Miko at 8 y/o

Me: the president just declared Dec 24 and 31 as working days. That means I need to work on those days

Miko: But you're too beautiful to work!!

*ahem ahem* 😁😂

My Monday madness

Just wanted to share this --

Every Monday, I facilitate a meeting with our managers, senior managers and managing directors. I get so nervous that I sacrifice my lunch juat to prep for this meeting.

So, just like today, I pumped milk and ate my lunch using one hand just so I can maximize my time away from my desk. Pathetic, I know, but I kinda like the pressure. It's like an instant adrenaline surge. Downside? I usually feel too tired when all tasks have died down and I'm going home.

They say buko juice increases milk supply. And it's a natural energy booster -- a natural Gatorade, if you must. My baon cooked by your dad last night. Sarap! I love him for this :)

Give mama a kiss okay? Pang-tanggal pagod.

I love you, chipmunks!

Breastfeeding Diaries: Busy bee

Hello from the Eastwood 1880 Diana room! :)

I was running late for a meeting this morning that I had to boot my machine and go through last week's minutes while expressing milk.

Oh the things I have to do for the little archangel! Do you know that I drink more water now, eat less junk food and fast food, and consciously try not to get stressed at work. This is to ensure that you get a looot of milk from me. It also helps that you direct feed at night, no nipple confusion at all, thank God. You will surely hear more about this when you get older! :)

I love you, son, and I'll see you at home! :)

Oops! My most revealing shot 

My sanity break

Dear Miko, Today marks the first day that I pump milk for you from our office nursing area. It feels weird how I always wanted to experience staying in this room and pumping milk, yet I never had the chance until you came. Thank you, sweetheart, for giving me the honor of feeding you. Thank you for these short periods of sanity, when I can just detach myself from all the work and just concentrate on God's providence through the bountiness of my breasts. Our breastfeeding journey is not easy, but very fulfilling to me. I love you so much! :)

Random thoughts

It pains me whenever you cry when I keave for work. I hope someday you'll understand that I'm working hard to be able to give you the comfort that we are experiencing now, as well as prepare for your future as best as I could.

I love you kids!

Reflection for Work

Reflection: Are you suffering from burnout? Learn to delegate.

Lord, help me to realize that I can't possibly do everything with my own power. Grant me the grace to share the work with others.

I need to go to Singapore

Hi Kids,

Even before Kuya Aki was born and dad and I aren't married yet, people have been telling me that I should leave the Philippines and work in Singapore, just like your Tito Pangke.

I've always refused the idea. Who will stay with lolo and lola? What will I do if something happens to them? When Kuya was born, then Iya eventually, I became more adamant. I don't want us to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) family. I don't want to see you grow only through video calls. I don't want to be separated from dad for a long period of time. And I guess a part of me don't want to since I'm scared. Scared of being alone, scared of starting anew. 

But, Singapore is a disciplined country. I love that I can envision Kuya commuting on his own. Sure there will still be mean people who will trick him, but still, I think it is a much more amenable country for PWD than the Philippines will ever be. If I don't go now and wait for the both of you to grow up considerably, I might miss the chance to get good employment given my age by then. If not now, then when?

Sorry Iya, if you do realize that we're moving mostly for Kuya. But I know you love your Kuya and understand that we want the best for both of you. I'm sorry Kuya if you realize that I fear for you. I know you understand that as a mother, I will always fear for you and Iya.

I prayed and consulted wiser people about this choice. We may need to part ways now but I promise to do everything not to make this separation longer than necessary. I continue to pray that this is God's will for our family. I claim blessing and an immediate reunion for our family.

Love you both so much!

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Here is the daily reflection that piqued this post:

Are your prayers in accordance to His will?

Lord, thank You for revealing Your will for me. I entrust to You all my needs, and even things for my enjoyment, in Jesus' name.

E-mail When Applying For Work

Please, please, please create a professional-sounding email using your real name when you apply for jobs. Never use e-mails like girlalush@something.com or pogiako@something.com in your resumes.