EMPOWERED MOM » RAMDOM POST

We Went To See Dinosaurs Alive!

Empowered Mom — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:10:16 +0000

Yesterday, we have finally visited the Dinosaur exhibits at Limketkai Center. Lili and River had already bought their tickets from school since Thursday last week, but was only able to use them yesterday. Sweet and I had to buy another two tickets for ourselves, so all in all, it cost us P 1400 to have that experience with dinosaurs..

But hey, they are not really living dinosaurs. You and I know that for a fact. They are actually robotics technology that allows for the giant creatures to move.. Life size dinosaurs that were just merely imagined, now seen during the exhibit.

They also make a sound so real, children who are less interested in them and who are younger get scared. But since Lili and River like dinosaurs, they were really amazed and thrilled to see the display. It is also an educational journey as children get to read important facts and information, not just about the dinosaurs, but in the environment they live in during their time, as well as the environment we live in now, as well as inputs on climate change.

Although the setting is inside the mall, the organizers have made the forest theme seem real by the many greens you can see inside the exhibit area.. It was quite dark and cold too, so definitely, it was forest like. But then, they could have added a brook or a stream and the sound of water—- uhm.. maybe at their next venue, lol..

Of all the dinosaurs there, this buddy seems to be the most popular.. The T-Rex is my little brother’s favorite… Not bad for the price of P 350 per head—

Moving Again

Empowered Mom — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:07:35 +0000

Tomorrow, my father and I will be going to “that house far away” to check on things there. The “house up there” is not yet feasible for transfer because there is no water and electricity yet, so we shall transfer first to “that house far away” instead of the “house up there”. But eventually, the “house up there” will be the final destination, as “that house far away” shall be rented out. Hahaha, this crazy coding for the two houses really makes me feel like a first grader like our kids here. When they were younger, they used to call our two houses in Balulang as the “yellow house” and the “orange house”. Quite understandably, they were so fascinated with colors, and I guess now, they are quite particular with distance, or maybe just a more vivid description of the new houses’ location.

It feels weird moving away from the city again. I have gotten accustomed to just a few minutes travel time and we are already home. I have loved the fact that I need not worry about not buying groceries in bulk as anytime, we can just go to Save More and it will just take a few minutes to do so.. Now we have to go back to the old residence to fetch the Latex mattress that we were able to salvage. It was not submerged as it merely floated while the water went up and it came down floating still when the water subsided during that fateful Sendong incident. If only we have also saved the memory foam mattress in the other room, but it was burried in mud, so we just had to throw it away. Quite sad, but hey, a new place needs a new mattress, so we will be shopping for some too. Hopefully the budget will allow for the right number needed. In case it won’t, well, the temporary mats we bought are quite comfortable, so there’s really nothing to rush about buying mattresses.

Anyway, I have this great feeling that everything will work out well in the new place. I am just reluctant because of the distance. But we’ll be fine. I am positive of that… No new mattress is not a hindrance. After all, we are still lucky we get to have a new unused place to live in. Quite decent actually. The only problem is both new locations are quite far from the city..

Perk Me Up!

Empowered Mom — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:17:53 +0000

While waiting for my fellow participants who joined that rafting adventure some days ago, I ordered this duo at CoffeeWorks. That’s the Chocolate Chip Cookie which is just right for me, and the tall cup of Hot Chocolate.. I am actually craving for one now, so I am getting up and make some for myself.. Won’t risk going to the city center just for hot drinks and a cookie at 2:18 in the morning, would I? As a matter of fact, we have alternatives here in the pad. I have Chips-Ahoy Chocolate Chips Cookies and Anchor Chocolate Family Milk.. That will do.. so bye for now…

This is It!

