Saturday Role and Tia's Unexpected Remarks
It's a lovely day today. The sun is shining brightly as if it's summer. Like you really can feel it in your skin which feels awesome. Normally you can only see the sun but you don't feel it as it's really cold.
Jigz is wearing shorts while playing with his classmates/friends in the garden. I was busy tidying up the mobile home and the caravan. Since no one stays there the moulds build up and are in such a state that it will take me days maybe weeks to clean.
I finished Tia's room and she excitedly open her wardrobe that more on for her stuffed toys.
It will be a war if I told her that we need to put some of it in the shed or donate it to charity shops. She said she loved them all.
While cleaning our room Tia stays in hers and unsurprisingly she shouted, ***"Mommy don't come to my room! I didn't do anything."*** That's when you run to see what she has already done. Nothing major I saw a kitchen roll on the carpet. She's hiding underneath. I opened it and voila! A pink nail polish glitters on the carpet.
I should know that it's not a good idea to keep all her Christmas presents in her room. Those kiddie lipsticks and nail polish with matching glitters is a nightmare, to be honest.
She said sorry and run. I called her and told her she can stay but not to make more mess as Mummy need to finish cleaning the other room. She started reading her books which is better. I continue tidying which I failed to finish because there was just too much to be done. As my husband keep filling it up with unnecessary things. And we got too many clothes. He got too many clothes but only wear the same thing all the time. Why?
Then for dinner, I just make pork chops, mixed vegetables and baby potatoes with creamy pepper sauce. I had rice with it.
After dinner, I started to pack Jigz's suitcase for his residential trip next week, Monday until Saturday. They have to do the lateral flow test tomorrow making sure that all kids are covid-free. They gave us the list and I make sure that Jigz got everything he will need.
Then tonight Lola and Tia had a great time together. She's entertaining Lola and singing her a song and showing off her new dance move. She gives Lola some tender loving care, hugs and kisses too!
And this is the part that I laugh which is a sin for me. I was changing bed sheets in our room when I heard this convo of Tia and Mum,
***Tia: Lola's Elephant and Lolo's Pig.***
***(She's talking about those pig and elephant figurines)***
***Mum: Where is your Lolo Tia?***
***Tia: He passed away.***
***What age is Lolo when he passed away?***
***Mum: He's 88.***
***Tia: I'm not talking about you Lola, Lolo I said. (Tia knows that Mum is 88.)***
***Mum: Yes Lolo died at 88. And I'm 88.***
***Tia: So you're going to pass away too? (In serious tone)***
***Mum: Oh Tia!***
And I come out of the room and me and Mum are laughing so hard. And I told Tia,
"Lola will live for hundred years!"
***Tia: That's too long.***
Oh, my piggy heart!
Thank you for reading.
World Book Day
Today, the 3rd of March is **World Book Day** here in the UK and the kids are excited to dress up as their favourite book character. And because my hands are full and I wasn't even thinking, I forgot about it and I just read an email nearly before going to bed last night.
*Good afternoon,*
*Just a quick reminder that it is World Book Day tomorrow, children can dress up a character from a book. We would also like them to bring their favourite book to school with them.*
Now what I'm supposed to do? This is the reason why I should always read emails but no, I don't. So I don't have time to go to the shop and get them a costume. They have to wear what we have in the house. And finding it is another thing.
I remember Tia's princess dress and she got a Sleeping Beauty book as well. I hide it because Tia doesn't want to take it off and always wants to wear it. Not allowed to wash it either. Now it's time to be Princess Aurora again.
Jigz, Harry Potter Slytherin costume is the one I had a hard time finding. And he doesn't want to dress up for he's going for their swimming lesson as well. But Mommy finds it and he has to dress up like everyone else.
There you go! That will do. Now off they go and enjoy their day at school. I have to take a picture to show Mum when she gets up. Although they kissed her goodbye before they go she cannot see what they are wearing. Then Mum want this printed so she can put it in her room. She loves them so much. Lola's children she always says.
I was smiling the whole time I took them to school because everyone looks lovely and cute in their costume. And the best part is their beautiful smile!
The school posted some photos and I'm happy to share them with you too.
Oh, my piggy heart! And there you go a big thumbs up from all of us too because yous all look adorable. It just makes you smile seeing children dress up while having a big smile on their wee faces. My favourite is the dinosaur lol.
***Do you recognize the kid's costumes? Do you still remember where these characters are from? Because I don't. Lol.***
Thank you for reading!
Filipino Goodies From Philippines to Northern Ireland
**So this is how it feels to receive a balikbayan box!**
I was so excited today when I heard the doorbell ring. I rush to the door anticipating the box I've been waiting for. My sister sends me a box of Filipino goodies. It was supposedly last December but things didn't go according to plan as they contracted Covid and just this 11th of February she was able to ship this box of happiness.
And it all came safe and sound from the Philippines to Northern Ireland. We used Pasabuy **(The Filipino Goodies)** and I'm so happy and satisfied as their first-time customer. It was a smooth transaction and a fast shipment. My sister sent this 11th of February and they consolidate it in Las Pinas now I received the box today 28th of February.
*I'm just so proud of my siblings and my whole family. I never send them Balikbayan Boxes. Sending costs more than the item itself and the thing is I experienced sending boxes only to be told that they have to pay the Customs more which is ridiculous. So what I do is I bring my pasalubong when we go home as we have free baggage included for each of us.*
When I hear stories about parents and siblings depending on their needs on their family abroad, I feel proud that my family don't oblige me with anything. They are even the most generous I ever know. Imagine sending this to me even it cost a fortune. £20 per kg now it's £23. For this sister paid £200 just to treat me. And what else can I say but **thank you?**
I opened it and if only you see my eyes shine so bright as if it was a feast I'm looking at. And lol look what I've got!
**I love Filipino food and it will not replace any other food in the world because that's what my taste buds "Michellin Star".**
And needless to say that we're having Corned Beef for dinner. I missed Highlands. Corned beef here is completely different from ours in the Philippines. My husband like our corned beef but I think he prefers Argentina now because that's the only one available in the Asian store.
So it's cooking time again!
Corned Beef Fried Rice
You know when I opened the box, I can already smell the "dangit" and "pusit". It's smell so good!!! And then my husband came saying, " What's that I smell?" And here comes Tia,
**"Mommy, it's stinking in here!"**
Oh well, can't please everybody but as far as my nose is concerned it's smell like cake to me! My husband hates the smell of it. And when I cook it in the house the smells stay. And I'm smiling at him and says,
**"It's smell so good!"** With a big smile on my face just to annoy him. So he went to the garage and stays there for a good while.
Then for the kid's snack for school, they will be having Fudgee Bar. Tia loves custard flavour and it's chocolate for Jigz. I already ate half the box of polvoron. Oh, it tastes so good!
This will last hopefully a week lol. Oh, happy Momma here!
Thank you for reading.
Weekend Happenings
The weekend just passed again, just like that. I'm gonna be like Tia and say, "Can I have 2 more days off?" Oh, I wished! 4 days weekend 5 days weekdays. Let's make a week 9 days. They should amend it for Tia's sake! Lol.
**What did you do Saturday and Sunday?**
I was off work Saturday and Sunday but I'm a Mom so that means a day off from work is to work from home doing chores I haven't done while working or things I haven't done for the week which is more than an actual paid job.
I did a lot of cleaning, cooking, washing, folding and preparing Jigz's suitcase and what he needs for his residential trip.
Tia's Cupcakes
Last Friday Tia asks me if she can bake a cake or make cupcakes and then I promised her tomorrow Saturday she can make one. Good thing there's a pack of Unicorn Cupcakes Kit that I have in the pantry. So she gets up early in the morning and wakes me up to make the promised cupcakes.
It was very easy to make, less mess and this is surely to be like cupcakes because it has separate packets and instruction. I'm no good at baking, to be honest, and I'm not trying to be good at it. Not yet. The only thing we need is water and an egg. Tia did everything from mixing to cracking the egg and decorating. I have to help her put it in the oven and take it out. She was very pleased.
After sorting Tia out and keeping her happy. Next stop to pack Jigz's suitcase.
Jigz's Residential Trip
I have shared with you before that Jigz will go for a residential trip on March 7-11 at the Share Village. That's all the P7 class and it cost £300 in Fermanagh. Now the school send me the list of what he needs so I'm trying to sort it out if we have everything that he needs.
I'm happy to read that they are not allowed electronic devices and even pocket money is just £10. I'm excited coz I know how it feels. We used to go on a field trip in school and I'm always looking forward to it.
More Cooking
It's the weekend so I have time to do more cooking without any rush. I made Christmas dinner lol. We had a Roast Beef Dinner and it's just lovely. And we had apple pie with custard for dessert!
We have a cat now!
My husband surprised us with a cat. Her name is Willow and her owner has to move house where she is not allowed so the heartbroken owner has to ask my husband if he could take him. She got all the papers from the vet and gave all her things like her bed, toys and all.
Unfortunately, she escaped from our bedroom window. And we couldn't find her. Luckily and thank goodness she came back not long ago. Surely she's wanting to go back to her owner. No doubt.
And during Sunday I cut everyone's nails, check and clean their ears and that's including Mum. Mum's skin is getting dry not just because of her age but also the weather so I keep rubbing a moisturizer. And I usually sit with Mum accompanying her while watching or hearing her stories.
The truth is even I want to be active online to make extra money when I'm home, I just can't because I want to be physically present with Mum. She doesn't understand when people come to the house holding phones all the time. And even I explain to her she doesn't get it and get sad that they don't talk to her instead they are on the phone. That's when some of the family and relatives visit her. If you have elders in your house, you can relate to that.
So that's how my weekend goes. It's Monday again and back to school. I'm trying to anticipate now Tia's morning words of wisdom.
And before I end this article let me share this Tia's new words that she learned in school. Tia knows she's not allowed to say bad words. And she knows bad words when she heard one. And if she's not sure, she's going to ask you. Yesterday she told me,
***"Mommy, we don't need to say bad words. We can just say, Oh my piggy heart!"***
So that's what I'm going to say,
*"Oh, my piggy heart."*
**That's not a bad word.**
Thank you for reading.
