@z_graeden

@z_graeden 24 December 2021

Thank you mam Jane and Bloghound for the continues support in terms of sponsorship renewal.. I apologize for the late post of appreciation. Again and always grateful... May be bkessed more abundantly..

@z_graeden 24 December 2021

That Awful of a Mom's Hair Loss Hair All over the floor, the bed, the bathroom and every corner of the house. It seems your scalp will be gone bald soon. It's freakingly annoying. When I was with my sister and her husband in Pangasinan to help take care of their first born baby my sister always complained of her falling hair. Who wouldn't when it comes off in cluster. They said it was normal for women who gave birth some months ago and nothing to worry about. Elders said that the hair also comes in a stage where it needs to be replaced with a new one after giving birth. Ohh? That sounds reasonable. Hairfall or hair loss is one thing I dread after couple of months from giving birth. And because I already have four that I am experiencing it the fourth time. This postpartum hairfall comes two to four months after having your little bundle of joy. For first time moms it would really freak you out. Not two, not three, not four but many come off when you comb your hair. When you get up from bed expect that hair is all over your pillow, some on the blankets and on the mattress. When you sweep the floor, you will surely get numbers of fallen hair into the dustpan. When taking a bath, a cluster of hair would block the bathroom drain which you need to pick and put in the thrash bin because if not it will cause clogging... There are times I don't brush my hair because the numbers of hair that comes off is unimaginable. And I tell you, I cut my own hair the shortest I can get and that is making my nape naked. I do this when my baby is already five months old when he already knows how to stretch his hand and gets hold of anything he can touch. And you know how strong babies grips is? That will make you question your ability. You can't just open up their palm. Imagine the baby's hands both grabbed and gripping at your hair and you have a long one. Babies love pulling your scalp off. You can't just simply say "let go, baby" and he will. So you were able to get his one hand open and off from your hair. Now, you have to work on the other. What you don't expect is he will grab again with the other which you just freed... Hahaha... It's a lot of effort. Moreover, you can't just pull the baby's hand from your hair because their skin is very soft and sensitive that the friction would cause cuts on his delicate hand. That's why wearing short hair is better so that you can get the baby's hands from your hair easier. It would also prevent the hair from falling all the more. Most often, you will find one or two hairs on the inside of baby's clothes he's wearing. Some even get stuck on their groin. And I tell you some even get wrapped around baby's neck. That really is a horrible site that could frighten a first time mom. There are incidents when you find a strand wound up in his toes or fingers. However it ended up there, it is always good to check on your baby's feet especially when he's wearing socks. Coiled hair on baby's toes could get pretty tight and could probably hurt the baby. This hair entwined on baby's toes is called hair tourniquet. If possible, let your baby's feet bare especially when the weather is hot so that you can spot hair in it easily. Sometimes I tie my hair even when we go to bed to stop it from spreading when asleep. It will be easier to take off fallen hair from the ponytail. So, what exactly cause postpartum hairfall? Just like any changes during pregnancy, hair loss is also caused by hormone- estrogen. It drops after giving birth as the body return to its pre-pregnancy state. Hence, making the awful hair fall temporary and not something to be worried. Hair shredding is a normal phase in recovery from pregnancy where hair was at a phase where it stops growing and resulting to a fuller hair volume. This phase would last until the first birth of the baby... Urgghh. It's a long time. Expect your hair to be as thin as it could get. After the baby has turned one year old, the loss hair is replace by new growth. Just as how hair fall is noticeable so does with the growing new strands. These new growths however is not the most pleasing sight 😁. It stands proudly at its end as it grows most especially those at the top of the head. Being a woman means not only being a woman. She undergoes many phases that hormone is responsible of. She has that monthly period that turns her sanity upside down before, during and after. When married, there's pregnancy, postpartum and everything in it. And when she gets older comes menopausal stage that would make her even more crazier caused by hormonal changes... Haiiszzt. Unending it is. 12-24-21 *****Z_Graeden*****

@z_graeden 21 December 2021

$19 of BCH Gone Missing After publishing my article on Sunday I have gone offline. Which was not how I used to. I read atleast 5 to 6 articles or more if I have the time before I publish mine and that was past 9 am. Usually, I publish from 7 to 8 am or earlier. However, I was not able to do so that day. Well, I am not that active unlike when I haven't given birth yet. 'course the baby needs full attention plus house chores and tending with the older kids modules and everything in between. So, I am sorry if I was not able to read and interact with you all the time, and only get to when I can. Late afternoon of that day, I was browsing read.cash because I was able to get my chores done though I was holding the baby. The first one on my notifications was an article of Jane which she roamed the city with free fare. After leaving a comment I went to the next articles. But the comment box won't appear as I scroll down the comment section. Until I went to my own article and found the same. No matter how I refreshed the page still the problem is there. I restarted my phone and tried to access the site but the notification bell isn't red anymore. I assumed it was the internet connection. But, lo, YouTube is working fine when I let the kids watch. So I just let the night pass without interacting when in fact I am free. The following morning, it's still the same, notification bell doesn't appear red and no box in the comment section. But in the evening, I tried to and I saw there's a *"sun"* added on the menu bar. The problem was still the same, thou but as I click the 🌞 it says dark mode and I tried it. It is a good update and we don't get to strain our eyes very much as we read and interact. I texted Xzeon and mentioned about it and she said she saw it too but was unable to access it yet. I was already getting worried when yesterday my problem on the platform wasn't resolved. So, I again texted Xzeon where we have an exchange of messages. She mentioned about **duckduck go browser**. It was recommended by one of noisers or anyone of you here to use it instead of chrome. Prior to that I opened my bitcoin.com wallet and went to my readcash earnings to transfer my earnings to my bch savings. It was sent successfully but I didn't get a notification that I received it. I have scanned my wallet for missing transactions multiple times but there was none. Again and again until I got tired doing so. Meanwhile, I downloaded duckduck go browser and imported my seed phrase in read.cash but I was disappointed because it created a new wallet. My expression was like, heck! What's the use of importing the seed phrase when it will only be creating a new one. So again I cleared cached from the browser and it asked me to import my seed phrase in hopes it will redirect me to the old wallet I have been using. And yet, again, another wallet was created... Like what? So I ended with three wallets with the same seed phrases? I don't know what to feel. I actually have two because I was still an ignorant, noob or whatever you may call for a first timer who just got into this platform by a promotional post on Facebook. Knew nothing about seed phrases and crypto and I already forgot how I ended with two wallets, lol. What's important is, as the days go by I was learning something and the importance of seed phrases is one of it. Learned also how to integrate readcash wallet to bitcoin.com. But having other two wallets with the same seed phrases as the old one is I don't know. Or, anyone who knew or encountered such when using a different browser, duckduck go to be precise? I have used 4 different cellphones to access read.cash but everytime I change phones I just have to import the seed phrase and will be redirected to my current wallet, the second one. I have always used chrome as my browser. But yesterday after using quackquack go browser este duckduck go, it created a new wallet. It was... absurd? I was always using the second wallet until yesterday. What I am trying to find out is to look at the transaction history. It was on the second one which it really should be. The $19 was sent successfully. For some, it was a small amount that it's nothing to fuss and get worried about but for me it isn't. It was my earnings for 6 articles since I am getting less attention from the bot these days. I am not bothered with how much I earn but to lost it which I have earned decently is different. That $19 can be a total upvote for a single article before when I was actively interacting but today I become less interactive and publishing 1 or 2 articles in a week and sometimes none. Even if I am getting less this time, I can't just let the week go by without interacting. I successfully transferred it to my bch savings but it was not there. I am again starting to save when I spent my holdings of more than 1.3bch on our home and kids needs. That's what I hodl for months. I didn't send it to my expenses wallet because I am focusing on my savings more and that is to be able to hodl again but giving some share to my expenses wallet from time to time. I could have buy my kids gifts with that amount. If only I knew that will happen then I could have sent it to my coinsph. Actually, I wait till I have full $20 on my dashboard before transferring it to my savings but the case now was different. I was thinking that maybe the platform was saying babye to us and didn't wait for it to make full $20... Urrgh...! How shallow of a reason I was assuming. Wala na ah, nagbabye na. Nakapanghihinayang... P.s I have tried exploring my bitcoin.com just in case I will find anything. I landed on blockchair where I copy pasted the wallet address which had received that 0.044 BCH. Here's what I have found, it was not sent on my BCH savings wallet because I have an existing balance of $55 in it while the receiver address has none but that $19 only. I have 4 wallets for BCH in Bitcoin.com but the wallet with 0 balance haven't received it neither. I scanned every wallet for missing transactions, I even have to wake up at 3 am just to make sure that network connection is fine. But, there was really none of my wallets that received it. I know I didn't send it to any random wallets out there because we know naman how transactions are done in bitcoin. Just tap on the wallet that we are sending an amount. Sayang din un, 'no. *Am using quackquack go achuchu duckduck go pala to access read kase I tried brave but I can't login also. Do we have the same problemo with read inaccessible on chrome?* 12-22-21 *****Z_Graeden*****

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@z_graeden 19 December 2021

Washing Cloth Diapers *Disclaimer: this article about washing cloth diapers may not apply to everyone. It is depending on the type of nappies you have and the water you're using.* After deciding and purchasing cloth diapers for your little one, the next thing to do would be on how to properly wash it. As much as we like, every garments of our little bundle of joy should be clean and their nappies is not an exemption. Back when I bought my third child's cloth diapers, I don't have the slightest idea on the proper washing. All I know is it's washed just how I do with his other things. And it's so wrong, very wrong. The seller whom I bought never informed me on how to wash it. So, I just washed it with the same soap I am using with lampin and his clothes. Yes, soap. Perla soap, the classic soap used for washing babies clothes by hand washing. The worst mistake I did with cloth nappies because it is not recommended or advisable to be used in cloth diapers. The bottom line, it made my baby sick rather than preventing it. One more thing, no matter how I washed it the smell of ammonia won't go away. The smell of urine is really strong even if the baby just peed on it once. That's why instead of hand washing it, I used the washing machine and used our laundry detergent. Did it change anything? None. The seller whom I bought the cloth nappies this time told me that it should never be washed with perla. The method I did was very wrong. Why so? Obviously, the perla soap is not the thing for it. Perla coats the fabric that instead of getting pee and poop residues, it stuck it all the more resulting for a nappy smelling bad. So when those waste were not extracted it would really make the baby sick. Additionally, perla affects the absorbency of the fabric that would lead to possible leakage. It's life span also becomes shortened. Nevertheless, perla is good for lampin especially when you're dealing with poop stains that really are stubborn and won't be remove easily. So that when washing babies garments and lampin make sure to separate the soiled ones. Baby's poop is water soluble specially when he is breastfeeding. All you have to do is get the solid waste off then with perla, soap generously onto poop stains. Then hang it under the sun. After some time under the sun, it'll be sparkling white again. Of course you have to hand wash it with the others. Back with cloth nappies, the seller of Chambilog brand SHOCT soakers adviced me to washed the soakers like we do normally on other garments. But on the first wash after purchase, it should be soaked with detergent for 30 minutes before washing. Rinsing should be unlimited until there's no more bubbles. Regarding detergents that should be used, any laundry detergent that contains no fabric conditioner would do. Fabric softeners is a big No No in washing cloth diapers because it has the same effect like perla. Tiny buds detergent is what I am using with my baby's clothes that's why I asked if it is good with the C.Ds. Thankfully, it is because Tiny Buds are designed for babies. The seller also mentioned about stripping and sanitizing which I am not familiar with. It should be done twice a month. Since, we have plenty of water for washing that doing it once a month will do. **Stripping** is simply soaking the soakers and inserts into a basin of hot water with detergent. Wash it once it is cooled down. This is done to get detergent, soil or even oil residues that had been stuck in the insides of the fabric since it is made of layers of fabrics that simple washing can't take off. This makes the absorption of the fabric at an excellent condition. **Stripping is however an exemption to the cloth diaper shells whether it is cover type or pocket type. And so does with all-in-ones because the shell is made of water resistant polyester that it will be damaged when it comes in contact with very hot water.** **Sanitizing**, on the other hand, is soaking the soakers, inserts including shells into a basin of water added with 2 caps (of bleach) of xonrox. This is done after the nappies have been washed. After half an hour of soaking, rinse it repeatedly until no more bubbles or the nappies smell fresh. When you have hard water then it is necessary to do stripping and sanitizing twice a month. And the best way of getting these diapers sanitize is lining them on the clothes line under the sun. Look at how it was hanged below? The shells should be hanged like that so that the elastic bands at the sides won't get loose. Thus, extending its life span. Moreover, adding baking soda on water and detergent aids in removing stubborn poop stains on colorful SHOCT soakers and on the surface of pocket type shells. It will make the diapers smell fresh. These methods explain why the bamboo charcoal inserts that my baby before used were like that. This is only for those who do washing by hand. For machine wash, I am sure there are those who are using automatic washing machine that can use hot water in it, you can use that. Again, cloth diapering is not for everyone since it requires skill in putting it around your babe's bum and attention in washing it. But when you choose to, know that mother Earth is much thankful. *All images used are used with permission and credits from the seller whom I bought my cloth nappies. I don't have the time to capture mine*. Related articles: **Cloth diapering: One step in saving mother Earth** https://read.cash/@z_graeden/cloth-diapering-one-step-in-saving-mother-earth-1aa689f8 **Cloth Diapers I have tried** https://read.cash/@z_graeden/types-of-cloth-diapers-i-have-tried-2c79df61 12-19-21 *****Z_Graeden*****

