HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SON

This afternoon, Jashkah presented me with a couple of forms from school that he said, I needed to sign. One of which is an application form for McDonald's. As in McDonald's the globalised fast food franchise.

I knew my son's 14th birthday is coming up, but I didn't realise part-autonomy, independence and self-sufficiency comes with it. It bothered me a lot, because I've always told my self I will never send my son to work while he's still in school. I will never allow him to experience the satisfaction of earning meagre amount of money because he might think it can readily sustain him for the rest of his life. I wanted him to finish school and get the education that he so rightfully deserve. Education was prime and foremost. Money later.

I decided back then that I will bear all cost and provide him with every single thing he may one day need and want for as long as he's in school. When he's done with his schooling, then he can work and earn his own sweat.

That was my principle...back then.

Then along comes the realisation that part of that education is how you earn your own money, because what comes with it is the learning of the value of your own hard work.

So now, I am in a quagmire of ambiguity. I've been debating and arguing with my self for the last 6 hours since he came home from school. He recently told me that I am 'OVER PROTECTIVE', and that I should let him out a bit...I am lost here. Am I the only mother being accused of being over protective?

But then again...he is now in fact a 14 year old MAN.

I do realise I need to allow him space for some decision-making in his life. It's the only way for him to experience the facts of life.

Back to his overture...more like argument and rationalisation as to why he should work: we are going to Philippines this December for a holiday. He needs spending money.

My argument is: he's got $25.00 allowance every week, therefore he will have spending money if he knows how to save.

His rebuttal: It's not enough.

Mine: Clean up my car and the house every weekend and I'll pay extra.

He, no doubt, wasn't happy with how that ended. As usual, I had the last say...So should all mothers;=)

But it doesn't mean mothers should always win. We should all open our minds and consider their arguments and all avenues. I might sound like a condescending mum, but I am usually a very broad minded mum. I allow reasoning and contemplate on it. And I do not make decisions simply to demonstrate my power. I make my decisions based on arguments presented to me...PLUS...logic.

I haven't made my decision yet, but my son does not know that. He probably thinks that was the end of the discussion.

It really is not easy to be a mum...a mum of a teenager at that. But I am glad that he is now exercising his self-reliance and individuality. It may be too hard to admit, but he is starting to grow his own wings...and I have the responsibility to show him how to make use of those wings and fly...and SOAR HIGH gracefully like a falcon.

So, SOAR HIGH MY DEAR SON...

You will only understand a parent's love once you are one yourself.

Happy birthday Jashkah. I love you so much.

3 DAYS PRINGLES BINGE

It's been a while since I've last eaten Pringles. Although it used to be my favorite past time junk food, I must've had too much of this at one point years ago, that I simply got too sick of it.

But long time ago... My sister used to get a lot of Pringles from her suitors, boyfriends and admirers. Back in Pinas way back when dagohoy ruled, Pringles was so expensive, so it really is a treat having this junk food. My Mum never wasted money on junk foods, so Pringles came few and far between. I only depended...well, prayed so often that my sister will have more rich admirers so I can have more Pringles. The richer the admirer is, the more pringles she gets. Not that she gave me often...I'd have to beg for it...to the extent of even stealing inch thick worth of Pringles each time from her bed room where she keept all the goodies from her admirers.

I'm telling yah, desperate need means desperate measures. It's like Mission Impossible having to bribe a cousin as a lookout in exchange for a couple of chips of Pringles, or any quid pro quo. It was like the most precious 'caviar' while living in CMU.

When I came to Australia, I had such a bender, over indulging in Pringles. That's how my revulsion came about. One day, I hated Pringles so much. I could not even stand the smell of it at one point. I was sick sick sick as in sick as a goat with Pringles.

Anyway, I've taken three days off from work starting yesterday (I am due to go back on Monday). So last Tuesday, I went to buy some groceries intending not to leave the house but stay home and rest/procrastinate/watch TV/read books/listen to music/surf the net/eat-all five days, weekend included.

Guess what I found. Yes a SIX-PACKER of Pringles. I don't know what made me do it but I bought it anyway....

Believe it or not, I am back binging again. My hubby even got surprised when he saw this box and asked me, "How come you bought Pringles?"

Well, maybe I'm having this 'BACK TO THE FUTURE' moment.

It's still the same yummy old crispy Pringles that has, no doubt, a lot of MSG.

OH MY LORD, three more to go....

Please note, all photos are mine, modelled by my friend Cat. It's not an AD from Pringles.