Sunday: Kids Day Out
Today is Tia and Jigz last day of their week holiday. Their half term break has come to an end and has to get up early again for school tomorrow. But before that, I treat them to the pictures to see **"Sing 2".**
It was raining pretty bad this morning. I even wanted to just stay in the house. But as usual, the two were so excited that Jigz set an alarm and woke up Tia to make sure that they are going out as planned.
So I have to get up and get ready. I already booked ours online for 12nn. And off we go, Daddy, taking us but he can't go with us for he has work to do in the garage.
And if we're watching a movie, there should be popcorn and drinks. I even told them last night, can we just bring our own popcorn and drinks lol because £4 a kid's tray is dear. And they say yes to it but what they want we don't have. And what's worst is I got a nachos with cheese for myself and cost £5.50. Next time I will bring our own to save. Food costs more than the ticket lol.
Seriously, this is the first time that we come here and the place is full. Like almost all seats are occupied. I'm overwhelmed with all the kids and parents and I'm happy at the same time to see them. Honestly, it looks like a happy place cinema today.
How's the movie?
Lol. I think I enjoyed it more than the kids! I keep laughing and we all have a good laugh while watching it. I even liked it more than the James Bond No Time to Die which was the last movie that we watched there the last time.
I highly recommend it to everyone. The kids will love it and parents too! It's very funny.
After the nearly two hours *"thumbs up"* movie, we went to the shopping centre. We just walk across, not that far. Their Lola gave them £5 each so they can get something for themselves.
I'm just having a look..
So I went to see my boss while at the shopping centre. In front of it is Tia's favourite shop, Claire's. That I refuse to be in. So while talking to my boss. She told me, **"Mommy, I'm just going to have a look."** At the back of my mind, I hope so. Because your £5 will not be enough in there. And I'm serious.
Then Jigz went to TK Maxx to see if there is something he would like. He normally just go to the toys section. And after that, I gave him all my 20p's so he can get bubblegum from the machine.
Must be my lucky day as Tia came back to me and doesn't tell me that she was going to show me something. She started checking out the carpet in the shop and eyeing for the fluffiest one she can get. And lol she got a good taste. She said, she love the sheepskin. And give it to me to pay for it with her £5 when that sheepskin cost £25. Hahaha. But you know what? My Boss gave it to Tia for free. Lucky her!
And she's so happy. She didn't forget to say thank you. Meanwhile, Jigz enjoying a massage at my massage chair. Lol. I call this mine. I'm their No. 1 customer here lol. Almost every day after work, I sit here. I just love it.
Then we went to Poundland and there they spend their £5 getting sweets! And oh have to get Daddy his coffee.
And as soon as we come home I went straight to the kitchen and cook for dinner. And Tia shows to Lola her beautiful rug. That she now use as a blanket. 🤣
**It was a lovely day. How about you? How's your Sunday? Are you busy enough?**
Thank you for reading!
Rained Flowers and Chocolates
Happy Hearts Day again. How's your Valentines Day? Did you receive flowers and a card?
Oh, not that one. Sorry.
This one.
Ayiiee. I got mine too! Lol. I can't contain the smile on my face even while writing this.
Do you know what happened last night? Because my husband came home late from work, I fell asleep. So I didn't get a happy ending. But I'm fully charged. And because I fall asleep I don't know how he reacts after seeing my Valentine presents for him. I put it under the quilt. So when he comes to bed to sleep he will see it. Or maybe sit on it lol.
When I woke up, I told myself. He must have forgotten that it's the 14th and he didn't wake me up to surprised me last night. I kissed him good morning. But he's not saying anything and so I get up. And lol there's the flowers and chocolate on the floor. Hahaha. I was so happy and kissed him again. I see him laughing. He must pretend to be asleep for me to get up and see his surprise.
I always love his card with a sweet and funny/naughty message. And a colourful mixed flowers that he already put in the vase, which is very nice of him. And my favourite Ferrero Rochet even I still have 2 boxes, he made it three. This is my all-time favourite chocolate since I was 18.
And the funny part and a serious one is he bought me **workout outfits**. And it is somehow hurt my feelings when he chooses to get a size UK 10-12 when I only size UK 6-8. ***And it hurt me the most when I tried it on and it fits.*** I nearly cry. Hahaha. Is he telling me that I'm getting fat? And lol, is he wanting me to do the workout? Hahaha.
And you know what else? He ordered a rowing machine and exercise bike on eBay!
Of course, he buys it for himself. I'm still confidently sexy with fats. Because we are going for our holiday in April and he wants to lose some of his bellies that he got from eating the food that I serve. Well, he keeps eating so I keep cooking. But I didn't think that he will bring me into it. He said we will start working out. He didn't even ask me if I wanted to? Lol. Paladesisyon. He decided for me. He must be thinking I love to be skinny for the rest of my life. It took me 33 years to gain weight and I'm enjoying the extra baggage now. 🤣
Another one so I put our chocolates and cards on the headboard of our bed and here comes Tia.
*"Oh wowwww! Who's Malteser's is these?"*
*Me: That's Daddy's.*
*Tia: I have to tell Daddy sharing is caring.* 🤣
My Ferrero is safe. Daddy has to share. Sharing is caring. BTW Tia and Mum got flowers too!
And for our dinner, I made him a fry and Mum. And for me and the kids, Sweet style spaghetti with fried chicken! Home-made food is the best.
**How about you? You had a lovely day with your loved one? Did it rain flowers and chocolates? Share your Valentines Day!**
Thank you for reading.
Happy Valentine's Day
*Tomorrow will be the judgement day on how beautiful you are.*
*If you receive chocolates tomorrow please eat them all in one go and don't post them for me to see.*
*If you receive flowers please just put them straight onto the pot and you don't have to put them on "my day".*
These are just some of the posts I saw on Facebook today as soon as I opened mine. It's hilarious, I was laughing so hard. Some are bitter but most are happy to receive flowers and chocolates from their loved ones. And they want the world to see it. Why not?
**Do you have a date? Or are you ready to date yourself? Are you bitter when you see others posting about their flowers and chocolates or are you happy enough to be single and they don't bother you at all?**
Even my sister had her advanced Valentines surprise. Wow, Haba ng hair! This is her original post. I was laughing while reading this.
Grabe!!! Kilig ako ng sagad! Susku naman!! 😁🤣
Tamang hinala pa ako kanina, sabi kasi bibili lang ng lambanog pampasalubong daw nya bago tagal na tagal. Natawag rin ako di sinasagot, edi inisip ko baka may dinaanan pang iba at Valentines bukas. (tamang hinala)
Inaway ko pa pagdating, bago ngayong uuwi na kami sa Batangas... MAY PAGARNE NAMAN PALA. 😍😅
P. S
Ako pinaglagay ng gamit namin sa likod. Tapos sya, iihi daw sya. Yun pala'y nahihiya, iniwanan ako pagkabukas. Di kasi are sweet na tao. Mahiyain pa! 🤣😁😅
Kaya pala sabi saken bago kami umalis ay magmake up daw ako. Wala naman ako sa mood. 😅😅😅
Tapos kanina galing kami sa palengke nakakita ako ng mga bulaklak. Sabi ko ehem ehem! 🤣😁 Sabi ga saken, bi may ubo ka ba? Bibili akong solmux.
Kahapon pa daw nya nabili, sa motor itinago para daw di ko makita. E galing pa kami kahapon sa kapatid ko sa Mauban kaya paano nangyari lahat 'to?
KILIG AKO TALAGA! 😭♥️
And I'm ready too. I'm celebrating Valentine's Day with the love of my life and the reason why I smile so bright. It's the day of love and so I should as well make him happy.
**Valentines is not only for ladies. Not even just for couples. It's to celebrate love for family, friends and self. So Valentines Day is for everyone!**
My husband never fails to surprise me on Valentines Day. And the best thing we do is when we watch a movie together. We never go out and eat, things like that. We exchange cards with sweet and funny and humurous letters to each other. Hahaha. I always get flowers and chocolate, a big fat smile.
Look at some of my flowers from past Valentine's Day. And Tia is still wee.
So most of you already celebrating the 14th and ours is still tomorrow. But I'm gonna give my present tonight at 12 lol. I might get a happy ending too. I make sure I'm performance ready. Hahaha.
Keep safe and be safe on February 14. I'm serious. And if you're single and if you think you will not receive anything from anyone, then why not treat yourself with some tender loving care, buy your own chocolates and enjoy watching a movie. And let those with flowers and chocolates enjoy their treats.
**But for a meaningful date, cook for your loved one and eat together, exchange love letters and watch a movie while cuddling. No money is needed just your valuable time which is the most important thing.**
***Oh, let's all celebrate Valentines Day!***
Thank you for reading.
Just Another Day at Work
**Every day is different. It's full of surprises and unexpected things. It's waiting to unfold.**
Happy Tuesday!
I started my day with a cup of coffee, a biscuit and paracetamol. My migraine started yesterday again and until now I can't get rid of it. It's the right eye especially the socket feels terrible so I was hoping this morning after taking paracetamol that I will get better.
My two bosses came to the shop early in the morning just to bring me some more rugs to sort and display. They bought me Ibuprofen from the chemist after knowing about my migraine. They told me that's better than paracetamol. They told me I could just ring them and let them know so I could just rest if I'm not well. But I want to work.
Also, they ask if I eat and to be honest I didn't have time to eat in the morning that's why I brought my cup with me and a box of biscuits because I can't take medicine on my empty stomach.
They left after that and to my surprise, my other boss comes back with a sandwich. He told me to eat it and go.
I'm really lucky to have such nice bosses. They treated me well from the beginning and they looked after me too. That's why it's just right that I do my job well. I love doing what I'm doing. And I love dealing with customers.
Spending a Penny
It wasn't busy the first couple of hours but I catch up. Then a man in his 40s on his mobility scooter comes into the shop and I greeted him with a big smile and help him get sorted with the rug he needs. He wants a 6×4 for his living room and we have one on offer at £25 which is great. After some selection, he finally got what he wanted. ***And while his handling the cash I saw the pee starting to drip from his seat down to the floor.*** He made a trail to the carpet and right outside he must be able to release it all. He made a yellow puddle outside. I didn't say anything because I know there must be something wrong with him.
So I send my boss this photo to ask how can I clean it or is there anything at the back that I can clean it with and if not they can bring something when they come.