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@z_graeden 15 December 2021

The Cold Breeze of December The mountain sides, plains, are ornamented with the beautiful and vibrant hues of green and golds. The golden color of the sunflower which begins to bloom on the first month of ber brings a feeling of euphoria. Of course you don't know the feeling when you aren't born and grew in a village like mine. We don't have much poinsettia in our place which indicates that Christmas is around the corner but wild sunflower does that grew in abundance everywhere. You feel brrrrly cold just as September dawned. Along with it were the Christmas carols playing over in TV, radio as well as in social media and we play it in our cellphones. You can truly feel the vibes in the air. The countdown of the twelve days of Christmas began when the twelfth day of December arrived. However, whenever this occasion is approaching, my anxiety attacks and intensifies as the days rolled by to reach Christmas. The cold breeze seems to bite every inch of me. I feel like a lost soul in the midst of an unknown realm. I can't feel the spirit like it used to. Since me and my husband came home from the city a decade ago and got married, there is no Christmas that we have spent time as a couple. Even until now that we already have four kids to whom we should be the model of the true meaning of Christmas. I have a husband who spends most of his time with his acquaintances after work and enjoys their company with liquor. Being with them is much worth of his time than with me or his kids. So what's the difference during the yuletide season? Absolutely nothing! He catched up with his friends who come home for the holidays and barely no time for us. Thus, leaving me frustrated, angry and stressed. Because I don't like seeing and witnessing his deeds that most often I take my kids at my parents house or we spend the Christmas until New Year at my sister's house. All these years, we never spent the holidays together. I don't like my kids to envy the other kids who are with their parents especially with their father who most of the time is away for work. And we know that kids really love to be around them. But for kids to keep asking for their father's precence even if he is just around but is with his peers and friends is so heartbreaking for a mother. Of course it never was a bad idea to catch up with friends but with limitations because you have a family that needs your attention more. Amongst other occasions, Christmas must be one of those that should leave a happy memory for a child to carry as he grows older. The spirit and its meaning should he feel and learn it and not just a day to spend for merry making. Christmas here in our place is one of those happy occasions which lasts until the arrival of New Year. Families, relatives and friends make up with each other for the past they have not been with each other. Picnics and outings here and there. Carolings from house to house of different age groups. Foods over flow during this times that the less fortunate like us don't need to have a grand meal over the table for *noche buena* . We are practical enough not to spend on things we can't afford and be left empty handed after a day of spending. So whatever we have we share it with our neighbors. When we were kids, our father used to work far away from our locality when there's no work available for him in our place. He always comes home for the holidays with apples and oranges for us and something for noche buena. There were six children in the family so I presume they can't buy us individual gifs but they buy us our needs specially school supplies. We don't pressure them to buy us new clothes or toys. They always told us that as long as there's food in the table and we have clothes to wear should we be grateful. We enjoyed much on parlor games and the prizes that comes along with it. Our happiness was like no other when we received our gifts from the categories our parents joined us in. Exchanging gifts in school during Christmas parties and in church on Christmas eve is what kids before anticipated and get excited with. Even if it were only a bag or two of candies and curls but the joy of a child in receiving it is immense. My mother always prepared macaroni salad, glutinous rice delicacies and my father have a chicken ready in the coop for a picnic on Christmas. Usually, when we kids went with our friends for a house to house caroling we go with whomever is calling for a picnic, and there are lots of them. So the chicken in the coop is saved but would surely be butchered for the following days. Just like any kid who saw on movies snow, Santa with his magical sleigh full of gifts which he distributed to good kids and was pulled by deers, I wondered why there's no snow and Santa distributing gifts. It was only when I was growing up did I understand. However, it was every kid's dream who grew up in a two-season- county, I bet to be able to experience snow and play with it. One more thing was, we, kids before also love Christmas tree so that we decorate a pine tree in school which was cut and put stand on a can and filled with big stones to keep it in place. One time, when I was around 9-10 year old, I asked my father to go cut a portion of pine as our Christmas tree but he just laughed it out and said it will just be crowding the house. So I cut a portion of a lemon tree, removed its leaves and made miniature decorations from shiny wrappers of food to be hanged loosely like those of a Christmas light. I also made small balls and recycled Christmas wrappers for small gift box and placed it under the tree. The Christmas tree I made is only a foot long or a bit longer. That's what I placed on top of our study table. My father did appreciate it very much when he saw my creation. The yuletide season is like no other and is incomparable from other places no matter how simple our life back then was. When children back then grew up, got educated and employed themselves that the season became even more colorful and eventful. Community Christmas parties were held and sometimes those who are more fortunate sponsored the event. *My mind is still in a ray of disorderedness that my articles are a bit unorganized and incoherent. I even don't know how to end this one. Moreover, my other drafts are half done, some only have a sentence or two which I can't seem to continue and all I can do is stare at my cellphone with nothing in my mind to get it through.* *My problems and my lack of sleep are the culprit. My 4 months old baby doesn't sleep until 12 midnight or until 1am. Sometimes he's so active and sometimes fussy. I tried to make a research on how to settle a fussy baby. I even tried giving him massage, started feeding him cereal because breastmilk is already not enough to compensate his tummy and growth needs, downloaded white noise and played it over to soothe him while I put off the light as I dance and rock him in my arms but nothing seem to work. Sometimes, I yell due to my frustrations because I don't have a hands-on husband to take over the baby even for a minute so that I can rest my overly tortured body. Neither does he sleeps much during the day so I don't know what's the problem. If he does sleeps well during the day then all the more he can't at night. I almost look like a red-eyed zombie with dark circles around the eyes. Tired body and mind.* *Now, all I want for Christmas is for the cold breeze to become warmer because nothing makes my heart and soul warm, and; a good sleep at night to regain my vigor at least. Of course, a complete happy family.* 12-16-21 *****Z_Graeden*****

@z_graeden 11 December 2021

Take It or Leave It Why are we left with nothing but a choice? There are times we are sandwiched in between rocks and all we need to do is to find a way to squeeze ourselves out less it'll be our last if we don't. It's almost a month when we have to deal with the patch of land we are toiling. It was my husband's adoptive mother's lot which was handled by one of her nephews. My husband, is also her nephew whom she adopted when her sister died. My husband's biological mother's inheritance were lost due to mishandling leaving him with nothing. Back to the land which we have to deal, it was handled by one of my husband's cousins who spent most for the hospitalization of my husband's adoptive mother. This old woman, my husband calls mother was severely ill a decade ago. After some months of hospitalization, she was brought home like a living corpse when they saw there's no hope for her to live anymore. During her hospitalization, every patch of land she has was leased which was used for her medicine and hospital bills. Miraculously, she survived that ordeal. We're not married those time yet. One of the leased lot was the one we are farming. It was paid back by one of my husband's cousin now he had been farming it since then.It was only last year when we were able to get hold half of it when it was decided it should be divided between my husband and his cousin. The money however, was paid back by my mother-in-law to this nephew of hers but the barangay officials ended with a decision of dividing it to prevent further conflicts. Lately, we learned that this cousin of my husband was selling his part of the lot. None of their other relatives have that amount of money. Maybe they have but it is not intended for buying a patch of land because they maybe they have enough. Now, one of the relatives is interested in it but the money she's expecting to loan will not be available until this month or on January. The seller was somehow in a rush last November that he can't wait further. So, he brought it to other people. Someone, preferably he knew who is in need of it and someone who has that amount of money. Here in our place, lots for sale are to be sold to relatives but when none of them is interested or can't afford it then it is brought to other people. So that when my husband learned that one who is on high standards is going to buy it that he hurriedly went to loan money. He said he doesn't like other people to be beside his because we will be treated like some sort of trash. We had a little argument because where will we get that amount when in the first place we don't even have a savings account for back up. 400K in peso with a 3 percent monthly interest is very huge. It is payable for 5 years but that span of time is very short. I nearly breakdown when I was computing that sum. I told my husband that we should be preparing for our children's education in secondary and tertiary level rather than loaning a huge amount for just a patch of land and will eventually put us into lots of debts. If only our souls could be pawned then it can be. It was just so unpractical. I tried to talked him out in letting our other relatives just pay that 400K to the person whom we borrowed it. It was like we helped them be able to accumulate that amount in buying them time. Unlike when we bought it that it was urgent and in a rush. This way we will be out of debt. However, this man was so stubborn to even do so. He said that if they really wanted to have it then why had they not make a way to buy it. Haisst... Now, we are to lease our other rice paddies to get the full amount and pay that darn of debt. The patch of lot, nevertheless, is in a good location. It can be farmed or for residential purpose that's why the officer whom my husband's cousin brought to was determined to buy it. Lot is very expensive here in our place unlike in the lowlands where a 400K pesos can buy a hectare or hectares of farm land. As the days roll over, price will be increasing and maybe we can't afford to buy even just some square meters. We take it and secure a space for our kids to build their houses in the future with no assurance if we can pay our debts. Leave it and have our hands and mind free of debts and prepare for our kids education in the future. When the time comes that they were able to have a good and financially stable life then they would be able to buy them lot of their own. Buying a patch of land is not something in question when you can afford it. How about when you can't? Instead of being indebted with no assurance if you can send your kids to college why not invest for their education. I hope we can lease our other lot and pay that huge amount the soonest because thinking of the interest is just so stressing. Maybe it is one that's keeping my mind to overthink which leads to insomnia even if I have less sleep. The least I ever like was being indebted. I can't take things which I know I can't pay because I will be thinking on how to pay it without involving anyone. Have you in anyway been in a situation where you have to decide on things whether to take it or leave it and let fate throw it's circumstances? It was like survival of the fittest. No guts, no glory. But ours was just so unrealistic. Whether to take it or leave it, don't rush in making a decision. Weigh the circumstances before taking an action because it might be misleading and can take you to a quicksand. And the only way of survival is to make the best move by not letting yourself succumb to panic and making foolish moves but staying calm and grasp anything that is strong enough that could get yourself out when you pull on it. This is one among of the many things which kept me unorganized for the past days. It led to being unproductive and I even forgot to remind my kids of their modules. As of now, we were able to accumulate that 400k pesos and paid it back yesterday. However, we have to loan 65% of that amount at a lower interest and have one of our lot we are farming leased. *Thanks pixabay for the images used in this article.* 12-12-21 *****Z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 1 December 2021

Give Me Shoes and You Go to Church It was an hour after lunch when I was able to put the babe to sleep. I laid him down then made a bottle of milk for the tot, Graeden. We lie down next to the baby and after the tot finished his milk he immediately slept. I, on the other hand put away my cellphone and tried to get some sleep too, a quick nap would be enough. I hope I could have some because I am not having enough sleep during the night. Though that was the case, having a nap during the day was really impossible. The baby is awake and active when I feel sleepy and there's no choice but to hold and play with him. I don't know what time it was when I got up and fixed my baby's sleeping position. Ahhh... Thankfully, I was able to have a nap. I feel somewhat re-energize. However, I again fell asleep. When I woke up, I saw the baby at the edge of the bed sleeping at an odd position. I just shrugged it off and carried him... He's still sleeping though so I carried him and put him back at his usual sleeping spot at the bed. It was three in the afternoon when I got up to take the laundered clothes, blankets and pillowcases from the clothesline. I opened the door which I can't remember if I even closed it. Well, the wind might be a little strong earlier that it entered in the open window and pushed the door close. I opened the door but with some effort. I felt some resistance when I tried to pull the knob. It feels I am having a tug of war with someone at the other side of the door. There was no one there as I successfully opened it and when I went out to get the clothes. I took what I can carry in my arms because I can't carry it all. As I got to the door, it was closed again. "*How the...?*" I thought, again I didn't mind it. Just like awhile ago, there's resistance as I pushed it open. I put the clothes am carrying into the hamper in our bedroom. I glanced at the kids who're still sleeping before I went out again to get the blankets. The door this time wasn't closed as I go out and when I get in. However, I noticed that my baby was sleeping with his head down and his feet up in the air. I grabbed him and carried him in my arms. I glanced at the other kid to see how he is. I'm relieved he was peacefully sleeping. I and the baby went out of the room to the kitchen. I was startled by the sudden change of place. It was a spacious room with no trace of furniture or window. Walls were all white that seemed glisten and hurt my eyes. I scanned the room and spotted a lady at the far right to where I was standing. She was in white, spaghetti strap dress. I looked at her as she glanced to where I am. I looked closely at her until I am able to recognize her. I tried to figure out her facial expression but couldn't tell if there's any. It seemed blank then suddenly she seemed to be annoyed and got mad at me. "*What do you want?"* I asked her after the silence between us seemed to be eternal. I didn't asked her who she is because I know her personally. It's not one who is dead but one of my playmates during my childhood days. One who is very attached to church. I can feel a chill down my spine and goosebumps as she looked at me more intently. It was a cold one. "*Give me shoes and go to church!!!"* She said in a stern voice that could have shook our shack. It was interrupted when some people came by our house for some documents that needs my signature. It was regarding the back to face-to-face classes of our kids and the feeding program of the kindergarten which is to be signed by parents. They somehow able to noticed the little shock in my face when they're doing the interview but didn't bother to ask. I am trying to open my eyes but I hardly can. That's when I realized it was all a dream. I tried to move but I can't. The baby beside me started to move and cry but can't touch me because there's a pillow in between us. I calm myself because I am still drowsy and was unable to move. I am hearing the baby's little talk, so then I steadied my breathing until I am able to move my arms. The reason why I can't move maybe due to my sleeping position. My left foot was a little twisted while the other was dangling down. I made my right arm as a pillow causing a tingling sensation when I took it off from under my head. With my sleeping position alone did it cause poor blood circulation. Even if I tried to open my eyes but my eyelids were too heavy. I tried to flex my foot thumb but to no avail. Thankfully, the baby had woke me up by his mumblings. There are times that I really have this. Maybe I am too exhausted to at least change my sleeping position better that always lead to a poor blood circulation. It was always accompanied with a very bad dream which I am hard to wake up from. So what I do is to calm myself and try to figure out how to move. I woke up even more tired. It seemed I have wrestled with 10 demons. I noticed my little boy, Graeden was not at my side anymore. I went out to get those clothes from the clothesline which I dreamed I already took and found Graeden on the hammock leisurely lying. Regarding the dream, it was the third time I think I have dreamed about someone or situation urging me to go to church. Yeah, for a long time I never went to church nor did I even utter a prayer. I just don't know why or what's holding me back. Anyways, have you had a dream that you know it's a dream, you're already conscious but can't get yourself to wake up? It's called a nightmare, isn't it? I think it's either caused by poor blood circulation or what they call ghosts. Now am going to lay down the baby after hours of playing with him and rocking him to sleep. It's already 11:26 pm (as of this writing) and I will be up by 5am and in between those time I will either be breastfeeding my baby, changing diapers or rocking him back to sleep. Less than 4 hours sleep a night is already a nightmare. 12-1-21 *****z_Graeden*****

@z_graeden 29 November 2021

Pardon me for being not too interactive.. if only I have all the time I surely would be reading every article on my notifications. Trust me, I go through your articles whenever I have the time. Full time mom who sleeps less than 4 hours at night is not easy😁..

@z_graeden 28 November 2021

Dying on Me It's almost midnight when you gave me my most needed energizer before you retire for the night. It was what kept me going for a couple of year. I bet it is the same with others like me out there. There are times you let me be and I am glad you do it's because I also got to rest. But at times you feel like it, you keep me busy though I am too sluggish yet you won't let go of me. After inserting my life giver, you won't stop tapping me. Are you never tired, eh? When you're breastfeeding your babe, you tap and tap at me. So does when you sit with your baby and the older kids to assist them with their modules. When you're cooking, you still carry me around. Don't you feel I am almost hot? Yes, I am hot just like the wok you're heating with some greasy oil to saute veggies you have previously prepared. I almost thank you when you set me down but those shrieking kids of yours grabbed me unbeknownst to you. You felt relieved after what you thought they're busy with toys or something that might get them preoccupied rather than teasing one another and making one of them cry. Suddenly, your toddler, the most clingy of all cried. Well, it's what is expected from a 2 year old and 6 months. Crying is their expression of frustration. But then you just don't like any of them cry. So you came to investigate with your usual tone of "like being angry all the time." Then, you found out it's me they're playing and the little sweet toddler wants me all by himself. You snatched me from the eldest of them and tried to tell them I am not a toy. That I will run out of life without you using me. But the toddler won't just stop crying so I ended at his hands. Well, what can I do more. He knows how to make me work the way he wanted to until he ended up with his favorite "guli guli ram samsam" as he calls it. Before you serve meals after your cooking, you asked this sweet child to hand me over to you or else no milk for later. Gladly he obliged. You checked on me and connect me my life giver before you proceeded to serve meals and asked them kids to wash their hands. I even wanted to cry when you told them I am dirty and full of virus and germs. Ouch! I am not responsible of my yuckishness but you do. You bring me all along wherever you go and leave me where I can sit. Those kids grab me when they have the chance even with their filthy hands they used to play outside. You do spray me with alcohol and wipe me with cotton balls from time to time to ensure I get a bit clean. So your routine just go on like that everyday. I even wondered why you abuse yourself. No, never mine about me because my old handler was even worse. See those cracks and scratches? I got them because of their careless handling. And I like your kids more in handling me because you teach and show them how to. Though there are still times I fell due to their childishness. What can we do? Kids are kids, after all. But you, instead of getting a bit of nap after you lay down the babe, you keep tapping. After you're done with house chores, you keep tapping. Where do you get so much energy when at night you sleep a bit and get up to rock and feed your crying baby? Until you went over and checked on me once more. You said I was useless. That hurts. Because I am also trying to give what is expected of me. And that is to have a strong network connection. Why are you too desperate? Why don't you understand that it was caused by some damaged tower. You even got frustrated after your written articles were permanently deleted after you have rebooted me. During that short span of time, I came to understand why you seem to be awake 24 hours and tap and tap on me. You tried to rewrite those unpublished drafts that made you even more busy. You missed your virtual world in readcash and what's more is you need to hustle because of your needs. However I tried to keep up with you but the last couple of days and nights were different. You inserted the charger to the port before you retired for the night just as you usually do. I get to be fully charged just when your babe wakes to feed. But this time, you seem too tired and had not the time to get up and unplug me until it was almost sun up. You got up at pass 7 in the morning. Whiiw! You woke a bit late this time. Have you had a better sleep? I hope so. Then, you got up to take me off from the charger. However, you were astonished to see you I only got half charged when I am supposed to be full. So you switched me off and let me get fully charged. After you're done with your chores and that was almost midday when you remembered I was still plugged. You found out I was not yet full. But then you had to take me off and continue what you need to do in me. It went the same the following night. But it's worse than the previous one. I don't seem to absorb what's being fed on me. I do but too slow. My metabolism don't seem to work. I almost fainted but you tried not to give up on me. You switched me off and get me charged as much as I can. However, I disappointed you. I didn't even got half. With that standing, you still used. Because who could blame you. You need to write for your articles, interact at read.cash and publish. Another day passed just like the past two days. No matter how you tried not to use and let me get some battery life and rest I felt it's my end. I feel sad for you because you really needed to hustle with the use of a cellphone. I also tried to regain my strength and my health but it really is too late. The percentage of my battery is drifting down although I am being connected to my charger. It feels like killing me softly with your love. The day has come. You have published your last article as I breath my last. Prior to this, I learned you're looking for a new one. Sadly, you weren't able to before I am gone. My cellphone which I was using for the couple of month finally bade me goodbye. While using it I have noticed how fast it gets drained. And after publishing my last article it suddenly died on me. I wrote it's pov inspired by Ruffa's article of her cellphone. I don't have any plan of buying a new one because my wallet which was supposed to be for a cellphone was spent on our daily essentials when I gave birth. However, I really need to, hence I converted some from my bch savings. 11-29-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 24 November 2021

