What's Happening on the 31st of October?

It’s the last day of the month.

And unlike in the Philippines, this side of the world is more concerned with Halloween parties and Trick or Treats than on remembering our loved ones who had gone to heaven. Well, I’m not even sure if they’ve got cemeteries here coz if there are, I wouldn’t know where. Maybe out on the desert?

Here in the Middle East, I think that Halloween is really not a national or regional festivity not like in Europe or in the US. But since most of the population is of expatriates, through the years, some companies, families and communities have also started to partake on the celebration.

Last weekend, we went to Spinneys to buy some stuff. Even at supermarkets, the festivity is very obvious. On the veggie stands, you can see the different sizes of pumpkins and also different textures and shapes, made into Jack-o’-lantern. I even saw this odd-looking pumpkin with so many bumps and lumps on its skin. It’s already “kadiri” (yucky) just looking at it.

Anyway, here in the office, the media division of the company will have a “pizza lunch party” later in the afternoon PLUS a costume party. Of course, no one will dare to let themselves look stupid with scary Halloween costumes unless there’s a prize. A top management official is giving away cash prizes for those brave enough to shame themselves. Even I can’t wait to see them. A colleague sitting next to me is wearing an all-black ensemble. She showed us this morning her tall witchy-pointy hat which she’ll put on later. She told us she wants to look scary but “No”, we told her, “you look cute”.

Most of the accounts/finance people are not participating since this is a really busy month-end-closing-week. I haven’t seen the other guys and gals on the other side of the building (also part of the media division) but I hope there will be lots to see of them (costumes).

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In the Philippines, I remember visiting our departed loved ones on this day, as we try to avoid the crowd and the horrendous traffic on the day itself (November 1). Now this reminds me to light our candles tomorrow evening. Plus a little prayer for their souls.

How about you? How do you remember your departed loved ones?

Happy Halloween!



Jack-o'-lantern [Source]

Pick Your Price (Tag)

Most moms like me, who are busy with work, baby and household chores, often ignore tag prices when shopping for groceries. Especially if at the expense of comfort. Like preferring to shop at Spinneys which is just some thirty meters away compared to Carrefour which is a cab and a ten-dirham-drive away from our home.

For instance, I buy baby milk every one or two weeks. We usually go to Carrefour which has cheaper commodities but there are times when we forgot that our supply has gone and that Spinneys is the next best thing. I would say that a big difference is coming out when buying at Spinneys. Promil Gold is higher by 5 dirhams compared to Carrefour, which is quite a lot.

This morning I saw in the Xpress online news feature about a survey held on top supermarkets in the UAE.

Six supermarkets were compared: Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Geant, Hyperpanda, Spinneys and Choithrams. And in that order, the first one is of course the cheapest on most products of groceries, fruits, vegetables, dairy, toiletries, cleaning agents and other common household items. [Source: Xpress Gulfnews]

What really surprised me is, I never thought that Choithrams will come out as the most expensive one, because we also do some of our shopping there. It’s a block farther than Spinneys in King Faisal Road. Hubby would sometimes prefer shopping at Choithrams since some grocery items are cheaper than in Spinneys. I like Spinneys better because of the ambiance and the fresh fruits and veggies and it’s nearer (blame it on the tired feet), although I do admit that the price tags are almost the priciest. But if you ask me and hubby for what we will vote for as the best, it would be Carrefour. There is a very wide variety including books, electronics, household equipments, clothes. It’s like a mini-mall inside the mall. And they always go on sale.

I haven’t gone to Lulu, Geant or Hyperpanda but I’ve heard mixed reviews from my friends and officemates.

And thanks to the survey. I should put it into good use so I can save more.

Weekend is just a few hours away on this side of the world.

Happy weekend!

Juana Change - RH Bill: WHICH SIDE ARE YOU?

PRAYER FOR FAMILY

Heavenly Father, most Gracious, and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in You is more powerful than anything. I thank You in advance for Your blessings.

Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt's burdens. Release Your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey You and walk in Your Word and have the faith of a mustard seed that You will pour out blessings. I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know You are not done with me yet.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Thanks to Leni for this wonderful prayer she sent me yesterday.