Empowered Mom — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:56:44 +0000

We are finally moving on the second week of February. That’s two months exactly after TS Sendong’s fury hit the city and left many in mourning. The house my parents are moving to is not that big, but it’s the best at a time like this. Fresh air for the two senior citizens and a two-storey house to make them feel secure. Of course, we will live near them as well. So I feel secure that during emergencies, we are just near them or they are just near us. The playground is also very nice, so the kids can have fun playing. And of course, there is plenty of greenery to feast on, so I will have lots of inspiration for my writing. Plus, the pool supply in their recreation area is bountiful. No need to worry about water, lol.. Kidding aside, I am sure everybody will be happier when we will finally move..

I spoke with the landlady’s daughter, and we have talked about certain issues and I am glad we will be leaving in peace and harmony, just as when we arrived. I am also glad that there was not really a problem with us, but only with the other tenants.

So, this is it!

Maybe…

Empowered Mom — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:46:15 +0000

My cousin tells me, if we are seeking Skincare product that cures dark spots, age spots, and sun spots, a certain name brand, luminaze, is a great product to try.. Well, if I am into that right now, I would definitely try it. But I am happy with my skincare products so I am not in the business of changing brands just yet..

Maybe when I am no longer happy with my product in use, then I will consider. Maybe.. for now, I will stick with this really awesome product that makes me so happy in the skincare department..

Exercises for people using the computers for long time

Empowered Mom — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:41:56 +0000

3 Useful Tips in Financial Planning

Empowered Mom — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:03:03 +0000

Financial planning can take on many forms. Education financial planning, vacation, and even retirement financial management and planning can take up a good portion of your income. So what are the best ways to ensure financial success?

Sticking to a Budget

Stick to a budget and keep a planned amount of money in the bank account, and a planned amount of money going into it each week. Even five dollars per week is something, always make a deposit. One you reach your spending and savings goals from managing and organizing your budget, reevaluate your budget plan to see if there are other areas in which you can save.

Once you are budgeted to the hilt, make concessions for those weeks when emergency issues arise. However, do not go dipping into the bank funds. Take out an online payday loan instead. That way you are not sinking yourself further in debt by taking out a high interest long term loan to achieve the same purpose.

Pay Off Debts

Try to pay off your credit card debts first. Medical debt and other types will not have the same increased interest rates as the short term online payday loan type. As long as you do not have to reach too deep into your banking funds to pay a bill you should be able to refill it rather quickly.

If you do get an online payday loan, be sure to keep the extra cash you had left over from the loan after your emergency issue since it will be much like the following weeks pay when you are repaying the short term loan.

Retirement Planning

Everyone needs to think of their retirement plan, even if they feel they are a good distance away from that moment in their career. When at all possible, invest deeply in 401(k) plans, most especially those in which the employer offers high matching investing. If you do not have an option for 401(k) you should give full consideration to an IRA.

As long as you have an equally distributed daily and weekly budget forecasts, along with an implemented plan for retirement investing, you should be able to maintain a clear level of credit while enjoying personal security.

If you begin to have problems that could endanger the items you need most in life such as your home or vehicle, do not hesitate to do what it takes to save those things that will make or break your opportunities.

Food and Lovers

Empowered Mom — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:32:02 +0000

How my friend came to love Republic of Texas Foods as well as a particular Mexican restaurant Frisco somewhere in Texas, is due to the fact that she met a guy who works as a dallas mover. After two years being divorced and single again, she met her match. Now, she is happy. And why not? It is not only a match of wits and hobbies, it’s a match for them food lovers.

Yup, you read it right. Food lovers are great company to each other. They can understand what they want and how much they want in terms of food. My friend loves to bake and her new beau loves to cook. Isn’t that a perfect combination? What’s more, they both love to explore new food places and try to mimic flavors through their own cooking and baking. Truly, the two are blessed with such compatibility.