Bakget and Uban: Traditional Mother and Child Essentials after Birth As one who grew on the Cordilleran mountains, we Igorots have our own mother and child essentials which is a necessity after giving birth. A typical Igorot woman in the earlier times not only do household chores but helps her husband in the farm, too. She brings along her child or children with her if their elderlies aren't available or isn't around to look for them. Sometimes, she carries her older baby with her. Most of Igorot garments are woven and designed according to the tribe they belong to. These garments include the "*bakget*" and "*eban/uban*". The Igorot does not have one tribe or ethnic group, thus, the spoken languages differ from one to the other. These terms vary but let's use them as it seems like the common term as to my knowledge. ****What is "bakget?"**** **Bakget** is a woven fabric which is designed to support the hips and abdomen. Usually, it measures 4 inches in width and about 60 to 70 inches in length. It is much thicker and firmer than any woven garments. It has strings at both ends which is used to tie it. This bakget is wrapped around the waist twice. Pull the strings together before tying it. The tighter the better. **How was the bakget supposed to help?** Long ago, water pipes are not yet available, hence, the only source of water for the villagers was in the river where they fetch water for their daily use. My maternal grandmother told the story of how they clean themselves after giving birth. After a woman gave birth, she wears her bakget and go downstream. There, she washes herself and her blood-soaked garments in the river. They were strong back then when in fact you feel very weak after giving all your strength to deliver your baby. The bakget supports the body that's why the tighter it is the more you feel better. It helps in improving posture and mobility. As for me who is using it, I feel like a jelly whenever I take it off. Just imagine your pelvic floor being set apart to give way for the baby during delivery. It needs to be bind together to help in getting it back to normal faster. Do you believe me when I say it helps in preventing saggy belly? Yes, you should. The abdomen tends to sag after giving birth because the skin was streched out during pregnancy. Binding it with bakget is an effective way of preventing it. That's why it should be worn right after giving birth. A woman who just gave birth is weak that's why someone should put it on for her. However, it becomes itchy when wearing it. The skin tends to fold under the binder which cause itchiness. This makes other women to give up on wearing it. Back to the earlier days, women carry heavy loads and do tedious work in the farm and this bakget is a great support for the back and abdomen. Ever wonder why those heavyweight lifters use binders? That is so they may be able to lift those heavy metals. Today, there are lots of binders designed for post natal. But, I am still using the one which my mom gave me when I had my eldest. I can atest to it when it comes to faster recovery after childbirth. Nevertheless, it can't be use with moms who had C-section because of the abdominal cut. Fortunately, there are binders that are designed for it. It can be worn both by normal delivery or those who had cut. Mostly, this comes with velcro to put it together. But when used over time, the velcro would loosen its grip you would need a belt to keep it in place. Women are prone to back pain even after years of giving birth that's why this bakget or other binders or girdles can be worn to be able to perform physical works with less back pain. ****How about the eban or uban?**** Are you familiar with baby wearing? I hope so. When we say baby wearing it pertains to carrying a baby with something. So, again this originates back to our forefathers times. It is not only us who have been using this method of carrying the baby, I am afraid. This **uban** is also a woven indigenous piece of cloth which is wrapped around the mother and her child. Part of it goes above the shoulder and the other is under the armpit. It is then tied at the back. This is use to carry a baby around and/or while doing some task. In short, it is a baby sling or carrier. Rice back then were manually pounded with a mortar and pestle that's why small babies were wrapped around their mothers back while she's pounding rice. However, the part where it was tied up gets painful when carrying a baby for a long time. The use of uban had been passed from generation to generation until these days when there are lots of cloth to use. Mostly, those beautifully printed thin and single bedsheets are perfect for this. Nowadays, you can see different designs of baby carriers around while our traditional baby carrier is designed with an adjustable snap at the back. It is no longer tied that's why it is more comfortable. There is also a hole where you can put the baby's leg, it's optional though. There is also what we call the hipseat carrier and many more if you browse the internet to look for it baby wearing stuffs. They can be bought online through shopping apps or on Facebook. I must say that our traditional garments was never lost. We inherit it from our elders and over time pass it on to the next generation. We can modernize it but not the fact that it begun even on the ancient times... 11-25-21 *****Z_graeden*****

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@z_graeden 21 November 2021

Breastfeeding Infection I woke at 12 am with the whines of my little one that disturbed the night. As he is growing he seems to have a sleep pattern. He wakes at 12 am whatever the time I tucked him to bed. Then, wakes every two hours after midnight. I am cosleeping him, as usual. Together with my toddler we sleep at the bed with me in between them. I place the baby a little farther from me and two hotdog pillows to nestle him. And sometimes I still put a pillow in between us when I am too tired and can't notice how I sleep and might roll over him. I face the baby to feed him but before that I fixed the pillows first but to my surprise my right breast is painful. It restrains me to move because the pain radiates to my scapula to my neck. It feels so heavy and it gives me headache. I feel cold at the same time with fever, it is the flu-like symptom. I managed to move and fixed my baby to nurse. I need to offer him the affected breast to release some of the pressure because it's so hard as a stone. Feeding my baby with the affected breast aggravated the pain. I had to tolerate it because it's the only way to feel better. 'tis already the third time. Was it supposed to be an enjoyable journey? Yes, the breastfeeding journey? It is, but somehow there are moms especially new moms whose breasts are prone to infections. It's because they are not yet knowledgeable on the proper breastfeeding position. There are those who went through classes about what to expect on postpartum and one of them is proper breastfeeding technique. However, it is still different when it comes to actual. When I had my eldest, I have suffered and endured much from sore and cracked nipples until the baby was two months old. I even got too anxious whenever he whined because it means I have to feed him again. With that I have to tolerate the teeth-grinding pain which made me cry while breastfeeding. Due to sore and cracked nipples, it caused me mastitis. We went for a check-up because I am having flu-like symptoms. The pediatrician prescribed antibiotics because obviously it was infected. And now again with my fourth baby, it is the third time already I felt this. What is mastitis? It is a condition wherein the breast tissues become infected. The affected part becomes swollen, red, hot and painful with flu-like symptoms, headache and fatigue. A palpable hard lump can be felt. Mastitis in Breastfeeding moms develop two to six weeks postpartum wherein breastmilk is high in production and the small baby can't consume it all. Bacteria grow in the stagnant milk. Moms who have cracked nipples are at high risk of getting breast Infection because the cracks serve as a portal of entry for bacteria. Clogged milk duct can also cause infection. So if possible feed baby when he demands starting at the affected breast to ensure that milk keeps flowing from it. Some babies sleep longer than two hours so wake him up and nurse. Other than feeding the baby, mastitis can be prevented by using the proper nursing bra. Don't use tight fitting ones as it may cause the milk to be stagnant and can't flow freely. Never pull breast when unlatching but insert a finger on baby's mouth to loosen his grip from the breast. Make sure to observe tummy-to-tummy technique when nursing and baby's mouth is fully open covering the areola but not on the nipple only. When having mastitis, apply warm compresses to the affected breast. And because a mother feels really unwell, sufficient rest is needed. Take paracetamol for flu-like symptoms. Change brassiere or nursing pads when wet because it will become a breeding zone for bacteria. Mastitis can occur repetitively just like what I have been experiencing. The baby is growing and he needs more milk but I have less milk production. My baby is becoming stronger in latching and my breasts crack when he fully emptied it but still he's not yet full and still latching. Mastitis improves on it's own after a few days when the above mentioned are observed. However, if left untreated it may lead to breast abscess, a mastitis complication. As for me who had experienced this one on my eldest child, it's worse than mastitis. So when a mastitis doesn't improve in a few days, consult a physician because antibiotics is needed. Breast abscess is a pus filled lump under the skin by;which needs to be surgically drained. Fortunately, when the physician saw my condition before she advised me to sterilize a needle with hot water and prick it. The lump was still small that's why after draining it twice, applying hot compresses to it and with the help of antibiotics it got well. Lucky are those who haven't experienced such conditions because when you are in the situation, you will be thinking of giving up breastfeeding and opt for formula feeding. A husband's or any family member full support is mostly needed in times like this because it is so hard to move. A mother who is experiencing this can't even enjoy cuddling her baby because of the flu-like symptoms accompanied with bady pain and headache. ****Author's note**** Breastfeeding is a journey where mother and baby's bond becomes stronger. It should not be stopped when a mother develops mastitis because breastmilk is still the best for babies. The infection, however is not passed from mother to child that's why it should not be stopped. For first time moms who isn't experienced in nursing, consult a breastfeeding professional, midwife or other mothers on the proper breastfeeding position. Don't think of quitting breastfeeding because after the condition improves you will enjoy breastfeeding. Nevertheless, breastfeeding or formula feeding know that you are a great mom. 11-22-21 *****z_Graeden*****

@z_graeden 18 November 2021

Types of Cloth Diapers I have Tried Disclaimer: This article covers only the types of cloth diapers I have tried and tested and not every single one in the market. Some I only learned from sellers. If you're one who is looking for cloth diapers for your upcoming baby, a gift for a sibling who is about to give birth or for your little niece or nephew who is still on diapers you will be confused on the different types of cloth diapers. And as always, it's not bad to ask or inquire about the product. Lampin is also a cloth diaper which is commonly used for newborns. It is a flat piece of cloth that is folded and prepped for baby's use. When shopping for lampin, look for the soft, cottony type because some are made of different materials. It comes with different sizes also and for newborns you would opt out for the smaller ones so that it won't be too bulky when folded. Usually, lampin is sold per dozen so when buying three dozens would be enough for newborn and another three for bigger size when he grows bigger, too. Well, the smaller size could be put together so that it will be thicker for a bigger baby to use. It's an old school type which was used before with pins but nowadays it can be placed over covers of any type. Lampin, however, is change immediately once wet or soiled. It would mean a basketful of laundry at the end of the day. For the cloth diapers which is designed to act like disposables, it is made up of different fabrics. I have tried bamboo charcoal inserts, soakers and a combination of bamboo and microfiber. I also have seen plain microfiber inserts and hemp which I have never tried. Inserts are preactivated, you just have to insert it inside a pocket type cover. Soakers on the other hand are flat piece of cloth which are then folded either bi-fold, tri-fold or quadfold. ****Inserts****- There are inserts which are exclusively sold and these are what I have tried. But I have bought them with all-in-two (AI2) diapers **Bamboo inserts** are commonly grey-black in color. It is rectangular and inserted into a pocket type diaper. Its two outer layer are made of fleece that's why it can be worn over a cover type diaper. It is claimed that it has five layers of fabric and can stand overnight without leaking. Well, for hygiene purposes you would like to change it every four hours at night and every two hours during the day. **Blended Bamboo and microfiber**. This is a combination of the two fabrics with the bamboo as the outer layer and the microfiber as the inner part. It can be just like bamboo charcoal. **Microfiber** is also one type of insert that should be inserted inside a fleece, microsuede or awj lining diaper. It is not advisable to be in contact with the baby's bum as its super absorbent and pulls even the natural moisture out of the baby's skin causing irritation and diaper rash. ****Soakers**** Soakers are flat type of fabrics that varries according to its GSM or gram per square meter. The higher the GSM the denser and holds more urine. The type of soaker I am using with my baby is SHOCT or super heavy organic cotton terry. It is lined with AWJ or athletic wicking jersey that makes the baby's bum have a stay dry feeling. Soakers are folded before it is placed over a cover type diaper. Some are designed as bifold, trifold or quadfold just like what I am currently using. Because it has various GSM that one can choose the one with higher gsm for night use or for heavy wetter babies and have the lower gsm for daytime use. Types of cloth diapers After talking about the different kinds of fabrics used in cloth diapers, we move to the types of cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are designed like disposables to serve its purpose that's why it is made of waterproof outer layer or PUL and absorbent inner. Cloth diaper comes in either with velcro or snaps with two or three adjustable sizing that fits in to baby according to his size that is from newborn to three year-old. ****Cover type cloth diaper.**** This is just a diaper of waterproof material with no inner lining and with single or double gusset... It is best used for lampin and soakers. It can be used multiple times with the soakers be the only thing being changed as long as the elastic sides aren't soaked or soiled. If so, then it is necessary to change to a new one. **All-in-two (AI2)**. This is a type of diaper with pocket where inserts or soakers are stuffed. The inner layer of it which I am currently using is either fleece, microsuede or AWJ. Just like the cover type cloth diaper, you can just put lampin or soakers or any type of inserts except microfiber on top of it. ****All-in-one (AI1).**** This diaper needs no stuffing because inserts are already sewn inside. For me who have tried some, I prefer using the SHOCT soakers with AWJ lining. And because I already have enough pocket type diapers that I didn't bother buying another set of cover type diapers. Believe me when I say poop stains are easily washed off from its linings. The AI2 diapers I have has AWJ lining, too. It has blended bamboo and microfiber inserts which is folded twice before inserting. Organic cotton terry soaker smells fresher than the charcoal bamboo. Additionally, you will notice that some cloth diapers are either with single elastic bands at the sides or with double elastic bands. The double elastic banded are also called double gusset which acts as additional protection from leakage. It is more expensive than the former. Speaking of brands, we are using the Chambilog brand of cloth nappies and soakers. The other one is Alva but I prefer Chambi. Just like how cute babies are so do cloth diapers also with its very cute prints. I hope I made a point here. For more information, you can read this article which has better explanation about cloth diapers https://mamanloupsden.com/2016/09/09/types-of-cloth-diapers/ 11-19-21 *****z_Graeden*****