The Bed, The Playground and The Pillow

 The Bed and The Playground (errr, maybe The Playground only)



Warning: This is not a bed. This is a playground.



Here is KA ruling us out on our bed. He seems to enjoy it by himself. Before, we usually buy him a toy or two every weekend. We are not spoiling him but he just gets bored with his toys that are more than a week old.

Well, due to practical reasons, we stopped buying him new ones. So what we do, we keep some of his toys for two weeks so he will miss them. I'm not really sure if that works because he knows his toys and cushions by the smell (and taste?) of them.


The Pillow

See that green and grey square pillow? That's his favorite one. He can always take fancy on his new toys or new pillows but he will eventually ignore them and take delight with this green and grey "elephant" pillow. He won't be able to sleep unless he snuggles it or at least touches it.






Clockwise from top left: 1. KA sleeping 2. KA posing for the picture 3. That's me when I was 8 months pregger at Dubai Airport waiting for my flight 4. KA standing up (goes to his cream cabinet) with his pillow

 
This pillow was my constant companion when I was pregnant. I would bring it everywhere when I travel and I also put in on my belly when I sleep. It has given me comfort when my big bulging belly feels heavy on my side. Maybe that is the reason behind KA's fascination and connection to this pillow.

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Love you so much KA. You can pretty much make our whole room as your playground as long as you are happy. But please, stop putting to your mouth anything you grab. Even our floor gets sticky now with your drool.

LOL

I Wish It's November Already

Ahhhh…today will be a busy day.

Actually, the following days until the first week of next month, I will be faced with month-end requirements, reports, blah blah blah.

I’m already excited for my 2-week vacation next month.

Yay!

Will only be spending it locally because:

1.       Even if I still have my annual ticket, I have opted not to use it this year. Since it is transferrable, I could use it for my mom when she visits here on January (still tentative).

2.       I miss taking care of my KA. Although I have 2 days off every week, I just feel that it is not enough to take care of my little one. Even at work, I constantly think of him. He’s got a nanny, but that doesn’t mean I can trust her 120%. Yes, it should be 120%! I am not cruel. I just want the best for my baby.

3.       We’re on a tight budget. Hubby just started with work, after playing babysitter for 2 months to KA. And coming home to Philippines also means spending MORE money. PLUS: Monthly bills don’t take vacation when we are on vacation.

4.       I need a break. It has been a little bit more stressful these months. My workload increased (I am not complaining because it is better to be busy with work than just “trying to be busy with nothing”). It’s just that, added workload at the office doesn’t go nice with added responsibilities at home. Can I just complain about my lower back pain today? It really does hurt when I bend.

5.       And lastly, I would like to feel, even for only two weeks, how it is being a stay-at-home-mom. I’d love it if it’s for good. But no, not right now. Maybe when we got richer. We need at least 10 million pesos. Too much? LOL

My Weekly BabyCenter Mail

Today, I received this in my mailbox:

BabyCenter had been very useful to me even while I was pregnant. I receive weekly updates and tips from them not only for my baby but also for me as a mommy. They give you updates and guides on how your baby develops on a weekly basis: physically, emotionally and psychologically. Most of them makes me understand KA's current behavior and actions.


For example, last night when I came home, KA is playing in the next room with our flatmates. When he saw me, he immediately recognized me as his mommy and opened his arms towards me as if asking me to carry him. I can feel from the tightness of his grip that he had missed me so much so I cuddled him more and brought him to our room. I had to change my clothes for the homey ones so I laid him on the bed with his toys. But then I was surprised that he just ignored the colorful toy train, balls and blocks. Instead, he was trying to cling to me more. What a sweet baby, I told him. So I cuddled him more and showered him kisses this time, reassuring him that I'm not leaving him if he doesn't want me to.


So with my mail today from BabyCenter, it explains to me that KA begins to undergo a new phase in his development.


Separation Anxiety.


Sleeping at night is no longer a problem because he sleeps with us in our bed. KA used to go with anyone (even with complete strangers) who smiles at him. The past few days, it has become very obvious that even with the familiar ones (like those who live with us in the flat), KA gets very hesitant to come with them. He'll just look into you but then he won't come easily to you.


Has your baby experienced Separation Anxiety? How did you cope up?