The two reminds me of how my mom and dad were in their courtship stage. My mom’s family owns a food place and my father, being one of their consistent patrons, consistently ordered my mom’s most raved about dish— Dinuguan. My father said that he never liked Dinuguan, but my mom’s Dinuguan was totally different. Soon after they are married, my mother discovered how yummy my father cooks food too. So with their story and my friend’s love affair with her lover and their love for food, truly, the way to one’s heart is through the stomach, lol. That could be a running joke, but it has some sense to it. See, if you get married, you will after all, take turns cooking. It would be a really bad state if you are married to someone who does not know how to share your passion for food and food preparation. It would even be a bad idea, for me, if only one partner will do the cooking, and the other will just (consistently) taste what has been cooked. Surely, that can’t be as exciting as spending your whole life preparing, cooking or baking for each other, and simultaneously becoming each other’s guide, critic and mentor..

Trampolines

Empowered Mom — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:02:49 +0000

My daughter told me she wants a trampoline for her birthday. Jumping up and down and bouncing with a trampoline is indeed fun, even adults love to do it. But when my sister and I started looking around for trampolines, my gosh, the price was totally too high for my budget. I would rather add the money to her college fund. On the lighter side, since my daughter is the apple of my eyes and I do not want to disappoint her, my sister and I brought her to this kiddie play station where kids get to enjoy going through a balloon maze and end up bouncing in a huge trampoline right in the middle of what is already fun. The best thing about it is that, there are other kids she can play with already and entrance fee is just minimal. That really saved me a lot of money and a child’s heart to break..

For those who are not familiar with trampolines, they are actually a device that consist of a piece of taut, strong fabric that has been stretched over a steel frame by using many coiled springs. The fabric on which users bounce on, is not elastic in itself. The said elasticity is provided by the springs that connect the fabric to the frame. So that it is sturdy when being used when bouncing, as people move up and down. In case you are wondering, the fabric that is connected to the springs are commonly known as the “bounce mat” or “trampoline bed”. People bounce on trampolines for so many reasons, but purely for recreational and competitive purposes. There are various shapes of trampolines, although most are circular, octagonal or rectangular. By the way, the fabric is usually a waterproof canvas or woven polypropylene material. That makes it sturdy and safe. Although, if you will buy the trampoline with net sidings, that will be a lot safer for kids.

Both photos from Wikipedia

Three days ago however, I read about this kind of debriefing session for calamity survivors, and they used trampolines for kids and adults alike to simply have fun bouncing. At first, the survivors were reluctant to talk, but after making them freely enjoy bouncing on the trampoline, they have loosened up and started cooperating with the people in charge of the debriefing process. So I thought that it is actually a great idea for TS Sendong/TS Washi flash flood survivors. If trampolines can help people relieve themselves from their pain or their traumas, then it could be the greatest fun item a person should be subjected to.. What’s more, trampolines are also good for those who wish to lose weight the fun way. Oh well, better that we try that as well so we shall be able to see results.

Finding The Right House

Empowered Mom — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:41:17 +0000

For people who do not have their own house, it may seem difficult to find one to rent right after so many people lost their homes. That was the scenario right after TS Sendong hit our city. While those who didn’t have the means to transfer right away remained at their place, even without their house, some fled to the evacuation centers that had been assigned to their specific barangay. While some live with relatives and friends, others had been lucky to find an apartment or pad to rent. Prices of for-rent houses and rooms have risen, and some people have even taken advantage of the situation. A small pad which had previously been priced at P 4K has become P 10K all of a sudden. Ready for Occupancy housing units through the housing developers have also sold like pancakes. It seems that TS Sendong has worked closely with the housing communities and developers and agents, that they sold a lot after the storm.

After we signed up for ours, we learned that there is a geohazard map that people can refer to when choosing a place to build or rent a house in a specific area. Finding the right house may seem difficult when all you could see in that map are red lines. And it’s no joke because it seems that most of the city, even those on higher places are flood and landslide prone.

What Walgreens Clients Can Enjoy…

Empowered Mom — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:06:23 +0000

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Wouldn’t it be great if we have access to affordable medicine for our family and our pets? Wouldn’t it be a great idea to enjoy great savings especially during trying times? When a family member is sick and while other members find means to get the needed medication within the budget line. Hmm.. That is not at all a dream, but can somehow be a reality.