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@z_graeden 15 November 2021

My Niece on Dengue Fever On the evening of Wednesday last week my sister texted. She came home from her day's endeavour to find her eldest child lying in the couch. Despite the fact that her husband gave their child paracetamol, the 13 year old girl is still febrile and complained of thigh pains. That prompted her to contact me and asked what could have caused it. I don't know of anything that might be the cause but I asked her if my niece went out with friends. But she said no. The last time my niece experienced something like that was in May when we went for a picnic to celebrate my nephew's birthday at a riverside. It is where my father's patch of land was located. My niece, however, developed rashes on her leg that swelled up at night and got heavy. It was accompanied with fever that's why they suspected dengue fever. Her parents brought her to the hospital and was admitted. Nevertheless, her symptoms remain and her laboratory tests were all normal. My sister decided to bring her home after three days when her condition did not get better. The girl got better and well after her mother consulted a local shaman. However, the girl's condition today was different from the past. She doesn't want to be admitted at the hospital. Hence, her mother brought her to a private clinic in town the very next day when her high fever never subsides. At the clinic, it was confirmed by a blood test that she is positive of dengue, her platelet count was nonetheless at normal level. She was advised by the physician of rehydration and her proper diet while at home. But her platelet count needs to be reexamined after 24 hours. The platelet count the following day is still in normal state so they again went home. I texted how was she and my sister answered her daughter's fever is still high. On Saturday morning, I received a text saying they brought my niece to the hospital last night because the girl suddenly fainted. Her laboratory test at the hospital revealed a startling drop of her platelet count. I asked if they gave her tawatawa and my sister told me that it was papaya leaf extract which my brother in-law was extracting and giving it to her. But then it still didn't work. Additionally, my niece passed out dark blood from her genital area at the time she fainted. My sister, suspected it to be her menstruational flow. They immediately brought her to the ER and was given immediate treatment. Later in the morning that day, my nephew who comes next to my niece was also admitted due to high fever their father said. Good thing their was an empty bed at my niece's room that's why my sister requested for them to be together in one room. We were relieved to learn that his laboratory test result came out negative from dengue. His tonsils are also good. So a urinalysis was just performed yesterday. The result will only be told by the doctor the next day during her rounds. (I was wondering why lab results are being delayed in some cases when it should be necessarily addressed to so that treatment will not be delayed. Now, we are awaiting the doctors round so that we will know what's causing my nephew's fever.) Moreover, the girl's platelet count is being monitored every six hours and it still was decreasing every time it was checked. This worried us all. Late night of Saturday, my sister texted to ask if we knew someone who has a blood type O. This brought a resounding beat of my heart but I remained calm in responding with my sister's text messages. It was already near midnight when I slept. My brother-in-law, on the other hand went out of the hospital that late to look for papaya leaves. He extracted the juice and made their daughter drink it. Sunday, yesterday morning I called my sister for an update and she said that the doctor advised them to look for blood donors just in case the need for blood transfusion, donors will be called. It means my niece's platelet count is still going down. This prompted me to call Xzeon when in fact I have texted her on Saturday night. She said she is blood type O but has some sort of anemia. I left my baby and toddler with Xzeon so that I may be able to look for male papaya flower which they said was a stronger variety to help with low platelet count in dengue fever. I wasn't able to find any. But Xzeon and her kids were able to. Grateful I am because they were there to help me with the kids and in looking for that male papaya flower. Regarding the girl's mens, she is bleeding. Three fully soaked sanitary napkins in half a day that is. When her platelet count was again checked during the day my brother-in-law said it started to rise some numbers. I've felt a little relief. My sister, went home to look for male papaya flower also and to see their last child, a second year old girl whom they left with our cousin. We're praying and hoping that my niece's platelet count will gradually go back to normal. And if possible won't fluctuate so that she will regain her strength and recover the soonest. _________ In the past months, some have contacted the virus and were admitted to the hospital. In fact dengue fever can be treated at home with adequate hydration and proper diet. What is dengue fever? Dengue fever is caused by a mosquito bite carrying the virus aedes aegypti. This type of mosquito is often active during the early morning and late in the afternoon but can be around anytime of the day. It is not contagious but is only transmitted thru the bite of the mosquito carrying the virus. It is important to make our surroundings clean all the time specially from stagnant water where mosquitoes like to breed. Just weeks ago, a clean up drive was held in our barangay. During the past months many were admitted to the hospital due to dengue fever. Some were nearly transfused with blood but thankfully, they did not need to as their platelet count slowly went back to normal. However, one really need to as his platelet count dropped so bad. And being the Igorot that we are, many have driven to the hospital as donors. ______ Philippines is a tropical country where mosquitoes like to thrive. Every year, hundreds are being reported to have contacted the virus by the culprit mosquito. And in the past a certain vaccine called Dengvaxia for dengue fever had caused the death of so many instead. Thankfully, it was already banned. ---------- This made me a bit busy with my cellphone yesterday, texting and calling my sister while I was doing some chores that I wasn't able to interact with you, guys. Learning someone being positive of both COVID-19 and dengue fever makes a parent anxious especially that kids can't be kept inside the house at all times. And eventually a niece who got it is so worrisome. She even barely gets out. Thank you for reading and take care, everyone. 11/15/21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 13 November 2021

Thank you thank you mam Jane sa sponsorship renewal... It means a lot

@z_graeden 12 November 2021

Cloth Diapering: One Step in Saving Mother Earth The world's population had been growing in number by the day. And to suffice man's needs, we people had always been greedy towards mother earth. We take everything what we could from her and leaving nothing but marks of our deeds. We keep hurting our planet to the extent that we repeatedly make her cry. In return, mother earth whip us with her wrath. Have we learned our lesson? Through the years, man's innovative ways to improve his life status did he brought himself to where he is now. Highly upgraded technologies surround him from his home that connect him to the outside world. It indeed benefited him but these technologies and other daily necessities had one way or another are releasing waste products to our environment that slowly brought destruction to it. Thankfully, there are those who have eyes to see and ears to hear the pleas of our planet. Their advocacies to save planet earth every possible way had eventually made us a responsible citizen... The government supports the movement by implementing rules to maintain and balance the use of our natural resources. An example of this is the use of eco-bags and paper bags in place of plastic ones. Another one is the use of cloth diapers over disposable ones. Disposable diapers are one of the contributing objects that fill up land fills. The outer cover of it was made of plastic wraps, thus, it is non-biodegradable. It takes decades before it will eventually decomposes. To keep up with people's hectic schedule that we opted to use the easy-to-use-and-discard diapers. However, these were causing harm to our baby's sensitive and delicate skin and to the environment. Just imagine the number of babies born every minute worldwide. These babies use diapers until they are fully potty trained. Most of us use disposable diapers which is more convenient. When I have my firstborn until my thirdy, I prefer to use newborn cloth diapers when they were still a newborn. We have what we call *lampin*, a flat piece of cloth which is changed immediately once it was wet or soiled. But, a mom who is trying to have a bit of sleep at night would prefer to use disposables. And when I have my youngest just this July who was admitted to the hospital for a week after delivery, we have been using disposable diapers. During that time, the weather was very bad that *lampins* were not able to get dried. In twenty four hours the baby would have more than 10 diaper changes. That is because newborn poop more often than older babies and it requires more nappy change even if it was not yet peed on. Me and the other mothers have a little chat regarding the use of cloth diapers and disposables. One said she didn't listen to her sister who told her to invest on lampin than on disposable. So that when we were at the hospital she realised that those disposables she bought earlier were not enough to last for three months. When in fact she already spent thousands in it. Today, there are cloth diapers that can be used just like disposables. So in this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of both cloth diapers and disposables. There are also different types and the fabrics used where we could choose from according to our preferences. Pros ****Disposable diapers**** Easy to use. One can just fit it in a baby without hassles. Easy to dispose. When soaked or soiled you can just take it off and toss it in the thrash bin. More absorbent. A baby could stay in it a lil longer ****Cloth Diapers**** It is gentle on baby's delicate skin. Because it is made up of cloth and contains no toxic materials that causes any irritation, diaper rash or urinary tract infection. Economical. Build up your stash and there's no need to keep buying. Yes, the cloth diapers are pricey but once you were able to build up the minimum number of cloth diapers your baby will be using in 2 or 3 days then you're all good. No need to keep buying because you will just be washing it and reuse. Do the math, in a day a baby will be changing her nappies 8-10 times, multiplied by 30 days by 12 months then times three years. Let's say the ideal price of a pad of diaper is 9pesos. 8x7=63 number of diapers in a a week. 63x4= 252 in a month. 252x12=3024 in a year multiplied by 9pesos equals 27,216 pesos in 1year. How much more when it will take three years for a baby to completely be out of his nappies. On the other hand, cloth diapers cost 2 to 8 dollars each some are even more expensive. So lets do the math. 8dollars x 10 nappies in a day is $80. You will be spending 80 dollars for a day's use. But you still need to have a stash for 3 days more. $80 x 3 is $240. Now, that is what you will be needing for three years for your baby until potty trained. A lot cheaper than disposables, as I've mentioned there are other brands which cost 2dollars each. Eco-friendly. You're not throwing any of it which will cause harm to the environment. Reusable. Redundant may it seem but yes because it can be kept once a baby is fully out of his nappies and reuse it again for the next baby. Or give it away to your brother or sister for their baby to use. And if not, it can be sold at a cheaper price as a secondhand or what we say pre-loved and have some of your money back. Fits newborn to three-year old toddler. It has velco or snaps which is perfectly adjusted to baby's size. See, you can really save using it. Cons ****Disposable diapers**** Contains toxic materials. These materials causes irritation to a baby's sensitive skin that'll lead him to have diaper rashes and urinary tract infections. Expensive. It was already stated above how much a disposable diaper costs. Not eco-friendly but contributes to landfill. Disposable it is that once used can't be use again but to throw it away which contributes in filling up landfills. Sometimes it's also a problem where to dispose it off because not everywhere there is a garbage truck collector. An example was this, a bag of used diapers was left in an empty lot beside our house. I got really frustrated and post it on Facebook because passers-by would think it was me who left it there because we were the only one with a baby around the area. It was an XXL size of a diaper an indication it was used by a bigger toddler, 2-3 year old. So you see, it was really a problem on disposing it. Another thing was that, the plastic materials for its cover takes years to decompose. ****Cloth diapers**** Requires time to learn the skill of wearing it. Unlike disposables which is easy to wear to a baby, cloth diapers require a little time for a parent or a caregiver to fit it properly to a baby. Soaked up easily. It's literally made of cloth, hence, a diaper change of 2 hours interval is required. Especially during the day when a baby is up and active that he keeps peeing. However, there are others which were designed for heavy wetters or for night use. Laundry fill. If disposable diapers contribute to landfill, cloth diaper is to laundry fill. It was already a given because it is made of cloth. You can wash your laundry fill every two days to save on water. Because it requires also effort in washing it that it should be done separately from the other baby garments. (I will be writing a separate article in washing it). Needs wet bag. When going out it is a must to take a wet bag where wet and soiled diapers are placed and carry it back home. Well, it also applies with disposables because it can't just be tossed anywhere. There are different brands of cloth diapers in the market to choose from. The better the material the more expensive it is. Different types of it was also produced. I think I will just make a separate article for this because it is also lengthy. *****Closing thoughts***** More and more mothers are already switching to cloth diapers which is very good. I made a facebook post regarding cloth diapering but it seemed it was less noticed especially when they have learned about the price. Well, they prefer to use disposables and dispose also their money with it. What I can say is that, they should also adopt the use of cloth nappies because the pandemic is taking much of our finances. Looking at the seller's sale whom I bought my stash of cloth diapers, I felt happy because her stocks are always sold out every time she restock. Her posts also said that she is having new customers opting for cloth nappies. I hope one of them is my facebook friends who happen to see my post. Indeed, adapting cloth diapers as our babies diapers is like adapting BCH. It requires explanation, patience and understanding for those who don't have an open mindset towards it. Mother earth will gradually restore its health if we change our ways. It may be a slow progress but one step at a time is also a big thing. Saving it is for the betterment of future generations. Moreover, I am also using cloth sanitary napkins which only allows me to wash it once used and not to dispose it off. It does not only add to the garbage as disposables do but also saves some of my penny as well as helping and saving mother Earth. *Thank you BCH and read.cash I was able to buy my baby's stash of cloth diapers.* 11-13-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 11 November 2021

Challenged Where to begin? How to begin? Well, I don't know. I just came to scribble a bit after I have realized I was like out of track. Yeah, literally from this platform. **I missed those days** So how're you guys? It's been a little while or am I already out this long? I truly missed our little chit chat in the comment section where we interact with each other and come to know our virtual friends in here. Those days that seem to be incomplete when I didn't get to check on our read.cash and have a little to share and give. Well am not talking about our crypto tips but more on sharing thoughts about ones article, leaving likes and giving tips when we can. Wonderful are those days. I'm out for more than a month, I guess. So what'd I miss? A lot? Anyway, in this article there's nothing about it but the happenings in my life for the past days am not in, lol. It's a boring one, just the usual. So you knew now what's in. You would prefer to tap the exit button of this article and go to the next. You've been warned 😁. **Everyone got sick**. We stayed at my parents' residence for nearly two months since I gave birth and everyone was well and fit. But due to the reopening of school for modular class that we need to get back home. My two older kids will be getting back to school. The eldest in third grade while his younger sister is a kindergarten. Upon arriving at our house I was appalled and disgusted with the sight and smell of pig manure just nearby. It was so intense that we can't even eat even with the door and windows close. The kids even the baby keep sneezing. Three days later my daughter and her younger brother had a fever, cough and colds. I patiently gave her oregano juice thrice a day which I freshly picked and squeezed out from oregano leaves. But my third child can't tolerate the taste of it that's why we took him to the hospital for a checkup. He was given antibiotics and was required to have a nebulising therapy. Next was my eldest who showed signs of the virus. I urged him to take oregano juice as well. Thankfully, my daughter was getting well after three days. I also let them have hot water inhalation. I talked to the owner of the pigs to get their pigs out from the pen. It was an old fashioned pigpen where there's no portal of exit for the waste products that's why it smells so bad. My kids said "stinky". I think that was one allergen which irritated their respiratory organs. My stomach and head hurts from it, then how much more for the kids. A week after my older kids got well, our baby started to have retractions, his nose was badly clogged. I was afraid he will be admitted to the hospital again. So I brought him to the doctor who insisted he should be admitted because he has very bad phlegm. I insist he won't be as I hold my tears. I asked her if I can bring him home with the prescribed medication. She allowed it with my signature on her note. But told me to bring back the child after three days if the situation doesn't gets better. Why I didn't allow him to be admitted? First, he didn't get over with the stress he felt when we were at the hospital when he was born. His hands and feet suffered from the I.V line. That's why I nearly burst into tears upon hearing the doctor saying he should be admitted. Then, no one will be allowed to get in to at least hold the baby so that the mother could rest awhile, (protocol). Lastly, no one to look after my kids while their father was out to work. See, I had sleepless nights especially that my thirdy was too clingy when unwell. He doesn't want anyone to attend to his needs but his mother. As for me, am thankful I have a strong immunity that even if everyone around me was sick, I lack sleep and multitasking around the house I barely catch colds. Nevertheless, I suffer from breast abscess from time to time and less breast milk which is too stressing. It made me think of switching to formula but I won't just give up breastfeeding, no. **Modules waved** This pandemic had really made everything hard for everyone. Some youngsters committed suicide due to stress with their studies demands, it leads to depression afterwards. That's why a little understanding is what they need, a pat on the shoulder to let them feel you care. It's an assurance for them that you're with them in their track. This modular class brought the same weight of stress to mothers as well who are teaching their schoolers. A mother like me who has four kids is trying to balance everything so that I may be able to have time for my kids' modules. Thankfully, they have blended learning this time. I am able to have at least some time to rest. However, threats are still on the path as we go on with the learning continuity amidst the pandemic. Just last week some pupils tested positive from COVID-19, thus, limited face-to-face was discouraged. Now, we're only hoping that was the first and last case so that learners' classes won't be disturbed again. **Slow internet speed and rebooting my cellphone** It's been a month I think since the internet speed is too slow and sometimes none. Was it due to high demand of internet use that its speed became too slow? Because of this that I was discouraged and lost heart to use my mobile phone. Though it seems like the day is incomplete without checking in here but I couldn't do otherwise. Before the internet strength became intermittent, I swapped my mobile phone to my husband's which has better specs than what I previously used. I begun to scribble. In two weeks time I was able to write four full articles. Two of which were the last two parts of "Kinder Surprise" and the two were about cloth diapering. https://read.cash/@z_graeden/kinder-surprise-1b14a006 However, all of it were deleted. Due to my intention of rebooting my mobile phone in hopes it could get a better grasp of network speed. I copy pasted everything and sent it on my messenger. But, it didn't changed a thing. My phone only went back to its factory settings. Everything was deleted even if I backed it up first before tapping the reboot button. Another week before I noticed I can access Facebook but not Google Chrome. I checked on my messenger hoping that my articles were successfully sent. I was so disappointed to find none of it was sent. I was frustrated and disheartened. How could I write it back when I don't have all the time doing so. Especially the two last parts of the Kinder Surprise, even the images of my screenshots of it were gone. See, totally challenged. But I am still trying to write from time to time though an article takes a week to get it done. 'cause on top of everything were my mother and wife duties and responsibilities. Sometimes I get bouts of postpartum spells and blues that control my emotions my mind can't handle. And with the pandemic ruling over life is just so life. Life is life, no one or nothing to blame but us. We just have to be strong and be thankful for another day we wake up breathing and healthy because these days it is survival of the fittest, the fittest in body and mind. Yes, health is what matters most. Bare in mind that challenges we encounter along the path are there to make us have a stronger fighting spirit. Rather than breaking us, it helps in making us. This is another nonsensical article and I hope I would have more time with you. Thank you and stay safe. 11/11/21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 5 November 2021

At last I was able to access our platform. Internet speed is a crap and its annoying that I wasn't able to get in touch with you, guys for more than a month. My eyelids are drooping nga lng kya I need to take a nap... see u again laters

