Budoy and Enya

Who's Budoy and Enya? No, they're not friends of the baby in between. But these are merely the names of our former dog and my neighbor's dog. Budoy, as I recall, was the last dog we had before I moved out of our home almost 2 years ago. He was a very jolly dog, BUT...Yes, there's a big BUT because I could remember how stinky he smelled. And worse, he was a true shoe- and slipper-wrecker! Try to leave your shoes and slippers outside the door, and the next thing you see them, they're ripped from all sides. Oh boy!

How come I suddenly remembered Budoy? It's because when I saw Enya, our neighbor's dog, I said to myself, she's just like our dog Budoy. Actually, she's such a cutie. But she scratches and sheds a lot. I guess, what she needs right now is one of these Dinovite products. Ranging from powdered supplements and liquid supplements up to non-drying shampoo, Dinovite is the name to trust when it comes to making dogs healthier and happier. All of these supplements are made from ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, beneficial bacteria, and digestive enzymes - the exact nutrients that every dog's diet should include.

Oh, if only I've known about Dinovite way back when Budoy was still with us, I would have bought him one of these. Anyway, I'll just tell my neighbor about this so she can get one for Enya. Or better yet, I'll direct her to this solutions center so she can customize the best solution fit for her dog.

About Time

This post is for the former USAP- Legazpi peeps:

It's been a year, now what? In spite of what they've done, we all manage to survive. Although we're not together in the same office anymore, we're still connected in so many ways. That's what we call as "true friendship beyond the workplace".

I don't know if you'll bother reading this "super-backlog" post. Wrote this almost a year ago, but didn't have the courage to post it way back. So, you think now is the time? Is it really About Time? Have you overcome that feeling already? Me here, I don't know. I still feel that heavy feeling while reading this over. Would you care recalling the scenes as well?

Anyway, I'll let this out of my draft posts now. June 19, 2009 - About Time - publishing now!


Inspired by Homar's Delayed Reaction post, finally my fingers found their way over the keyboard, as if they have a power of their own. Perhaps, after almost two years of blogging, this would be one of the most difficult posts that I will write. Yes, this would be! You see, the words I'm about to write here were actually playing on my mind over and over for the past month, yet I don't know why I couldn't put them into writing. But now, I guess it's about time.

June 19, 2008 - a date that me and the rest of the USAP Legazpi people will never forget. It was a typical work day. (Sorry guys, I have to pause for a while, writing about this is really not easy..and if you think you're not yet ready to read the rest of the entry, you might as well hit the Back button now!) Okay, let's continue. So, it was a typical work day. Everyone came to work with only one thing in mind - to accomplish what they are required to do at the end of the day. That's right, who would have thought otherwise about a "scheduled demolition"? Yes, I call it THE DEMOLITION, while Kuya Ely, Peach, and Ate Razh referred to it as “The Purge”. But if in a typical demolition, the people affected are informed about it, with us, it was different, way too different.

8:50 AM - My arrival at the office. Upon entering the door, I saw this big guy who was rather unfamiliar to me. Then, I remembered it was a Thursday, the expected day for our CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and our CM (Country Manager) to come to our facility, well I thought for some business matters.

9:00 AM - Our OM (Operations Manager) counted from 1-10 while pointing at 10 employees in the cubicle opposite to my work station. Everyone was puzzled as to what's the reason why they were called. Me and my co-supervisor Dex were puzzled as well. Then, one of our groupmates told us that a paper was being handed to each of the ten people called. Dex and I thought that the paper was the new contract since the company has changed its name recently. While some were joking that NFA rice was being given to those 1st ten people.

9:10 AM - Our HR officer, Mam Leany, came to my desk and told me that Marc, our VP for Marketing in Phil., wanted to talk to me. Surprised? Hell, yeah! This was the first time that our Dept. Head came to our facility without informing us. Before seeing him, I dropped by at Dexter's desk and told him that Marc wanted to talk to me. He was surprised as well.

While on my way to see Marc, my mind was swirling and a lot of questions were popping inside my head. Why was he here? Why didn't he inform us that he's coming? What will he tell me?