I am sure by now everyone knows what happened to Walgreens. But there is really nothing to worry about, especially those who have signed up for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. Walgreens have cooked up a $10 yearly family membership that will cover all members, including a spouse and dependents aged twenty two and younger. What’s more, pets are included too. For single applicants, $5 is all it takes to become a member, and enjoy all benefits. That’s savings of eight thousand brand name and generic medicines, plus discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions as well as nebulizer, and supplies for diabetic patients. When one purchases Walgreens products and photo finishing products, bonuses apply too.

I think it’s truly amazing what Walgreens do to help their clients. For more information and updates, you can follow Walgreens on Twitter and like Walgreens on Facebook .

Went Rafting Again..

Empowered Mom — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:12:45 +0000

We had fun water rafting the other day.. It was an invitation by the Great White Water Rafting company, and my sister and I along with the other members of the CDO Bloggers Inc really enjoyed the rapids. It was just a basic course, actually, but somehow, after Sendong washed away the former path, have also created new ones. There were fifteen rapids that we passed by, the last one was not part of the count, but it was actually what made us almost capsize.

It was our second Water rafting stint, my sister and I, and we could say that some rapids that we have had during that Advanced Course that we had, has somehow “transferred” (I do not know if that is the right word) to this basic course..

Gold Curtains

Empowered Mom — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:58:43 +0000

As we welcomed the new year, we learned that the color that represents luck this year 2012 is golden yellow. So I think golden yellow curtains are in too.. So many house will have them for sure…

I am quite excited because I have already bought textile in such color, and have not even been sewn yet. So when my family will move to the new place, it shall be used, yay! For some of you who are planning to do the same, it does not really matter what kind of cloth you use.

So long as the design and color blends well with your decorating…

Clean Up and Home Improvement After a Storm

Empowered Mom — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:17:51 +0000

How does one know exactly when and if his house will be hit by a storm? How does one know when water and mud would eat up the entire property, making it unlivable, or worse, tear it down and drown it down the river? Well, no one knows for sure. To most victims and survivors of TS Sendong (Washi), the waters came as a surprise in the wee hours of the evening. Some even didn’t realize that there was already water since they were thinking that they were seemingly floating in their dream, and much to their dismay, a nightmare as they had to fight for their lives to survive. Some have managed to destroy parts of the ceiling and the roof to enable them to secure a higher ground. While some didn’t make it for Christmas, others lived to see the devastation and to mourn the loss of loved ones.

While others are at evacuation centers for they no longer have homes to come home to, others have found a new house to dwell at, and build a new nest for the family. Out from scratch or out of nothing, surely, each is bound to stand up and start rebuilding lives. Others are lucky, they just have to clean up the mud, and though it takes painstaking efforts and time, still, at the end of the clean up, will have homes to go back to, homes to decorate and make comfortable again. While others vow not to go back lest they be reminded of the gruesome night that claimed thousands of lives and still left many missing since Sendong came and gone.

It is too early to think about new sheets matching the color of the curtains or to think about color scheme in decorating. Most people these days, especially Sendong’s survivors do not really care much about aesthetics for the time being. Two weeks is not enough to recover from such tragic event, some are yet mourning for their lost loved ones, while others are still contemplating the whereabouts of those who are missing.

Home improvement comes after finding one’s home, or building one’s home once again.. It may take months, even years, but it will come. On the lighter note, if you want to be able to use your linens and curtains, after washing the mud off them, it is best to have stain lift products like Ariel and some disinfectant like Major-D.. We have thrown away most of the muddied items, but have been able to rescue some. Definitely a new beginning for my family, and soon at our new address. It’s up there, where houses may not be as huge as our old place, but definitely far from rivers and the horrible possibilities that lie within. A plus factor is the fact that it’s pollution free and has lots of trees… Oh, and I have bought this gold curtain textile and trims, ever fitting because of the New Year motif. Best of all, it’s a wonderful place for my parents as they retire in old age..

