Life-changing. This is something that describes what couples experience once they become parents. I would know, because it happened to me, because it happened to us.
I remember a colleague of mine telling me when I was still heavy with my son, that when he comes out, our lives will change forever. It will be a 360 degree turn. I agreed with her because it was what I have observed with most of the friends who became parents earlier than me. Deep inside though, I still needed some convincing. But I never knew the extent of the influence parenthood makes until I became one. Priorities will change. That one, I assure you.
Before I married my husband, he was dead set of staying in our homeland and even told me that he never sees himself working overseas. Well, all of that changed, especially when we became parents. The proof? We have decided to try our luck and migrated to another country, start all over again, because we know that eventually, our decision will be best for our son. True enough, we are now seeing the wisdom behind our big move. Becoming a parent transforms you and your spouse. You become more selfless. You give more especially to your kids. Work takes a back seat. Extending your time at work is a no-no this time, because you would want to spend more time with your child. Missing out on parties or gatherings don’t bother you anymore. You try your best and you give your best in everything that you do because you only want the best for your child.
Looking back at our own journey I can say that my son did a wonderful thing to me and my husband without even trying! Just by being born, he made me and his dad focus on things that really matter. Just by being born, he made us go out of our comfort zones, hard as it may be. He transformed us to become better individuals. He made us attend to more important things. I am pretty sure; we are not alone on this. I am pretty sure that many parents, like me, can attest how parenthood has brought out the best in them. How they managed to prioritize the more important things in life.
Being a parent is no easy task. It is an everyday thing. But despite the hardships parents face in raising their children, the beauty of parenthood, still outweighs the problems. Parenthood, life-changing? Definitely.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Study Tips
Time is gold. Yes, that is the famous saying almost everyone has heard of. But when it comes to studying many students seem to forget it. Many just let the time pass not realizing that time spent doing nothing is time wasted.
When I came across the this title, I suddenly found myself going back and trying to remember what I was like when I was still a student. I graduated with honors when I was in secondary school and in college. While working, I managed to study and finish my Master’s degree as well. I still got A’s on my card even if I was working. I didn’t mention those to boast of my credentials. I mentioned it because I think that sharing it would somehow convince you that the things that I did to use my time effectively as a student, were effective.
To start with, I think being organized was a key factor. I organized my time in such a way that I get to accomplish many things, if not all, during my “study time.” That way I get to spend my time doing other things that I like. How did I do this? Well, at the start of my study time, I list down all my subjects and all the homework, projects, or requirements needed for each. After which, I number it depending on which homework should be done first. Usually, I start doing the things that are much shorter or easier. That way, I get to finish something and I don’t get stuck compared if I chose to start on one long homework or very difficult project. Usually the longer homework or more difficult project really consumes a big chunk of my study time.
Second, I don’t try and finish projects which are still due in a month’s time. I make it a point to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes working on it so that my development progresses. Cramming is not for me. If I wait too long, I might end up cramming, which in turn will yield poorer quality of outputs.
Third, when I get to finish projects ahead to time, I don’t submit it right away. I take time to review and see on how I can still improve it.
Fourth, as I have mentioned earlier, I am not a crammer. So if there are big tests scheduled in two-three weeks’ time, I’d make sure that I’ll start studying probably as soon as my teacher announces about it. That way I don’t end up sleeping very late on the eve of the exam.
These are just some of the things I did when I was still a student. I know that not all students are the same. For some students, cramming is the solution to all their problems. But if you think that your style is somewhat similar to my style, then by all means, give it a shot. It won’t let you down, that I assure you. It worked for me; it will definitely work for you.
When I came across the this title, I suddenly found myself going back and trying to remember what I was like when I was still a student. I graduated with honors when I was in secondary school and in college. While working, I managed to study and finish my Master’s degree as well. I still got A’s on my card even if I was working. I didn’t mention those to boast of my credentials. I mentioned it because I think that sharing it would somehow convince you that the things that I did to use my time effectively as a student, were effective.
