A Working Mom's Resolution

Since the meltdown incident happened, I've been more determined to take the necessary steps to achieve my goal of becoming a work-at-home mom.  I'm just taking baby steps actually, but still.  And so, for me to be constantly reminded of my vision and how to get to it, I'm making a list here:

1. I will not bring home work anymore.  This is so I can (1) devote my time to my boys and (2) have more time for researching on possible business ventures or work-at-home options.
2. I will learn to trade stocks online.  I've been a member of Bo Sanchez's Truly Rich Club since April but I never really got to opening a trade account until last week. Let's see how far this could go.
3. I will be more involved with Little Dude's school activities.  This means that I will find time everyday to know what he did in school and research on what activities are best to supplement what is being taught in school. It's also good that his new school establishes good relationships with their students' parents (can't wait to attend my first ever PTA meeting! Haha!) every step of the way because I really want to be as active as I can.
4. I will exercise.  With all the things I need to learn, I need to have energy to keep me alive and excited. I've always been a believer that being physically active is a good way to jumpstart accomplishing your tasks.  So... help me, Lord! Hahaha!
5. I will declutter and focus on the quality of life I'd like to achieve. I will surround myself with things (or people!) that will constantly remind me to be back on track.  I will devote more time to reflect, pray, and enrich my spiritual life.

There.  Maybe I should print this and keep it somewhere visible.  Lord, I claim success over my life goals, if You will, with your guidance.

Little Dude Said

Counting Game

While in the car on the way to the mall...

Hubster: I'm tired. I'm sleepy.
Me: I'm sleepy too!
Little Dude: I'm sleepy three!

Good job, baby!

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Playtime's Over!

One early evening, we went home just in time to catch Marcus getting inside the house after playing with the (much older) neighborhood kids.  After a while, little dude heard them still laughing outside. He peered through the window and shouted:

Quiet! Quieeeeeeeet! Stop laughing! Go home na. It's late! Marcus in my house!

I think what he meant by that last sentence was "Look at me, I'm inside the house already!" Hahaha! Either he was really just irritated with all the noise or he's bitter for not being outside with them. Hahaha

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Don't!!!

Lately, little dude has been fond of shouting and controlling. Oooooh it's so something we should deal with (actually are dealing with, will blog on this separately)! Here are some of his lines:

Don't kiss me! - when he's busy playing
Don't gigil me! - when dad starts tickling him
Don't shout! - when I get frustrated at him, actually a taste of my own medicine
Don't push me! - when I ask him to get off my lap or something (I don't push him, for the record)
Don't get that! - when we confiscate the phone

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Stinky

Little Dude (after taking a shower): I'm feeling fresh!
Me: Wow! So who's stinky?
Little Dude: Daddy!
Hubster: Whaaaaaat?!!

And I was the one who didn't shower with them! Hahaha! Pano ba yan, dad? Ikaw ang default na stinky e!

First Mommy Meltdown

Last Monday, little dude's teacher at his new school sent me an SMS saying that they'll be doing a home visit to get to know him before school starts. I love that about Marcus' new school ♡. Since their forte is on preschoolers, they really make an effort to ensure these kids are managed well. I think it's a pretty good strategy to prep them for the first day of school.

I said yes to Teacher Frances with a request that the visit be made in the afternoon or early evening when I'm back from work. I even texted her this morning to remind her to schedule the visit at around 3pm so I can just take the afternoon off work.

Around 9:30am while I was in a meeting, teacher texted that they'll have to drop by in the morning at around 11-12nn! I hurriedly finished the meeting and replied that I am going home and to wait for me. I dashed off the cafe where the meeting was, half-walked half-ran to my parking, and started the car. I had another meeting in the afternoon but I thought I'll just return to work later. Yes, I was going to drive from Ortigas to Sta. Rosa and back.

When I was about to speed off the parking area, I heard my phone ring and answered it right away. It was Teacher Frances. She said they were already in the nearby village and that they were going to our house next. I practically begged her to wait for me or to reschedule the visit some other day, but she said there's nothing she can do. She just called to assure me that it won't take long anyway and that it's ok if I wasn't there.

I totally broke down inside the car after that call! Of course it wasn't ok!! I felt pity and frustrated at myself. I cried like a baby for a good five minutes. It was the first time I really felt like I was not there for my son. Call me OA but for me it's a milestone in little dude's life. That event will never happen again. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to control the situation the way I usually do. I regretted working so far away from home.

It was my first why-do-i-have-to-be-a-working-mom moment. Sigh. Big sigh.

Now maybe this is a wake-up call for me to seriously consider working at home. Must. Think. Business. Now.