Dark Shadows

I am not a fan of horror flicks. Though I once wrote scripts for a total of three TV shows that are horror in genre, but I am not drawn to watching them on the big screen. I however, got intrigued with the latest Johnny Depp starrer, Dark Shadows. So I took time out today, a Monday, to watch the earliest screening in Robinsons Metro East. All in all, it was entertaining. The synopsis was simple, it could've been the seed concept of a show I could write in the future. Watching it was fun... but that was it. It's not like it will boggle your mind, or keep you interested in the storytelling for so long. The visuals are the part that will keep you entertained, and the acting of Johnny, too. Though the script may not be fantastic, I can say I liked it still.

And She Indeed Returned

Late January of this year, our all around maid/yaya of 3 yrs has told me she's leaving for good to be able to continue her studies in the province. We got a replacement, who isn't at par when it comes to nanny-ing, but is hardworking and cooks well. However, our old-time maid/yaya, named Ate Ruby texted me and wanted to come back. Last Thursday, she indeed kept her promise and came back! My daughter was so happy and I am, too. God really works behind the scenes. He knows how we want to keep Ate Ruby and He orchestrated things and situations in our favor. Our household has somehow gone back to its normal routine again. :)

A Relaxing Weekend, Thank You, Lord!

I have been clamoring for a weekend getaway since a couple of months ago. But since I am maid-less, the list of things to do and errands to run seem unending. I know that an out of town trip is close to impossible, since May is a buys month for my hubby and his team at work, so maybe a dip in a hotel's pool would suffice. When I saw the deal in ensogo on Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern, I got interested. Although I haven't heard of the hotel before, the location won me over. It's only barely 40 minutes away from our place, and I haven't shopped in Greenhills for almost half a year now. It would be like hitting two birds, actually three birds with one stone - a weekend getaway, Aliya to be able to swim, and me to be able to shop. The deal was tempting, only Php2699 for a night, with buffet breakfast for two. Kids 12 yrs old and below are free. After thinking about it, I got my credit card and purchased a voucher. We booked last week, and checked in last Saturday. Aliya was so giggly about the idea, since she's such a fan of hotels. Her first New Year's Eve was spent in Astoria Plaza, her third was in Astoria, two. There were times when we just wanted a quick get-away and we checked in at Richmonde Hotel, or Linden, or even Go, and of course, the hotels we've been to in a few countries. If other kids are called "water babies," Aliya might be considered a "hotel baby?" Hehe, I'm not even sure if there's such a word. Anyway, since we're all there to relax and not think of anything, we decided to remain stress-free... and thank God it's been a stress-free stay indeed. Everything was well provided for, the staff are accommodating, the room is spacious, clean and modern, and housekeeping attendants are swift to attend to our requests. Though the kiddie pool was quite small, Aliya enjoyed it just the same. But she loved the jacuzzi more and spent more time there on our second day. Buffet was good enough, the linens are smooth and inviting, the phone lines to the lobby are never busy. The only thing I didn't like was there wasn't any airconditioning system in the hallways. When our keycard didnt work, I had to go downstairs to speak to the receptionist because there were no emergency phone lines atop the hallway console table. Anyway, it was a nice experience all in all. Romy and I got our retail therapy at the Greenhills tiangge, Aliya enjoyed swimming, and we had a good night's sleep. To God be the glory!!!

She Shall Return

Almost a couple of months ago, I ranted about my all around maid's decision to resign and stay for good in her province so she can pursue her secondary education. Yes, she stopped studying after elementary and worked as a maid here in Manila. I was, I think, her 4th employer. Anyway, she was with us for 3 years, being reliable and responsible, and because my daughter loves her, I was terribly hurt when she told me about her decision. Last April, she packed her things and left. We bid her goodbye and sent prayers and wellwishes, and we hired another maid as replacement. However, she texted two weeks ago and told me looks like she's not going to enroll after all. She realized she needed to work, and that she's no longer used to life in the province. To make the long story short, I sent her bus and boat fare yesterday, and now she's purchased the tickets going back to Manila. She's leaving their province on the 23rd, and she'll be here with us again the next day. God works in mysterious ways, and His plans are higher than ours, indeed. :)

Officially a Superwoman

I intentionally woke up a bit late today, at around 8:20am. And instantly, the list of things to do started filling my thought bubble. Barely a few minutes after I stretched my body to wake up my senses, Aliya woke up with full blown energy. Energy to talk, to gigil, to play, to swim, to do all the things I need maximum energy to do! Hmmm, this is going to be another day when I need to be a super hero, again, haha! So even if we havent even washed our faces and brushed our teeth, she insisted we start our drawing lessons (we have different activities everyday). After 30 minutes, I told her we need to go downstairs so we can gargle and I could prepare breakfast. During breakfast, and while my mental list of tasks are lingering over my head, Aliya is making known to me her own things to do list for the day. I have grown a bit used to this, multitasking, sacrificing alot of things I WANTED to do, and prioritizing things I have no choice but to prioritize. I'm just so glad I am a work at home mom, because I cannot imagine leaving Aliya's day to day activities to a nanny. Being a proactive parent, I always see to it that in the midst of laundry and dishes and endless other chores around the house, not to mention the errands outside and my career as a scriptwriter, of course, I still provide Aliya with the proper and enough and age-appropriate stimulation that she needs for a balanced and fulfilled childhood.