To sneeze or not to sneeze

Being busy, going around all over the place has not really given me enough thought on how my allergies would be brought on. But as expected, they did come, what with all the smoke and dust, I did not have any escape, which is why I have resorted to allergy relief. My siblings have it each and every day, and I remember getting them as well when I was based here before, so it is no wonder at all that it would recur. It seems that the little girl does not have it yet, because she has not showed any symptoms yet, not that I would want her to have it. But I wouldn't be surprised if she developed it as both her parents have allergic tendencies. Poor girl.

Christmas greetings

From our family to yours, may you have a...

Malling

Going home to the Philippines is not complete if you have not visited the malls. We were at the largest mall in Manila yesterday, and it was so huge that they even had a call center there, aside from the usual shops and restaurants. Who would have thought? Some malls would be scrambling to advertise the vacancies in their buildings, but this one was filled to the brim with all kinds of establishments. Unfortunately, it was too massive for us to take a full tour, so we had to call it a day after 3 hours because our feet hurt like hell after so much walking. Charge it to experience, as they say!

Hot day in the sun

So I promised hubby to tidy up our garden before I left Oz a second time this month. And I did as I was told -- doing backbreaking work under the blazing sun. For a while, I was doing okay, but later on I felt nauseous and dizzy so I had to go for several breaks in between. I must have almost had a heat stroke. I know I should have used the water filters and brought along some hydration with me, but I was just too lazy to prepare all those stuff. Anyway, I finished the job in 2 hours, and am mighty proud that I did it. And I have got the sunburnt arms to prove it. I have new found respect for men who mow their lawns and take good care of their garden. So there.

Learning while cooking

Before we left for Manila, we were following the tv series on Jamie Oliver's trip to America. I loved the whole concept of the show because he visited different places in the States and tried to immerse himself in the different cultures there. One example was when he visited Louisiana. He did not book himself at a hotel new orleans, but instead tried living in the community and learned how to cook gumbo and alligator. He also went on to learn mexican style cooking as well as how the Navajo Indians cooked. It was a very interesting way of learning how these people live, and the unifying element in that all was cooking. I would certainly recommend that you watch it.

Travel thoughts

So what are your plans for the holidays? Are you also going away to faraway places (and get Outer Banks rentals) for this very festive season?

As for our family, while we will be travelling overseas, we've pretty much decided to just stay in Manila with our families. It is less expensive plus you get more quality time with loved ones, whom you only get to see once in a while. On my part, I'm quite done with travelling. Travelling alone itself is enough to make you not want it as much because it is not as fun. Really, never again!

On bubs

Speaking of families, two days from now, we are expecting one of my good friends to deliver their first born child. So, any time soon after that we are sure to receive one of their birth announcements. Having a baby is certainly a joy. They are angels, that even in the most difficult of situations, they can still manage to brighten up your day in their own little way.

Was I obvious? Not only am I missing my little girl, but I am not starting to miss having another baby! LOL. Maybe soon, if the guy up there is kind enough to bless us with one.

Diversions

I am feeling much better now. Missing your family can be tough, but I guess what made it easier is for me to engage myself in lots of activity so I can barely have time to think about the loneliness at all. So yes, I am trying to catch up on DVDs, as well as finishing chores as much as I can, not to mention trying to eat a healthier diet and going back to exercising again (sorry no weight loss diet pill attempts at this time as I am still hopeful). Having all these distractions have been very helpful to me during this time away from family. I am glad it is just temporary!

Missing

So I am back. But without the hubby and our little girl. In short all by my lonesome. However, I am trying not to cave in to the lonesomeness of it all, especially with this newfound peace in the house, with no curious toddler to follow me around. But then again, I miss the dear bubba so much! And yes, I try as much as possible to avoid contact with other little ones so I don't get reminded of my precocious little girl. Of course, that includes looking at the telly on the TV wall mount or sitting close next to other mommies. But is that ever possible, when every time I go out to the shops, I am surrounded by moms pushing their babies' prams! Oh well, I guess I have to just live with it for the next 2 weeks. I am pretty sure it will be sheer torture! :(