Being on the receiving end of jokes about my flaws, especially when they pertain to something I can't change, makes me feel more insecure. It's disheartening, and it becomes even more frustrating when these jests come from mere acquaintances. I can tolerate jokes about my habits or the way I dress, but when it comes to my physical flaws, it stings more deeply. As a result, I am always mindful not to make similar jokes about others, especially if I know it could potentially hurt them.

Respecting others' feelings and being sensitive to their vulnerabilities is essential to maintaining positive and healthy relationships. By refraining from joking about topics that may cause emotional harm, we create an environment of empathy and understanding. It's important to treat others with the same kindness and compassion that we hope to receive ourselves. Ultimately, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support leads to stronger connections and a more harmonious social dynamic.

Having three kids, my youngest is 11 months old, it's like forever changing diapers, making milk, feeding babies. Wish I could have more time-off for myself, I don't have time to enjoy night-outs anymore. It's always with the kids, to the mall with the kids, to the movies with the kids. It's not that I really don't want to spend time with them, but you know, I need at least some time-off, even for just once in a year.

Cheating

Cheating in a relationship extends beyond just physical actions; it encompasses emotional betrayal as well.

According to Wikipedia:
Cheating by thinking of, touching, and talking with someone you are attracted to may be equally damaging to one of the parties. Emotional cheating may be correlated to that of emotional abuse, which to date is treated seriously in a court of law as physical cheating. Some couples simply believe that cheating constitutes doing anything, whether verbal or physical, that one would not do in front of their significant other. Such examples would include: expressing attraction to another person, electronic communications, kissing, making out, and sexual relations.
The heartbreaking reality is that the person who engaged in the betrayal often refuses to admit their actions and persists in denying the truth. When confronted, they may resort to crafting excuses or alibis to justify their behavior. Disturbingly, some cheaters may even shift the blame onto their partners, pointing out flaws, differences, or any perceived shortcomings in an attempt to justify their actions.

Such behavior can be emotionally devastating for the betrayed partner, adding further pain to the already hurtful act of infidelity. Emotional cheating can be just as damaging as physical cheating, as it involves a breach of trust and emotional intimacy within the relationship.

Back when I was little, I'm much more closer to my father than I was with my mother. Maybe it's because my father used to give what I want, buy what I want, etc. He wouldn't let nobody in our family spank me, though my mother had spank me a couple of times, but I deserved it anyway.

I fondly recall how my father will always have something for me when he comes home from work. My favorite was Juicy Fruit bubble gum, which I often swallow after a few chews. He would also tag me along when he's taking the company's guest on a tour of the city. Bring me along to the office during weekends, while he's working I'm taking the tour of the office, seating on chairs pretending I'm a grown-up office girl. It was also the first time I had my hands on a computer and played my first computer game (PacMan).

My dad is the most responsible guy I've known in my whole existence, he'll do everything to support his family. Will even work on weekends during his day-offs just so he could provide more for his family. Will do any kind of work, as long as it's decent. High School was his highest education attained, never entered college, because his parents (my grandparents) can't afford to do so. But that didn't stop him from doing what he must in order to survive and raise a family. That's because of his intelligence, perseverance, and resourcefulness. Sadly, not a lot of guys possess this kind of attitude.

When I was a kid, I used to play outside with our neighbor kids. During those times, playing alone in your house is lonely, so I have to go out to have fun. We play hide and seek, tag, exploring the neighborhood, playing pretend (cooking leaves), collecting stones/bottle caps/rubber bands/"teks", play in the rain, and many more.

Simple fun, simple pleasures. You learn to cooperate because if not, you'll end up playing alone, which is kind of depressing during those days, especially if you're an only child.

Today, kids can enjoy just by sitting infront of the computer, playing online games, or play using their handheld games. You can enjoy without even doing efforts of going out and making friends.

I enjoyed my childhood years, and wouldn't exchanged them to what it is today.

I posted more than a week ago, about my full (married) name being so common. It's a combination of a very, very common name and a common Filipino family name.

I remember asking my mother how or why I was named "Jennifer", she said because during that time, there was a song titled "Jennifer". The other reason was that it was after their names, Fe and Fernando (FER in my name), and she was called "Nene" (that is for the NI in my name) during her childhood years.

I searched wikipedia, and here's the info I found:

Jennifer is a female given name; it became a common first name for females in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. The name Jennifer is a Cornish variant of Guinevere, which is a Norman-derived Middle English form of the Old Welsh Gwenhwyfar (gwen: white, fair + hwyfar: smooth, soft). Despite the name's similarity to the Old English words jenefer, genefer and jinifer, which were all variants of Juniper and used to describe the juniper tree, there is no evidence that it was derived from these.

The name has been in use since the 18th century. Before 1906 the name was fairly uncommon, but it became popular after George Bernard Shaw used it for the main female character in The Doctor's Dilemma.[citation needed] It gained even more popularity in the 1970s. Though its popularity is often attributed to the novel and film Love Story,[citation needed] Jennifer was already the number 3 name given to baby girls in the United States in 1969, the year before the book and movie were released. Jennifer was the single most popular name for American girls from 1970 to 1984. It is also popular for Hispanic females. Since the early 1990s it has remained common, but considerably less so. Diminutives include Jen (Jenn), Jenny (Jennie, Jenni), and Jenna.