9:13 AM - There I was, inside the OM office, with Marc in front of me. I said, "Surprise!" He was silent. His face was so serious, I got nervous, scared. Then he said, "bad news!" Well, the last time I heard him say that was when he came last May 15 to talk about the new building. "We're going to shutdown", he continued. You know what, when he said that, I was in denial. I even told him, "Talaga?" ( Really?) I didn't want to believe what I was hearing, my mind didn't want to entertain the word "SHUTDOWN" at all. Then, he handed me a letter. The letter was addressed to me, yeah my name was there. And the only words that I remembered reading were, "end of service effective July 19".

So, it was true!!! F*c@in* true! They're going to shutdown the facility, our facility! The oh-so-deprived facility with malfunctioning aircon for years, computers that go bonkers from time to time, and a pantry that is nothing compared to the pantries of the two bigger facilities. Yes, we were deprived, but we were hoping! We were given hope last February and we were holding on to those words: "Better building for you guys!" So, all these time that we were waiting for a new building, this "demolition" was being cooked instead of a new building, without any one of us knowing.

Going back to my conversation with Marc, he told me that if I accepted that letter, I need to sign it and get the check for my separation pay. The check, yeah the check! The check which was worth my almost 3 years stay in the company. I'd admit, it was not small, but hell, I wasn't thinking about the money that time. I was thinking, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO US? Since I did not show interest on that check, Marc then told me that I was given a chance to relocate and showed me the transfer notice with my new rate and my relocation allowance. I felt relieved, at least I had an option. But only for a while. Why? Because when I asked Marc, "yung iba po, pano po sila?" (What about the others?) He just shook his head as his answer, meaning the others had no option.

(Flashback)

When I was chosen by him to be a Supervisor last August 2006, I didn't know what to say. I even asked, "Why me?" He said, he believed in me, and that I'll be a good leader. I was scared that time since I had a traumatic experience with my previous foreigner boss. But I didn't want to let him down, so I tried...Tried hard..Worked hard...And worked my way to be as effective as possible in handling the position he entrusted me...But I won't be an effective leader, IF NOT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO COOPERATED AND WORKED WITH ME IN COMPLETING ALL THOSE PROJECTS AND ACHIEVING OUR GROUP'S GOALS! Now, I'm crying, I'm really crying!!!

9:15 AM - After Marc showed me the transfer notice, he told me that I should decide before they leave in the afternoon. As in haller! As if I didn't have kids to consider in the decision-making process. So, I asked him to give me time, at least after 11:00 AM. I told him that I need my baby's father's say about me relocating and leaving our baby for the mean time.

After that talk, I went out of the office with tears in my eyes. I looked for Dex and told him that Marc wanted to see him at the office. Then I just continued walking, as to where I was going, to hide in the CR. To cry and cry until there were no more tears left for me to shed. Those who met me along the way were looking at me with questioning eyes. My friends Nays and Lyn even asked, "what's happening Bhem"? I couldn't answer; I just kept crying and hurried inside the CR. There, I cried so hard. I wanted to scream, "WHY US? WHY THE PEOPLE HERE IN LEGAZPI? WHY TREAT US LIKE THIS?"

Several minutes had passed before I went out of the CR, yet I had no clear answers to give to my co-employees. Again, Nays asked me what was happening. Then Lyn came near me and we just hugged and cried. Yona also hugged me, and was telling me, "Pa'no na kami Ate Phoebz?" (How about us, Ate Phoebz?") I just said, "Dai ko aram, Bhe. Dai ko aram!" ( I don't know..I don't know!) Then Dexter came, and I asked him, "Ano ini, Padi?" (What is this, Padi?) He didn't answer, I guess he himself was too shocked. It must be really hard for him considering that the Content Department here in the Philippines started with him in year 2003. He's everybody's mentor, so if it was difficult for me to leave the people under me, I'm sure it was twice or even thrice as difficult for him. And how about Ate Razh? I was looking for her before and after I talked to Marc but could not find her. She was here in this company long before any of us came, and I was wondering if she already knew.