@z_graeden 16 September 2021

Kinder Surprise Part 1 https://read.cash/@z_graeden/kinder-surprise-e6df2b04 Back to China It had been for nights that the scene at the bank kept playing in my mind. It won't make me sleep. Why, what could've been the reason behind when I just jokingly agreed to it and challenged Mitch in my thoughts how much could she send? But the amount she sent was mind blowing. Why? Instead of being happy of getting instant big money it's but stressing me. I tried to recall every moment from the time we left the apartment, to departure, to when we arrived to Hongkong, to the time we went around until we came back. One by one I reminisced every move which I was not keen enough to observe those times. I was feeling afraid that I might have been used as an accomplice to a crime without my knowledge. My instincts is telling I was. I started to suspect the luggage. There is something in it, a contraband perhaps. But it was mere suspicion because we would have been already arrested at the airport. I just shrugged it off. One more thing I was wondering about was the money sent by Mitch. Where could she get that amount? When we were at the bank, we have other companions. An amount that huge can't be sent in one blow that's why they divided it and sent it consecutively until the sum of 200k pesos was successfully sent. When we were eating in one of the restaurants, I went to the lady's room. Yes! I have noticed that. Mitch's bag was changed into a bigger one. It was the same bag of the same brand, color and appearance but the size. The previous one was smaller while the latter was obviously bigger. It was when I went to the comfort room that I loss track of whatever transaction Mitch could have been. Perhaps her own bag contained any drugs. The luggages we were pulling with us were just an accessory, for distraction purposes maybe. It was so light I know it contained nothing in it. I think it is to sway anyone from the airport who could've notice us. Thus, leaving it just like that in the five-star hotel won't get us caught. That also explains why we got separated from the group tour of five days. We went back to China in a round trip. Whiiw!!! I've no idea I was already used. However, all of it were mere speculations because I have not seen any tangible thing to prove it. One time, Mitch asked me to accompany her to the jail where her sister was currently imprisoned. She said she was imprisoned due to reckless driving that led her to bump a kid. Now, her case is on trial. Mitch gave me the clothes she purchased in HK. She said I will wear it because it doesn't fit her well while it does to me. It was a turtle neck with many hanging accessories in it. So I just wear it. It was my first time getting in a jail. And I don't have any idea how was the process in entering. The guards don't just checked you for anything unnecessary inside. You have to take your clothes off. I don't want to and since they did it to Mitch first that I just have to abide with the rules. No choice. It was the lady guard who checked on me as in totally naked. No underwears, the guard even checked me from down there to see if there was anything you put in that is against any law. It was a belittling feeling. I was cursing Mitch deep inside because she didn't inform me. If she did, I would've surely declined. You have to leave everything like watch, wallet, belt, ballpen, coins, cellphone and anything sharp at the table before putting your clothes on again. When we were inside, Mitch talked to her sister. They were talking in their language which nothing of it can I understand. After 10 minutes Mitch introduced me. The inmate started to cry saying she hadn't taken a bath for already five days. They only took a bath once a week with only a pail of water. She told me if I could leave my tops for her to have at least something to change to. I just said yes because I was thinking it was Mitch's sister who's asking for it, I could have Mitch's jacket else I would be naked. We parted ways when we were out of the prison. 2 days later, Mitch handed me money. It was for accompanying her at the prison. I took the chance to ask her where those moneys are coming from, why they're giving it to me just like that? She can't give me direct answers. She just said to have it and send it to the Philippines if I will not use it. Do you know the feeling of being hypnotized? I can't decline whatever Mitch is telling or asking me to do though I wanted to but at the end I just follow what's being told. It was like a dog obeying his master. They're not showing anything bad or anything that is forcibly against my will. They have not scolded me a single moment, not even a bad face have they shown me. In short they're nice and always smiling. In three months time, I am going to the jail alone because Mitch was busy with her job. Sometimes they let me wore shoes with thick block heels. I was instructed to leave it there. I went there six times within those three months. As usual, it always has money in return. I tried to decline but they insist on giving it. I kept sending it to my husband together with my monthly salary. I told myself that if this will keep going on then in two years I would be able to go home in the Philippines for good. In one of my long-distance call, I asked my husband if the new house we've been planning to build was already on going. "Yes, darling. No worries. I have been busy with it the past days thats why I can't stay on the phone and talked with you for long. I will send the pictures." That was what he said. Triton car was the new in model of cars and I want one. I asked my husband to buy so that he has something to use in purchasing goods and materials for the ongoing construction of the house and he agreed. There's a second hand, he added. But I told him I wanted a brand new which he agreed to. He bought it at Mitsubishi and sent the pictures to me. It feels good when you see the money you have been sending is being put to good use. I called my husband when my vocation leave was approved. "Do come and fetch me at the airport," I said. "Oh! Is that so? When are you coming home?" He asked. "By the end of the month. I have a 35-day leave." "Oh okay." "It seems you're not happy with it?" Call dropped. His number is already out of reach until the day I landed on NAIA airport. Therefore, I rode a bus because no one's there to fetch me up. I reached our place at 10 am. I was amazed and felt very happy with what I saw. I didn't expect the progress our house already has. It was newly painted and had a gate. There's a new house being constructed beside it which used to be an empty lot. The carpenters working kept looking at me as I walked towards the house. I greeted them and smiled less I will be called a snob. I opened the gate but a dog met me and gave me a bad smile showing off its mad fangs. "Huh! Why do just barge in just like that?" An angry elderly woman said as she came out of our house. "Don't you even know how to knock? What if you were bitten by the dog then it's an additional burden for me to get you to a doctor?" She continued. Politely, I talked to her. "I am sorry, manang (addressing an elder woman politely). We never kept dogs before. But,may I know who are you?" "Oh. You're asking who I am? No one but the owner this house. How about you, who are you anyway?" the woman said inquiring. "What? But how come when this is my house?" I spread my eyes around perhaps I did entered the wrong house. But, no. I wasn't mistaken. I was confused. The woman invited me in and seated me. We introduced each other and told stories. This elder woman infront of me bought our entire house and lot. She was the one who renovated our old house. The underconstruct house beside it is also hers. And the Triton car? It was our neighbor's car which my good damn husband took pictures of it together with the ongoing construction of the new house. It was what he had been sending to me as proofs. Our mini grocery in front of the house was no longer in sight. I have learned that my darn husband not long lived with one of our boarders when I flew abroad. They had pleasure living their life. Casino here and there until our house and lot was sold because they can't pay their debts. It was already a year when they left the place. I felt cheated, broken and too devastated of what I just learned. It seems my mind can't process everything. Where did all the money go when I have sent every single penny that I have.? Where will I go now? Those were just some of the many questions that were vivid because in fact I don't understand everything. Later did I contemplate the things he used to be. My husband was a womanizer. Was it because he was blessed with a woman's perception of a perfect physical appearance of Adam? There were even times when they have a drinking spree with his friend that they talked about their chicks even if I am there hearing what they were talking about. An irresponsible father he is. It was one reason why I didn't want to bear another child. It seems he doesn't even care our only child when he had more time with his peers and enjoyed his vices. Our child, was left unattended. He even spank him because he's so dirty from playing which is normal in children. Before I decided to go abroad again, I have seen he had changed for the better. Or so I thought. Maybe he had been hiding his relationship with our lady boarder. There were even times that I ended up being raped by my own husband. When I don't give in for love making it will be the cause of our fight that he will go beyond hitting me. I have sent my son to my mother before my flight because I know he won't be taken care of when he's with his father. Well, I called him my husband because we're living together and father of our only child. But... We were not wedded yet. Anger and hatred did I feel towards this madness I am in. If only the person involved in this chaos is right infront of me then I could've done any monster could do towards its nemesis. How I hate you, Rob. What have you done? You have destroyed everything to the point of ruining our family, our future! The hatred I am in is immense I couldn't measure its weight. The pain is too deep I can't reach its depth. Oh how I wish. No house. No husband. No money. Where should I begin? Would I be able to pick the broken pieces? 20 days from the day of my arrival when I went back to China. Good thing I didn't file for resignation on my job. That's where I will start anew. ..... 09-17-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 5 September 2021

Augustus, Where Art Tho? It's a week pass September and here I am still looking for Augustus😁. Yeah, it seems like I have not touched August. Days just easily went by, time slipped thru our hands without hardly being noticed. That's the worse thing about time. When it rolled by, it had already gone by. All we can do is to wonder how and why. We sleep at night and think of what to do when the morrow comes. And, if possible no days should just pass by. We think of things to make our day be productive just like the good ol' days. **What about August?** When I was pregnant, all I was thinking was August. It was the month when I was supposed to deliver my new bundle of joy. It was the month I have been prepping. But, then things aren't always what we expected it to be. So before the month of August drops I have been on my drafts writing some stuffs. Articles that should be posted for that month because I know when I will give birth then I won't have time to write one. First, because the whole being of a woman needs to recover from birthing and that needs utmost rest. Second, a woman have her hands full with her little one 24/7 no matter what. And third, there's probably the thought of a writer to earn even just a little. Admit it or not everyone of us or maybe not all always have the thought of writing to earn. Especially nowadays that the world seemed to be run by the pandemic- no work no pay citizens are the most affected. So thus with stay at home moms like me who's lucky to have come across this platform, it means no article no pay. That was a big thing already. But when one came to love writing especially when he gets to interact with others in a healthy platform it becomes a practice to check in. But where did my drafts go? Well, some of it were the ones I have published on July and some were on August. I gave birth a month prior to my expected date of delivery therefore I was not able to write more. On the first week of July, I was able to reach my first full BCH. I have other wallets in my bitcoin dot com like the one for my borrowed money. If you remember it was what I have loaned from my brother ($80). The other was a wallet for my kids' bicycle. Another wallet was for newborn essentials which I was able to fill up and still has excess in it after purchasing the needed things. And the last was the one for a new cellphone. https://read.cash/@z_graeden/making-it-to-my-first-full-bch-f178bdb6 During that time, the market was bloody red that no matter how I liked to hodl my bch it can't be. The need is much important. Imagine it was only the middle of July but I have to cash out from my wallets to suffice our needs when we were at the hospital up until now. Thankfully, I was able to fill up my wallet for my loaned money next to baby essentials. I had to cash it out because my brother needed it for the job requirements he was applying to. Unfortunately, I cash out the wallet for my kids bike for my toddler's formula milk and diapers. Then my wallet for cellphone came next to be converted and cash out for the harvesters food. Yeah, from July to August it was the peak season of rice harvest that my husband was not able to work steadily to provide for the needed things for the crops harvest. And June, I have mentioned in my previous article that my husband had been working for the storage room or rice granary. See, we were unprepared for the unknown. It was only this September that my husband is back to work. August was my birth month and the supposed wallet for cellphone should have been for a gift to myself- self reward that is. But then, our needs had been the top priority and I don't regret cashing it all out. I am contented with my old model phone as long as it is servings its purpose. And that is being able to cater my needs in writing. One time I almost cried when I was using it and it suddenly went off when it's battery wasn't even drained because it was newly charged. I tried recharging it but to no avail. I let it be for three days when I tried to connect to its charger again. Thankfully, it started to recharge. My main wallet which was supposed to be hodled is also affected so instead of 1BCH in it, it only contained .68BCH now. I hope I won't be exchanging it to fiat again because my main purpose for hodling is to help with the renovation of our house. If possible, it should be replaced but alas, we don't have the needed fund. Renovation little by little will do. When it comes to my monthly recap, I was only able to write five articles and earned $54 dollars for it. I am still grateful because it didn't only came from the randomrewarder but to generous and supportive friends out there. Though I only peeked whenever I have time, Therandomrewarder didn't fail to drop by my articles. And, that is one big thing to me already. **Closing thoughts** For the meantime, I won't be setting any monthly goal in my writing because the thought of having to reach it gives additional pressure. And I don't want to pressure myself until I feel myself I can already handle a goal. Thank you dear friends who have been always there supporting me. A simple comment of yours means a big thing for me. It helps me get motivated to write some more. Writing something without anyone supporting you is like barking to a wall of stones, it only reverberates through and comes back to you with no one noticing it. 9-6-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 3 September 2021