I'm more concerned about the pee outside as some shoppers might slip or slide into it especially kids that running about. The cleaner is not about at that time. So I'm keeping an eye outside and finally, when I see the very nice lady cleaner, I told her about it and she clean up the ones outside the shop. She even gave me a can of carpet cleaner for the inside and she provided me with a mop. She wants to do it but I insist to do it because it's just outside the shop her job really. She even came back and gave me an air freshener because she can smell the pee still. She's very nice and helpful. I successfully clean it but it marks just waiting to dry up and surely my boss will sort it out for me.
And today even what had happened I still bought and was able to hit my target.
If I get mad and take the man peeing in the shop and me cleaning after it negatively then I couldn't probably hit my target. There are things I cannot control so I can only control how I respond to them. I can't blame the man because he didn't mean to do it for sure. He must have felt bad himself. And also because of my bosses kindness to me that morning, I was able to pass it on.
**So at the end of the day, it was a Great Tuesday for me! How about you? How's your day?**
Thank you for reading.
Parent's Proud Moment
***What makes a parent proud? What makes them happy? What fills their hearts and jump for joy? What it is really?***
Surely it will be different for everyone. But I know you will agree that just by having our children, just being called mother and/or father, that is already the greatest joy that we are all proud of.
**Today is 2/2/22**. It's a special day and a palindrome date. And what a joyous day for a Momma like me.
All hail Queen Tia!
It was a tiring day at work as there were new carpets delivered in the shop and I have to put them all on display. My muscles were sore and my feet because I didn't get time to sit. I want to finish my job. After my shift, I just wish that my husband come in early and take me home but he needs to lift Tia from school first.
As soon as I see the car I'm ready to jump in. Tia greeted me with a big smile on her face and told me,
*"Mommy, I got a surprise for you!"*
Her excited face beamed with so much joy made me excited too! Then she handed this to me.
***Tia is a supergirl. She works VERY hard every day. She tries her best and is a great friend to everyone.***
***-Mrs Sims***
Aww while reading the lovely words in it, I couldn't contain myself and I was teary-eyed. Like those words from her teacher and classmates and her photo washed away the tiredness in me. I'm over the moon! I praise her and told her how happy and proud I am for her achievement.
And reading all her classmates what they think about her made my day.
*Tia is a nice girl.* ***-Ellie Mae***
*Tia is lovely to play with.* ***-Connie***
*Tia is very kind.* ***- Jackson and Rowan***
*Tia is a good girl.* ***-Robyn***
*Tia is a great friend to everyone.* ***-Sadie***
*Tia is very good at her maths.* ***-Chloe***
*Tia has very kind manners.* ***-Oliver***
*Tia is good at her writing.* ***-Evie***
*Tia is a nice girl.* ***- Juliette***
*Tia is good at her numeracy.* ***-Olivia***
*Tia is very fast.* ***-Isla***
*Tia is a great friend. -* ***Adam and Flo***
Aren't they just wonderful and sweet and how happy can parents be to know that their child doing well in school and not just at home?
When other people praise your children the parents are the happiest! Tia always works hard and I know it myself. And I'm happy that she's being recognized for that. She's a very good girl. A big thumbs up from all of us. Her Lola was so happy she was going to frame this and hang it on the wall.
***What makes a parent proud? What makes them happy? What*** **fills** ***their hearts and jump for joy?***
**It's a moment like this. When you see them flying with their own wings. When you know that as a parent you did a great job! Cheers to all the parents!**
Thank you for reading.
Trip to London
I only hear London in songs and now I'm proud to say,
*"Hey, I've been there!*"
Even it's just for a short period.
I went to London to renew my passport. I have to go to the Philippines Embassy in London from Northern Ireland to do so. I was excited the night before the flight and already have plans in my head to visit famous landmarks that surely is on your bucket list too.
It was just me, Jigz, and my husband. Tia stays with Lola at home. We can't be away for too long. We get up at 7 am as our flight is at 9:40 am and I'm trying to anticipate the long queues due to covid procedures.
We came to Belfast Airport in time and boarded on time. We had a smooth flight and that's only for 1 and a half hour flight to Gatwick Airport.
From Gatwick, we take the free shuttle going to South Terminal. Like most of the time, we are constantly asking for directions and which train to get or are on the right platform. The stations are massive and it's very confusing for first-timers like me.
We bought the ticket after asking staff and pointed us to the information/ticket booth and we were told to take the train to London Bridge.
From London Bridge take the Underground, the Tube they called it to Green Park. So from Gatwick Station to London Bridge, we paid £27 for the three of us just one way. Still dear but that's the fastest way to get there. No traffic.
Then from London Bridge, we get out and look for the Underground not too far and paid £32 to get to Green Park. From Green Park, we just have to walk to the Embassy and made it through constantly asking everyone we see. They are very helpful and approachable. That's very nice of them to stop and check their phones and show us the way even if they aren't sure themselves.
There's the Philippines Embassy in London located on Suffolk Street. Finally, I can renew my passport! Can you see our flag? Three stars and the sun.
Look at these high buildings! The street is filled with those giants.
It's so much colder there than here in Northern Ireland. The funny thing is while I and my husband complain about our aching bones there's this girl who's jogging with very little clothes on and we look at each other and said,
"She must have not felt the cold!"
I want to be her. 🤣 For my bones are aching when it's cold even it's not winter. I hate cold. But I hate when it's hot too. Lol. Can't win. Sad.
I don't want to write a very long article and bore you so I'm going to keep this short and write the rest to my next articles. For now, this is the summary as this is the main thing why I came to London. There's more to share.
Thank you for reading.
Passport Dilemma with Happy Ending
**I'm excited, we're going to London tomorrow**!
We're not going for a holiday but for us to renew our Philippine Passport. I was so stressed the past months about how I'm going to renew our passport as it's going to expire in June this year. There's no appointment slot available in London. There's no renewal centre here in Belfast.
The thing is we have our plans of going to Thailand for Songkran (New Year) in April and from there I'm going home to the Philippines to renew our passport. It's me and Jigz. But that's not possible as I have to have at least 6 months validity in my passport. So I have to renew it here.
It's just that the flights, the train and the passport renewal cost a fortune if I'm going to London but I have no choice. I think the train will be dearer than our flights. Then The Philippine Embassy in London announced that they are having an outreach program here in Belfast and so I'm so happy. Answered prayer! But they opened the portal for booking a slot the day I was at work and when I check it that afternoon it's already fully booked. I emailed them to if they can accommodate walk-in applicants. No reply.
I checked again the Philippines Embassy in London website and was luckily able to book a slot for me and Jigz. And I'm so happy. I booked a flight right away. After booking a flight then I received an email from them that there will be a Passport Renewal Centre that is going to open in Belfast very soon. I feel devastated as I already booked our flights to London that day.
I used to be concerned if we're going to receive our passports for our Thailand trip in time because others said it took 3 months to receive theirs. I'm less worried now because we are not going anywhere if we have to do quarantine. That's a waste of time and money. We just going to stay at home. And that's the case in Thailand and most of the country anyway.
So what matters now is for me to be able to renew our passports and be able to go anywhere whenever we can. Whenever travelling is favourable. It's not gonna be whenever it's safe because we accept the fact that it's not gonna be safe with this virus still around.
I missed my family and hopefully, I can see them this year. I haven't seen my new super cute niece. And my handsome nephews are growing up too fast now. I missed them all so much!
*Were flying to London Gatwick Airport and my appointment is at 2 pm. And we have some time to spare to visit famous landmarks like* ***Trafalgar Square, Paddington Station, Tower Bridge, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace*** *and many more before we leave.*
*Oh, I'm excited! Most especially to eat in Jollibee, a Filipino fast-food chain. Finally, after 3 years, I can have Jolly Spaghetti and burger steak! I have something to share with you hopefully when I come back. 😊*
Thank you for reading.
Embarrassing Moment: High Five!
**The inspiration for this short article is when I read an embarrassing moment compilation on Facebook and a particular one reminds me of what happened last Thursday. In that embarrassing experience, the girl shared,**
*3 years ago a cute guy I worked with wanted to give me the fist bump but I thought he was pretending to hold an invisible microphone so I leaned forward said hello.*
*I haven't slept since.*
I laugh so hard while reading, as such a similar incident happened to me last week. You know that I do my grocery shopping every Thursday after work. I finish my work every Thursday at 1:30 pm but Tia gets out from school at 2:00 pm and Jigz at 3:00 pm so I have to wait for my husband after 3 to pick me up.
After work, I just do the shopping by myself so that when my husband comes I'm finished and just have to go to Lidl's after. I prefer Lidl's for fresh vegetables, fish and meat. We don't get all our needs at one store.
Then what happened I finished my shopping early that Thursday. And it's slashing outside, you can feel the cold every time the doors open and I just can't wait till my husband comes. I always stand in front of the entrance/exit doors when there are no seats available. I'm just there standing patiently waiting for my man in shining armour.
For the first half-hour, the securities have been walking past me for times and kept greeting me. You know I'm working there for months now and I get along with most of the securities/personnel/other employees and they stop to talk to me at the shop or smile at me, a wave when I have customers. They are very nice to me. And that's just wonderful to feel that you belong.
Then Archie, the maintenance also works there at the shopping centre stops and talks to me about how's my day went blah blah blah when I saw a man drop his key while going out in a hurry. And he disappears before my very eyes. He walks so fast that he didn't feel his key fall.
I run and left my trolley and Archie, grabbed the key, went outside in the rain and look for the man who dropped the key. He's in his 60's. I just said,
**Excuse me, you dropped your keys and gave him his key with a smile. I didn't wait for what he's going to say as it's raining, I went back inside the shop.**
When I come back, Archie said,
*"That's your good deeds for today!*
*Well done!" 😁*
And off he goes.
Here's the funny part.
The man who drops the key comes back. And said to me,
*"Thanks a lot. I would go daft if I didn't find my keys in my pocket. That's very nice of you."*
*And the man raised his hand.*
**And me, with all smile on my face, reached his hand and gave him a high five!**
And I saw in his face that he didn't expect that high five and I just left him shocked, confused and speechless. 🤣
I even forgot that it's pandemic. I forgot about the virus. Who cares if he only meant to lift his hand as a thank you gesture? I didn't know what happened next but I'm sure he look for the nearest sanitiser stand. Hahaha.
