I am now starting to look for a promo airfare for our vacation next year. I am booking this early, because when it comes to finding the best deal from airlines, the earlier the better. But since our last vacation, I have promised to myself that we will only fly with highly reputable and professional airlines-- Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. The reason for this, I had a very bad experience with the staff of Zest Airlines.

Last May, we had the chance to avail of their midnight flight on our way back here in Aklan. I was carrying a paminta (pepper) plants which I got from Cavite. I called their customer hotline inquiring about the permit that I need so that I can take it with me. The customer assistant told me that the plants need to be quarantine and everything will be done in the airport. I made it clear that we were travelling at midnight and asked if the quarantine office is still open during that time, and she said yes. I was a happy bee, happy and relieved.

So on the night of our flight, I was very confident that there won't be any problems. But as I reached the Old NAIA, during the first x-ray, they informed me that I can't bring my plants because the quarantine office was closed already. I explained to them that I already called the customer support of Zest, blah, blah blah! They allowed me to bring my plants inside but instructed me to put it inside the bag. So, I did.

During the second and final x-ray, they stopped us and told us that if we don't have the quarantine permit, we have no choice but to leave it there. I approached the Zest staff, where we got our ticket and boarding pass and explained to her what happened. I was shocked because the only thing she said was I can't take it with me if I don't have the quarantine permit.

I agree that we have to abide by the rules. But since their "customer agent" was the one who got me into trouble, I was expecting that they will assist me in dealing with the situation. I can't just leave it there as if it was just a bottled drink! Even their manager during that time just passed by without paying attention to me. She just instructed her staff that I can't take it with me.

So, the good news, one of the airport staff had the heart and helped me. He removed the soil, packed the plants with a tape, and carefully placed it in my hand carry bag. Good thing is that he knows that it was really a paminta plant.

Note To ZEST OFFICIALS:
Can you please train your employees how to professionally deal with your customers and at least inform them when the operating hours of the quarantine office so they will know what to answer to their callers!

By the way, here is our pic at the airport after the disappointing encounter with the ZEST staff.

Most of you moms will agree that we all sometimes get the feeling of loneliness seeing our kids grow. If only we could bottle all their toothless grin, newborn scent and innocence, then there will be a room full of priceless possessions.

Well, this morning I had this feeling. Looking at my kids, I've felt a sudden squeeze somewhere within. If only I can extend a year of their growth to 5 years, then I may have some more time to watch them like this. I want time to move slower so that I can have ample time to snuggle with them, or at least make up for the times I was not there.

Luckily, being a full time mother and a full time online worker, I was blessed to witness all the memorable firsts of my kids. I was able to document each and everyone of them. But as of now, I don't have enough courage to look at them. They only magnify the fact that my kids are growing too fast and soon everything will be memories. I know there will be a lot more memories to collect. I have plenty of room to accommodate them all. Maybe in a decade or two, I will be able to look at them and cherish all the memories... but not now, not yet.

So I had this feeling for a couple of day now. I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid of everything that is happening around us. I mean the killer earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and all the war that is being born in different countries, it makes me wonder if we're getting really near the final days.

Being a mother of 3, I'm afraid for my kids. You know, I'm morbid at times. I keep on imagining things happening and seeing ourselves in that situation. I know it's not healthy but it is one way of making me think possible survival strategies that may save me and my family. Actually, I'm done with my survival kit list, and I'm ready to buy them. It gives me a sense security to know that I have all the things necessary to survive just in case calamities happen.

I remember 3 years ago when our place was hit by typhoon Frank. We're not prepared during that time. We have no medicine, ointments, foods and water. It was a nightmare to all of us. I don't want that to happen again. So, now I'm making myself more aware and ready with all the possibilities.

Here is my survival kit content and hopefully it will help you in packing yours:

-1 bottle of alcohol
-Betadine
-Sterilize gauge pad
-Scissor
-medicines for fever, cough, colds, diarrhea, and antibioic.
-Ointment for burns
-Anti-fungal cream
-Drinking water
-Ready to eat canned goods
-Biscuits
-chocolate candy bars
-Blanket and Extra Clothes
-Flashlight
-Swiss knife
-Batteries
-Can Opener
-Transistor radio
-Matches and Candles

If you have kids like me, your survival kit should also include:

-Diapers
-Medicine suited for the age of the child
-Wet Tissues
-Clothes (5 to 10 pairs)
-Blanket
-Ready to eat baby foods and biscuits
-Drinking water and formula milk
-Some small toys to ease to help your child stay calm

I am a mellow dramatic person
I cry with little or no reason at all
I am hopeless romantic

Looking at my kids while they're sleeping
I can't help but ask
What good have I done
to deserve something as wonderful as them

I know I'm not a perfect mom
never been a perfect wife
nor daughter to my mom
But I'll never stop striving to be the best
I could be
Just to be worthy of them

I had my share of naughtiness
and craziness
and everything that comes in between

My life is not grand
I have nothing much to offer
I have loved and been lost
I once dream and failed
forgive and forget

I could have been much better
if only I did the right thing
But believe me
I was never been so thankful
with the life I have now