Parents behave!

We may not be aware of it but what we do, be it trivial or significant, has an influence on people around us. Isn’t it that we sometimes unknowingly influence our friends, or people close to us, with our preferences in music, food, and fashion among other things? It also happens within the family. A parent’s principles, habits and lifestyle are the best ways that can influence the children. What they do and say leave an imprint on their children’s minds as they’re growing up. Parenthood is a big responsibility and it isn’t easy being a parent when your kids whine for things you know they don’t need, when they become bratty just to get attention or start some petty quarrels.

I remember when my Mom used to discipline me and my siblings before, how it took her so much time and effort to explain things to us, and teach us life lessons after we had some fights or misunderstandings. She never stopped until everything’s resolved and we were obliged to kiss and make up. My Dad on the other hand was an example of what every father should be, working hard for his family without resorting to drinks and other vices to unwind. Whenever I learn of families with irresponsible parents, I am thankful that I grew up in an atmosphere of love and discipline.

I browsed over some stories of drug abuse and alcoholism from a drug rehab mobile weblog. It’s a collection of personal experiences and memories shared — being addicted and getting treated — on different types of drugs being abused, as well as alcoholism. I was interested on this particular entry about a son who claims to ‘inherit’ his alcoholism from his father. When he was still a kid, he would always see his dad with a drink or more after coming home from work, or after mowing the loan, or waking up in the morning. In this way, his dad influenced him to drink. He was just thankful he got into an alcoholism treatment program where he finally learned the important lesson of taking responsibility for his alcoholism even if his dad passed on this ‘inheritance’ to him. It’s true, he is responsible for it, though it is likely to happen when he was exposed to an atmosphere of alcohol abuse like that while still young and innocent. His dad just didn’t realize how his lifestyle influenced his son in a negative way.

A day with the kids: sleepy heads at the airport

Continued from A day with the kids: Japanese crepes and fruit shakes, anyone? 

What a busy day it was! After lunch, we dropped the kids home, though Anzel decided to tag along with us to IT City. It was a long drive going there, she managed to play with her doggie toy at the back seat and even fell asleep until we arrived at our destination.

IT City is a big place for everything about computers and electronic gadgets. After securing my papers, we bought a bag for my laptop. My techie bro also scouted around for a CPU unit, while Anzel and I just toured around, until she got bored and restless. Uh oh. We later had some light snacks at KFC before finally going home, after which, I started packing up hurriedly for my trip later that evening.

My flight departure was 1:35 AM the next day, and we had to be there at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport by 11:30 PM for check-in. R-vin told me he wanted to go with us since he hasn’t been to the new airport yet. While I was still busy preparing, my big sis called up to inform me that the three kids were already waiting for us to be picked up. They were anxious that we already went ahead to the airport. And since it was their bedtime already, they fell asleep along the way. R-vin tried to stay awake while we approached the airport since I told him to have a good view of the building lights.

After the baggage check-in, R-vin went along with me to the VAT Refund for Tourists section which was on the opposite side of the building. Huh. It was such a long walk and thanks to R-vin for helping Auntie with her things.

We returned to our place to find the two kids still sleeping at their Uncle’s and Auntie’s shoulders. Anzel woke up though but still drowsy while R-jed can’t even open his eyes. Poor sleepy heads. After some photo sessions, and exchanging hugs and kisses, it was time to say bye.

It was a memorable day with the kids — building sandcastles at the playground, having lunch at the cafeteria, shopping at IT City, the long drive going to the airport. Looking back, it was like a ‘farewell day’ for me with the kids since they will be moving on to Finland next month and I don’t know when we will be seeing each other again. It’s an ordinary yet unforgettable day I will always treasure in my heart.

Related posts:
A day with the kids: Japanese crepes and fruit shakes, anyone?
A day with the kids: Sandcastles at the playground
Kiddie drawings
Little scientist
Kids’ logic

Relocation blues

My big sis has been shopping for houses lately since they will be moving to another country next month. She has been showing me some photos of houses and asking my opinion which is which. I know moving to another place can be tough — sorting out things, selling stuff, but it's even more difficult finding the next place to live in, taking a lot of factors into consideration like neighborhood facilities, amenities, vicinity to church, school, shopping and recreation areas.

It’s good to browse on a site that specializes on the place you’re moving to, just like Bardell Real Estate’s free relocation guides which focuses on the Four Corners in Florida — the Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport and Clermont areas. You can browse through their site for Florida vacation homes for sale or read up more information on available residential and retirement properties. The company concentrates their services within the Disney Orlando area and guarantees a hassle free buying or selling of your real estate properties within the vicinity.

Bawal magkasakit!

“Health is wealth.” This is an age old wisdom we’ve heard many times before…and how we take it for granted because of too much familiarity. Lately I have not been good to my body’s needs and have been sleeping late, waking up feeling dizzy and weak. Oh if we could just do everything in a day. Anyway, I received an email from big bro informing us that my nephew J had to be rushed to the hospital, and I was so saddened to find out he’s infected with a disease and had to undergo treatment for months. This is a wakeup call for me, to take care of myself more than ever. When we neglect our body’s needs, our physical resistance weakens, and we can easily be infected with viruses and other harmful diseases. As the Clusivol multivitamin ad says, “Bawal magkasakit.” This roughly means “sickness is prohibited” or “don’t allow yourself to get sick.” With the rising costs of medication and hospital bills, I couldn’t agree more to that. 

Having pets

“I’m scared of the cat,” little R-jed looked worried as he pointed to the white kitty lying lazily on the steps blocking his way going down. Though fascinated with cats and dogs, he still needs to overcome his apprehension being near them. I shooed the kitty out of the way, so he can go down. Sorry kitty, you’re blocking the way.

I know in time, R-jed will be comfortable playing with pets. They’re not only lovable and loyal, they’re fun to play with, being part of a child’s best memories at home.

A day with the kids: Japanese crepes and fruit shakes, anyone?

Continued from A day with the kids: Sandcastles at the playground

We dropped by the house to leave their beach toys. R-vin came along with us as we headed off to the cafeteria. I know he loves going there for his favorite…what else, those yummy Japanese crepes! hehehe… right, R-vin? On our way to the cafeteria, R-jed was the ‘driver’ as he happily sat at his Uncle Tony’s lap while R-vin and Anzel had fun posing for the camera.

At the cafeteria, we found their Auntie Aileen at one of the tables. She already ordered food for us.

I wasn’t hungry yet since I had a late breakfast so I gave my food to R-jed, while I ordered mixed fruit shakes and Japanese crepes. R-vin had his favorite blueberry-vanilla flavor for his crepe while I shared another crepe with the kids.

Our tummies were stuffed with fruit shakes and crepes for lunch!

Next stop, IT City.

(to be continued)

Related posts:
A day with the kids: Sandcastles at the playground
A surprise call
Kiddie drawings (Part 2)
Kiddie drawings
Little scientist
Kids’ logic