OCD

I think by now you have picked up that I seem to have a bit of OCD in me. Yes, you are right! I have a mild case of CLINICAL OCD.  It means, I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist to have it.

How does it manifest in my life?

I fixate on things and thoughts and that results in compulsions. Example:

1. I fixate on electricity bill, so I keep checking if the lights are off.
2. I worry about being robbed, so I check the locks 3-4x.
3. I worry about sickness, so I keep going to the doctor.
4. I'm obsessed with cleanliness so I fixate on the hairs on the floor and I vacuum every morning and every night.


Those are the very basic and more frequent examples.

There are also those instances that I fixate on a thought or a problem. In such cases...

Professional Housewife

A lot of people tell me that I am so lucky that I have a very generous husband. But I hope they realize that the reason why my husband gives me allowance is because I actually have chores too.

We don't have a maid. I clean the house and I cook.

If you get the chance to visit our small home, you can see that I really do work hard to maintain it. I even go down on all fours to clean our bathroom ha!

And cooking...well, I even go as far as plating the food. 

Example ha! 

This is our breakfast today.

Childhood Trauma and It's Impact on Marriage by Christine Foong Wong

I am aware and I am in tune with the state of my mental health. I'm very comfortable in admitting that I go to a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist when I encounter roadblocks in my life. For me going to my shrink, is just like going to my allergy doctor.

Ever since my parents attended a CEFAM workshop with Sister Harriet, they have been very open to involving professionals in resolving conflicts within the family and within ourselves.

So, I got married with no hidden emotional and mental baggage. 

I am able to talk about my past and my demons with honesty. I don't fear judgement because I am secure of the sources of my feelings. 

For instance, when I am angry I am able to explain the role of my past experiences in causing my outburst. When I have fears, I can discuss my feelings in details. I can also go to my parents and cry to them and I have an established support group. 

In short, I know how to deal with it.

However, marriage is a totally different animal. 

Retaliation

Last week, my husband said something so hurtful. Perhaps it is true that that I started it and pushed him to say that. However, we both agreed that what he said was really below the belt.

I have opted not to fight fire with fire. I decided to be very pleasant. I even cooked his favorite dish, adobo.

Talentadang Asawa

Yes po, marunong din po ako magtahi..

Maglinis. Maglaba. Magplancha. Magluto.

At...

Gumawa ng Marketing Plan.

Oh di ba, and swerte ng jowakels ko.

Ikaw?

Echosera,

L

Love Me Like You Do

Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" is the soundtrack of the movie, 50 Shades of Gray.  I'm pretty sure you know the song and you have seen the movie.

Clearly, there are some people who like the way Christian expressed his love and desire towards Ana. I respect that preference.

For me, I do not appreciate being whacked and whipped and later showered with expensive gifts. I have promised myself that if my husband ever lays a hand on me, I will return the favor.  Whip me and I will punch your ears until you hear ringing sounds in your head. 

Thankfully, we are not into BDSM. We are more into Role Play, sadly with dismal plots. 

After a year of marriage, my husband still hasn't fully figured out how I wish to be loved. On our wedding anniversary, he gave me a diamond necklace.

In-Laws

I have come to the realization that my in-laws will never replace my family no matter how good they are to me and no matter how hard they try. It will always be different.

My family is not perfect. As a matter of fact, I will classify them under the "Crazy" quadrant.  My mom is a loud and funny probinsyana. My dad is a weirdo filled with wisdom.  My brother is a vain, confident and suplado chef.

However, they are my family...in neurosis and in sanity. Even if we scream at each other and we fight, we hug it out afterwards.

With my in-laws, there will always be an "Invisible Barrier" that will separate us. 

Paper-Inspired and Insight-Based First Wedding Anniversary Gift

For our first year anniversary, I gave my husband a gift related to PAPER.

The Letter

Dear S,

Paper is the symbol for the first year of marriage. Paper, as we both know, is very easy to tear and throw away. It has little or no value unless you put something on it. 

A bond paper is nothing. A bond paper with a love letter written on it means the world to whoever receives it. In time, this love letter becomes even more valuable.

It's the same with marriage. We really have to make an effort to make it colorful and interesting. Hopefully, after many many years together we can make a beautiful and valuable masterpiece.

I love you.

Sincerely,

L

The INSIGHT-BASED Gift

Initial Consume Reaction

S: Pinapagalitan mo naman ba ako? 

L:  Hay nako! Kulang ka talaga sa echoz!

The FREE Gift

Ofcourse, I still had another gift prepared. 

A swatch watch that has the face of a Patek Nautilus and the strap of a Calatrava. IMAGINATION PLEASE! Wala po akong pera for a Patek. Housewife lang po ako.

In a successful marketing campaign, even if you have a very strong insight and a beautifully executed TVC, you still need bundling to ensure your products move off the shelves. Kahit pang Cannes Awards level pa yang TV commercial mo, kailangan mo parin ang food keeper at delata! 

Post Consumer Reaction

S: These are the most thoughtful anniversary gifts. *hug*

L: Syempre may relo na kasama e... Napaka predictable mo.

Missing my marketing job,

L

p.s.> medyo maraming elements ang aming anniversary so I will write about each element separately. 

My Desk

I have a desk that I barely use. 

I fixed it a bit up today in hopes that it brings me some joy...

It did naman :)

Still in need of good vibes,

L

Low

I'm sorry for not writing anything substantial.

My spirits are once again low. There is no reason naman. I am in good health. I am just feeling the existence of a void... 

Needing some sunshine,

L