I told my husband what happened and he can't stop laughing when I told him I gave him a high five because he raised his hand.
***Lead Image Credit****:*
Photo by **Allan Mas** from **Pexels** https://www.pexels.com/@allan-mas?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-ethnic-female-climber-with-anonymous-male-friend-giving-high-five-in-gym-5384158/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels
A Heartbreaking Customer Story
Happy New Year!
It's 2022 and it's my first day back to work today. I had a hard time waking myself and finding the courage to get up this morning. Holidays allowed me to sleep and get up late so this will be challenging. And tomorrow, Tia and Jigz will be back to school so I'm trying to put them to bed early but for them to fall asleep is another story. One thing is for sure, the holiday is over and we all have to get up early in the morning starting tomorrow.
I'm half awake when I came to work. Do my normal routine of tidying up the shop. I can see that they were busy yesterday based on the state of the place. Cleaning will help me warm up. The shop was quiet. Not many people coming in to buy carpets today. And there are not many people inside the shopping centre. I'm thinking because people spend through Christmas and so they are saving their money now. Or maybe they are busy taking down their Christmas decorations. And speaking of decorations, ours are still up. We were about to put it in the shed today but the rain and snow halted our plan.
Back to work, I was panicking as usual when I don't have any sales in 2 hours. But I received a message from my boss saying,
*"Don't want you to panic this morning if it's not busy. I never had a sale until 11 o'clock yesterday and lifted 400 in an hour. 🤣🤣 See you just after 1."*
In which I replied,
*"Should I start panicking after 11? 🤣"*
And he said,
*"Yes.🤣🤣"*
And 11 o'clock comes and still not a single sale so I send him a message,
*"PANIC MODE 🚨 ".*
Hahaha, I had a good laugh and we love that emojis. I'm grateful to have two cool bosses! They're super nice. Then he comes before 1 o'clock and he told me he is still coughing for three weeks now. He's constantly getting a lateral and PCR Test and he doesn't have covid just a bad cough. He started coughing and a customer is checking out the carpets hanging on the rail. I told Paul,
*"It's not easy to cough this time of the pandemic, customers will think you've got covid."*
The lady customer overheard it and said,
***My husband doesn't have a cough and he just died with Covid 6 weeks ago. Something we didn't believe before. We are both vaccinated but my husband has asthma. He's 53. When we call for an ambulance because he can't breathe, we never thought he's gonna die. He doesn't look too sick to die. He doesn't have a cough but he got colds and only when they check his oxygen that they find out that it is very low. And he got worse and worse, he was taken to the ICU and he died.***
***And I'm here already, I'm always out because it never sinks to me that he's no longer here. When my phone rings I still thought it's him ready to pick me up. He is a taxi driver that's why I told him to get the vaccine even he doesn't want to. We are inseparable. I still can't believe it."***
When she hears that people say, covid is not real she said, ***"I thought so too. But I just lost my husband to Covid."***
I told her that I'm sorry to hear and to know what had happened and ask her if I can hug her.
**I hug her.**
**She cried.**
**I'm brokenhearted.**
Be Merry and Bright
**Before we all get busy doing our Christmas preparations, cooking etc I just want to greet everyone, my dear friends, a very Merry Christmas.**
I'm so busy right now doing my cooking but I don't want to let this day pass without greeting you all.
I'm starting my cooking
What else can keep us busy especially me, but to cook our Christmas dinner. We do it yearly that we cook it early so we have nothing to cook on Christmas Day aside from the spuds.
We will have our usual Christmas dinner, turkey, ham, roast beef, stuffing, Brussels sprouts etc.
Since I have to use the oven for turkey, roast meat and stuffing I used the slow cooker for our ham. This will take 6 hours to cook.
Then I do first the onion and sage stuffing coz it cooks in just an hour-hour and a half. My brother-in-law gave me a hand as Mum is not able to do this now. And she's upset that she can't do it anymore. So she is our boss giving orders.
After this, I will cook the turkey that is still in the fridge. And then the roast meat. I'll be cooking all day and night. 🤣
My brother in law also send gifts for everyone and I was surprised to see a belated birthday gift for me.
Oh their gorgeous and love them! Haha it feels like I open my first gift from Santa lol.
Mum is ready too!
Last night I cut Mum's hair as she can't go to her hairdresser now. And she was pampered well. Her white hair turns to curly green lol.
That's my husband doing lol and Mum was laughing and asked Tia and Jigz to come to see her. And they were all laughing.
After her hair cut, I remove her facial hair and cut her nails. Tia helps me as well as she wants to do it for Lola. So she is ready for Santa.
*Isn't she a good girl?*
Then later we have to go and bring all these gifts to different families and friends. We still have to get some from the shop. Last one. I know. We're never be done. And we're broke lol.
I hope Santa will be good to me this year coz I'm really good. I behave well lol. But seriously I'm not asking anything this year. I even told my husband not to buy me anything.
I just want to see the kids happy. I want to see them all happy. And I'm confident enough that Santas did a very good job. Tia said she will put milk and cookies in the fireplace tonight.
And just like what I say in noise.cash,
We are excited to receive gifts from our dearest Santa but most especially to give gifts to the people we love.
For some Christmas is hard. Those who struggle. Those facing difficulty. Those who lost a loved one. There are no words to console and to tell them to just enjoy Christmas. To tell them to celebrate still.
There's no need to be merry and bright and just do what you can and everything will be alright. Put a smile on your face. And celebrate with a grateful heart.
**Christmas is not the time to get everything we want. This is the time to appreciate everything we have.**
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Movie Date with the Kids
Yesterday, as promised I took my kids to the cinema. It was supposedly on my birthday but the movie they want to see is not showing until Friday which is not favourable as my husband is working. So we all agreed to watch it on Saturday.
Saturday came we get up late but still have plenty of time as I booked our tickets online for 12nn. We left the house at 10:30 am. The cinema isn't that far from us, just 20 minutes and we'll be there. We went out early so we can bring the Christmas card to Mum's friend that lives in Ballynahinch.
But unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic on our way back and couldn't make it on time to the cinema. I was disappointed thinking I wasted money booking it online and we were not able to watch it. The tickets are non-refundable. So I decided that I'm going to just buy a new ticket when we get there to the cinema to make sure. The next one is for 1:00 so it's not that bad. The kids were so excited when we get there.
It's a young fella who assisted me at the counter asking me the movie we're gonna watch and it's **"Clifford the Big Red Dog"** I answered. I told him that I booked it for 12 but we didn't make it on time because of traffic. And he said we just have to pay a new one and before I tap my card to pay *a man behind stopped the young fella and told him to just scan my code the one that I paid for and told me that that would do. And smile at me. He's the manager.*
Look how much the ticket is. So I'm thankful for the good man and his act of kindness, I don't need to pay again. I didn't waste any money. And I'm over the moon.
I was so happy and thankful for his action. That's so kind of him. That's the Christmas spirit! I thank him and we get our popcorn and drinks. I get myself nachos and cheese and off we went to screen 4 to see our movie!
Haha, look at Tia's funny face. Even before the movie starts were already eating our food.
And even before the movie starts there are kids behind us that keeps talking and making fun with each other throughout the show. They are loud. And I can't focus on watching. I wish their parents can tell them to keep it low but no. I love to watch in peace. I enjoy the laughs in between movies but the constant talking in a very loud voice is very inconsiderate to others. But yes they were kids.
The man in front of them with his son wasn't able to take it and leave. Jigs and Tia didn't say anything so as long as they are enjoying were good.
The movie is great! It was funny and the kids will learn from it. They keep laughing and most of the time Tia says "Aww, so cute!"
***But what I want them to learn and be reminded of is bullying. How Emily was bullied in the film and need a friend and found tiny Clifford in the magical tent. How bullying affects a person. That bullying is bad. And that they should be nice to others.***
Have you seen this film? Did you enjoy it?
Thank you for reading.
Dear Wednesday, I'm Mortified!
**We all have our own embarrassing moments to share. Some are funny enough and some we wished the ground can swallow us whole. Oh, I've got loads of epic red-faced moments but this one I'm about to share happens today.**
My nose is blocked
I blamed the weather. After getting a bad cough and cold I still got a blocked nose at the moment. And even if I'm perfectly fine, I just love to sniff my Vicks inhaler. This little tube becomes my nose best friend. *But be careful as I also read that nasal inhalers can be bad for us too.*
I always have it in my bag, in the house and the car. My husband loves it too!
Today at Work
Just another day. The rain is pouring outside, I know because the roof is transparent so I can see it from the shop where I'm working. And seeing shoppers wet and hearing them say how bad it is outside.
*I grab my inhaler that was on the counter after assisting customers. I have it wedged in my nostril. Felt good in an instant.*
Nearly the end of my shift and my boss appeared in front of me with two lattes in his hand. Isn't he just very good to me? Oh both of them! They are very nice.
Oh, here they are. 😁 They are so cool!
End of my shift
End of my shift and I'm done with the settlements and everything to do with my sales. He gave me extra money today because I did well he said. I had a productive day as I sold doubled my goal. Happy me!
*Before I left the counter I had another sniff of the inhaler in front of my boss and set it in the box.* He smiled at me weirdly and I went to the back to grab my bag and coat. I put my phone in the bag and my eyes went huge when I saw the inhaler inside. I wish to disappear.
**So that inhaler I'm using is not mine?**!
I don't know how to go out and say goodbye to my boss. I'm so ashamed to use his inhaler in front of him. He also sniffs an inhaler so I'm sure it's his. I embarrassingly get out with my own inhaler in my hand.
He's laughing and looks like he knew my mistake. And I told him with my epic face,
***"I'll get you a new one tomorrow!"***
And I run in a hurry before he answered. 🤣
It's funny and gross at the same time. As I'm sticking someone else's inhaler in my nose lol. I don't mean it in a nasty way but you know what I mean. You will not stick to your nose what others already stick to theirs. 😂
Oh well. I got a new one for him. I don't know how to face him tomorrow but fortunately, it's my other boss who's on tomorrow. Phew! I'm mortified.
I should be mindful next time.
Thank you for reading.
It's My Day, Monday!
**This is my second year celebrating my birthday here in read.cash. How time flies that most of us knows each other for more than a year now and we can all wish that this amazing platform can go on forever.**
6th of December
Happy Birthday to me! Oh the good Lord blessed me with a fruitful year once again and I'm grateful for this life and the people around me that make my life worth living.