The Least Expected Day I have not slept well on the night of July 16. It had always been my problem- how to have a good night's sleep. However, the following day I still managed to wash the newly bought baby clothes and blankets though I was feeling lethargic. There was a wedding that day but I was not in the mood of going out to watch. You know weddings here in our place is a jolly and enjoyable occasion as the gongs were played by locals and visitors alike. So after washing the clothes, I lied down to nap to ease away my throbbing head. At near lunch, my sister texted me to get my kids' clothes packed so that they will pick us up after we have gotten food from the wedding reception. We will be going to our parents' place in town and swim at our uncle's swimming pool the next day. That was the plan. My parents came so we will be riding in their car. I was to decline because I am not comfortable having all my kids with me and riding a jeepney I packed my kids' clothes and mine while I have my eldest fetch his younger sister at her playmate's house. After my sister and mother came from my sister's place, they all went to the reception to get food. Then off we went after. **Out of the blue** Everything's fine with me the whole time and I went to bed at nearly 10 pm. I was almost asleep when I've felt a warm liquid from down my private part. My senses sprung back to an awake mode while I was trying to figure out what it could be. I've felt my pants were already soak then I got my hands to feel the mattress under, it was wet. I was shocked and I brought my hands to see what could it be. It was clear. I ran to the bathroom because the gush of liquid can't be held no matter how I tried. I took off my already-soaked pants and undies and sat at the toilet bowl. The water coming out was flowing steadily. When I was able to hold it, I opened the door and called my sister who was sitting in the living room telling stories with our parents. I told her the water's leaking, it might be the bag of water that broke. I asked her to bring me another pair of pants, underwear, and a sanitary napkin from my bag which she did. I changed the sanitary napkins three times in less than five minutes and I was at the bathroom the whole time. My sister told my parents about it so they said to get my things ready while our father and our youngest brother went out ahead to get the car ready. I even brought my toddler's disposable diapers because the water won't stop leaking. At the hospital, we were met by staff with wheelchairs to which I declined to use because I was feeling well. I and my sister went to the triage department while our dad parked the car. After filling out documents they let me in first while my sister was left behind. Due to strict restrictions by the hospital that my sister was oriented first at the triage. One of the nurses on duty asked me some questions regarding the symptoms I have while another one is calling for the OB-GYNE on her cellphone. In a matter of minutes, the doctor arrived. Prior to that, another nurse led me to a room where I am to be swabbed for COVID-19. She said it was a rapid test. I get anxious while waiting for the result of the test. Thankfully, it came out negative. The nurse who asked me about the symptoms relayed it to the doctor. I was immediately led by the doctor to the emergency room where a part of it was designed for internal examination (IE). A midwife came to have my blood pressure taken. She showed the result to the doctor which she asked if I used to have a high blood pressure. I answered no because my normal blood pressure is 110/90 mmgh. I was 2cm dilated the doctor said after performing an IE. An IV line was administered and inserted on my right arm by another nurse. I texted my sister outside to tell our father to go fetch my husband at the village and bring the baby bags which I have prepared a month prior that day. Before I was wheeled to the OB ward they let my sister in. Four other women in the room are awaiting their deliveries. I was led to an empty bed when a nurse came to give me a shot for inducing labor pain. Yes, all through those times I've felt no labor pain. Then they let me take in every hour for five consecutive hours a tablet for cervix thinning. After an hour our father came with the bags and pillows which my sister fetch at the entrance. Once I have used up all the diapers, my sister went out of the hospital to a nearby 24- hour pharmacy. Unfortunately, it was closed and doesn't already operate 24 hours. There was no staff at the hospital pharmacy and thankfully a nurse had lent us one. It was a sleepless night for both my sister and me. She kept asking if I was feeling any pain. Throughout, I was closely monitored by a midwife especially my blood pressure, and the baby's fetal heart tone. The midwife was very jolly that I even joked with her every time she came. Thankfully, my blood pressure stabilized. At 6 in the morning, I was taken to the UTZ room to see how the baby is doing. The radiologist told he's fine. Later in the morning, a group of nursing students from the city university came for their duty. They have this clinical instructor who keeps telling me to do squatting which I don't heed to because my whole body especially my legs is too restless to move. I even get annoyed when she told me I am not helping myself. Haler! Wala akong labor pain, madam. I almost told her but I just kept quiet. **Safely delivered at 36 week** At around 10 am, I felt little dull pain in my back which doesn't last longer than a minute. As time goes by the pain is getting a little emphasized. And I was still leaking lots of water. Thankfully, my blood pressure stabilized. It took off a thorn from the burden because I could get an emergency c-section if my blood pressure doesn't drop. The doctor said the rise in my BP could be due to the shock I have felt when my bag of water broke. The pain was not getting more intense for the next hour. I was already feeling irritated because it was not the labor pain I have when I have my previous deliveries. My previous pregnancy deliveries were too intense in just a short time that's why I felt the need to push. This time was different. The students' CI came again and told me I ready myself for an emergency c-section if I still won't give birth by lunch. Like what? I don't want to. If I have to grade the intensity of the pain from 1-10, it was still by the 5th intensity. So I told my sister we will go to the delivery room even I am still at 4cm dilated. I am gonna try to push. The nurses came in and asked if I am already going to give birth. I answered them I will try to push. I fixed myself at the delivery table and gathered my strength. Breath in, breath out. Mentally counted 1-2-3 when I felt a little pain, closed my eyes then push, push and push then stopped. Why did you stop? The nurses and midwife asked. With the student nurses around I was getting anxious but later I didn't mind them. The second time I tried to push the nurses and midwife was getting impatient already. I asked them to help me by giving me a fundal push because the pain was little and short. But they said no, it can't be. They said to push longer because of the baby's crowning. Then again push, push, and push while a nurse was coaching me on how to properly push because I was already turning my head. Though the pain was short I still tried to push long because I am thinking that I am only tiring myself if I kept stopping when the pain fades. Puuuuush. Then swoosh, baby out at 10:56 am. It was a boy. I was relieved when they put him on my chest while he's giving out a shrill cry declaring to the world his arrival. He was too tiny with not too thick, black, and soft hair. His color was a pleasant pink with red, red lips. He weighed 2.9 kilograms and with a body length of 50 centimeters. Moreover, he was given BCG, HepB, vitamin K and credes prophylaxis. I was brought back to the room for pregnant women because there was still no vacant bed in the mother and child room. The four other women who were admitted first said how come I delivered quickly when it seemed I have no labor pains at all while they were already grimacing in pain when I was admitted. **Unexpected**... 10 hours later, as I was changing his nappies I noticed the unusual warmth of his skin. His color seemed to flash and has difficulty breathing. When a midwife came in to take his vital signs, I immediately told her which she said she will tell the nurses. As early as 6 in the morning, the pediatrician came in to check on him. My little one was immediately wheeled into the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, inserted with an IV line on his right hand, and was placed on oxygen therapy. The doctor said he has severe retractions. In less than 30 minutes, his fever begun to subside. However, his breathing difficulty is still there. It was so heartbreaking to see a tiny bunch of a human in that state, not to mention that he is your child. The NICU only had one bed wherein the mother of another preemie (6 months) on an incubator is lying to watch over her child. My baby was only lying in a crib that's why my husband and my sister as the interchanging watcher only sits in the chair. Whoever is the watcher goes out when I go in to breastfeed. I get exhausted whenever I go to the NICU because there's no comfortable place for me to lie. I only sit the whole time. The supposedly NICU room was a spacious one but water from the 2nd floor above it is leaking thus it was transferred to the Newborn Screening Test room which is only good for one bed. Meanwhile, I was discharged after 24 hours from delivery. But I was transferred to another mother and child room which is nearer, a door away from the NICU. My baby was sent to the X-Ray room for a chest examination. It was confirmed he has neonatal pneumonia. He was given antibiotics right away. The nurses and midwife on that shift who assisted me in giving birth were puzzled when they came for their duty that day. They said my baby was doing fine the whole day during their shift. There was no sign of him being sick but why so sudden. Like the pediatrician, they asked if ever I had cough and colds during my pregnancy and I said I did because I like drinking ice water due to the very hot weather. Those times, I had not drunk any medicine but had taken olive oil, lemon with honey, and hot water therapy. That may have caused my baby to acquire the virus. At 8 in the evening, my child's first night at the NICU my sister came to replace my husband as a watcher. She felt very pitiful towards the baby because he has deep retraction. He wanted to be held all the time in an upright position. He knew when the one holding him sits then he would cry his lungs out. My sister told me to go sleep while she watches over. I set the alarm clock at 11 pm so that I will go feed my baby. Due to my exhaustion and lack of sleep that I put off my phone unintentionally when it alarmed, and went back to sleep. I sprung from the bed and look at the time on my cellphone. It was already 2 am. I looked around and saw that the other couples with their baby were breastfeeding. I rushed to the NICU and apologized to my sister. She said it's okay. She didn't come to wake me because she knew I was too tired. I replaced her so that she will doze off a bit. But every time my baby cried, she can't sleep and would come back and held him. She was only able to get a two-hour sleep at 6 in the morning. Later did I learn that my sister hadn't sat from the time she watched over my child because he kept crying. That's when I realize I was knocked down due to exhaustion and sleeplessness that I didn't hear the baby crying. From time to time I keep checking his IV line if it didn't get entangled, or if the flow is good, the location of his venous cannula didn't bulge, and whether his nasal cannula is still in place because every time he moves it would get out of place. His oxygen level was closely monitored by a midwife on duty. Thankfully, his dextrose was well and good not until the fourth night. I have noticed the tape holding the needle in place was wet. Therefore, the nurse had to remove it reinsert it once again on the other hand. It's heart-piercing hearing your baby in pain. The same day, his blood was taken at the heel of his foot for newborn screening. Before that, my baby was roomed into the mother and child room where I felt relieved. The pediatrician made a dawn round at around quarter to 5 in the morning. I and my husband took turns in watching the baby. However, I had to stay longer in the NICU because our baby was too fussy and kept crying. He was only able to rest at dawn that's why I just leaned beside the crib his in. The doctor found me in that state and gently shook my shoulder to wake me. That was when she told me that she already checked on my little one and he was doing better. His retraction is still there but already better that he can get out of the NICU. On the following day, the pediatrician made her rounds early as usual. She ordered for the oxygen to be put off but I have to observe my baby if ever he will turn blue. Because there were times during his oxygen therapy that when the nasal cannula slips off from his nose, he will turn blue. Thankfully, as the day passed that he's breathing fine. Later on the day, his IV fluid was also consumed that his IV line was taken off and replaced with a Hep-lock. I was more relieved because I can carry the baby freely. The medicines were given thru the hep-lock, however, I have observed that his heplock's tape was also wet. Thus, I have the nurse's attention. It was confirmed it was also pulled. Another torture for the baby and me because it was again transferred. This time on his right hand. Then on the 6th day, it was transferred to his left hand. It was really difficult taking care of a baby's IV line or hep-lock because you have to keep carrying him. Though you're very careful it still gets pulled out of place... During the duration of our stay in the hospital, it was gloomy and raining. The sun never peeped in. All three babies in the room including mine already have deep pallor. They were placed on phototherapy. The other baby who is 37 weeks on delivery weighed only 1.6 kilograms. He was born 3 days before mine. Thus, he was the first to have the therapy exclusively for 24 hours or more if needed. My son and the other baby who had a nuchal cord and was born via c-section used the phototherapy alternately. All three babies were discharged on the 26th of July after they completed their antibiotics. The first baby achieved his beautiful pinkish color while my baby and the other still had a tinge of jaundice. It was only these days that my baby was cleared off his yellow color. There's still a little pallor but I don't have anything to worry about. I am still letting him under the early morning sun which gets in through the window. ****Closing thoughts**** During our one-week stay at the hospital, I have noted 4 babies born at 8 months. There are varieties of reasons why a baby is delivered prematurely. My baby as one though born late preterm I am still very grateful because his birth weight and length were on the normal line. He need not be placed inside the incubator to achieve the ideal birth weight before he is to be discharged. I am only hoping and praying that my baby will grow normally like any child is. As of today, I can see his developments progressing. He's turning his head from side to side then stares at things. He reacts to sounds specifically noises that wake him up. He can turn on his side thru kicking and the most wonderful sight to behold is when he smiles when he's staring at things. As of this moment, I am awaiting the hospital's text message regarding the NBS result which should have come a month after. Sorry for the lengthy post. Do take note that most of my articles these days would be more on baby's milestones and development though I have written some in the past. And mommy's journey towards breastfeeding and other related articles... *This should have been posted on August 18 but I was not able to get it done on time. However, I finished writing it all up before September but then I was too preoccupied with posting it.* 9-3-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 17 August 2021

Kinder Surprise It was a dream come true to be able to go to a foreign land. We all know that job is the main problem with our country that in the later years of 2000 I was fortunate to go abroad, in Japan. The company I had applied to was offering jobs for farm assistance for livestock and vegetable farming. It was a two-year contract. I was lucky to be hired at the livestock section for poultry because we can work overtime and get compensated for it. For those who were at the vegetable gardening section, they're out when it's already dark. Though it was only a blue-collar job and not seen as decent work for others I was thankful that I was able to have it. In our country, we have lots of unemployed degree holders but they prefer to go abroad and work there though the job was very unrelated to their degree. Not to boast but I was earning six digits when converted to Philippine money. Two years after I came home. I was able to save enough from my salary in Japan for a start of a little business. I can tell we were living a good life together with our only child. Life is too hard and we planned to have only one kid so that we may be able to provide for all his needs and wants. We built and invested in a mini grocery store and a three-door apartment. We were contented with what we were earning to the point that we didn't think of me going abroad again. We can grow our grocery store and be with our son while he grows. One time, investments - Ponzi schemes had become prevalent. Easy money, sales talk of those who were inviting were persuasively good. It's convincing. So, we tried an amount of 5000 pesos to play safe. We invested in what we could afford to lose. And in 26 days, an amount of 4500 pesos was added to our dashboard, the remaining 500 pesos was for the processing fee (Kuno). Oww! Wow! Great. It's good we thought. It's easier than selling goods at the grocery. Therefore we raised our capital to 100,000php. And in another 26 days, the capital gained an interest of 90,000 pesos. However, I was able to get an initial payout of 50k. It was only 50,000 because they said that there were lots of us who paid out. The remaining 40,000 will be given on the next payment. We got excited and were very sure of ourselves that there is true money with the platform. After I and my husband talked about adding more, we took out everything from our bank account. We only left 1000pesos as a maintaining balance. All we were thinking that time was that we could get it back in less than a month. That was a short period to wait and in the next month will we be able to get it doubled. We have the grocery store where we could get our daily needs and the apartment's rental for backup. A tinkling 600,000 we did let go. No worries, all hopes. Three days after while we were watching the news on TV that we learned it was a Ponzi scheme. In short, the one we joined in was nothing but a mere SCAM. We were one of the victims who were not able to notice the red flag when they were not able to give the 90,000 interest fully. No matter how we tried to get back our money but it was gone down the drain. The once secured future we were dreaming and could attain was nowhere in sight. It was very heartbreaking. All your hard-earned money was just gone in one blow. Nonetheless, we have to accept it and start anew. It was hard for us to start again from scratch so that when we were able to accumulate enough sum, I flew overseas. For this time it was China as an English tutor. The rate was good but not as high as when I was in Japan. I was enjoying my job though there were bad hair days and that's already a given especially when you're in a foreign land. After six months of working when I became friends with another tutor, a Pinay from the Visayas region. Since she was good to me and seems like a good person that I moved to her place. We shared in paying the rent. However, I learned that she was fond of going out at night, nightlife that is. At one time she came home from one of her rompings, her boyfriend, a Sudanese was with her. This had been their routine every other Sunday. Well, I have nothing to say because they're nice. A year passed that we were still boarding together. But I have noticed they were living lavishly which was unusual because my friend's rate in teaching was just the same as mine whereas her boyfriend has no job. Out of curiosity, I asked my friend if she was sending anything to her family in the Philippines and she said she is sending her full salary, no more no less. Hmm, it left me wondering all the more. I've met a guy, a Sudanese also. Let's call him Marvin who became my boyfriend. He's a tour guide. Though I didn't want to because I have a husband but it seems I've forgotten about it. I was influenced by my friend. There were occasions like holidays when I tagged along with the guy to the place where he's tour guiding tourists. This led me to get to know the tourist spots. I got interested in it that I even researched the histories of the places. Therefore, I've had enough knowledge. I resigned from my job as an English tutor and applied as a tour guide as well. I got hired. I and my boyfriend looked for another apartment to live and we were able to find one. We barely see each other like twice a month only because our schedules were conflicting. When he got home, I was away on my job, it was the same way with me. One day, I got home to find Marvin with another woman in our apartment. I got jealous because who wouldn't. But Marvin said he brought her because she's her cousin and would like to introduce her to me. She's Mitch. All went well. I learned the woman was also a tour guide. She said her next destination would be Hongkong and she wanted me to go with her. I was having second thoughts but my boyfriend urged me to so that I will be able to relax a bit. I agreed because I also wanted to see Hongkong and expenses would be theirs. While I was packing some clothes to bring they told me that there's no need to. We will buy clothes in Hongkong because there were lots there. The only thing we will be bringing were the goods from China that their friends in Hongkong were asking to bring. Hmm, that's very good I said. On the day of our flight from Beijing to Hongkong, me and Marvin's cousin have our luggage to pull. They were big but it was light. At the airport, people put their items of luggage at the conveyor belt while they stood in line to be checked. The luggage also passes through a machine for a check-up while you wait for it at the other side. We put our luggage on the conveyor belt when we arrived at the airport where we stood in line. Mitch was first and I came after her. I laid down the luggage but Mitch made a sign to get it up so I did. I thought that maybe there's something inside that could be spilled when it was left lying. Then we boarded the plane. We went straight to a five-star hotel when we arrived in Hongkong. We were automatically booked in there as Mitch said. We left the luggages then we went out to catch the bus which Mitch is touring. The day passed as we tour around Hongkong that on the evening we checked in at a different hotel. I reminded Mitch about our luggages but she said not to worry about it as it will be picked by the owner. The following day, Mitch accompanied me to a mall to shop around. She said I could pick anything that I liked. We ate different delectable dishes at the restaurants. Everything was paid for by her, I never get my hands to my pocket. In the afternoon, by 3 pm Mitch told me we go to a bank to send money to my husband. "What?" I laughed. For what reason would she do it, I asked her. Then she told me it is my salary for keeping her company. So I agreed. Well, that's money and was given freely that who could decline. I only need to see how much is she sending. Mitch made the transaction but it never came even in my wildest dream that someone would just give an amount that huge. A staggering amount that when converted to pesos is a tintinnabulary 200,000 php. My jaw dropped with that kind of amount which was just sent, thus I asked her what's the reason behind it. My husband would surely be asked about it. She simply answered to tell my husband that I've got a new employer in Hongkong. What could've been the reason for that amount just to be given away... Abang... 08-18-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 10 August 2021

Burping a Baby Infants preferably newborns take most of their food in liquid form either breastfeeding or formula feeding. They took in the air as they feed thus, the need to burp them more often to release trapped gas. It is important to do so to prevent gassiness which makes them uncomfortable and fussy. Burping also helps the baby from spitting up. When I was a first-time mom, it was the first time for everything, and being inexperienced about babies that I have less knowledge on how to do things. It all came from motherly instincts, especially that I don't have my mother or sister nearby whom I can ask things I don't know of. And another thing was it was a bit pricey back then to afford internet access to consult uncle google. I struggled with how to burp my firstborn. I only knew about holding him still in an upright position after feeding and holding him on my shoulder or chest. However, he's just so hard to burp that most of the time he doesn't burp. Maybe it was what caused his discomfort that I don't sleep at night nursing, cradling, and rocking him because he was awake crying his lungs out. It will take him hours crying. Later did I learn about colic. And because he doesn't burp, he will vomit a lot. The first time he vomited that caused me to panic and had my husband run to our neighbor for help. He didn't stop vomiting until everything he ate came out, some even came out from his nose that terrified me. I was afraid he might choke. I don't know if he even has GERD. And because of that, my body and mind were very alert day and night even when I only doze off a little and my eyes can hardly be opened due to sleeplessness. A mother of four that I am today, I gradually learned either from my experiences or from other mothers' experiences and knowledge. Xzeon's my constant savior whenever I have issues regarding child care and many other things. Different techniques in burping a baby were some of the things I have learned. Moreover, one technique doesn't work with every baby so try them all out to see which better works for your baby and is comfortable with you and your little one. Each baby is different so that one needs to be burped during his feeding while others after. **Burping a sleeping baby**. 1. ****Hold baby over the shoulder****. Slowly hold the baby upright and rest his head on the shoulder. Gently pat his back until a burp comes out. Please note that while patting the back, a cupped hand is gentler than a flat palm. 2. ****Hold the baby on the chest****. I find this more comfortable than the others when a baby is still a newborn and can't support his head. Position yourself on a couch or a bed's headboard with the back supported with a pillow so that you may be slightly at an angle. Hold him over to the chest and support his head with your free hand. 3. ****Lay the baby on his belly in your lap****. I find this a li'l hard not until a baby is at least three months old. Just simply lay the baby on his tummy at your knees while supporting his head with one hand. Gently pat him at the back until he burps. 4. ****Rock baby on the arm****. Slowly turn baby away from you and on his belly on your arm with his head being supported at the crook of the elbow. Then gently pat his back until a burp comes. These can be applied even when a baby sleeps while feeding. A baby usually sleeps while eating because of the soothing effect he gets while sucking and he feels happy when fed that is why he tends to sleep. But even when he falls asleep burping him with the above techniques will help him have a good sleep. So basically we burp them when they're awake using the same techniques. Now, when he's awake you can also do the additional techniques: 1. ****Holding baby in a sitting position****. Hold baby in your lap while supporting his head by holding his chin. Then give him a gentle pat at the back. 2. ****Clockwise massage baby's belly.**** If the baby still shows signs of gassiness and the aforementioned techniques don't help, lie him on his back and give him a gentle clockwise massage on his belly and try to move the baby's legs to his belly or in a way such that he is like riding a bike. Do it until the gas comes out. ____ Is there a specific time to burp the baby? None. Burp him every after feeding or whenever you change breast in breastfeeding while doing it 2-3 ounces consumed in bottle feeding. For an additional tip, put a cloth under the baby's chin or on the shoulder to catch any wet burps. It is very important to do so to help the baby feel comfortable and reduce irritability. Besides, babies have little control of how their bodies are positioned hence we are responsible for having to burp them until they grow bigger. **Final thoughts** Burping is one of the basic methods in having a comfortable day with your little one. It is a task that needs to be done to avoid vomiting. Because they gulp in the air while feeding that it makes them feel full. Getting that gas out will probably help them make more room for food. Checking this on Grammarly, I can only get this result. Do I need to upgrade into premium so that I may be able to see which errors need to be corrected? Meanwhile, I am grateful to see the "no plagiarism found" result after. 08-10-21 *****z_graeden*****