If I were to choose the subjects in which I'd like my children to excel, it would definitely be Science and/or History. However, simply having them love or like these subjects would suffice for me! 😄

SCIENCE

While Science might be perceived as a dull subject by some, I find it to be the most captivating and engaging one. Science provides us with insights into how the world around us functions. As a young student, I was utterly amazed the first time I peered through a microscope and saw the microscopic organisms in a water sample from a jar we had assembled a week prior. We had added various biodegradable items to that jar, including a cockroach leg (eww!). To the naked eye, it appeared as discolored liquid, but the microscope revealed a hidden world of tiny living organisms. Ever since that moment, I've never looked at things quite the same way. 

What I also adore about science is its branch of Astronomy, the study of celestial objects. It sparks questions in my mind: Are we the only planet with living creatures? Science ignites our curiosity, encouraging us to wonder, inquire, and search for answers. My fascination with Science has even influenced my love for Science fiction movies and novels.

HISTORY

Yes, another subject that's often labeled as dull. I remember struggling to stay awake in history class, but in reality, it's a captivating subject. History takes us on a journey back in time, sometimes thousands or even millions of years, to the very dawn of humanity. It prompts us to imagine what life was like in the past, offering a glimpse into bygone eras.

I long for my hometown and sometimes wish we had never left, as it would have kept me closer to my family and relatives.

I never envisioned, let alone entertained the idea, that my life in the province would take such a negative turn. I've encountered more hardships here than I ever did back in my hometown. I'd rather not dwell on these issues here, as this blog isn't the right place for such deeply personal rants.

My deepest desire is to return to the city, where I can be near my family and relatives again. Living here in the province has left me traumatized and stressed. This house and this town serve as constant reminders of painful memories that I wish I could forget. Unfortunately, these memories continue to haunt me, and if I had the chance to live my life over again, I would choose a different path.

Summer is almost coming to an end, and yet, I haven't had the chance to go on a summer outing or a relaxing out-of-town vacation. So, I'll just take this time to reminisce about the wonderful memories of summers past.

During my childhood years, my Auntie Juliet, my dad's younger sister, used to take me along with her whenever she had her vacation leave. Those were the days I cherished the most, visiting my dad's hometown where my late grandma lived. I was a little spoiled granddaughter, and whatever I wanted, I usually got with a grin. However, being in the province came with a quirky practice - I always held a garlic in my hand whenever we went out, especially at night, to ward off any "usog" or "bati" from unseen creatures. I was told I was "mabalbon" and prone to such things. The smell of garlic and my nervous, sweaty hands were not enough; we also had to chant "kayo-kayo" or "tabi-tabi po." Despite my fears, I truly loved the provincial life, so different from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would spend hours playing with the soil, attempting to plant leaves, and climbing my favorite chico tree. During my auntie's vacation leave, which usually coincided with their town's fiesta, I had the chance to stay up late, watching as she danced with random guys from the town or visiting guests. It was such a joyous and carefree time.

As I entered my teenage years, my dad often borrowed his boss's van or pick-up truck to take us to nearby provinces like Antipolo for a day of swimming. We would spend countless hours at the pool, from brunch time until late afternoon, completely absorbed in the fun. However, we were clueless about sunblock lotion back then, so we ended up with darker skin and sunburn from staying under the sun for so long. We were "jologs" at that time, but those memories are forever etched in my heart.

Oh common!

When I was a child, I wished that my parent had given me other name, like Jessica or Elizabeth (sounds familiar? Names of the Sweet Valley twins lolz), or yet a unique one or a second name perhaps? There’s nothing wrong with my name, it’s just that it is so common, that almost always; I have other classmates I share the same name with. So, our classmates called us by our surnames, too bad, my surname sounds like a type of underwear, yeah whatever. They would intentionally mispronounce it.

When I got married, I acquired the last name of my husband, of course. Bad thing here is that my husband’s surname is so very common, plus my name is common, equals, me sharing the same name and surname with lots and lots of people. What’s wrong with that, you ask? Nothing really, if you share name with famous people whom had good reputation, what if otherwise?

Back when I was single, getting NBI clearance would just take me one day, or even shorter. But after I got married, I had to return the next day or a day after, because my first name and surname matches the names of people who have or had cases, of which I don’t know. Arrgh! Anyways.. thanks that I still have the unique surnames of my dad and mom.

Speaking of same names, I’ve been doing research on genealogy; it’s been years actually, regarding my family or ancestral tree. I usually do research on my dad and mom’s surname on google. I’ve found one person on friendster, because it’s really rare to have that surname (surname of my dad), the possibility of him being a relative is really high. So, I added, told him why I’m adding him. We were able to exchanged messages, and were a little surprised to know that our fathers share the same full name. The thought of us having the same father had come to mind when I first read the message that his father is -insert here my dad’s name-, if he hadn’t told me the middle name, I would have really thought the possibility of us not just only being relatives, but also us being half siblings.