***Let me share a story..***
When I was young, I never experience blowing a cake. I don't have any memories of blowing cake at a young age. Birthday is just another day and if we can't afford food for our table then a birthday cake is wishful thinking. And how lucky that we have this beautifully designed cake now as I can only remember a plain sponge cake. And that was the best cake ever. It has no icing, no nothing just plain. This is the reason why I always scrape the icing on the cake. I don't know why I always do but I guess because I don't appreciate it. Maybe it's too much for me. Or maybe I am still in love with the plain sponge cake that I grow up with.
My lovely gifts
Last night after midnight my husband surprised me with a birthday cake while singing me happy birthday. I was teary-eyed. The kids were sleeping already at that time. But before that, they hand me the birthday cards and I was told to open them when it's my birthday but they were sleeping.
Look at my lovely cards with sweet messages.
My family back home already celebrated my birthday a day ahead because of our time difference. Mama and Papa made me cry with their messages and in video calls. My siblings treat me eat all you can only that they eat my favourite for me while I can only look at it lol.
In the morning, I got my birthday hugs and kisses from Tia and Jigz and I'm the happiest today. They ask if they can sing Happy Birthday that time but I told them about the cake and they can all sing to me after school so I can blow my cake (again). They sing me happy birthday and after school, we will have the cake ready as they have to get ready for school.
While they are at school my husband takes me to Belfast. The main thing is to get the Christmas presents for Mum, Tia and Jigz and for me to eat whatever I want. 😂
And so I go for Seafood Ramen and a brown sugar milk tea that I can only get in Belfast.
Look how good it is! It's bloody good!!!!
And when we go home I start cooking spaghetti for the kids. Our plan of going to the cinema has to be rescheduled for Saturday as the movie the kids want to watch is not showing yet.
And so I just cook at home and ordered fish and chips for Mum as she's not eating spaghetti.
And here's my spaghetti made with love for my kiddos with chicken bites.
As soon as they both came home from school we had the cake ready and they happily sing me happy birthday with all our different notes but still sounds amazing in Momma's ears lol.
And special thank you to my #Club1BCH family for the lovely post and greetings. You guys are awesome!
*Oh, I have a lovely day. And it's not the cake or the food. It's not the gifts. It's not the tips. It's the people around me that makes my day special. It's you who read this I want to thank you for making my day.*
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤
Hello December, Jingle All the Way!
**Happy 1st of December everyone! It's now officially legal to put up your Christmas tree without someone telling you that it's too early lol. Are you getting started or all done?**
Our Christmas tree was up a couple of weeks ago. I think we have 9 Christmas trees outside and it's just mental how my husband come up doing such. Yes, it was outside because it's not possible to have a 10 ft Christmas Tree inside our humble home.
The small trees are up but still not decorated as there was a storm and the wind was bad the past few days. There are more to be put up and the kids love it!
Just this week we started to put some decorations in the house. Look our Santa Lolo and Santa Lola up again. They were there when Tia was just a baby and she loves to kiss them on their nose. And Mum and Dad enjoyed watching her. *(Missing my father-in-law again. 😭 Miss you Dad!)* Tia still kissing them.
Tia and Jigz already had their picture with Santa. That's the one on the lead image. We went to the shopping centre last Saturday and visited Santa's grotto. No more sitting on his lap but at least Santa is still there in the background and able to talk to the kids. They receive a treat from him as well!
Tia told Santa what she wants for Christmas just to make sure she's getting a Unicorn Pixies that I know nothing about. She even told Santa that she's going to prepare Coke and biscuit when he goes to the house to bring her gifts. Hahaha.
They enjoyed all the beautiful Christmas displays. I think those will look good in our garden lol.
Lucky Day
And as a bonus, while at the shopping centre we heard the Frozen song "Let It Go" and saw Elsa and Anna performing in front of TK Maxx. Tia just walk on went straight to the front. And she was starstruck, wasn't able to talk for a minute. And they were very nice to let the kids especially my Tia to take pictures with them. And what a lovely photo! Can you see how happy she was?
Christmas Shopping
Have you done with your Christmas shopping? Oh, I just started! We have the list that the kids wrote. They were so excited to tell Santa what they want.
Mum is all set. I have everything of her gifts wrapped. She just gave money to the rest and the most practical gifts of all.
Did you take advantage of the Black Friday Sale? I bought my husband a new phone for the very first time. And I'm so proud. I save some of my earnings from read.cash and noise.cash in Paluwagan which is Php 1750 every month since January and so I will be able to give Php20,000 ($400) cash to my parents in the Philippines on Christmas.
Imagine those are from my earnings and I couldn't be more proud and grateful that these platforms helping me a lot. Plus I'm grateful that I got work for extra money. It's still feel good to spend what you work hard for.
My Birth Month
***Next week, cheers to another year even my age are no longer on the calendar I still feel young at heart!***
This week is also the 3rd and last week of my son's AQE exam and I can say that I am relieved. This is a great birthday present for me. On my birthday I will take my kids to the Cinema and we're going to watch a movie. That's on my birthday agenda.
I'll be starting writing again and will be more active after this last exam as it's taking my night for the past months. Thank you all for your understanding.
***I'm ending this with a treat from Santa. I wish that your Santa will be good this year! Only if you've been good. 😂***
Are you all set for Christmas?
Kind Words Cost Nothing
***You will never know how a few nice words can change someone's entire day. It can be short and easy to say as long as it is true and kind, its power is endless. How our genuine smile can brighten up someone's day and our laughs can infect others. With our actions and words, we can speak blessings over our future.***
I'm working in a carpet shop. You will never know who will come into the door. Sometimes, I am torn between letting them have a look in peace or approaching them in case they need my help. And I can tell you it was never easy to have the right move because sometimes as soon as I approach them they are ready to leave so it's just safe to observe and good timing is a must. There are difficult customers and there are customers who look so grumpy. And I have a goal in the shop, **I want customers to leave the shop with a smile on their faces.**
A customer will ask if they need assistance and if they are only there to have a look they don't want to be approached. If they say, "It's okay I'm only having a look." I will tell them that there's plenty for inspiration and show them the sizes and different patterns and encourage them to take pictures so it can help them to choose when they need one. I always try to connect and build a rapport. I say words to make them smile and laugh. And I'm very good at that. **It doesn't matter if they don't buy, what matters is they remember my service.**
Today at work, I felt extra special. I wasn't well because of my blocked nose and throat but just like any other day I put my best face to customers and deal everyone with a smile. My first customer this morning was a familiar face of an old man carrying a rug with him. He asked if he can change the rug to a bigger size and he is just going to pay the difference. And so I told him, not a problem and that I'm happy to help and he told me,
*"You are always happy. The last time I was here with my wife you helped us and you are very nice."*
He was smiling and I laugh. I thank him for the compliment and told him, *"Because if I'm happy, I can make you smile and it feels so good if you start smiling and laughing too. And surely you will not be back if I'm frowning." He thank me after and left the shop with a smile. Again.*
Most of the customers today told me,
*"You are very pleasant."*
*"You are such a nice girl."*
And a group of friends who bought 4 rugs I heard them talking before leaving the door saying, *"She's very nice."*
And it feels so good. And those words fuel me to be the best at what I'm doing. Because I feel I'm being appreciated. Is it important? Yes. I will give you an example. Imagine you are working hard being a full-time housewife and you are doing everything. You are exhausted. Tired beyond words. You clean, cook, look after your kids and your husbands do not even see it. He will not say thank you or give you a compliment for your accomplishment. How would you feel?
But if your husband appreciates you and tells you, *"The house is very clean. You cook a lovely dinner. You look beautiful, darling. I love you and thank you I know you work hard today."* How do those words feel? Those words can erase all the tiredness and tears. That will be me, doing more because I'm appreciated. Because it feels good to be appreciated.
There's a man today taking pictures of the rugs asking for my help. He is not going to buy today but having a look at what's his option to show to his wife. And I help him and he started to show me the picture of their living room and showed me different paintings mostly Japanese inspired and he told me he painted all that and we are laughing and he is such a great artist. It felt like we are good friends at that moment. He said he will be back and thanked me for my time helping him. Most of my customers about 75% of them are old people and they are the sweetest! For me, there's no such thing as *"I'm wasting my time for they're not going to buy." It's not just about sales. Customer service is beyond that.*
And this one, I will never forget. I was busy assisting a few customers at the counter and some are patiently waiting. The time consuming is rolling the rugs and securing them with tape because some are massive and very challenging to wrap so I can just take my time and assist them on a first come first serve basis. They are very nice too and wait for their turn. While rolling a big rug I look at a Mom and daughter in front of me waiting for their turn while they're carrying the rug. My eyes went straight to the girl's hair as it's so beautiful. And I told her with a smile, *"Your hair is gorgeous!"*
She's in her 20's I say. She was a bit shy and smiles and say "thank you." And when it's their turn she told me,
***"I just finished my chemotherapy last week and this is just a wig."***
Needless to say, she lost her real hair. Her Mum said, she's conscious of her wig. But I told her, *"It doesn't look like a wig, it's gorgeous and suits you."* And that's true. I didn't say it just to say something nice out of the blue. I congratulate her for getting done with chemotherapy and told her she's awesome. Ah, she was teary-eyed and say thank you again. Before she left she said,
**"You made my day."**
And she made mine.
For me, those words I say, are just a normal thing. If I see things I love, I compliment. I love to appreciate things and other people and let them know. But we never know that those words can have a big impact on others. Nice and kind words fill up a person with positivity. You give them a boost with those few words. It makes up their day and sometimes it changes their life. We never know what others going through.
**Words are powerful, use them wisely. Be gracious and kind to others, in your words and action. It feels good. Trust me.**
Thank you for reading.
*It feels so good to write again. I missed you all. And thank you for your patience in my absence. I'm positive that you are doing well! A big fat hug from* @tired_momma
It's been a long time since my last article and I'm missing you all! I hope you are all well. Thank you for tolerating my absence, my dear sponsors, readers and friends. It's nice to be able to say "Hi!" once again as I know not all of you is at noise.
Big smile to all of you! 😊😀 I'm seeing you in the comment section very soon.