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@z_graeden 6 August 2021

Making Adjustments Adjustment(n): the process of adjusting. From the rootword adjust(v): to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation. 19 days since I gave birth to our fourth, little bundle of joy. Though it came too early than the expected date of delivery, I was prepared with my baby bags. However, my mind was not yet ready and was just beginning to set it into giving birth. And because that was the case, I feared the worse that could possibly be done to save both of us- c-section. Was just lucky, I didn't have to undergo operation. After giving birth, as much as I wanted to make an article I just can't. I am only starting to make adjustments so that I may be able to publish and get in touch with you. I found it hard to get things the way I used to in here. I used to make an or two article if I can at night before going to sleep and publish it first thing in the morning. Read others article and make interactions after publishing before I get out of bed. I do my chores during the day and get back to the platform late in the afternoon. This had been my routine for the past months. Now, I have my hands full with my little one who is solely dependent of me. I am adjusting myself to the sleepless nights. Breastfeeding a newborn baby is no joke at all as I have to feed him whenever he demands to be fed. Changing wet nappies all through the night because I prefer cloth diapers over disposable ones. I am using cloth diapers and disposables interchangeably especially that it had been raining the past couple of weeks. And cloth diapers are far more convenient and saves a lot of money from buying disposables. During the day, I doze off when baby sleeps. There were moments when I tried to write articles but the moment I am typing, my eyes hurt and my head would pound. I think it was due to the light emitted by the cellphone. So what I do is to put ideas that come to my mind in my samsung notes and try to write one paragraph at a time so as not to strain my eyes. And I feel lethargic most of the time that making a full article in a day is just impossible. You might think why I am making it a big deal the need to write an article. That I sound too desperate. First off, writing an article or just writing about my day had been in my system for the past year that I am here. It seemed like something is missing when I didn't get to write, publish and interact. It seems like my day won't be completed without reading and leaving a thumbs up, comment or an upvote maybe. Plus, I got to earn while doing so. And the fact that my earnings here was a big help during our hospitalization was just overwhelming. I find it a convenient way to earn while at the comfort of our home and taking care of my kids. Though I am struggling to adjust to my new routine yet I am not pressuring myself because I don't want to stressed out. Now, I will be only here from time to time and hopefully the bot won't forget me. The amount I am earning is what I use with my kids needs especially with my toddler's formula milk and diapers. Because we are here at my parents house since the day we were discharged from the hospital and am not expecting from my husband to provide. Please bare with this nonsensical article as it is not what I am supposed to publish but it is what I came to get done in my drafts. I may like to interact with you just like I used to but I hope you would understand why I will only be visiting you when I have the time.. Thank you for reading.. 08-07-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 5 August 2021

In Search of Agent Fesway It has been 42 days, as of this writing since he had been missing. Where could he be? What could've possibly befallen his path? Is there a possiblity you could've come across him or bump into him, or run unto him? One day, I don't know what particular day it was when I saw a post about a missing person. He was a PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) agent assigned in Pampanga. With his last name alone, I know that he was from our very own Bontoc. And, indeed, he really was. His disappearance had made a front page on the local newspaper and was also published on Baguio Midland Courier. Another day I have learned that he was a second cousin of ours. Because we grew up in another village and them residing in another village in central town that I am not familiar with their family name. And that I became curious of the mystery behind his disappearance. (My parents had constantly been going to his parents house to show and give support to them). Agent Fesway was reported missing after his asset had informed his common wife that there's something bad that happened to her husband. The agent's wife, meanwhile lost contact of her husband on June 25. That remained until present. **What happened that day?** Merton Fesway, a 38-year-old male and a native of Bontoc, Mountain Province is working in Angeles, Pampanga as one of PDEA's antinarcotics agents. He went missing on the evening of 25 June. According to Baguio Midland Courier, he was reportedly abducted by suspected state forces in Angeles City in front of their office. The family of said abductee had been doing all possible ways to make Merton appear whether he may dead or alive. It is very hard looking for someone who is missing because nobody knows what really had become of him. It is even better if his body be found so as to give him a proper burial if he was dead. At least it will make things easier even if it's very hard to accept the fate. It leaves feeling of anxiety, stress, sleeplessness to the family who is awaiting for results of ongoing investigations. The case was even aired on Raffy Tulfo in action once wherein the family, relatives and the Bontok tribe are hoping for a part two to help hasten in bringing out results. Prior to this, a massive search was conducted on his possible whereabouts on July 5. Because of the Bontok tribe's og-ogfo or in tagalog called bayanihan that it was not only the burdened family who is doing the search. The whole community will come together hand-in-hand to help with whatever they can. That's why the massive search composed of the agent's wife and his mother, relatives, local officials of said municipality, representatives from the Congressional office and volunteers. Not only a massive search but they sought audience with the mayor of Angeles City. They also went to provincial and regional office of PDEA Region 3 to coordinate with them. The Saguniang Bayan of Bontoc additionally passed a resolution to the NBI, PNP, PDEA, and CHR to act on his disappearance. Traditionally, the family had asked help from people who have special abilities that can foresee things. Some said that he was already dead while others say that he is alive and being tortured. In one occasion, a relative of the abductee was "nasaniban" or what they call the act in which a spirit of the dead gets into the body of someone else and speak to the living. It said that they should stop the search for him because he was no longer alive. He was buried from an unknown location at the heart of Pangasinan wherein it was heavily guarded and to enter it is impossible. Because of this that it was being told that they must go and have some soil on the land at the centre of Pangasinan as what it is done traditionally for people who were considered dead. They will bring home the soil and bury it. But due to the bad weather this couple of weeks that they were not able to travel. They are awaiting for a good sky. Moreover, three other people who are believed to be Fesway's assets were gone missing on June 24. They are from Baguio and were supposed to meet him on the 25. The white GL van that they hired to go to Pampanga or Manila was also nowhere to be located especially that it doesn't have a GPS. As for the family of the agent, he was a brave agent and was not fearing anyone though it was someone influential who's involved with drugs he is dealing with. He was planning to resign from his job but then the twist of fate happened.. The asset, who was not named and informed the wife about Fesway's misfortune cannot be contacted anymore. Now the family is appealing to him to surface rest assured he will be given full protection from authorities. While writing this, I was reminded about my article "A Story of Salvage." We are praying for results of investigation to come out the soonest possible time, that he will be found fit and in a sound mind or worst, dead but at least found. To those of you who are in Pampanga and Pangasinan, if ever you have heard about the 4 missing people, have seen any of them within the last 42 days please report to the authorities. Let's help the families of these people find them. Help them seek justice. The war on drugs had lessened the country's drug-related cases. Now, honest men who are honestly working doing their job are also suffering. They are people who were able to put influential people behind bars due to their greediness of power by using illegal drugs. The disappearance of said individual and his assets should not be tolerated and immediately act upon. 42 days had already gone with no trace of Fesway. It may be hard to stay positive but the family is still being optimistic with the support of all kinds pouring. It is very hard for parents staying strong with their child suffering the unknown but still they are fighting. All images used are from facebook page "Let us Help Find Merton T. Fesway" 08-05-21 *****z_graeden*****

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@z_graeden 31 July 2021

The Mountains Exotic Foods I was born and raised on the highlands of the north. Where the evergreens grow, the clear potable rushing rivers tumble, pinewoods scent masks the air, and green and golds of the fields nourished my young mind, body and soul. I was one among those so-called batang 90's or kids of the 90's who in one way or another enjoyed those limb-wringing and bone- twisting games, and grew with the graces my village offers. These graces include those wild fruits and berries of the mountains, creepy crawlies that coat and cling to river stones. There's lot to mention but my vocabulary is limited and can't put them all into creative writing. However, let me try and carry you through as we traverse the road to my native land. Highlands of the north, you probably can tell I belong to those indigenous groups of Igorots who is proud of his roots. An ethnic group, like others has a colorful cultures and traditions. But when it comes to foodies, though it is limited only to what is only available in our vicinity. Our ancestors only depend on what they hunt on the mountains, catch on the rivers and their crops. But, it is not the same today when peoples interests expanded as his brothers down the lowlands. In this article, we'll talk of exotic foods our ancestors lived with. You will find some of these aren't found elsewhere and these are still adapted today as it is already part of us. Some of it are also being served on Igorot cuisines. So let's dig in. Our native delicacies, Igorot delicacies, I should rather say have simple ingredients with minimal preparation. Most are prepared plain but definitely deliciouso that you can taste the very taste of it. 1. **Pinikpikan**- Today, it is what Igorot cuisine is known for. Main ingredients are etag/kiniing or inasinan and a native chicken. This chicken is butchered by beating the wings and head with a stick. This is basically to allow the blood coagulate at the wings before giving the head a final blow. The beating is vernacularly called "pikpik", thus the word pinikpikan. But, today some prefer to just slit the neck. Then torched, it gives its distinct taste and aroma than dressing it. It actually was an offering ritual in the olden days. Together with etag, the prepared chicken is boiled to tenderness and chayote is added. Leafy vegetables are also added if available. As you can see, it's plain as it is but today we flavor it with ginger and garlic. This delicacy is often served during occasions and rituals. It is also serve when a relative is visiting from the city to his hometown. 2. **Etag/ Kiniing/ Inasinan**. This is a pork meat preserved, salted and either dried under the sun or smoked on dirty kitchen. I can still remember my late paternal grandfather's etag. It was not infested with worms. After months of hanging above the fire place to be cured, he wrapped it in a newspaper and keep in a cardboard box above the fireplace. It is literally an Igorot version of ham. In our village, we call it inasinan. Salted and put inside a jar *guvey* to preserved. Sometimes it gets infested with worms. It is not cooked solely but added to pinikpikan, dried white or black beans and other legumes. It can be added to any stir fried veggies or other ways of cooking viand. 3.**Saferng/sabeng**-It is made of peeled, cooked sweet potatoes or cassava then placed in an earthen jar and covered. Water used to boil these rootcrops are also placed in it. It is allowed to ferment as it is. If used after a week, the taste is not that too sour but the longer it is in the jar the more it gets sour. It is used to cook fish catched from the river or to cook other vegetables. It can also be drank as it is. Because it is a fermented beverage, it has live microorganisms that helps strengthen the immune system. However,it has a distinctive smell when boiling it to cook the gadiw or vegetables I have seen my late maternal grandparents put boiled water into the big jar whenever we get some to use in our cooking or whenever someone comes to ask with their container. She also add camote or cassava whenever she see it is necessary especially when they have gathered some in their kaingin. 4. **Tapey**. It is a rice wine that gets fermented after three short days when the weather is hot and take 5 days when it's cold. It is often prepared during the rice-harvesting season. A perfect beverage to drink for the harvesters because it suits the very hot weather. It can even quenches the thirst of a thirsty god. Again, I will talk about how my grandparents make perfect ricewine. My late maternal grandmother, used to make the bubud which is used make the glutinous rice ferments. This bubud is what we call yeast which was made from a certain weed roots and pounded with some glutinous rice until it is pulverized. She then adds water to make it sticky and shape into the size of 2" small rice cakes. It will also be fermented before finally drying it under the sun to be preserved. So when my grandma makes ricewine she put it into two different containers. one is for consumption after fermenting and the other is for keeps. For the wine, she will take out the fermented rice and put it in another tight container. It is left that way for months then it will be used for sigtim( which I will discuss later). The liquid left in the fermentation jar is placed in a bottle (those imported large liqour bottles my grandpa collects). It is kept for a year before it turns to a wine. Some were older, and the older it is the more its taste will be like that of a whiskey. It is what my grandpa served when his sons-in-law visit or his adult grandsons who were working at the city. 5. **Sigtim**. It is the fermented glutinous rice from number4. It is added to meat or freshwater fish or crab in cooking. Some also add it when making inasinan from number 2. 6. **Wildlife delicacies.** Yes mountain animal hunting includes wild boars, deers, monitor lizards, wild cats and others which I don't know the names. It is often called herbal or organic. 7.**Vato**. These were taken from dead rotting woods. They can be either roasted or fried. And gives a distinct aromatic flavor. Well, I did not get to taste it but my grands said it is also has it's own taste. Yummm😋 8.**Freshwater fish, crabs, frogs and crawlies**. The rivers are aplenty of goby fish (gadiw). It is often cooked with sabeng or sigtim. Sometimes fried. crabs and those crawlies (jayap) are often added on the net used to catched gadiw. It is fried separately or added to the gadiw in sabeng or sigtim. Those worm like are appun. Extracted from stones on the river. It has coats to protect it from river waters that won't make them carried away. The leaves were also gathered along river banks, it is called paku. After the planting season, frogs are also aplenty on the rice paddies, thus catched at night. It is often cooked fried or adobo. 9. **Hagey/ duom**.. When we were kids, this is what we usually longed for during the harvest season. Young, unripe rice grains are left by the older harvesters and the kids gather them. The young grains are then taken from its branch by using using a thin piece of wood then roasted in a big aluminum basin. It is taken out of the fire when it pops then cooled. It is then pounded with a mortar and pestle until the husks were all remove from the grain and cleaned by using a bigao. . 10.**Bongsos**. Thoroughly washed and salted pork intestines. It is kept for 3-5 days, sigtim can also be added to it when stored..When it is cooked by boiling, it gives off a smell but don't worry it's all part of it because the taste is savory. 11. **Avud or dinuguang kanin**. It is prepared just like dinuguan but rice is only added to it. 11. **Root crops**. The Igorots staple food back then when rice was not yet introduced. Number one was the sweet potato. Varieties a long time were really very sweet. Those month old sweet potatoes that are brought home from the fields gets slurry when cooked. It's juice drips from your hands while eating.. Missed those days when they were still plenty.. Due to introduction of different inorganic fertilizers and pesticides that those varieties of sweet potato no longer thrived. Our forefathers, though with limited knowledge on preparing foods lived with no major health issues. They die of old age.. Wanna dare try any of them? *Reposted from my article 4months ago. All photos used were borrowed from facebook users*. 08-01-21 *****z_graeden*****