Parents should think of more unique names or should give two names, just so to make it unique. You wouldn’t want your children to be having sharing names with criminals, do you?

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I had a thought, what if one day, the hi-tech gadgets I have would suddenly be gone or lost.  Which of these that I can't live without, haha.


If I had to choose one, it would be "my preciousss.." *imitates gollum* camera phone.  Well it has all the features of the other technologies that I can't live without.  Plus, of course the features of text/call.

My camera phone has the features of a digital camera, to take pictures or record videos, but with lesser quality than my digital camera.  Maybe I could buy a better camera phone then :P. 

I could also browse the net with this phone, something that you can do with a desktop/laptop, but of course with limited capabilities.

I can play music, play games, I can even add music/games to it.  So please, don’t take my preciousss.. away from me, harhar!

Sometimes, fine, ALWAYS it is... I get the feeling of being tired and bored of staying home.  Good thing though, that we have internet access, because if not, I’d be totally bored.  Did I mentiont, that we’re far from civilization?  Just kidding!  But I guess, we really do.   I’m used to being close to malls, I grew up in the city, where there's traffic, pollution, busy people.  


Then I thought, when was the last time I had a girls’ night out?  That was over 7 years ago???  I think the last time that we had night fun, was when we went out to Cowboy Grill Malate.  It was after my younger sister’s JS Prom.   I was with my two younger sisters, and few close neighbor friends. 

Our first stop was at Cowboy Grill Mabini, but my youngest sister was under age that time.  Thought we made her look a lil older with the heavy make-up, but we failed.   She didn't pass the bouncer's age/look check, blame our genes, because we're petite, ahahaha.  So we end up going to other branch just within the area.  Quite smaller, and solemn, and she was allowed to get in.

It was a fun and exciting night!  After that they all spent their evening at our place.  One of us wasn't able to control her urge to pee, she's been holding it for too long, at the same time we were laughing as we walk back to my place.   She was too drunk, so I guess that's a valid excuse, wehehehe.   

If I'd ever have the opportunity to experience that again, I’d love to feel that kind of carefree feeling.  As if you don’t have worries, like bills, budgets, or not worrying if your kids have taken their dinner yet, or if they're still awake or already sleeping, etc.  You know, just enjoying, and without a care in the world.

In 1996, I had the opportunity to travel abroad twice, both times to Thailand. The first trip was a short flight from the Philippines to Bangkok, where I was visiting my mother, whom I hadn't seen in almost three years. It was my first international journey, so I was filled with excitement. Despite keeping a secret about being pregnant with my first child, it remains one of the happiest moments in my life.

My experiences in Thailand were a mix of excitement, fun, and concern. When my transit visa expired, I had to return to the Philippines. The night before my flight home, I decided to confide in my mom about my secret, although she had sensed it the moment I arrived at the Bangkok airport. Mothers have that special bond with their children; they can often tell when something is amiss, even from miles away. My mom frequently calls me during those specific moments when I'm feeling down or facing problems, a testament to this connection.

Upon revealing the truth to my mom and stepdad, they offered their assistance and suggested that I spend my last trimester with them in Thailand. So, after a few days in Cebu, I returned to Thailand with them. That's when the real fun began! I cherished every moment of it and continue to consider Bangkok my second home. The city boasts affordable food options everywhere you look, with food stalls on practically every corner. I also appreciate their weather, despite the humidity and occasional rains or storms, which is a marked contrast to the Philippines.

During this time, I also had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia, embarking on a 12-hour train journey from Bangkok. Malaysia struck me as a beautiful and peaceful place, with kind-hearted people and clean air, unlike the pollution in Manila. Unfortunately, I spent most of the train ride sleeping or feeling drowsy. This meant that while my mom and stepdad explored Kuala Lumpur, I was stuck in the hotel room. Nonetheless, I did manage to experience the beauty of the beaches on Penang and Langkawi Island. I recall the ferry ride to the island, which made me feel nauseous. It was the worst feeling, especially on an empty stomach, as I had never experienced morning sickness during my pregnancy. Despite this, I still treasure the memories of the islands, where walking the streets felt safe, and people were incredibly kind. I remember a car stopping to offer us a ride while exploring Penang. This act of kindness was not uncommon in Thailand either, where seats were offered to elders and pregnant women, a gesture less frequently seen in the Philippines.

Returning to the Philippines with my son was a different experience. At the Thailand airport, while queuing for the check-in counter, they did not make me wait in line. Despite having an economy ticket, they upgraded me to a business class ticket due to my four-month-old baby. This unexpected bonus made the journey much more comfortable. Traveling alone with a baby can be challenging, but the upgrade to a business class seat eased our trip, from baggage check-in to boarding.

However, the generosity and kindness we experienced ended when we returned to the Philippines. Regardless of age or pregnancy, nobody offered to assist a woman struggling to push a stroller and a baggage cart. I had to wait in line to have my passport stamped, receiving no special treatment. Fortunately, two foreign elderly women came to my aid, offering assistance with pushing our cart. It was a stark contrast to the kindness I had encountered abroad.

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