Catching Up on a Sunday
**How's your week, lovely people? All is well? Surely!**
My weekend has just started. This is my day off. I am proud to say that I work hard the whole week. And so sorry, I know I was missing in action and now I'm trying to catch up with you guys. I wish you all had a great week as I want to share mine.
Work is Good
This is my 2nd week at work at the Carpet Shop and I love it! I had enough time complaining about the weight of the bigger rugs that my body getting used to it now. No, no muscles yet lol. Soon.
This is the beautiful view of the Scrabo that greeted me every morning when I go to work. It's lovely, especially on a nice sunny day.
Then my bosses, I only have the two owners working with, they give me my key and let me open the shop. As soon as I get in to put the card machine to turn it on they always leave me a note saying "Good Morning". And I laugh as this time they wrote it in my language and made an effort to Google it. What a sweet gesture that puts a smile on my face and conditions my spirit for work.
The first thing I do is what we sold the day before, they will get it in the warehouse and I will get it sorted for display so we don't have a space. So this is some of what I did yesterday morning. I started with smaller ones first. I unwrap it and roll it twice the other way showing the rugs and the patterns ready to be displayed in the shop.
Then after that, I hoover the whole place with Henry. He is my buddy in the morning.
But I stop doing what I'm doing if there's a customer. Some of the things I learned this week:
I don't have to run after customers. They don't like it as I don't like going to shop with someone following me either. They will call me if they need me.
I need loads of patience. Yesterday, I had an old woman who wants me to show the kitchen runners( 66 × 230) to her and is like I have 10 or more open up for her and lying everywhere. When it ended up to 1 I said to myself, thank goodness! When all of a sudden, she said, "I think this is the wrong size! I will measure it first." Hahaha. So I roll back everything again without a sale made.
People who want to buy a rug will buy a rug, you don't need to do sales talk.
There are many good customers and awkward ones. Just keep your cool. You cannot curse. Keep it to yourself.
I told you the last time that I got paid £9 per hour and only work for 4 hours and in that 4 hours if I made a sale of £500 or more I get an extra £10 which I consistently get! So happy days! It's just that my 2-3 days becomes more. They want me to work more days.
The thing is after work I went straight to the kitchen to cook. After cooking and cleaning, we do homework and review with my son for the exam next month. By the time I finish all I'm knackered and just gone straight to sleep. That's why I wasn't able to catch up here at read. I hope you understand. Christmas is coming and I want to save as much as I can.
Carving Pumpkin
We carved pumpkin this week as they have to bring it to school. They are the one who cleans up the inside of the pumpkin. Tia keeps complaining about the seeds as it's too many. My hands were sore carving them as I can't let them use the sharp knife but Tia wants to do it so I have to guide her hand while doing so.
Then we brought it to school the next morning and saw all the kids creative pumpkins! They are all well done!
Attending Funeral
Remember, Colin's sister? he was buried last week as well and we attended her service. It's just an unexpected twist. Going to check your sister to see if she can visit your mother who got dementia and getting worst and ending up seeing your sister dead in her home is terrible. That's heartbreaking. Their Mum still didn't know that her daughter who she always asked to see is now dead.
My Aunt Passed Away
4 months ago I posted an article pleading for help for my Tita Rose. Thank you for your help and support when I needed you's all. Her three years battle is over. She's a fighter. She won her Breast Cancer battle. But Liver Cancer started up. Then her brain and last, her lungs. She fought a very good fight.
She is now laid to rest.
Thank you so much for reading.
Cooking: Epic Fail Experience
**Oh, I love cooking! And that's now. I'm sure most of you have seen me posting** ***'Momma's Menu for Today'*** **in noise.cash almost every day. That's part of being a full-time Mom. And even I have a part-time job now, I'm still a full-time Momma.**
But did you know that cooking never likes me? Like I love to eat. Oh definitely! But to cook? No. Nah, never a skill to me.
It started when I was young when my parents have to leave us at home while they are both working and as the eldest, I have to cook. Rice is the main one. And I can't remember how many times if not burnt or the rice is not cooked. My father is our chef, a very good one and he's very disappointed because I can't even cook rice. I think I got it from my Mama. She can't cook either.
So in college, I decided I'm taking up **Hotel and Restaurant Management**, first because I want to learn to cook and second I would love to learn bartending. I love how they can throw up those bottles in the air. It looks so cool!
Fast forward, I didn't enjoy my course. And I don't understand why I have to spend at least Php1000/$20 just to buy ingredients for cooking food that only the teacher taste and eat? Like we are not rich and we can't afford such especially when cooking international cuisine and we have to buy all the ingredients. It's not for me so I stopped.
And then when I started working since I'm alone I never cook. I just buy cooked food in fast food or the shop near me. And sometimes I'm just too tired to eat at night I just want to sleep. Maybe that's why I was able to keep my figure when I was working. That's why I am the now. Oh sad!
***So let me share these epic cooking experiences of mine!***
Before I learn to cook.. This is a Throwback experience.
Sinigang na Adobo
One day, I invited my friend and office mates, Euri and her now-husband Arman to my house. That's way back 2011. I was so excited I went to the market and buy meat to cook. I will cook for them. Feeling chef. Imagine I don't cook then suddenly I will. It's okay I know what I'm doing. I try to remember what my Papa told me.
I'll be making **Adobo** for them (Filipino dish in soy sauce). Just like this in the picture. That's Adobo.
But you know what happened? I put water, maybe too much water in the adobo and it looks like soup after. I can't even taste it.
So when they come, I feel so bad I don't know what to do. She even asked me if it's sinigang I'm cooking. Can you imagine the Sinigang na Adobo?
And the ending she is the one who tried to salvage my soup. I mean the adobo. We are still able to eat it. Because we don't want to waste it. We eat it with a smile on our face even deep inside they must be cursing me for letting them eat this. And that's the last time I cook. Euri told me, never to cook again. She's a good friend of mine. And that's the best advice she can give to me.
The Uncook Baby Potatoes
I will never forget this one. One day, I went to the market and I bought baby potatoes. My sister and her bf that is her husband now stays with me at that time. And I love him so much. He is very nice and I couldn't ask for more for my sister. They are the best match ever!
I know that Fino loves baby potatoes so I cook them for him. I cook it in butter. And oh I'm so excited to serve it. I didn't try it. I just cook it for him for sister doesn't like it much as well. We stick to our rice.
Then I gave one to Fino, he takes his time eating it in front of me. And he said it's nice so I told him to eat it all and that I cook it for him. And he eats it.
And the next day. My sister told me,
"**Ate** (that's how we call our eldest sister), **did you know that the baby potatoes that you gave to Fino yesterday weren't cooked?"**
She said Fino doesn't want me to know and don't have the heart to tell me that it wasn't cooked and doesn't want to disappoint me because I was so proud of making him baby potatoes. 🤣 That it was hard as a brick and his stomach aches after eating it all.
And then I realized that you have to boil the potatoes first! Well to be fair nobody told me, I thought I just have to cook it in butter. 😅
And that explains why his face looks weird as he is eating the potatoes in front of me as if he was taking his time. But I feel so stupid not knowing that. Hahaha. Poor Fino! The next day, I buy baby potatoes again. 😅
My first ever Carbonara
I'm broken-hearted with this one. As I tried my best. When we're in the Philippines with my husband I made him a Carbonara. I pour my heart into it. 100% effort. He watched me cooking because he knows I never cook. And that I'm no good at it. He's the one who's cooking in the house. My husband can cook and everything. Mum said, she learned them everything.
And here's YouTube to the rescue. And I don't know why of all the food, I choose to make him Carbonara.
And I was so excited! I thought I did great coz it looks like carbonara! The white sauce tastes good. And so I bring him a plate.
My smile is up to my ears. My confidence was 101%. When suddenly he says,
**"I don't eat white sauce pasta."**
I want to pack his things that moment and throw him back where he came from. I was so upset. After all the effort he didn't try it. As in! Not even a taste of it. Ahh, I'm fuming. 🤣 He said he thought I'm making it for myself. Hahaha.
And there you go, lovely people. And for the girls that thought you will never learn to cook, oh you will. Definitely! Thank goodness I learned to cook and got better should I say.
Keep watching cooking videos for a start and from then on you will be able to experiment with the different dish and make it to your own liking.
Coz my Papa always says, If I want to eat, I should learn to cook. My Papa is so proud of me now that I can cook. Haha. Now, I'm missing his food. He's my best Chef ever.
**And proudly, because if you have a family and husband to feed, you eventually want to feed them with good food. And I did it. See? I'm good at cooking now. I feel like the chef in my own house! And everyone who comes appreciates my cooking. Isn't it nice? 😁**
***Who's the chef in your house? You?***
*Thanks to* @George_Dee *for the inspiration after I read his funny story in his* *recent article**. It reminded me of this experience! Check it out.* https://read.cash/@George_Dee/my-first-time-experience-af1cf9c2
Thank you for reading.
Parent-Teacher Consultation
**It's just over a month after the kids started back to school and they already learned a lot and we were scheduled for Parent-Teacher Consultation last week.**
**Parent-Teacher consultation** is a great opportunity for the parents and teacher to talk about the child's progress in the classroom, share their academic progress and be informed of the child's behaviour, needs, strength and so we know which part can we help our child more.
This is also the time that the teachers can tell you their concerns with your child if there is. Everything that you need to know and you want to ask regarding your child, you can ask.
John's
Last year, everything was made through the phone. Jigz was done ahead and still over the phone and it's my husband who talk to his teacher, Mr Sandford. He will understand better as I'm no good at talking over the phone. My listening skills don't match up.
We're over the moon to hear that Jigz is doing well and is getting along with other students. Jigz is in his last year, P7 and next year he will be at Big School. As always they were reshuffle with other students, to meet new ones.
Mr Sandford said that Jigz is very good in Math, very good in sports and working hard in Language and Vocabulary. As Jigz only started here 2 years ago and his English is not good but commendable for it's greatly improved. He said that Jigz is a very good student and we are delighted!
Tia's
This time with Tia as it's not scheduled at the same time as Jigz, we were told we will have a face to face consultation with the teacher.
This would be the first time we will see the classrooms and what it looks like inside their school as the parents only wait at the playground and since she started at Covid Time last year, we were not able to be around the school.