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@z_graeden 30 July 2021

BCH To the Rescue this July Despite the red market, BCH is still BCH and helping those in need who hodl. It's been some time and I feel like it's already been a year😅.. How're you guys? Two straight months when my husband has not gone to work. He had to build the rice granary/ storeroom himself and due to the harvest season. During these times our savings had all been used up. As in all gone. For the month of July I previously planned to add a wallet for my baby needs and another wallet which I am supposed to pay my younger brother whom I loaned $80. Luckily, I was able to fill up my wallet for baby essentials which I estimated to be $65 but then I was able to put a total of $102, instead. So on 16th of July (like what I have mentioned in my previous article), me and my daughter went to shop for the things which are still needed when I am to give birth. But before that, I had to cash out a total of 3000 Php at a shop which is offering cashing in and out money from coins.ph and gcash. Gcash and coins.ph, anyway (for non-Filipino), are the e-wallets availablein the country. And for every thousand pesos there's a 10peso fee. The transaction fee is reasonable I thought. Why I don't use available remittances in cashing out? It was because my account was not ID verified. I was thinking of trying to cash out at least 100 pesos to see if it was possible but then I am feeling sorry to lose even that small amount if in case it can't be. So what I did is to post a "looking for" ad in our local business page for a cash out center and there I was recommended to a shop where I could cash out. It was less of a hassle because I won't be needing any ID but just the transaction details. All of what I have cashed out was used up just by shopping the baby needs plus some other essentials for our kitchen and my toddler's formula milk. Unexpected as it could be, I gave birth on 18th of July. It was 4 weeks prior to the expected date of delivery. Thankfully, my baby came out just fine like any normal baby who reached their full term. However, he needed to stay some days at the hospital because he had a temperature of 38 after 12 hours from delivery. He was diagnosed with neonatal pneumonia. I was immediately discharged on July 19 and my hospital bill was covered by Philhealth. There was an excess of 3000 pesos which we must pay but to make it zero I need to have a certificate of indigency which is the category I am in. So my husband had to go home and avail it at the barangay hall. Additionally, my son's bill was also covered by philhealth so we didn't pay any single penny. But the week's confinement at the hospital needed money so again I have to cash out what was available on my wallets. My read.cash earning that moment was a total of $30+ so I cleaned up my other wallets, those were from my son's bicycle and the remaining amount from my baby essentials. And made a sum of $62 which I sent to my coins.ph and converted it into fiat currency. I have my husband cash it out but I don't know how their conversation went then I received a confirmation text that I received 3k on my gcash account. I directly messaged the shop owner that it was not a cash in but a cash out and that my gcash account was not in used for 2 years already, it was not even verified. She was just so kind to give the 3000 pesos to my husband though she was at the risk of lossing a huge amount. Because I don't want to be called a scammer and I had a good conversation with the shop owner that she was ready to wait for any update. I had to download gcash app but unfortunately, I wasn't able to log in because I forgot my MPIN. I tried to click the forget mpin but it needs an ID for verification. So I just let it be. I resorted on my bitcoin wallet and again transferred a total of $60 to my coins.ph from my main wallet which is holding my 1bch savings. I feel sad about having to touch it but I can't do otherwise. I told myself, money can be earned but a reputation once broke is like a broken glass. After hours waiting for it to be on my coins wallet, I immediately converted to peso and paid back the shop owner. After my baby was discharged I learned that my younger brother whom I haved loaned $80 will travel to the city to fix some needed documents for the job he is applying to. He said he had enough money but I told him am gonna pay him half so that he won't fall short of cash. Thankfully, I was able to accumulate $42 on read within the week we have stayed at the hospital. That was what I cashed out which he just picked up at the same shop I cashed out before. Checking on my transaction history on my coins.ph wallet for the month of July, I was able to transfer a total of 0.587 BCH. A total of more than 700 pesos was still remaining in it. And for an update about my earnings this July, grateful as always, I was able to accumulate a total of 0.387BCH in this amazing platform with 16 articles published plus this one. **Closing thoughts** I don't know if I can find any other platform as amazing as read is. Well, I doubt there is anything more beautiful than it is. I am blessed to have found it though I wasn't as good as other authors and writers out there who could really bring out the world through their contents but still our little darling was able to notice me. I am very thankful I was able to hodl and make other wallets for some goals so that in times like this there is something I can get my hands in to. Our hodles here is like the Filipino sayings, "pag my isinuksok, may madudukot." This is really a great help for a stay at home mom like me to have a source of income just by writing and spreading awareness about bch. Again and again, extending my gratitude to sir Simon, the head of this platform for coming up into an outstanding platform which allows anyone to earn bch through writing. Sir Marc, for the generosity of solely funding the platform because of his strong belief in the potential of bch to reach the pinnacle of success by becoming the top crypto and fully accepted as the true crypto for the mass people. And for everyone for their generosity in supporting my not-so important articles. Hoping that the market stay green and bch to pump again.. 07-31-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 24 July 2021

Sorry, I cheated When was that? Yeah. The time when Miss Jonica made the prompt about this sensitive topic. Was it really sensitive, hmmm? Well it depends upon the category which one had talked about. I have read entries and it also depends on the writer's perspective. A student would talk about that of cheating in and outside of school while those who have been or in a relationship of any sort talked about cheating within the relationship. According to Merriam-webster dictionary cheating was defined as: Cheat: (v)1.to use dishonest methods to achieve a goal. 2. to be sexually unfaithful 3. to rob by the use of trickery or threats 4.to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of See, it covers a vast area of the jungle especially number one. It may be in politics, school, and/or other things that involve achieving a goal dishonestly. Lately, I have to use my BCH earnings for an emergency. I have cleared all my wallet except for my main wallet. However, I still withrawn some from it. So, my 1bch earnings was no longer full. I felt sad about it but the need to is very crucial. If you can remember, I have set a wallet for my baby essentials which is for my baby needs when I will be bringing him out into this world. A total of $85 in BCH was put in it though I have only set $65 for it. Another wallet is for my loaned amount from my brother which is $80. That should be the next wallet I have to cover. And another wallet which is supposed to be for my son's bicycle that has a total of $22 in bch. All of that was withdrawn. My main wallet needed to be touched and reduced. On 16th of this month, me and my daughter went to town to purchase the baby needs which were still lacking. Because, I was considering the weather during this month up to November- a wet season, that I have to buy extras. These includes bonnets, socks, mittens, cloth diapercs, baby clothes, blankets, baby carriers, baby soaps and detergents, oil, alcohol and others.. 17th the following day, I washed them in preparation because it's what I usually do on my previous pregnancies. Prior to this, I already have prepared the baby bag some couple of weeks ago. Later in the morning, my sister texted me to prepare the kids clothes for a swim at our uncle's swimming pool. So I hurriedly packed couple of clothes for each so that when my sister and mother came to pick us up we were all ready. The swimming plan was rescheduled the next day due to the strong rain that poured by the time we came to town. At night, maybe some minutes pass 10 as I was trying to get to sleep I have felt a warm thing gushed out from down below. I was alarmed when it was not only little but it just came out copiously, and can't be held. I ran to the bathroom and pull down my trousers together with my underwear. It was clear, when I thought it was blood. If you think I felt relieved by it, no. I was even shaking because the water was still coming out. I peeped out the door and called my sister who was talking with my parents at the living room. I told her to bring my underwear and some sanitary napkin and she did, told her I was leaking and I think it was the bag of water that ruptured. It did not took 5 minutes when the napkin was full and I had to change with another one. During that duration of time, I didn't came out from the bathroom because the leaking was really unstoppable. My sister informed my parents who told me to prepare things and go immediately to the hospital. My sister prepared my clothes while my father and little brother went ahead to the parking area to start the car's engine and waited for us. We headed straight to the hospital where I was immediately accommodated by a nurse at the emergency and the Ob-gyne was coincidentally coming. She had me changed into a hospital gown and examined me straightaway. (The continuation of this will make another article so I will not make this very long). So for that moment in time, I was not able to make an article or was able to peeked in here. I feel a li'l bit of regret when I can't even make an article to post when I have lots in mind to pay. So the only thing that came to my mind is to cheat. Yeah. I cheated. I went through my articles and checked on those real old ones which will make a repost worthwhile. I copied and deleted them. Those were the articles that were entitled "Attracting Positivity." The network connection inside the hospital was very poor and I can't seem to connect. So I tried to check on the draft and edited it before publishing it at a certain time. It was like a post-and-leave method. And it came to my mind that I was cheating. Not to myself only but to the whole community. I tried to check on others articles and left some comments but it was only for sometime, it was not what I used to do. Checking on the platform whenever I can is useless up to this time because of the net connection. Thus, I feel like I am not only a cheater but a greedy, desperate monkey trying to have more of the banana for herself. Sorry for cheating and being greedy just for me to gain or earn some. I won't deny that the reposted articles were tipped generously and I feel really grateful for it. Thank you to this platform which was created by sir Simon and is now solely and generously funded by sir Marc. Because of it that a housewife like me is able to earn and save. This savings saves us from having debts and is also a good source of long term investment. Ending this article by saying thank you everyone who had always been supporting me all through out. In due time, I will be right back in track. May we all stay safe amidst this time of the pandemic. 07-25-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 23 July 2021

Attracting Positivity (2) The last article I have written was the first part of this. It talks about attracting positive energy with our psychological assets. It is more on what is on our thoughts that influenced our actions which radiates from our body to our environment. Our outlook in life and the people we surround ourself with affect the way we see things. So it was like more on intangible things. This time, was on the tangible things. There are things we can do and have to attract positive vibes most especially in our home. Why our home? Because it is mostly where we start our daily life and where we ends our daily endeavor, thus, surrounding it with positivity affect our thoughts. Starting a new day in a good ambiance makes us more productive.. So here are some that we can do to attract the good and neutralise the bad vibes. 1. **The Use of natural sunlight** Aside from D vitamin that we can get from sunlight, letting it into our house for natural lighting accelerates happy mood that is associated with positive energy. Everyday, pull the blinds and throw open the curtains. 2. **De-clutter** What is more welcoming and relaxing than coming home to a clutter-free house? I can remember my mother who always told me/us to keep clutters away or just simply fix the things into their right place after we played or used them. She said that it is more tiring and stressing to come home with clutters all around. When you have kids growing up, expect that mess is everywhere. However, de-cluttering things from their drawers and cabinets of things they no longer need adds space to the room. And when you have more space, the easier you can breath that positive energy naturally comes in. Do the same in the living room and in the kitchen. Then place a pot or vase of flower at the table. 3. **Bring and blend in house plants and flower**s Having plants in the house adds life to it. It purifies the air and absorbs radiation emitted from our gadgets. It adds vibrance and raises happy mood. Placing and arranging them in the right places helps boost up energy level and relieves mental stress. It also alleviates discomfort to the ill and elderly in the house. Some flowers you can have are succulents, ferns, lucky bamboo, aloe vera, lavender, money tree, rosemary, basil, peace lily and orchids. 4. **Have pets in the house** Pets are excellent companion as they provide us with love. By simply stroking them relieves stress from our arduous everyday life. They are natural absorbers of negative energy and turning it to a positive one. You can also try putting up a bird feeder stand on one of those wide windows. It will soon be frequented by birds and listening to their chirping is a melody. 5. **Rearrange furniture** This should come after de-cluttering. Rearrange movable furnitures to make more space in the room and a fresh new look also gives off good vibrance. 6. **Retouch** You can apply a touch of paint to a room with these colors which is known to make a room more vibrant: these are green, yellow, blue, red pink. In addition to it, having these colors for throw pillows, curtains and quilts enhance the mood. After retouching, hang some artworks but make sure not to make it overcrowded. 7. **Include scents and candles** So while on shopping for your interior designs, do not forget scents and candles on your list. A fresh smelling room makes one feel happier according to aromatherapy. Add a drop of essential oil into a diffuser to make the room smell fresh. Scents like lavender, rosemary or tangerine can be. What about the candles? Yes, it attracts positive energy too. So choose a white-colored one which is said to be the best for inviting positive energies. No wonder they were what are usually used on candle-lit dinners. 8. **Make the house clean at all times if possible** As this may not be possible with small kids around but making the house clean and neat as possible not only makes them avoid accidents but doing so restores balance and good energy. ****Ending thoughts**** After a tiresome day from our day to day living, the inviting calmness inside our house is priceless. You can achieve it by making it feel happier, brighter and more expansive with the help of the above mentioned. Bringing in positive energy into our home should be one of our goals to be achieved one of these days. It hugely contributes to our state of wellbeing. Thanks for reading 07-23-21 *****z_graeden*****

@z_graeden 20 July 2021

Thanks to my new sponsor,sir articlee.. really appreciate the support..

@z_graeden 20 July 2021

Attracting Positivity Can we really attract positivity within ourselves and into our surroundings? Or does our environment affect the vibrations within us? As we go on with our daily life, we expel energy around us as we take in energy from our environment also. We feel happier and livelier with someone or on a place while we feel gloomy with another or somewhere else. Chances are either you are the one emitting the positive energy with someone or vice versa. Here's the truth, positive attracts positive and negative does with its kind also. How do we call that, law of attraction? A very unlike manner on magnetism wherein when you put two positive poles together they repel each other, so does with both negative poles. However, two contrasting poles attract each other. What am I hinting at? Positive mindset coupled with good action attracts positive result in the long run. Whilst negative one doesn't. For example, you are being pessimistic on a certain matter but you are trying to work it out for compliance sake, chances would be the result will remain negative. We can channel positive energy by changing our mindset from negative to positive but remain realistic. There were instances we think negatively and that is normal but we have to refrain from doing so. Look for the brighter side. Being a positive person is a skill worth practicing. When people feel the positive energy radiating from you, they tend to be more closer to you. Why so? It is contagious. How does positive energy affect oneself? It brings or opens up amazing opportunities and an individual feels a whole lot lighter as well. ***Here are some things that may channel up the positive energy***. 1. The energy that radiates within you matters. Pay close to it. Naturally, people are drawn to you it means you are emitting good energy. The attitude you approach others reflects you. So be kind to yourself. Pamper yourself sometimes into self-care. That when you feel good, it is easier to give off the positive energy too. 2. Your thoughts are great influences Challenges are part of our life. It's either we take it and get to a higher ground no matter how difficult it is or leave it be and remain stagnant in that pool. Our thoughts play a vital role in advancing a challenge. A positive mindset would result to a positive result while the negative will result otherwise. So change negative thoughts into a realistic positive one. Additionally, negative energy also comes from people, places or things which steals you off from the positive vibes you wanted to have. There are toxic people around you who in one way or another affects your productivity by their negative criticisms or you are unknowingly picking up their bad habits. Eliminate these kinds of negative energy producers and be who you are. 3. Surround yourself with good people When we say good people, they were the ones who have positive outlook of things. So while trying to rid off yourself from the negative ones, look for those who bring positive vibes with them. They are the ones who are supportive and caring. Do what they do to you, like being supportive and beneficial to the group. Once you found these right kinds of people you needed, keep their company and bring your own positive vibes that will benefit the relationship. 4. Be kind and compassionate The more you are kind to others the more you feel happy within. Even the smallest act of being kind and compassionate like holding the door open for the older person next to you will bring joy to yourself and the other person. The more you give, the more good feelings you receive in return. These fuels up positive energy within yourself that radiates to your environment and back to you. 5. Be thankful Every morning of everyday think of the simplest and smallest things you possess. Small they may seem but when put together it is what had brought you where you are right now. And when you feel grateful of those things, you will feel happiness and contentment. Think also of a person/s you have that you feel grateful having. 6. Empower yourself We are only humans. Sometimes we feel demotivated, insecure and out of confidence that we seem not to cope with a certain situation. However, you have to remind yourself the strong person you are who is capable of bouncing back from adversity. 7. Set and achieve a goal Let's take for example of our co-users here. I have seen young students who set their goals on achieving an amount of bitcoin cash in a month. While some have worked their way to their goals which resulted a positive one, others did not. Achieved goal is a great energy booster which not only makes the achiever inspire others. An achiever won't stop there but will be more challenge to set another goal for the following month especially when he sees that his co-user wasn't able to achieve his. It is not a competition but a matter of inpiration. The one who didn't achieved his goal will be more inspired and pick up the energy by the one who did. And because the one who did sees the enthusiasm of his co-user who didn't will he be inspired by him also. 8. Practice good faith Like being kind and compassionate, act also in good faith. Be respectful and civil with everyone but when others treated you harshly, just think that maybe he is having a bad day. So don't let that negative energy affect you and lash back. Remain cool and it will bring you back good energy. Ending thoughts Positive energy starts within yourself. No one else is able to bring you but your outlook in life. The people and things that surround you are only medium which will test your ability and skill of optimism. Thanks for reading. 07- 21-21 *****z_graeden*****