To start with, I think being organized was a key factor. I organized my time in such a way that I get to accomplish many things, if not all, during my “study time.” That way I get to spend my time doing other things that I like. How did I do this? Well, at the start of my study time, I list down all my subjects and all the homework, projects, or requirements needed for each. After which, I number it depending on which homework should be done first. Usually, I start doing the things that are much shorter or easier. That way, I get to finish something and I don’t get stuck compared if I chose to start on one long homework or very difficult project. Usually the longer homework or more difficult project really consumes a big chunk of my study time.
Second, I don’t try and finish projects which are still due in a month’s time. I make it a point to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes working on it so that my development progresses. Cramming is not for me. If I wait too long, I might end up cramming, which in turn will yield poorer quality of outputs.
Third, when I get to finish projects ahead to time, I don’t submit it right away. I take time to review and see on how I can still improve it.
Fourth, as I have mentioned earlier, I am not a crammer. So if there are big tests scheduled in two-three weeks’ time, I’d make sure that I’ll start studying probably as soon as my teacher announces about it. That way I don’t end up sleeping very late on the eve of the exam.
These are just some of the things I did when I was still a student. I know that not all students are the same. For some students, cramming is the solution to all their problems. But if you think that your style is somewhat similar to my style, then by all means, give it a shot. It won’t let you down, that I assure you. It worked for me; it will definitely work for you.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Working from Home
I have been busy the past few days because aside from FB, I found a new site that allows me to hopefully earn (I haven't received my first payment yet as this is my first try to work online) and at the same time use my brain.
I have mentioned in my previous blogs that I have always loved to write. It keeps my brain working. So on one ordinary day, while surfing the net, I came across this website. I liked the idea that what you'll be writing about are on topics of various interests. You have a say on the topics you will choose to write or expound on. I loved the idea that what I'll be writing about are more on topics that are not focused on selling or advertsing products. I think that in one of my blog entries, I stated that writing to advertise was not really me. I write because I am inspired to write about the things I experience in my journey. Lucky, I was able to come across this website.
So far I have only written seven (7) articles. But for those seven articles, I found it more inspiring to see that my articles or write ups were rated against other outputs and they are actually rating well. It feels good that one or two my write ups have made it into top 2 out of 40 or 37 write ups submitted. Admit it, you'd feel good also if that happens to you.
Right now, I am on a roll. I am inspired because this thing is perfect for me. I'll be updating you soon of my developments and as soon as I earn my first pay.
I have mentioned in my previous blogs that I have always loved to write. It keeps my brain working. So on one ordinary day, while surfing the net, I came across this website. I liked the idea that what you'll be writing about are on topics of various interests. You have a say on the topics you will choose to write or expound on. I loved the idea that what I'll be writing about are more on topics that are not focused on selling or advertsing products. I think that in one of my blog entries, I stated that writing to advertise was not really me. I write because I am inspired to write about the things I experience in my journey. Lucky, I was able to come across this website.
So far I have only written seven (7) articles. But for those seven articles, I found it more inspiring to see that my articles or write ups were rated against other outputs and they are actually rating well. It feels good that one or two my write ups have made it into top 2 out of 40 or 37 write ups submitted. Admit it, you'd feel good also if that happens to you.
Right now, I am on a roll. I am inspired because this thing is perfect for me. I'll be updating you soon of my developments and as soon as I earn my first pay.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Losing Your Own
Four of my couple friends just lost their little ones yesterday. It is probably one of the worst nightmares of any parent. One was lost even before his parents saw him (still in the early weeks of pregnancy) while the other one did not make it 6 days after being born pre-maturely.
I don't know how it feels. I don't want to pretend that I know because I have never been there, and I hope I won't ever be there. Friends have given their words of comfort and condolences but I know that no amount of comfort can probably take away the grief that these parents have now. Easier said than done.
The closest that I had to losing a loved one was a grandparent or a very good friend. It wasn't too hard for me to go back to "normal" after losing them. But what if it was my own? Can I bear it? I don't know. Only God knows.