9:45 AM - After everybody had learned about the "demolition/purge", some of us gathered at the pantry and were asking if who were given the option to relocate. At first, I thought we were many. But, we're not! Imagine, out of the 50 people in our department, only 8 were given the chance, myself included. And you knew what hurt me more, from that 8, there was none from my current group. I didn't know what was their basis in choosing, all I knew was that there were some people under me who also deserved to be given that transfer notice. Again, I couldn't help but cry. Then, Ate Raziel came; I thought she didn't know anything yet. But I was wrong, from us three supervisors, she was the first one that Marc talked to. And the reason why I couldn't find her was because she went out of the office the moment she knew about the bad news. She didn't want the people under her department to see her crying. So, she went to a nearby store that she used to hang out and spent a few minutes or so until she was ready enough to face everyone in the office.

After the "bomb" had been set off, everyone was left shocked, in tears, and in limbo. Not anyone from us had a concrete idea as to where to go from there. Some were thinking about relocating, others were thinking of rejecting their offers, and the rest had no solid clue as to what to do next.

A few suggested having a get together at night in Manhattan, a beach resort in Sto. Domingo, at least to spend some time together before everyone part ways. Who would have thought that the typical day would turn out to be the last day in the office? Meaning, the last day to see everyone in the office, who are not just mere co-workers but also friends. Yes, over the years, we have developed really good friendship with our colleagues, an incomparable bonding on which, I'm sure some people in the other facility will be able to attest.

Okay, fast forward...

11:10 AM - Finally, I saw Ghie (my baby's father) went online. I immediately told him about the bad news, and his initial reaction was, "So, ano plano mo?" (So, what's your plan?) I told him that I was given an option to relocate, with a salary adjustment and relocation allowance at that. But I was thinking more of our baby, so I needed his opinion on that. He said, "Accept mo na 'yan na transfer, iwalat mo muna si baby kay Ma." (Accept the transfer and leave our baby for a while to Ma.) Such a short line, yet enough to make me reach to one decision: RELOCATE!

11:45 AM - I informed Dex about my decision and he said, he was accepting the offer as well. We went to see Marc, asked a few more questions, and told him about our decision – ACCEPT THE RELOCATION OFFER. What followed was the signing of the papers and so there.

It only took me seconds in signing that transfer notice, and less than 3 hours to come up with such decision. But in the next few hours, days, weeks, and months, my life will be changed in so many ways. It may not be forever, but it may either be for good or for bad.

So after signing, I went home to talk to my mother-in-law. She understood my situation and promised me that she'd look after my baby once I leave. Then I looked at my baby, I immediately carried her in my arms and hugged her so tight. I knew that the coming days will be different for both of us. I was crying while holding her in my arms, with her eyes looking at me and seemed to ask, "Why are you crying, Mommy?" I kissed her and just said, "I love you, Baby. Mommy loves you so much!"

After a few hours, I came back to the office to check who were still there. There were still a few people around, including the three security guards who were detailed at the office until everything is moved out. Apparently, the "demolition team" had already left. I was thinking, did they feel relieved after they've said the bad news?

In just a blink of an eye, the "demolition/purge" had changed many people's lives, including mine. I really didn’t have a clue what to do next after that day. Did you?

Influenza A(H1N1) in Pregnancy

This is a follow-up to my post yesterday. Since I've been feeling so paranoid over the last few hours due to this influenza A(H1N1) virus spreading over the country, I tried to search online for the possible effects on this on pregnant woman. Although according to news, most of the people who were tested positive on this virus have already recovered, I'm still not at peace considering the thought that I am a carrying a little life inside me. Plus, I have kids who wait for me everyday at home.

I simply don't want to be the carrier of this A(H1N1) virus to my family, so I'm registering today for the flu vaccine that our company is offering. I asked our company nurse if the vaccine is safe for pregnant women, and she said yes. Anyway, here is what I researched so far about influenza A(H1N1) in pregnancy. Let me share this to all expectant moms like me, and of course to those who know one.

What is Influenza A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) is a new flu virus infecting people that was first detected in April 2009. It is spread from person-to-person, is very contagious, and has sparked a worldwide pandemic alert issued by the World Health Organization.

Why has it been called swine flu?

