Since TS Sendong came and caused havoc, I never really enjoyed listening to a Christmas song—

But tonight, I heard this song through this video on You Tube, and I am quite amazed that I am enjoying a Christmas song, though late.. I wish it was a happy one, but reality was that, everyone grieved.. But I guess the grieving is over now.. We are all living life as how it should be.. Picking up the pieces from where TS Sendong left off..

My daughter asks so many questions. And I am really happy that she is not limiting her learning to what is shared to her, rather, she seeks more knowledge by asking questions. I highly encourage that, so it is a delight. But then, there are times that she asks questions that I feel I should not answer yet. Questions like what is R.A.P.E. or S.E.X. (she actually spells them out than say the words because that is how her classmates asked or told her about the word), and many other key topics not fit for her age. Or maybe I am not wanting her to know them yet. Of course, I always tell her that mommy will explain about these things at a proper time. And when she hears that, she will ask me when. Of course, the answer is always, when she is mature enough to understand. By saying that, she gets even more curious as to when she will mature. And of course, I continue to say that I honestly do not know when that will be, but everything depends on her understanding of things happening around her. Whew.. It’s not really difficult to be a mom for as long as you keep the communication lines open.

But really now, I am afraid that I may give her so much information that she may live in fear or probably create some sort of a negative defense, whatsoever. I do not want to ruin a life– especially not hers. Haaa.. Reminds me of that time I asked my friend what a shaft coupling is, and she answered that it’s what couples do.. Uhmm.. I almost believed her… I was naive, but I was also resourceful.. Hahaha, thank God I looked it up in Google.. turned out, it’s way too far from her answer.

My daughter wanted another Geronimo Stilton book, but have only a few bills in her actual savings. So last Sunday, when we went malling after mass, I bought her another of her favorite book. And as usual, she finished the book in just one sitting when we arrived home.

Then when Monday came, she came home with a Right To Read book request form… Another Geronimo Stilton, she requested. It’s quite pricey, so I didn’t succumbed to her plea. I would like for her to earn it, so it will be more meaningful to acquire.. Thank goodness she is in compliance with my resolve.. hehehe..

I gave my sister Sweet a really cool scissors and comb designed sterling silver jewelry, and Lili seems to like it as well. So my sister told her that she will share it with her sometimes. That was I think a year ago. Last Sunday however, Lili remembered what my sister told her so she ended up wearing the jewelry when we went our for church and the rounds that we had to go through. As we were eating at her favorite fast food chain, I couldn’t help but admire the cutesy jewelry, and how nice it truly is. No wonder Lili liked it very much.

When we got home, she immediately returned it to my sister’s jewelry box. Then she told me that she will borrow it again when another special date would come.. By saying that, I couldn’t help but smile at how much my little girl has grown.

My daughter and I went out yesterday afternoon. We were too early for mass so we decided to do church visits instead. After visiting, we went to the nearest Jollibee shop and had some snacks. I was all eyes and ears to her that she was talkative the whole time. Well, it was one of those rare moments after TS Sendong. I think it was a first actually, because after TS Sendong, we were no

After snacks, we headed to the nearest National Bookstore to buy her Geronimo Stilton book. One that we were supposed to buy before Christmas, but was not able to do so because of what transpired.t able to have quality time outside the pad. It was after all, a difficult time for my family. But now that everything seems to be doing okay, we are back to our old routine.

Anyway, it may have been over for Christmas, but not for the book that Lili wanted.. So she got what she rightfully deserved for being good and hardworking.. After buying the book, we headed to the nearest bakeshop where we could but “Tikoy” or Chinese Sticky Rice delicacy for the Chinese New Year..

Of course, we ate that yummy Tikoy this morning— yum..

My little girl is growing before my eyes. And I do not regret having set aside everything in her behalf. Although I am still a teacher to her, it surely would be a great to have my career back. But I have decided not to, not yet anyway. If I leave, I sure could not leave her with anyone else, not even the closest of kin. Call it overly protective, or separation anxiety on my part, but I sure would like to be there in all affairs of her life, whether it’s a losing battle or a win. Besides, it is better this way. I work at home, work online and have all the time in the world to spend with my little one… But during her learning moments, I let her be. I am near to guide her or see her make mistakes, but not far that she will not have anyone to run to when she needs someone to talk to.. Best of all, I am beside her to simply love her through her imperfections…

Someday, when she’s older, she will appreciate everything I have done. Maybe I am a bit strict sometimes, but all I do is to train her to be responsible in every way.

My sister and I went to Lilis and River’s school yesterday for the Parents Teachers Conference. So far, even if Lili’a grades went down in Filipino and Math, I am still a proud mom because her lowest grade is still A- and not a grade below that…

I am hoping that she will graduate in Elementary with a gold medal still. For I am opting for her to get a scholarship in high school. That way, we need not worry about tuition and all others for more than four years of high school. Then we can save money intended for tuition or use it in other stuff that she may need or want.. I am also encouraging her for this scholastic life because for me, a child who knows the value of education parallel to its costs, will eventually lead better lives than those who have been pampered and cradled even in their twenties or thirties..

I know of so many irresponsible adults who, until their current lives, continue to live through their parents’ income or trust fund. Good if they are doing something good for themselves and humanity, but if they are spending money unwisely to feed their psychological hunger and social lust, then it’s never worth it.

After Sendong, Lili and I have not gone to the bookstore to buy books of her choice. It could account to not having enough budget during the trying time, as well as not having the time to go out because of so many things to do. It’s a good thing there are e-books that I have saved in my laptop, and the e reader have been updated so that a six year old can somehow enjoy the contents of the ebook.

Anyway, we are going to run to the bookstore one of these days for her books to read, as summer is fast approaching.  When a kid gets bored, you just gotta make her do something she likes to do.. And for Lili, that’s to play with her playmates, watch her favorite cartoons, play games online or have fun time with me. Hopefully in the coming days we could have our fun time back..

After Sendong came, we were left with drained spirits, but we had to push harder to survive. The kids, Lili and River had gone through so much during that fateful night, so we had to do something for them to help them cope. Activities done were just simple. I made them write their experience on paper.. They may draw pictures too, and since we received lots of chocolates from a friend who gave out relief goods, it helped a lot.

We also bought them toys of their own choosing…

Evidently, River has regressed by the toy he has chosen. Normally, he wouldn’t choose that but something age appropriate. He also liked playing with the toys with our 3 year old nephew..  When asked to talk about the incident, he would just tell us that he does not remember— whew!

Anyway, when school started, and everything seemed clear to the kiddies, River is now slowly opening up…

There are lots of undisciplined people who would do things that could be against the law of man and of nature. And there are not just one but many of them that I have met, whether they are strangers or people I know, I feel disgusted by their actions. Especially those who smoke in front of kids, in areas where there is the huge NO SMOKING sign. Well, these people do it because they do not fear anything, not even the law. But when they go to other places, like Davao or Singapore, or Dubai, where law is strictly implemented, they follow. I just hope that we will have a stronger law enforcement here in the city because quite frankly, I no longer feel safe living here.

In the places I mentioned, smoking is not necessarily eradicated, but there are specific provisions regarding it. It’s like having a specific cigar with matching cigar humidors that are opened only when being used. When I was in Davao, people told me that their mayor will personally see to it that laws implemented shall always be followed, and people who smoke in the wrong place, will not only get fined, buy will also be jailed if they do it habitually. That also holds true in Singapore. Hmmm.. We need to have a government that will really forcefully implement laws for the sake of our children..