Things happen for a reason. Maybe it wasn't meant to be yet for my friends. I would like to think that things will happen for them all in His perfect timing, the way things did for me.
Right now all I can do is let them be, let them mourn, let them feel the pain until they themselves have accepted what happened and have decided that they are ready to go back. Special angels are now watching them, praying for them, praying with them. Losing your own can probably the worst thing you would want. But we take refuge and comfort that when we do lose them, they join our Creator and are in a much happier place than us.
I don't know how it feels. I don't want to pretend that I know because I have never been there, and I hope I won't ever be there. Friends have given their words of comfort and condolences but I know that no amount of comfort can probably take away the grief that these parents have now. Easier said than done.
The closest that I had to losing a loved one was a grandparent or a very good friend. It wasn't too hard for me to go back to "normal" after losing them. But what if it was my own? Can I bear it? I don't know. Only God knows.
Things happen for a reason. Maybe it wasn't meant to be yet for my friends. I would like to think that things will happen for them all in His perfect timing, the way things did for me.
Right now all I can do is let them be, let them mourn, let them feel the pain until they themselves have accepted what happened and have decided that they are ready to go back. Special angels are now watching them, praying for them, praying with them. Losing your own can probably the worst thing you would want. But we take refuge and comfort that when we do lose them, they join our Creator and are in a much happier place than us.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
kIdS' Schools
I remember not really being happy with the "schools" that were emerging a couple of years ago offering programmes to kids as young as, what, 6 months old? I remember telling my friend that I felt it was not really advisable that kids who are still not in the formal schooling age, start attending these so-called "play schools." The reason I mentioned was that when kids start too young, they tend to get tired and experience burn out even before they finish Year 6.
Well, I ate my words when I had Liam. I was actually surprised to find myself looking and checking out a number of schools when we moved here in Sydney. I felt that as an educator, I needed to maximize the time I have with my son. I felt that it was not healthy just staying at home almost the entire day. Another thing that made me eat my words is the fact that I learned and found out that these schools are really not the formal and traditional schools I grew up with. These schools make use of play as their main form of "instruction". And lastly, another big difference is that when I enrolled Liam to one of these schools, I was with him. I and my son bonded as he tried out the gym equipment, the musical instrument or when he sang songs. Maybe it would have been different if we stayed in Manila. Maybe, it would be the yaya or the Lolos or Lolas joining him in the sessions. But that is another story.
To make everything short and simple, I am thankful that these schools are here to give parents an asssitance to develop the skills of these little boys and girls without putting too much pressure on the kids. I am thankful that my son got to enjoy his Gymbaroo classes for two terms and hopefully he will also enjoy his Kindermusik sessions again with me or his Papa. I can only hope that all these opportunities to play, sing and learn along the way, will aid him as he prepares to face what is in store for him in the future.
Well, I ate my words when I had Liam. I was actually surprised to find myself looking and checking out a number of schools when we moved here in Sydney. I felt that as an educator, I needed to maximize the time I have with my son. I felt that it was not healthy just staying at home almost the entire day. Another thing that made me eat my words is the fact that I learned and found out that these schools are really not the formal and traditional schools I grew up with. These schools make use of play as their main form of "instruction". And lastly, another big difference is that when I enrolled Liam to one of these schools, I was with him. I and my son bonded as he tried out the gym equipment, the musical instrument or when he sang songs. Maybe it would have been different if we stayed in Manila. Maybe, it would be the yaya or the Lolos or Lolas joining him in the sessions. But that is another story.
To make everything short and simple, I am thankful that these schools are here to give parents an asssitance to develop the skills of these little boys and girls without putting too much pressure on the kids. I am thankful that my son got to enjoy his Gymbaroo classes for two terms and hopefully he will also enjoy his Kindermusik sessions again with me or his Papa. I can only hope that all these opportunities to play, sing and learn along the way, will aid him as he prepares to face what is in store for him in the future.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Enjoying My Toddler
They say that when kids hit the age of 2's or 3's these lovable kids start to become monsters. The terrible 2's or 3's as they call it. The past couple of months I have been given the chance to spend more time with my little boy and see his milestones along the way.