It was first referred to as swine flu because initially thought to be entirely similar to the virus affecting pigs. Further studies reveal that H1N1 flu is the result of transformations in the swine flu virus with elements of viruses from birds and humans.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

H1N1 flu has different effects in different people. Some people who catch the virus only have mild symptoms. But others can develop complications and, in extreme cases, H1N1 flu can cause death.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular flu symptoms:

• fever
• tiredness
• cough
• headache
• muscles and joint pain.

Swine flu can also cause:

• acute abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• vomiting

A fever caused by H1N1 flu can be very high: if you have regular flu your fever is unlikely to go above 39 degrees C (102.2 degrees F). If you have swine flu it could reach 39 degrees C and higher.

The U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares a list of symptoms that require urgent medical attention. If you spot any of these, contact your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever

How does H1N1 flu spread?

H1N1 flu spreads from person to person in the same way as other flu viruses: through coughing and sneezing of people who are infected. Swine flu is very contagious and spreads easily, particularly in enclosed spaces where there is close contact between infected people and healthy people.

H1N1 flu viruses are not spread from eating or preparing pork.

I'm pregnant. Am I more at risk of catching H1N1 flu?

If you're pregnant, your immunity to infection is slightly lowered to stop your body rejecting your unborn baby. So it's particularly important that you take sensible precautions to protect yourself.

Can H1N1 flu affect my developing baby?

We know that with regular seasonal flu, your baby is well protected against the virus within your womb. H1N1 flu is a new strain of flu so we don't yet know everything about it, including whether or not it will cross the placenta.

What should I do if I or somebody in my family shows symptoms of H1N1 flu?

Call your doctor immediately and explain what's happening. Tell her that you are pregnant and whether you or anyone else in your house has any other health problems. H1N1 flu can be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. If you have recently been to Mexico or the USA, make sure you mention it. Because the virus is very contagious, your doctor will tell you whether you should go to the hospital or if you should stay at home.

You may be asked to go to the hospital to have a sample taken from your respiratory system. This will be analyzed in order to find out if your symptoms are caused by H1N1 flu.

Is there any treatment for H1N1 flu?

There is no cure for H1N1 flu but antiviral drugs will relieve the symptoms and help you to recover faster. They will also reduce the likelihood of you developing complications. Currently, antiviral drugs can be prescribed for children over the age of one. Research has not yet proven that they are safe for younger babies, or for pregnant women, but it's possible that your doctor will still prescribe them. "If a pandemic occurs it is highly likely that babies will receive antivirals as the benefit is likely to outweigh any risk," says BabyCentre UK's GP, Morag Martindale. "This will also probably be the case for pregnant women."

According to Dra. Kho, BabyCenter Philippines' obstetrician, "A pregnant woman who gets infected with H1N1 flu will benefit from treatment with antiviral drugs, especially since very minimal amounts of the drug will actually cross the placenta." She adds, "At present, there are no known risks to the developing fetus being exposed to the antiviral drugs."

The Department of Health explicitly says that pregnant women and young children should not resort to self-medication and should immediately consult with a health provider. Similarly, those who experience influenza symptoms coupled with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, immunodeficiencies should also not self-medicate.

What can I do to avoid H1N1 flu?

Just as with regular flu, there are some things you can do to avoid infection and minimize the spread of the disease:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze and throw it away after using it.

• If you don't have a tissue to hand, cover your mouth with the inner part of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. This will avoid spreading the infection to your hand and will minimize spreading the disease.

• After coughing and sneezing, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rub both sides of your soapy hands for at least for 15 seconds and rinse with lots of water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitisers.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth because the germs spread very quickly.

• Wash your hands frequently –- the virus can live for up to two hours on surfaces like doorknobs and telephones.

• Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods –- a balance of these will give you minerals and antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help to fight infections.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.

How long will I be contagious if I have H1N1 flu?

People who have the H1N1 flu virus can be contagious for up to seven days after the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger ones, may be contagious for longer periods.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?

Not at the moment. Researchers are working on an effective vaccine for H1N1 flu but it will take several months to produce. The vaccine for other forms of flu will not protect you against H1N1 flu.