The P1-P2 classroom are on separate building from the rest. And I never been inside Jigz school as well.
This is what outside of Tia's classroom looks. You can see where the kids paint and where their apron is. They all have coat hangers and their wellies are just outside of their classroom. Everything has a labelled of their name.
I was happy to see this and my husband said it didn't change much since he was here. This is also his Primary school.
While waiting for the teacher to call us as she's still attending to other parents, I have a good look around. I saw this artwork outside their classroom which is all the kids' names and faces. And I spotted Tia right away because she's the only black hair in her class
And our time has come and Mrs Sims greeted as gave us Tia's notebooks to show how she is doing. The first thing she said was that Tia is a sweetheart. She is always smiling and laughing and always greeted her good morning always waving her bye-bye.
She can write, read and know about phonics but she's easily destructed. Like Tia loves daydreaming when she instructed them to do something. She's out of focus but will rush to finish what needs to be done and she can finish it well.
She gets along with other students and plays with them. She loves playtime. She enjoyed it a lot. And she loves the arts. She loves painting. And Mrs Sims showed us one of Tia's artwork that is displayed inside the classroom.
The one in the middle is Tia's. That's a policeman and the police car and police dog in his hand.
Mrs Sims said Tia is very dedicated and she's very careful when painting. I'm glad that Tia was able to show her skills and being enhanced at school.
Everything that Mrs Sims said is music to our ears and now I know which part I have to work on with Tia. Her phonics and focus.
Mrs Sims added as she is the PE Coordinator in the whole school and handling Jigz as well, she said that Jigz is very good in sports. He is very competitive. He is amazed at how good he is in basketball and sad they don't play basketball. Because he saw Jigz playing with the ball dribbling it and he is good at that. Mrs Sims also handle him in football and would love him to be a goalkeeper for he has good coordination.
I and my husband were thrilled for both of them doing well in school. Hopefully, after Christmas, there would be a lot more improvement.
*(I will be busy reading articles as I know I wasn't active this past few days. I need more catching up to do and I will try my best. Sorry for missing in action.)*
Thank you all for reading.
My First Day at Work
**After 5 years of being a full-time Mom, I'm working again. I'm just so happy that I want to share this. Yesterday after meeting the people whom I'm working with, Paul and William, I was told that I can start today so they can teach me what to do.**
I'm working in a rug shop inside the shopping centre. They've been there for 8 years and we buy our rugs to them too. What I love about it is they offer me a time that suits me best. I saw their sign wanting a staff and I ask my husband if I can just try it because I want to work. I know it will be challenging with everything because just with the house and the kids is already tough for me. And even my husband say no at first because he always says I don't need to work. He still let me try it given I have to stop if I don't like it. Not if I can't do it because he knows that I can. He knows I've been wanting to work not just for the money alone but it just feels good when you're working. There's satisfaction in it.
I'm only working 4 hours from half 9 to half 1 and only for three days for £9/hour. Isn't that good for a change? Yey! I've got extra income and I have a different surrounding and routine for a change. Four hours is not that long and as long as there are customers, time flies.
Today, Paul is with me as William is getting stock at the warehouse. He teaches me the sizes and patterns of the rugs. And told me that not all customer knows the size they are looking for so it would be easier to show one size and from there they can get an idea if they need a smaller or bigger one. And what I love the most is when he said, I should feel confident when talking to customers. Sell myself in a way they will come back or tell about us to others.
While training we stop from time to time to assists customers. I deal with writing their orders and accepting their payments either cash or by card. Most of the customers pay by card. Almost 80%.
The hard bits are getting down the bigger rugs from the wall and the ones on the rail if there's nothing down. It's so heavy. Rolling and putting tape on when they are happy to take it is something I have to work on. I know, it's just my first day and I will not just be good at it right away. Paul said to give it two weeks and it will all come naturally.
I'll be working again tomorrow with William and he said he will teach me more about other stuff.
They are very nice, I can't say anything bad about them. There's a toilet at the back and coffee/tea whenever I want. I can bring a snack. They told me I can use my phone but, the customer first. Which I won't do. If I'm working I'm working. My time is getting paid so it's not fair if I'm on my phone.
All in all, I had a wonderful time on my first day and I enjoy talking to the customers and am very pleased that I learn a lot today. I think I'm gonna love this job.
After my working hours, I saw this massage chair just outside our shop. Oh, I love the massage chair. This was stopped because of Covid and it was back maybe just this week. So I'm enjoying a massage while waiting for my husband to pick me up. My back and feet are sore so this will help me. I told my husband he will find me here everytime after work.
And as soon as I came home my sweet Mum said she made a vegetable soup and it's ready for me. She knows I'll be hungry as I didn't eat before going to work. She really loves me. She's so sweet and thoughtful!
And yes, tomorrow is another day. I'm ready for it! But most of all I know I have to make sure I take care of everything while doing so. I'm taking time management seriously now.
Thank you all for reading.
Fun Time in the Fields
**Yesterday, my husband decided to take the kids in the fields and ride their quad while he rides his bike. And of course, they can't leave without me, I'm the cheerleader.**
So we put the quad and bike at the trailer. It's too cold for Mum to go out yesterday so she went to the tunnel house instead and told me she will be the one to pick up the tomatoes so I don't have to do it. That's good so Mum can exercise her feet as it's getting worst these past few days she can barely walk. I reminded her to be careful as she goes with her bike.
And off we go to the fields. The kids were excited.
At the fields
It's a dull day. The sun isn't shining. And because it was raining the whole week the place is muddy.
But they don't really care. My kids love mud and water. That's for sure.
Tia is so excited about it. And yes she's wearing trainers because we can't find her boots and Jigz'. We don't know where it went, maybe in Ballygowan Dump.
Look at that girl! Ready for some action.
And she just fly! I told her not to go up but of course she will.
And Jigz looks so cool in it too.
And off he goes around the field.
Seriously I was shouting the whole time to the three of them,
**"Slowly!!! Slowly Jigz!!! Slowly Tia!!! Darling, you will break your bloody neck!!!"**
Oh, they were wrecking my nerves. And I thought Tia was crying coz I can hear her voice. But surprisingly she was laughing because she's enjoying her ride and it was bouncy but it was way too fast. She's breaking my heart. She said she love fast.
But you can see that she's killing it. She is having the best time of her life. And Jigz said he will go with his Dad when he practices from now on. I think he is loving the quad now. We just recently get that as he is not keen rider. We got him the bike but he doesn't like it.
And there's also this. Jigz told his dad that there are hunters at the top and I got worried because I have kids riding their quad so the husband went to see them. He told me he knows them and just told them not to shoot where we are. They shouldn't be hunting there anyway because Alex (the owner) never let anyone hunt in there.
Oh well, so they keep riding and taking pleasure in it. Tia wasn't happy when her quad run out of charge. So I told her we can run up and down the fairy tree and we did. And she went to the mud after. I know what she's thinking.
And there she goes! Jumping in the muddy puddle.
Can you imagine the dirt we are bringing to the car? Lol, you should see the state of it. Haha, I haven't finished cleaning it until now but we already power wash everything.
And how about the washing? Ohh that fun time wasn't really fun for me in the end lol.
We came home dirty and Mum has to chase us out. Hahaha, we take our shoes and boots off everything dirty and not taking it inside the house. She wasn't happy as she see us in such a state covered with mud.
As soon as I get inside the house I made the kids spaghetti and my husband a bacon sandwich.
**Dirty but happy. We had a fun-filled Saturday!**
*I was supposed to write this yesterday but upon hearing the sad news of Alex (who owns this field) passing away it puts me off. We're deeply saddened. May he rest in peace. Such a lovely man.*
Thank you all for reading.
It's Never a News That We Want to Hear
**The death of someone even of someone we don't personally know is never news that we want to hear. I know the pain. I know how deepest condolences will not help ease the pain the grieving heart feels. How words of consolation will not be able to console the bereaved. And no time can heal the wound and moving on seems to take a lifetime.**
Yesterday while on the road with my husband, his best friend called. He answers the call *(hands-free)* as the phone is connected to the car. Duncan asks first if he is driving. He sounds different, we can sense there is something wrong.
I told my husband to pull over the car so he can talk to him. We were thinking it's something to do with his Mom.
His Mom
*Let me tell you first about this.* He is living with his Mom. He does everything like cooking, washing and cleaning. Only washing her Mom he cannot do. He has another sibling Pauline just him and her. Their Dad died a long time ago before my father in law. They were friends too.
Recently, the mother was diagnosed with dementia. He's having a hard time. And it's getting worst. She acts like a child. She doesn't recognize his son and sometimes she thought she's her dad. Sometimes she thought he's a burglar and keep hitting him. She breaking all the biscuits in the house and scattered them everywhere. She gets paper and burns them inside the house.
Every time he goes to the garage to finish some work, neighbours will phone him as his Mom is breaking the windows and banging the door. Sometimes she's okay. Sometimes she recognized her as her son. But the one she never forgot is her daughter Pauline. She keeps looking for her. But Pauline never visit her Mother for 4 years now, even though she just lives not far away from them.
Duncan already phoned the doctor. Phoned because you can't easily see a doctor nowadays. And the thing is there are not many options but to put him in a home that he doesn't want to do. So he decided he will go to see his sister and ask her if she can visit their mother.
The Call
***Duncan calls to tell my husband that her sister is dead.*** Pauline is dead. He went to her house to see if her sister can visit their Mom but what she saw was her house with no life.
She saw from the outside window that her sister was lying on the floor. He calls 999 as he cannot break in into the house. She's dead and nobody knows how long she's been dead. She is living alone. She is single and she's just 57.
That's shocked us. But how much more Duncan felt. Not the news he needs this time when he needs her and their mother needs them the most. Now she is left alone with her Mom.
*And how sad it is that her mother will never know and understand that her daughter is dead? Should someone be thankful that at least she will not feel the pain of losing a child and of burying her?*
He is waiting for the autopsy. While looking after his Mom he has to make arrangements for the funeral. Our family sends our condolences and that we are with him in this tough time.
Another one
Tonight we received bad news about Alex that he passed away. He is the owner of the field, the one who let us use the field and ride the bike. He doesn't even plough that field so my husband can keep riding his bike in there. He and my husband are the only two left that was born here at Castle Lane. He owns many of the lands all around Comber. He is always nice to our family.
