, the best part, you turn your junk and clutter into cash.  Old toys, clothes, furniture, DVD’s, magazines, comics and  even old accessories are very saleable!  So, what are you waiting for?  Make your home clutter-free, and start earning some extra moolah!  :)

Cheers!

ON OUR WAY TO LIVING OUR DREAMS

Posted by: DEE on: August 5, 2008

Sometimes we become hesitant to try something new.  Sometimes, we also think twice before doing something.  I,myself, have been afraid to take risks.  I’ve always opted to play it safe.  But sometimes, being in your comfort zone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re always on the right track.  As I have written earlier on one of my posts, “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.”, we should know how to take the initiative, and move now.  Not tomorrow, not later, but NOW!

After months of being hesitant and having second thoughts on expanding our business, opportunity has come knocking on our door.  It’s what we’ve been waiting for.  We took the risk, bought another workstation, got another broadband connection, and added more clients    It’s what we’ve long been waiting for.  The most important thing in this move that we have made is that WE LOVE WHAT WE DO.  Now I’m happier, because we went for it.  We wanted this, and I know, we are close to reaching our dreams :)

ANOTHER ONE LINER

Posted by: DEE on: August 2, 2008

“IF YOU LOVE ME, I LOVE YOU TOO.. BUT IF YOU HATE ME, WELL… I PITY YOU “ 

I LOVE BEING MYSELF.

I LOVE BEING MYSELF.

This has been one of my most important “one liners”..  WHY?  Well, for one, half my life, I have been trying to make people like me.. I tried my best to be likable, and to please other people.  I incessantly said sorry even if there wasn’t a need for it.  I smiled a lot even to people I didn’t know.  After a few years of encountering a variety of people, from people who betrayed me,  to people who stuck with me through thick and thin, I have come to the realization to love myself and accept who I really am.  I wouldn’t change for anyone, but  myself.  Sometimes, you focus too much on the people around you, and you become unhappier.  In the end, you realize that you’ve been neglecting who you truly are.

Nowadays,  I try my best to be kind to the people I meet, but that’s who I really am.  But, I won’t try to please everyone as I did before.  I am happy that the people around me love me for who I am.  I am open to change, but according to my standards, and according to what I think is right.    Gone are the days of “trying too much to fit in”.  Now, I am more direct, I am sincere and more passionate.  If I love a person, I do so with all my heart.  I am myself around my friends and all the people I love.  I am not pretentious.  Come to think of it, if you pretend, you end up fooling yourself, right?
One of the secrets to being happy is self-acceptance.  It’s followed by determination, change and trusting yourself! We have to learn to be content and love what we have first to fully appreciate the joys of life.  In a nutshell, you can’t please everyone, nor can you force people to like you.  It’s better to PITY those who hate you, or who are jealous of you, rather than hating them back right?  Just be yourself at all times and you’ll be amazed how much people will like you more. :)