My dreams and my Quarter-life Crisis

The first book made by Alexandra Robbins.

The sequel to the Quarterlife Crisi book Robbins made.

I think I'm having a quarterlife crisis. Yup, you're reading it right--there's such a thing as quarterlife crisis. You aren't in your 40's yet, but you've lost sight of where you're going.

I have finished a bachelor's degree in mass communication but guess what, I don't want to pursue the profession anymore. Not surprisingly, I have received a lot of flak for turning in this direction. People, especially my family and relatives think that I'm passing up a totally perfect opportunity to earn big bucks--this, aside from wasting four (in my case, it's actually five since I've stopped for one semester)years of college. Actually, I had wanted to shift to another course but I didn't have money to start over. So I just decided to finish my course. An unwise decision? Maybe.

The question is: "What are you going to do then?" Well, I really don't have concrete plans yet, but I do have things in mind. Once I shall have saved enough money, I'll put up my own business. I know that my future is kind of uncertain as of the moment but I'll make it through. I know what I am capable of, that's why I know I can go places. i have battled with hundreds of demons before. What's a couple of hundreds more?

I know, so I am told, that what I'm doing is tremendously risky. One day you see your future vividly, the next thing you know, everything has turned pitch black. The thought of having an uncertain future is as frightening as hell; you don't know where to go, you don't know what to do, and the most frightening of all: you're the only one who could help your helpless self. When your life is on the line, yes indeed, you should be scared.

Don't get me wrong though, this doesn't mean that I'm willing to lose or that I'm giving up. I have a heart--and that's all I ever need. I want to put up my own business, write articles for magazines, perhaps writing for a column won't hurt, and a whole lot more. Yes, there are a lot of things I want to do in my lifetime, but I will never be able to fulfill any of them if I pursue a career in a 9 to 5  office.

People might say that my dreams are worthless or I'm being immature, but who doesn't dream? Personally, I think dreams are among those things that make us human. And with the kind of drive or motivation I have, I do hope nothing can stop me.

I have friends in college whose dreams are entirely not related to our course. There's one girl who wants to be a fashion designer, there's one who wants to teach, another one wanted to become a nurse and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, all of them are currently trying to get themselves "americanized" because of call center or bpo job demands. They either get stressed due to overworked or miss their families. I guess this what separates us from the rest of them: I have the guts to take myself out of the usual. I try to realize what do I really want in life. If I fail, it will be alright. My life may be like jumping off a cliff with the thought that I can fly and soar up in the sky; and that I could also end up plunging back to earth face down. Honestly, I would go for that than living a life that I do not want. I would rather jump off a cliff and hit the ground than ask later "Why the hell didn't I jump?"

I dreamt of seeing my name on print since I was a kid. And I'm proud to say I have done just that. I have faced the tyranny of poverty and survived. These small accomplishments may not be spectacular or they may not yield much profits, but if my dreams are slowly coming into reality...now that's something.

Earlier this year, I have been wanting to start a blog. I made this blog in February of 2010, but only managed to put in some posts around October of this year. But before this year ends, I am now maintaining three blogs.

Think of people who have spent their whole lives trying to achieve their dreams. Those who died without achieving them, those who spent their lives without dreaming at all. Now that's downright sad, ain't it? That said, let me leave you with a couple of questions to ponder on: Do you have the guts to go for and get what's rightfully yours? So far, what have you done to achieve your dreams? And do you even have a dream of your own?

God speed and keep on dreaming! Good luck!

What I realized from watching Ben 10

Ben Tennyson who can transform into ten different aliens through the omnitrix.

Kyle loves to watch Ben 10 on Cartoon Network. He also owns a few Ben 10 DVDs and figure toys as well. And yet, he wants some more...Every time we're at the toy store, he would ask me to buy him another toy figure in which I'd usually decline. He understands that toys aren't on my top priorities. But he never fail to try and ask. I wonder what he sees in Ben that made him so into him. Kyle had been a follower of most cartoons before, but his interest in them could never be compared to his desire and interest on Ben 10.

Ben 10 animated series is about a young boy, ten years old at that, named Ben Tennyson. He lived with his cousin Gwen and Grandfather. He was an ordinary young boy until he found an omnitrix one day. An omnitrix looked like a watch except that it could transform Ben into ten different aliens when he turns on the dial. Ben 10 had since matured, he's now into his teenage years. Cartoon Network even made Ben 10 into a movie.

I had a chance to see one of the Ben 10 episodes Kyle had been watching lately which lead me to realize a few things. I wonder, what if parents had been given the chance to possess ten parenting powers such as that of Ben 10, what would they be?

I thought hard, geez, I tell you, it's quite difficult to even think about it.  But here's my list of desired parenting powers. Check it out:

1. Read minds--I want to be able to read minds so that I'll have an idea what they're thinking of, like if they had been lying to me all along and I'd be able to know what Kyle wants to eat without him saying, etc.
2. Healing Powers--So that I can heal Kyle and all the other people I loved in an instant, I wouldn't need to call on a doctor anymore, I'll save time and money too.
3. Freeze time--Yes, I'd like to have the ability to freeze time. There's always that desire in me to perpetuate each moment. I like to savor Kyle's accomplishments and our bonding activities, especially when he was still a baby. Wish I could go back into those times...
4. Multiplicity--I want to be able to multiply myself when needed. I want to attend to Kyle's needs and be there for him when necessary but still do my own stuff of scheduled activities for the day. This way, I can easily do multi-tasking jobs. Finish my chores on time without any hassle.
5. Power to keep my loved ones safe ALL the Time. Do I need to elaborate on this? I guess, it's what everyone wants to be sure of.
6. Strength--Supermom. So that I can carry Kyle when his feet gets tired, I can still give him a piggy-back ride even if he's already 8 years old. I can help him carry his huge backpack to school all the way through his 3rd floor classroom without too much effort.
7. Child-like quality forever--I think it's important that we possess a child-like attitude. No grudges, but pure in heart and a peace-loving citizen. Seeing the world in the eyes of a child makes our world a better place to live in.
8. Power to see the future--I'd like to see the dangers coming and be able to correct mistakes as well even before they even come.
9. Voice that encourages--I want to be that tiny voice inside Kyle's heart that keeps on encouraging him, making sure that each time he feels disheartened, I am there to cheer him up, be his rah-rah girl and effectively makes sure his spirits are up. Letting him know that he can do things if he wants to. Be able to heal his heart from all the harshness of this world.
10. Brain power--So that I can easily breeze through his assignments and math equations with such speed. I'd like to answer all his questions and inquiries about different topics under the sun.