He is a very likable and hardworking man. He works hard every day going to the fields. We just saw him the other day waving at us on his tractor. And we heard the news this morning that he was brought to the hospital and didn't expect tonight's news that he passed away. We are saddened by this.
**Now we have two funerals to attend.**
Thank you for reading.
Halloween Preparation
We are loving the Ber Months and before we jump to December let's enjoy Halloween. It's not that my family celebrate the Halloween but the kids love Halloween decoration and looking forward to the trick and treat every year. We decided to decorate the house to keep them happy. They are also hoping that they have a Halloween event in the school this time because it was cancelled last year because of Covid.
A week ago we went to Hardy's, our local shop here in Comber and it's filled with Halloween displays inside the shop. They always have a good display whatever occasion or holiday event it is.
The first time we see the displays we took Tia inside and she's not happy, she wasn't impressed and told me she want to go back to the car. I agree with Tia as it scared me too. So we just go back to the car after seeing some creepy display.
What scared her the most is when it suddenly moves as it has a sensor. And the sounds will startle you too. They all look realistic, well made.
Here are some of the Halloween Displays at Hardy's:
https://youtu.be/NpBCy_HlsV0
We didn't buy anything because the price tag is scarier than it looks. That will give a heart attack on our bank account. But since the 1st of October and every day after, Tia and Jigz were like,
*"Mommy, is it Halloween today? Are we going to decorate? Are we going to buy pumpkins"?*
**"When? When? When?"**
So the other day, the husband, not me decided he is going to buy something to put in the house for Halloween.
So we went back and have a look. The husband really wants to get the Ghost Rider. I don't like it because I don't like the price and I keep putting him off because where are we going to put it? In the garden? But he insists he will find a place for it in the house. Where? At the ceiling?
But as we keep looking around the shop we keep seeing more better horrifying displays. So we ended up getting three.
First (The Butler)
We took this home. Hahaha.. Imagine this creepy butler in front of the car with me. As we take it out from the shop people are looking and saying, "That's a good one!" What I'm thinking is *"they must be thinking we're mental".*
**Did Mum likes it when she sees it?**
Lol, she loves it! She keeps laughing at it. She thinks he's lovely and that's his new boyfriend now. She said, when we lift Tia into school we have to tell her that she got a new boyfriend.
https://youtu.be/G_Rjg2CSmx0
Can you guess how Tia reacts when he saw the butler?
My poor baby got scared of it! She didn't come near it. But you know what's my purpose of this because I want her to face her fear. Because when we went to Blackpool, we went to see The Dungeon and she was scared so I have to go out with her even we haven't finished it. I'm scared too anyway.
Here's Tia's reaction
But you know just after that since Lola put sweets on the butler's tray and she had enough of it, she started to come around and say,
**"Lola, is this your boyfriend?"**
Oh, we laugh. She's having a good look at it
See? She's smiling at it now. And from that moment she keeps pressing it all the time to talk. She loves it even greet it good morning when she wakes up. And lol she gave him a name. Allan. Our butler is Allan and the rat is John.
While Jigz as soon as he comes home was very pleased to see it. I mean to see the sweets on it.
Second (Ghost Rider)
https://youtu.be/_yuMKYhUEYY
This is the apple of my husband's eye. He really wants to get this one. Don't ask me I don't know why. It says different things, some good ones too!
Third (The Witch)
https://youtu.be/lAYi7qeVdSw
Would you believe, this is the exact witch they have in The Blackpool Dungeon? Do you want to know the price? This one is cheaper than the Ghost Rider and it's £180. This is 6 ft tall. I just don't like it when its head moves forward.
And that's the 3 in the house with us. No one is bothered now. And this is how it ends up.
Look at those happy faces! Do they look scared? No!
Today at the shop I saw these Halloween treats and got them for them. They have mini pizza, nuggets, potato fries and ice cream.
And in Asda we saw the pumpkins already out so might as well get it while it's there because it's always sold out when we want to get it. We get an extra-large pumpkin!
And that's us ready for Halloween. Only when we get home Tia said,
**"When are we going to carve the pumpkin?"**
And cried because she can't have it today. So we regret showing the pumpkin to her lol. She's too excited!
***I know not all celebrate Halloween. We don't do too but for the kids, we will. All they know is Halloween is about the trick and treat and pumpkin carving. They all know about the fun. And we are letting them have fun!***
*Thank you to all my sponsors and thank you* @HappyBoy *for renewing your sponsorship. I have a big smile on my face. Many thanks.*
Thank you for reading.
The Unwanted Child
When Bella was seventy years old, she was sitting in the café when a lady joined her at the table. The lady, who was very well dressed and well-spoken, started to converse with Bella and asked if she knew anyone who would be willing to take over the care of a newborn baby. Her daughter was a nurse and unmarried and did not want anyone to know that she had given birth. The baby was born while she was on duty and no one had even suspected that she had been pregnant until the birth, as she had kept herself well corseted to hide the bump. None of her family knew and her mother was the only one in the family who knew afterwards.
To keep it all secret, she said that she was willing to pay well, so Bella said, *"I foster children and would be willing to care for your baby."* The baby boy, called Derek was brought to Bella the following week and arrangements were made for payment. The lady agreed to pay Bella forty-five pounds a month (a huge amount of money at the time.)
Derek had an umbilical hernia and had an operation soon after his arrival. Bella was always concerned the something was not "quite right" with Derek and despite him being a bright and happy baby he just didn't appear to be progressing as he should in some aspects. With her vast experience with children, Bella was well qualified to spot any defects.
Bella travels to several hospitals in Northern Ireland carrying Derek on her back, trying to get answers as to what it was that may be wrong with him. Eventually, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Bella was always convinced it had been caused by the tight corsets his mother had worn during her pregnancy to disguise the bump. Derek was bright and responsive but one side of his body did not function properly. Bella as usual, however, was determined to keep him and care for him to the best of their capability. He had great difficulty learning to walk and would regularly fall over but he was a delightful little boy.
When he started school he went to Comber Primary school and had to be taken and collected after school as he was too unsteady on his feet to get to and from school without help. His sister June (also fostered) who was at the technical college would take him to school in the morning before college and leave early to collect him from school. And she would carry Derek on her back wherever she goes, people even thought that he is her son.
Sadly, when Derek was eight and June was eighteen, Bella died. Derek's mother arranged for him to be collected and taken to a "**cripples home**" (as they called them in those days). He was just collected from school and taken to Newtownards by a care worker and left in the home. June was married and pregnant and said that she would happily have taken him in but the authorities said she was too young.
He was eventually taken to a foster home in Lisburn and then sent to a boarding school (Friends School in Lisburn). His foster mother rang June when she found out how distressed Derek was at not seeing her as she had visited him every week when he was in the "cripples home". Derek was extremely clever at school and obtain a place at Manchester University which led to a very successful career in Computer Technology. He married a lovely lady and has a family of his own. He is now retired.
Derek recently found her birth mother. But until the very end, she doesn't want to acknowledge him neither for the world to know that she is her son. Until this time his mother's family aside from his grandmother that he exists. They are well-known and very rich that they think their reputation will be tainted by him. She died two weeks after he saw her. Derek was heartbroken but accepted long ago the fact that he was despised since he was born. Unwanted child. That breaks my heart.
But thank God, he was loved and taken care of by Granny Bella, Mum and Auntie Rona. They are blessed to have each other.
*A true story.*
Thank you for reading.
I Get Used To It
***Maybe I get used to you. Maybe I get used to things I always do. Maybe I get used to the feeling. Maybe it's already a part of me and my system. And maybe getting used to things and people is what's keeping me going.***
We all get used to certain things, people and everything. Most especially if we expose ourselves to them, or by doing them. And the more we do these things and the more time we spend with these people we get used to them.
I easily get used to things. And most of the time I'm having a hard time if there's a transition.
**Before, I get used to being on my own.** Because I chose to work far from my family for its better pay if you work in the city rather than the province. I get used to enjoying my own company because it's how my everyday life has been.
**I get used to wearing slippers.** And I find it hard to wear shoes all the time. My husband and in-laws and most people that I know here in the UK wear shoes even inside their house. They only take it off when they are going to bed.
I've been wearing slippers and sometimes with my bare feet since I was young so it's never easy to change now. They can wear shoes because they are used to it and I keep wearing slippers.
**I get used to sleeping next to him.** I will not sleep unless my husband is beside me. I will stay up late just to see him before I sleep if he comes home late from work. His presence, I should feel. Being with him for 7 years now so I know you get that feeling and can relate to that connection.
**I get used to the smell of scented candles.** I always light it up every night before I go to sleep. I love watching its flame. It brings me comfort and the pleasant smelling air energize my soul. It helps to calm my nerves and relax.
**I get used to checking my phones when I wake up and before I sleep.** Noise.cash and read.cash is part of me now. Well, it's been a year that I'm doing this. Crypto is part of my daily life. And the virtual users/friends I get used to them by now.
And in this, you can relate. **We get used to @TheRandomRewarder.** His presence and absence can make or break us. Because we get used to after making an article aside from the users that always there to leave a valuable comment, to give you an upvote, to give you tip and sponsorship there's TheRandomRewarder that we always looking forward to seeing in every article that we published.
Because we get used to it whenever he visits you every day. Or you are thrilled and over the moon, if after so many days, weeks and months that he didn't visit you, one day he just surprised you with generous tips! When you are used to his ghosting for too long. Then you don't look forward to seeing him but you are hoping that he will.
And I get used to it. That's why whenever I wake up this morning, checked read.cash, check upvotes and boom 'Nada' from Rusty. That's sad and I was anxious suddenly thinking I did something wrong. Seriously.
But it's not that I'm complaining but I'm just wondering where he has been. I know he was stuck with ***PVM*** I think he fell in love with him lol. Our PVMihalache is lovable anyway. But seriously, my read.cash is not complete without him. I get used to it. And if there are 'changes' comes in the system then should I wave hello?
But lol he say hello twice today and I'm just glad to see him.
Because I get used to it.
I even want to say that I get used to sleeping naked just to make you laugh but never mind. 🤣
How about you? What are the things that you get used to? Did you miss Rusty as well?
Thank you for reading my nonsense today.
Where did Rusty go? Asking for a friend. 🤣
@tired_momma
