My Memory of Party in Dubai

Oh I miss those not-so-ordinary Thursday nights during my first few months in Dubai. Amid the restrictions and strict compliance to alcohol sale (meaning no retailers and only those with license could purchase limited number of bottles per transaction), nothing could have ever stopped Juan dela Cruz from having fun. After all, having been whipped with a dreaded week, we deserve a bunch of good meal served before burning into shots of tequilla.


The head of the family, Kuya Benny would start the night opening his "little bar" to the house members. "The choice is yours, sky's the limit, for as long as you finish the bottle," he would warn. You bet - a pick of whiskey, brandy, vodka, beer, wine, name it.

Honestly, I underestimated myself for not even trying other drinks, other than Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezer and Baileys but later realized my low tolerance to alcohol after finishing 2-3 bottles, having been given up myself to a not-so-good conversation that led me to spinsterhood. I'll tell you the full story when I'm ready.

But there's more to it than just spontaneous gulping. In a Filipino community anywhere in the world, fun is no fun, party is no party without... tahdah! VIDEOKE. Music has always played a great part in our lives. It brings out the best and the worst in us. Hidden talents come out and heightened energy raises the roof (still, don't discount the effect of alcohol). Once the ball starts rolling, everyone gathers to cheer or waits their turn to program their favorite karaoke piece and take the centerstage. From the famous "My Way"of Frank Sinatra to the kid's favorite belting songs of Sarah Geronimo, no doubt the monitor would be filled with the almost-memorized number combinations.

The great thing about us Filipinos is our well-preserved values of connecting to our friends and families (in the case of OFWs, new-found families) and the way we perceive enjoyment. It would never ever be lost, no matter where we are, whoever we're with.

How will stop my son from thumbsucking?

Got any idea? I'm almost out of it. I think I was wrong of teaching Xam to thumbsuck right at the time he needed a pacifier. I tried to introduce this to him though but it didn't seem to work. It would pop out of Xam's mouth no matter how hard I hold it for him to get used to it. It might be an effect of involuntary reflexes but shouldn't be as sucking itself is the reflex.

I know that the habit is but common and gives a calming effect to babies but in a long run, I guess it's creating a problem out of its job of soothing. I'm alarmed that my son's teeth are not lining up and growing wide apart from each other. If worst comes, it may affect the whole mouth roof.

Xam's godfather who's a dentist is suggesting that I should put on gloves made of cloth on Xam's hand but I can't find any from the stores or pharmacies. And besides, when I tried to cover his thumb with a gauge, he got so irritated and tried hard to remove it. More so, the crying never stopped and it hurts me so I decided to take it off. Meanwhile, most of my relatives are having weird thoughts and gave me an option I can't even try - putting chili on Xam's finger (that's even more painful, for him and for me). I kid for a response that vinegar is more subtle. Of course I won't do it, it's an acid. Drops to drops could accumulate and it would add up to the crime.

If someone has a good suggestion, would you help me solve my problem?

Personal Assessment

Almost a year of motherhood. I have experienced the highs and lows, the fears and excitements, the joy and pains. I have discovered more of my weaknesses, my frustrations, my expectations, from myself, from Xam.

Am I good enough? Can I provide enough? Could it be possible for me to take both the mother and father roles at the same time? If I am the protective mantle, how can I challenge my son to run his life? Would I break rules?

Should I look for a father-figure (if lolo (grandpa) won't be around for him) for Xam or should I ask assistance from his dad? Am I ready to answer his questions later on? If not, how can I prepare for it?

I should admit that as much as I want to be positive for any challenges I may encounter, right this moment, I am shaking. I fear for things I may not be able to handle, when I am the first one Xam would depend on.

When it's the time, I will have courage. When I am there, I will be ready. When no one is around to extend some help, I know, there's Someone up there, Someone enough to prepare me, to hold me, to lift me, to give me wisdom and courage to stand by, for, with Xam.

Why Xam had to Cry during Flight

Xam's first plane ride happened last Thursday when we flew to Cebu to attend my nephew's wedding (Thanks to the generosity of Lola Rowie who offered plane fare for mommy Jet, Lola Nena and Xamboy). Everyone was so excited - Xam, the most was uncontrollably excited and kept on babbling on our way to the airport. The chatting change to a more louder cooing until it finally turned to screaming. I always miss and never got used to this behavior of Xam's, an indicator for a nap. It was all too late, having heard too much of his roaring.

When we boarded the cabin, he was asleep but woke up just right in time for the plane to take off. The first 30 minutes were just as fine as the weather although self-positioning was hardly achieved, as to where he wants to face - to his left to the window or right facing the other passengers, to rather lie, sit or be inclined. Bottomline is, the space was too uncomfortable for him that I had to pull the hand bar up, the one that separates mine and mom's seats.

It went so smooth after all. Just in time for the snack, Xam finally got to sleep, his head on my lap, and feet on mom's. The force of nature put me into a relaxed state supported by the soothing effect of the tea I've requested from the cabin attendant. I felt a need for a doze but my instincts open my consiousness, that Xam is not in a stable sleeping position he may fall from our laps, although I know mom can look after him because she was awake at that time. I reserved my remaining energy for the plane's landing, as I've never been comfortable with my previous experiences of plane's accent and decent. It's just an hour trip to Cebu that the captain finally announced that we're about to reach Mactan-Cebu International Aiport. The sudden shift of altitude made everyone awake including Xam, and the crying started.

According to physicians, the air sickness we feel during the flight as the plane swings is the effect of the unbalanced vestibular-labyrinthine apparatus in our ears (the inner ear structure for self-balancing). Xam reacts to the pain felt in the ear, head and even in the face but the crying helps to relieve the pain otherwise. For adults, we know exactly what to do - drink fluids, chew a gum or simply swallowing our saliva. But for babies, they obviously need assistance to prevent their dizziness or nausea. They don't chew gum or are not aware of the effect of swallowing so it's best to give them liquids. In Xam's case, though it's only an hour ago since his last feeding, I tried to give him 4 ounces to finish until the plane completely land.

MOM'S STANDPOINT

It's important for us moms to prepare ourselves for a safe and comfortable trip with our babies because all they care about is their own comfort, from diapers to a satisfied tummy and a comfortable seat or place to lie. Always keep in mind that our all-time objective is an enjoyable and less-complain hours for baby and a stress-free travel for us.