5 Selfish Things I Want Right Now

Ever since my daughter came into the picture, I haven't had a single time-off from anything. I am so so so thankful for having her in my life, don't get me wrong, because I wake up every single day thanking God for giving her to me. I guess it's safe to say that all moms have this feeling in their hearts for their children that the phrase "I never knew I could love someone this much" takes on a whole new meaning.

Becoming a full-time, work-from-home mom was my sole decision, too, and no matter how tempting being a career woman is, I wouldn't trade anything for the non-stop snuggles from my daughter. It's just that there are times when I want for it all - or at least, some of it - to be just about me. (To be quite honest, those "times" are usually around when I'm nearing my period. PMS galore!)

Here are 5 things I usually want whenever my selfish self comes by to say hello:

1. Quiet, alone time (!!!).

Taken way before selfies were a thing. Obvious naman sa quality ng camera. Haha.

I can't remember the last time I went into the shower without having to step out a few minutes after because my toddler can't stop asking for a bowl of cereals. I'm not even asking for much here - although, a trip to the coffee shop without getting guilty over spending half the day there like I did in college wouldn't hurt at all! - just a few minutes inside the loo without anyone knocking, asking for Coco Crunch, would be real nice.

2. Shopping spree.

At the SM Megamall Sale back in 2010, with Jake Cuenca photobombing.

Since I am also a full-time, work-from-home employee, I still get paychecks. Although it's not actually enough to sustain the lifestyle I've grown used to, I still manage to make it work. But sometimes, I just want to just splurge for myself. Like buy a new Macbook Pro or a hell lot of bags or maybe buy all the Ritz Sour Cream Crackers my money could buy. It's been a while since I actually got something for myself that I just want and don't really need.

3. Go out without guilt.

Downing tequila shots like nobody's business back in 2009.

I used to be a heavy drinker before I had Brianna. I'm not proud of it but there were times when I didn't know how I actually got home because I was so drunk. Although I am not planning to get totally hammered anytime soon ever again, it would just be nice to actually go out of the house - without my daughter - without the guilt hanging over my head like a dark cloud.

4. Go on spontaneous trips.

On a jeepney en route to Batangas. Ecstatic but real sleepy.

I would love to go on a spontaneous trip again. Like, "Tara, Baler?", pack my bags, and leave within 30 minutes. Being a mom (single, work-from-home) entails careful planning when it comes to trips. You can't just withdraw a couple thousand Pesos from your bank without thinking of its repercussions in the future. Dropping everything - ballet classes, lolo's birthday party, what-have-yous - isn't that easy anymore now that I have someone in tow.

5. Sleep.

Taken in 2006, the time when I got enough sleep.

I get to sleep, yes, but I haven't slept straight since 2011. I still live with my parents and Brianna and I share a bed. Everytime my daughter makes the smallest movements or sounds, my eyes would automatically open. I can't remember how complete sleep feels like. One night of uninterrupted sleep, that's all I ask.

How about you? If your fairy godmother were to grant you something selfish at this point in your life, what will it be?

Brianna's Moving Up Day 2015

(I would have to hold the Ilocos Tour posts and practically everything else, basically, - AGAIN - to give way to my post regarding my daughter's moving up day. Not really good with the updating the blog regularly thing. HOW DO YOU GUYS DO IT?!)

(Also, PHOTOS GALORE!!!)

Last Tuesday, March 17, the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center held their Moving Up Day at the Tanghalang Pasigueño main theater.

What Not To Do During Moving Up Day

Yesterday was Brianna's school's Moving Up Day presentation general rehearsals. As much as I wanted to focus on the fact that Brianna did a great job in the rehearsals, there were some annoying things I noticed which I am pretty sure a lot of parents (and yayas) were rehearsing for the event itself that they shouldn't.

Since it is Moving Up Day season, here are things I think you should avoid doing during your kid's graduation day:

1. Sit on a chair where someone else was sitting. I guess this just all boils down to scarcity thinking. In an auditorium as big as the main hall of Tanghalang Pasigueño, there'd be a huge number of empty seats especially for a preschool with a student population of about 60. If you saw someone leave their seat, don't assume they won't be back unless they haven't come back for, say, 15 minutes...maybe not even because the line to the restrooms tend to get pretty long.

2. Block the view of someone else. I guess with us being proud parents and all, we tend to take as much video as we can of our little darlings. What I am trying to say here, though, is for you to just be aware of your surroundings. If you feel you're blocking another parent's view while trying to find the perfect angle, adjust accordingly.

While we're on the subject, don't...

3. Use your iPads for taking photos and videos. Yes, I am hating specifically on iPads right now even if I, myself, have one. If you own one of the iPad units that have huge screens (iPad2, 3, iPad Air, etc), never ever EVER use this huge chunk of a gadget to record your kid's precious moments. Believe it or not, some people don't really want to watch their kids through a mobile device's screen.

4. Talk on the phone. Okay, maybe you can do this if you keep your voice low enough to not disturb everyone around you. If not, head on over to the nearest exit because no matter how loud Tomorrow's blaring through the speakers, you'd still probably disturb a mom who has super hearing powers nearby.

And lastly, don't...

5. Gossip about the kids. The women I heard talking didn't talk about Brianna but it still made me sick. It doesn't matter if the poor boy has a hideous costume or if the little girl doesn't exactly look like a movie star. Never EVER gossip. It's generally a horrible thing to do, let alone do it to kids! Just. Stop.

You'd think adults would know and master respect by the time they hit a certain age but I guess some of them haven't had the time to grow up yet.

-End of rant-

Kiss kiss kiss for Lemon Kiss!

Ever since Brianna came into my life, I've been immersing myself with little girls' apparels brands. There's not one shop that I haven't visited, to tell you the truth. Most of the time, I come out with a handful of dresses, blouses, and shoes and, of course, an empty wallet. There are no regrets, especially after seeing my daughter sport those cute clothes and getting compliments not only from family and friends but also from strangers.

That is (MOST) probably the reason why when I came across the brand, Lemon Kiss, I had to see all the clothes they have in their catalogue. And yep, you guessed it, after selecting through their lines, I fell in love with this particular dress:

You would think that I'd fall in love with a pink dress - and I did, this one - but when I opened Brianna's closet, all her clothes are in different shades of pink. Anyway, this dress is too pretty not to love. It looks classy but not too much for a child.

Their whole line actually is that: Classy. You'd think that these dresses would cost you much but they don't. The dresses' prices range from PHP700-PHP800.  Not bad, eh? Now, all you have to find are the perfect pair of shoes and your darling daughter are off!

If you're looking for the best party dresses for your little girl, head on over to Lemon Kiss' Facebook page to see their whole collection.