Nicquee's Nook

Do You Own A Dog?

We do. In fact, we have three dogs: 1 shih tzu and 2 natives.

There are very real health benefits from being a dog owner. Kids who grow up with dogs are less likely to have allergies than kids who are pet-free. This is quite the opposite of traditional thinking, but studies have shown that babies who are exposed early to dogs have higher immunity chemicals in their system. The increase in the immunity chemicals has been instrumental in keeping kids from getting other allergies or skin irritations like eczema. It is also possible that kids exposed to pets and farm animals are less likely to get asthma. This all sounds like great news for the dog world.

As if that was not enough, pets are a great stress reducer, which helps to lower blood pressure. A dog is quick to respond to their owners, and they provide unconditional love and affection. This attachment can reduce depression and struggles with self-worth. Stress can be lethal by creating immune system destroying chemicals in the bloodstream. Natural chemicals like cortisol can lead to heart disease by assisting in the buildup of plaque in the bloodstream.

A stockbroker or high-powered banker on Wall Street may live a lot longer if they would only adopt a puppy. Even living in a Manhattan apartment should not stop someone from getting a dog to help them with their stress. If they need to, they can always get a puppy training kit that has been created for apartment puppies. ModernPuppies.com has a potty training puppy kit. Those who live in high-stress jobs and environments should not overlook the benefits of being a puppy parent.

Into Arts and Crafts

Clubs were introduced in Alex’s school a few months back. Each child can join either Dance Club, Book Lovers Club or Art Club. As you know, Alex is into ballet. But at the same time, she is also into arts. So I asked which club she wanted to join. And you already know the answer.

Every second week of the month, all clubs meet. Nakakatuwa kasi uuwi na lang si Alex, may dala siyang finished art products or materials she will use to do something at home. At the same time, nakakapressure siya for someone who is not into arts, like me. But being the supportive mom that I am, I do give arts and crafts a try. It is challenging for me, lalo na ayoko ng may naaaksayang papel, which is one of the major materials in arts and crafts diba. But I am slowly foregoing that principle. Kung saan enjoy si Alex, go!

Recently, an Indian went to their school and demonstrated the Indian Paper Art. She was not able to buy a book because she is no longer allowed to bring money at school (at hindi rin naman malaki ang ibinibigay namin sa kanya before). Her teacher was kind enough to have it photocopied since hindi na bumalik si Mr. Indian Seller. I tried following the instructions from the book but I cannot get it. So before ako maubusan ng pasensiya, may I ask Google na ako. And I found youtube videos. At sabi ni Alex, yung nasa video daw yung nagpunta sa school nila. Ayos ng gig ni kuya. 😀

We’ve watched the videos and tried them. We need more practice. And we also need to find out what kind of paper should be used. We tried Japanese paper but it is too soft. Any ideas?

Too Advanced

That is what I feel with regards to the lessons being taught to my first grader.

Alex has this on and off colds due to the unpredictable weather that we have been experiencing. The chocolate stock that we have does not help because my girls have a sweet tooth (just like mom) and they take a bit of those every after meal, aggravating the colds a little. Oh, plus the busy weekends that we have.

The colds took a toll on her last Monday and I decided not to send her to school. I thought she will not miss much on a Monday since there is a school rule that exams on a Monday is a no-no as Friday is a no assignment day. There were really no exams. But I forgot that there can be seatworks. To my surprise, they tackled multiplication tables 6 and 7 last Monday. Yesterday, they tacked tables 8 and 9. Today, there was a quiz on tables 6 and 7 plus a long test in Reading. Tomorrow there is a long test in Language. I am hyperventilating.

I was not able to review Alex because 1)I do not know how the teacher taught the lesson to them and I do not want to teach another technique which might confuse Alex. Being absent, she does not know the way it was taught either. 2)I went to the wake of our friend priest, who presided our wedding ceremony and was so stressed out by the commute from south to north.

I may be over-reacting but I just feel that these Math lessons are waaaaaaaay too advanced for a six-year-old kid. In my time, I studied these things when I was in grade 3, if my memory serves me right. But that is the way it is. Whether I like it or not, I have to help my daughter with this Math lesson as it will be included in their 2nd periodical exams next week. Yes, next week! That means stress-week again!

Oh God, please shower me with lotsa patience and time!