There are some days that yes, I do agree, that he is like a monster. But, still lovable. When he doesn't do what I tell him to do. When he shows a bit of stubbornness. When he is cranky. When he is being a kid. But I think, there are more days when I feel he is not a monster at all.
We think that when toodlers start to act up they misbehave. But if you are to think and look at it closely when do they actually do that, they are just acting like kids. It's just that we think they misbehave because they are not acting the way we want them to. They say that it's the adult that should adjust and understand where the toddlers are coming from. Pretend that you are also coming from the same world as these toddlers. But it seems that the trend now is the exact opposite. It seems that these toddlers are the ones trying their very best to penetrate the crazy and complicated world of the adults.
Looking back at those instances where I wanted to just shut the door or disappear instantly when my little boy starts to act like a two-year old boy, I can't help but smile and realize that I should have done better.
Well, it's not yet too late. I am thankful that now, I get to understand my two-year old better, enjoy him when he plays play pretend -- a parent, a cook, a Wiggles character, a singer, a musician, name it,and not getting tired trying to convince me to join him in his pretend game -- when he tries to put out all his toys and forgets to pack away, when he cries because he is frustrated, when he is impatient and when he is just being himself -- a kid.
There are some days that yes, I do agree, that he is like a monster. But, still lovable. When he doesn't do what I tell him to do. When he shows a bit of stubbornness. When he is cranky. When he is being a kid. But I think, there are more days when I feel he is not a monster at all.
We think that when toodlers start to act up they misbehave. But if you are to think and look at it closely when do they actually do that, they are just acting like kids. It's just that we think they misbehave because they are not acting the way we want them to. They say that it's the adult that should adjust and understand where the toddlers are coming from. Pretend that you are also coming from the same world as these toddlers. But it seems that the trend now is the exact opposite. It seems that these toddlers are the ones trying their very best to penetrate the crazy and complicated world of the adults.
Looking back at those instances where I wanted to just shut the door or disappear instantly when my little boy starts to act like a two-year old boy, I can't help but smile and realize that I should have done better.
Well, it's not yet too late. I am thankful that now, I get to understand my two-year old better, enjoy him when he plays play pretend -- a parent, a cook, a Wiggles character, a singer, a musician, name it,and not getting tired trying to convince me to join him in his pretend game -- when he tries to put out all his toys and forgets to pack away, when he cries because he is frustrated, when he is impatient and when he is just being himself -- a kid.
Peace and Quiet
My day is about to start in less than an hour. But I'm enjoying the stillness of everything around me. It's almost 6 am here and my son is quietly and peacefully sleeping by my side. My hubby on the other hand is already off at work.
Having this time allows me to have my "me" time, before I again start the daily grinds at home or sometimes at work. I love this because I get to write again, which most often than not, I don't get to do if my little tot is up and about already.
I love it because I can pray. I can refocus. I can think of crazy thoughts.I can day dream.
Mums are one of the busiest people on earth. We multi-task. We try to do everything so that things will fall into place. So let us be if we want some "me" time every now and then. It keeps us sane. It re-charges us. We want some peace and quiet time as well.
Oh there goes my peace and quiet time, the bin collector is here and with all the noise he and his truck are creating, I can only think of one thing, my day has officially begun!
Having this time allows me to have my "me" time, before I again start the daily grinds at home or sometimes at work. I love this because I get to write again, which most often than not, I don't get to do if my little tot is up and about already.
I love it because I can pray. I can refocus. I can think of crazy thoughts.I can day dream.
Mums are one of the busiest people on earth. We multi-task. We try to do everything so that things will fall into place. So let us be if we want some "me" time every now and then. It keeps us sane. It re-charges us. We want some peace and quiet time as well.
Oh there goes my peace and quiet time, the bin collector is here and with all the noise he and his truck are creating, I can only think of one thing, my day has officially begun!
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