Happy New Year

Empowered Mom — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:23:29 +0000

Welcome back year of the dragon— my year? Yes, and partly NO.. For I was born in the year of the fire dragon..But this year, 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon.. but then again, since I am Pisces, it still makes sense.. lol..

Anyway, we left behind 2011 with all its atrocities and monstrous afflictions.. No more monsters in 2012!!! Yehey!

From my family to yours, have a great one…

With Thankfulness and Remembrance

Empowered Mom — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:44:10 +0000

The CDO Bloggers Inc, the group which I belong have distributed Media Noche items to Sendong survivors in Barangay Pita, Kauswagan, in Macanhan and in Balulang. This year end activity would not have been possible if not for Paypal donors for Help CDO as well as in-kind donations of our blogger friends from Ilo-ilo, Ilo-ilo Bloggers Inc. After the rations were done, we headed to the Carmen bridge for the “Pagpanagkot” or the candle lighting ceremony by the Cagayan de Oro River.. individuals and groups also offered songs and prayers… It was an activity for thanking God for the lives of friends, family and relatives who were spared from Sendong’s wrath, and most importantly, for those whose lives were lost in the tragedy that they may find the light and leave this plane for eternal rest.

Personally, I would like to thank family and friends who have helped my family during this trying time. Without your assistance, support, concern and love, everything would be very difficult…thanks to you, we are feeling much better now.

*Ergina-Aguilar Family

Alexander and Victoria Dy and Family

Wilfredo and Letecia Aguilar and Family

Irma Baguio and Family

Doris and Jonathan Artes and Family

Arkin and Joanne Hernandez (and their friends for sharing water)

*Dela Torre-Mordeno Family

Rebecca and Ralph Mordeno

Ginalyn and Benjamin Mordeno

Evangeline and Eliseo Pia & Family

Mary Grace Mordeno

Caridad Mordeno (who came all the way from Butuan City just to help us clean up)

*Palomo-Aguilar Family

Evelyn Hancock

Noel Aguilar

*Emz Aban Cortez

*Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company (co-workers of my brother)

*Freya Ruda

*Charles Honn

*Ella and Eda Ledesma

*Riz Bargamento

*Bisdak Bloggers (through Ruby Ricafrente)

*Elaine and Tonette Fajardo

*Pinay Mommies Community (through Ruby Ricafrente)

*Linus Miranda

*Amy Nobillos

*Lannel Verdadero and friends

*Grace Fancubit/Operation Blessings

*PR Palacio and wife

*National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (Officemates of my mother)

*Mary Jean and Dennis Apuan

*Alfie Nob

*Debbie De Leon Roco and Inding

*Toyang and Gerland

*Reynards Tan

*Lifetime Study Center/Teachers Karen and Marissa

*Ma. Corazon Chan of DSWD

*Rachelle Basan Dequina

*Jing and Bing (Maxie) Rodriguez

*Balingasag Firetruck for the water ration

*Nanuri International School for water ration through Faith Calo

*list to be edited for other names I have missed.

Without the concern and love you have shown, my family, especially my parents, would not have survived psychological warfare in dealing with the loss.. Most of all, we are thankful to God for helping them survive…

Sendong has taught us the value of life, but even more so, it has directed us to know who the real people are in our lives. Those who have shared good times as well as bad times, they are truly worth all the appreciation and love.. Again, thank you and God bless us all.

As we shall be crossing 2012 in less than twenty four hours, we look forward to a better year ahead.

