Proud Mum

Most of the time, I'm a nagger to my kids. Especially here in Australia. I think my fuse is significantly shorter with them, one because I'm doing practically everything, and two, I don't feel like a 'guilty mom who doesn't spend enough time with the kids' unlike in Manila.

But despite all the frustrations I have in caring for them, I am so proud of them. Coming to Australia has made them even more independent and, in some ways, responsible.

At 7 years old, Diego is turning out to be a really good kuya. He brushes Andie's teeth, changes her into pajamas, and sometimes, even wipes her after she makes weewee. How cool is that? Beyond these, his jobs include setting the table and taking the garbage out.

And Maristella, who just turned 5, takes a bath on her own, dresses up by herself and cleans the table and placemats after every meal.

What about Andie? Aside from being cute and adorable, she puts her 'dodo' in the kitchen sink after she finishes it, and puts her dirty clothes in the hamper before dressing up. So you will see her running around naked from their room to the laundry room every night.

I know that less fortunate kids back home are more mature and have more responsibility at home, like really taking care of younger siblings, cooking, even earning a living. And generally speaking, kids now are more sheltered and spoiled in many ways. My children included. Sometimes our expectations of them are probably too high, that's why we get frustrated when they act up, mess up or forget to do things. But still, I can't help but feel really proud of them. 

Perhaps it was a right decision to come and stay for a year.

PX Barbie Dolls

When I was a little girl, my sisters who lived in NY then would always bring home Barbie Dolls for me. What I loved most about these Barbies were how they smelled. It smelled like the States. Kind of like how the inside of your luggage smells when you open it after a trip from the US. Amoy PX.

On our trip to Sydney, one of the things on my shopping list was a nice perfume. I was thinking of another Jo Malone, but tried on this Prada Infusion D'Iris with the prodding of a salesman at Myer. And one whiff of it brought me back to Christmases of the 70's!!! I just love how it smells like newly opened Barbie Dolls from the states. It's beautiful and I love it!!! It uplifts my spirits, especially now that the weather makes me even more prone to homesickness and loneliness in general.

So now, even if the day will just be spent at home mopping the floors, or doing the laundry, or cooking, I spritz on a little and somehow, I'm ok. It's amazing how scent can make a difference, no matter how little. Here's hoping that this Prada will help me get through this sabbatical.