Today was a very tiring day. I had a lot of to-do’s in my list that didnt get accomplished because I wasnt even able to accomplish my very first list in the to-do list: Get Matthew to school. When the red flag is up, everything goes wacko and so it did. I did, however, accomplish so many things afterwards: Do groceries (with two kids who always fight in tow), pay water and electricity bills, draft next week’s menu (and set aside money for market tomorrow) and set aside money for Matthew’s expenses at school. We also have a leaky faucet we need to take care of.

See, Matthew’s field trip is coming up. And he wants me to come with him. So the price is pretty steep, considering it’s just one day. Pero sige na lang, kasi gusto ko din sumama (Im curious how my son interacts with his schoolmates and syempre for picture taking purposes din). When we were in the grocery, he noticed our cart is full already. As in Im going to pay big bucks. He told me, “Mommy, mahal na yan.” So I told him we needed food (I do big grocery shopping once a month – laundry, cleaning, toiletries and everything is there. Mid month I refurbish on food but it is cheaper, around 75% cheaper). Matthew is a bilmoko kid. When he sees something he wants it, he points it. So I was wondering why each time I asked him, “Anong gusto mong biscuit?” “Zesto?”, he would reply with “Bread na lang Mommy” and “No na Mommy, ayaw.” Since we needed to replace toothbrushes too, he said, “Mommy, mahal ba to?” and he passed on the dried mangoes section (He NEVER ever passes up the chance to buy them if we let him, it’s his favorite).

Yun pala, he was conscious on the field trip expenses (and he really wants to go). It made my heart ache a little, knowing my son has been conscious (and is aware) of tight-beltening measures we have been enforcing ever since we lived on a one-income household. BUT, I know it is something he needs to be aware of so he can realize how much he has – he is still spoiled rotten with material stuff.

I clearly remember when I was exposed to the harsh realities of life. I was eight and we had so many aguinaldos that Christmas. I clearly remember I got 9000 pesos (that was a lot diba). My mom talked to each of us and said we need to cover our allowances for the rest of the schoolyear, buy ourselves new underwear and cover for ourselves. I think after that I knew times were hard but it didnt make me anymore less than “madamot” with my own money. I hope Matthew grows up to be the same.

Share This