Info Source: www.babycenter.com

Scared About A(H1N1)

After reading the email from our Administrative General Manager regarding A(H1N1) concerns in our office, I felt a different kind of paranoia that until now lingers on me. Although I started to feel a bad cold coming since Tuesday morning (because I kept on sneezing), so far it doesn't come yet. And I'm thankful. However, after learning from that email that a former employee of ours was tested positive for the virus, and had contact with other employees, all the more I got worried. No, not just worried, but scared, since I travel a lot to and from work everyday.

Oh, what can a pregnant woman do to avoid the A(H1N1) virus? Daddy kept telling me to wear a surgical mask when I'm riding the bus or the jeepney. But, I'm having second thoughts about it because whenever I see one wearing, all the more I feel scared. Actually, just this morning, we were given N-95 masks at the office. But I don't know why I can't wear it, or why I don't want to wear it. And besides, according to our administrative assistant, it's only usable for 8 hours, so what good can it do for a helpless preggy mom like me.

Anyway, with mask or no mask, the best defense that I can do now is to make sure I take the vitamins prescribed by my OB-GYNE to keep my immune system strong. Plus, the hand sanitizer will be of big help, I guess.

My Baby is Back!

Hmmm. You might be wondering where the baby in between went. No, it's not the baby in between that I'm referring to here. It's my Macbook, which was under major troubleshooting over the weekend due to kernel panic attack. I thought I'll be able to have it before the long weekend, but then our computer technician could not find time to fix it during weekdays.

Anyway, my baby's back now, and I'm more than happy to have "him" back. Yes, from now on, I'll take more care of "him, as "he" is our long distance relationship's lifeblood. Without him, Daddy and I will have a hard time communicating. And of course, the baby in between won't be able to make "pacute" faces to her Daddy on webcam. LOL :D

Sidenote: To our ever accommodating and supportive tech, Russel: In case you come across my blog, I'd like to say thanks very much for bringing my baby back to me. I really appreciate the big help. Should I say 'til next? Nah..Hehehe.

Mommy and The Baby in Between: Off to School

Before the baby in between and I leave for school today, I just want to make this quick post. But it's not her who's already schooling, since she's only a year and a half; it's her sister, Yana. My schoolgirl is very excited today because she now wears her new uniform. But of course, the little one is kindda envious, so I made her a nameplate or ID for herself. LOL. :D

Anyway, gotta go for now. Our service is here. Oh boy, why does it have to rain so hard again today?

Just Me Ranting

I can't explain what I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if this is anger or mere disappointment. I thought I'd be able to get back on track of budgetting our finances beginning this month. But it seems it's far from real again. Honestly, I don't know how to handle them myself anymore. I just want to cry and cry right now because I feel so helpless. In spite of the added income that I bring in to this family, still everything does not suffice.

In just a few months time, I'll be having yet another baby. Before I was super excited, but now I'm beginning to doubt if I made the right choice of bringing "him" to this world during this very difficult phase of our life. Just thinking about the added expenses that this pregnancy and delivery carry, I can't help but say, "If only I could turn back time..."

I don't know what to do anymore. Sometimes I would start feeling pity for myself, but I just try to disregard it because I know it won't help. I just keep saying that, in God's time, I'll be able to overcome these all. I don't want to blame anybody why I'm in this deep trouble because in the first place I tolerated it. So, the least that I can do now is to promise myself that next time, I'll learn how to say NO!

Macbook-less Weekend

Today marks the start of another long weekend for me. Yesterday was the Philippine Independence holiday; but instead of enjoying the holiday yesterday, our boss decided to give us a long weekend so he allowed us to be at the office yesterday instead of today. It would have been a nice idea, only if I am not Macbook-less today.

Yes, my Macbook is still busted. I left it to our computer technician for reformatting. Since she was very busy during the weekdays, she decided to fix it over the weekend. I was hesitant at first, but since I didn't have so much choice, I decided to leave it to her and be Macbook-less over the weekend. If only there's an accessible Apple service center in my place or a company that offers overnight repair like in the image below, I won't have to suffer this long.


Image source: www.techrestore.com

So, where is Mommy Phoebe as of this moment? Still here at our neighboring Internet cafe. I'm really glad that there is one near our house, actually it's just in front of our house. So, lesser effort for me to visit this place, and the hourly rate is not that bad either.

How about you? How's your weekend so far?