Mommies, how about you, what are the ten parenting powers you want to possess? I figured, watching a cartoon show on TV may also do you good afterall. Aside from being able to relax and bond with your child, you get to realize other things.

God bless everyone!

What I'm Loving now: Guerlain Rouge Lipstick

I am not really into makeup. People who knew me personally know this very well. If I ever wear makeup, it has to be for a very important occasion, say a wedding or a party. But not everyday. If and when I wear makeup, it'll be just blush and a lipstick. I don't know why but I seem to be someone born to be a makeup/cosmetic lover but not a user. I love to buy cosmetics, not to use them but simply to collect them. I like seeing its different shades and colors, from something matte to silky and shimmery.  So you could just imagine my surprise when I won in a magazine contest, I won a P3,600 worth lipstick by Guerlain--a French cosmetic brand. I didn't want to try it at first. It's so far my most expensive cosmetic to date. I would never buy a cosmetic as expensive as such. It was even modeled and used on Ms. Kristine Hermosa on that magazine where she was on the cover.

I put it on, glided the pinkish lipstick on my lips. It was somewhat shimmery and it had a nice taste, somewhat fruity. It's what I'm loving now, because it looks so natural on my lips, as if I'm not wearing a lipstick. I was told that you can find Guerlain brand of cosmetic at Rustans. I feel like a girl when wearing it. No, I mean a woman. Not that I'm gay or anything, but I just feel a sense of femininity if I wear it on. I could feel girl power! With such pouty lips and getting the natural shade, I could never go wrong. I'm ready to face the world with all the verve I've got!

The pinkish lipstick with its own double-sided mirror.

The box and silver casing.

Mums and Tubs Event

Hey mommies, don't miss this chance to bond with your kids and meet new friends as well. Join Lactacyd Mums and Tubs Get Together event at Fun Ranch on December 12, 2010. This is open to all Mums and Tubs members, for those of you who aren't membes yet, it's so easy to join. Log on to http://www.mumsandtubsclub.com/ and fill up the form. Register to the event by calling 408-8070 to reserve your slots. Hurry, limited slots are available. You may bring in your kids and one companion. There will be lots of fun, games and surprises in store for you. Hope to see you there!

Things to Consider before buying a toy

Kids are always abuzz with excitement during this time of the year. For very understandable reasons—the season just teems with activities for both the old and the youngsters. And the first week of December usually signals the start of many Christmas parties with co-workers, friends and family. But have you finished your Christmas shopping? If not, read on.

When it comes to giving gifts, Professor Mary Joyce Dumlao, a Child Developmental Specialist from the University of the Philippines Family Life and Child Development says that age appropriate and toy guidelines on the toy’s label must be followed. If the box stated that a particular toy is not intended for children below 3 years old, then so be it.

• No small parts for children to avoid swallowing and choking.
• Make sure there are no hinges that could pinch or hurt tiny fingers.
• Many stuffed toys can cause allergies.

For Pre-school aged children, encourage their senses:

• Eyes—colorful, different shapes and sizes.
• Ears—different sounds, high and low, loud and soft
• Hands and feet—feely and touchy objects with different textures.

Playtime must always be supervised time. Watch out for the following:

• Mouthing—paint should be lead-free and nontoxic.
• Biting—parts do come off.
• Swallowing—parts are not small enough.
• Throwing—parts do not break into objects in the house.
• Hitting—toys do not hurt or injure.

Children are starting to play with other children, so teach them proper attitude. For group play, always keep more than one toy of the same kind. This way, when one kid likes to play with a ball, the other kid can also play a ball without waiting for his or her turn to play it.

School Aged Children—Recommended toys for discovery and independence.

· Manipulative toys—building blocks, puzzles

· Dramatic play toys—cooking, selling, dolls

· Balls—develop gross motor and fine motor skills (introduce sports)

· Bikes, scooters—develop balance, large muscles

· Outdoor games—develop proper behavior in group games and following rules.

Before buying:


· Look for warnings and other safety measures on toy packaging.

· Avoid toys with sharp points or edges.

· Make sure small parts of larger toys can’t break off, wheels are properly attached.

· NEVER buy children toy knives, swords, weapons, darts, arrows and stuffed toys with loose body parts ex. Loose eyes, nose, buttons, threads as well as firecrackers or fireworks. (Danger: poisoning, choking, and possible injuries like blindness, cuts, burns and bruises.)

· Read carefully all instructions. Teach your child proper use of toys. Example: bike, remote control, puzzles, electronic gadgets, throw away all toy packaging

such as plastic, cellophane, staple wires and Styrofoam. Teach your child to learn how to pack away his or her toys once done playing.

Examine toys regularly for signs of wear and tear. Throw away broken toys.


God bless and happy shopping!