*** My Sendong Accounts of December 16/17

Before 2011 Ends

Empowered Mom — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:47:04 +0000

We have been busy. I am so sorry it took me almost 2 weeks after Sendong to update this blog. My family is one of the victims, and our houses and properties were not spared. On the lighter note, Sendong gave us a chance to decide on things to throw away and to keep what we can. With this, clean up means throwing away what we do not need anymore. A total downfall for some, but for us, is just a matter of getting new things to replace the old. Sure, thirty six years of hard work for my parents to give us what we enjoyed but perhaps, it’s high time to let go of them and look forward for a new one. Back to zero, back to step one. And it’s all for the better… Sometime in early January, they shall be moving into their new home.. One that is far from the river, and has lots of trees for protection from soil erosion. So knowing that everything is okay now, I have given back to Kagay-anons my time and energy through my group, the CDO Bloggers and right now, we are actually busy for tomorrow’s activity. We shall be giving Media Noche items to Sendong survivors before 2011 ends.. Thanks to our paypal donors and sponsors, especially the in-kind donations of Ilo-ilo Bloggers Inc.

In case you are wondering what parts of Cagayan de Oro City were hit, below is the map of the River and those in red are the areas Cagayan de Oro River has passed though, during the course of Sendong’s fury…

Bangon Cagayan de Oro…

Empowered Mom — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:35:37 +0000

The Typhoon swept away lives and property at a blink of an eye.. My parents lost all property, and all other properties that could be vacated to are also eaten by mud. So right now, they are here at the pad, with my brothers. We are all cramped up in a very small space, but no complaints as we are all safe.. our house in Balulang can no longer be salvaged.. All of Cagayan de Oro is at its worst. Well, technically except Upper Balulang where there is plenty of water and no sign of flooding at all.

Anyway, here is a video I found in You Tube that has been pinching for Kagay-anons to stand up amidst the circumstance..

This too shall pass. I pray that we can all hurdle the current situation that has traumatized our kids, even killed loved ones and more are still missing.. I shall blog about my family’s experience when I have a stable supply of electricity or battery.. Right now, I will simply post short ones.. That I am sure will be very long…

The Rain

Empowered Mom — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:58:29 +0000

Three times in a row, the lights went dead. The rain never stopped pouring and I am not exactly happy about it. I wish it will stop raining. There are shout-outs at Facebook where it is said that flooding is already happening, or some accident have occurred. It could be anyone we know— so I pray for everyone’s safety. As for my sister and me, we’re safe inside our pad. My daughter is with my parents for the get-together of parents and families tomorrow in El Salvador, and she had been excited about it since. We even bought a new swim suit for her to that effect. I could go with her and my family, but I decided not to. I have so much to do round the pad. And so much laundry, lol..

With the rain, so much clutter to clean up tomorrow, if the rain will ever stop pouring. And speaking of rain, I am much thankful to God for so many blessings that came. I bought a new camera, and well, I look forward to taking my panoramic images with it. Come Christmas vacation, we shall have better pictures, and more blessings yet to come.. I await the fees from clients and having a grand Christmas ever..

As to my best friend’s family, I know this will not be easy. Donna’s passing and her would have been very happy birthday celebration come December 30— well, life sucks for the most part, but it’s our attitude that makes us see rainbows every so often.. I have a card for her mom, thanking her for raising Donna to be a wonderful person. I pray for more kindred spirits to walk this earth, and more monsters, and their kin, banished to the kingdom of gloom. That way, we can all enjoy our holiday.

The rain just can not stop— but I know it will make flowers and plants grow. Oh and the orchids will love showing off their beautiful petals with the cold weather.. Looking forward to that..

Be safe everyone..

Total Lunar Eclipse 2011

Empowered Mom — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:26:51 +0000

My daughter and I stayed up late last night to witness the lunar eclipse. It was one magical moment for the two of us together, as we witnessed the gallantry of the night sky. It was amazing how the stars shone and how magnificently orange the moon turned into.

It was our first actually, and I loved it. It was both educational and an emotional experience. Well, let’s just say that we may never have that moment again, for whatever reason, right? But I am hoping for more of those magical moments with the grandiose sky beaming upon us.. I am lucky, or should I say, we are lucky to be together in that spectacular display of lunar imagery. Some mothers are away from their kids and could not even enjoy that.

Anyway, it was the last lunar eclipse of this year and I am happy that although I was not able to see that lunar eclipse that happened last June 15, Lili and I saw this last one last night, December 10, 2011….