We find aero dancing as a fun way of exercising. Papa Sez and I have been dancing our way to fitness for several months now.  We do it in the comfort of our home using dance exercise videos or outdoors together with the UPLB community.  Since aero dance is becoming a regular activity, I tried to combine it with family bonding time by bringing along all our kids.  It’s a good opportunity for our kids to imbibe the health and fitness-conscious culture of the community segment that frequent the UPLB Freedom Park, I thought.  They may get enticed to dance with us or maybe not but they always look forward to running and playing on the wide open grass-covered ground and also, eating the hot pandesal we usually buy along the way…until the rains ruined the agenda. 

When it rains, aero dance sessions are done inside Baker Hall and playing in the field is no longer that enjoyable. The wet grasses is highly repulsive to most of my kids who do not want to wet their shoes when they play and they find the situation not worthy of waking up early on a weekend. Our eldest child, who ironically is a good dancer, spoke up and requested to extend her asleep instead of joining us. Though half-hearted, I gave in to the request and declared that only those who are willing to spend their early Saturday mornings with us, regardless of what awaits us at the UPLB Freedom Park, will be enjoined.

Last Saturday, we were not expecting a child companion, but our 3-year old son declared his interest and woke up early that day. We were lucky that the aero dance was done out in the open field, and our son who was well-behaved while we dance, was given a few minutes of running in the field before rain started to pour again. Though the rain cut it short, the three of us really had a great time. Next Saturday, our 8-year old son will be coming with us too. Who knows, headcount will be complete again before long.

Please view the video to see how diverse the community is but people were obviously united by love of dancing and physical fitness.

When the need to temporarily move to a smaller house came about, every family member had to do his/her share of adjustment because everyone already got used to wide open spaces that our former residences generously offered.

Staying focused on the affirmative side of our situation allowed me to enumerate several positive outcomes or events that the small house offered.

In this small house,

…the atmosphere is very cozy; the situation promoted lots of interactions among family members. The fact that we do not have a television unit also helped. Physical closeness encouraged emotional intimacy as well.

…the value of resilience was taught to the kids among other things. As parents, we now know that they can easily adapt to changes, come what may.

…we get to live close to my parents and siblings whom we missed for almost seven years. Having an established support system/extended family, especially while the kids are younger, is priceless.

…we were able to make my parents happier. They now have the chance to spoil our kids :D

... our kid's Tita Tin gets to drop by very often and Tito Jay gets to teach them art lessons.  For this, I am very thankful.

... there's a safe open area for kids to play and a parking space for our car within the compound, both of which are relatively scarce in the area.

…the neighborhood is safe and friendly. Our normally socially inhibited daughter learned to make friends and the gregarious nature of our sons was fueled as they enjoy playing with other children.

…became a witness to Nadine’s developmental milestones. She learned to talk, run, dance, sing, comb her hair, brush her teeth and do lots of other things.

... everything is just a few steps away... from the beauty parlor to the barbershop; from the resort to the park; from the public foot spa (hot spring) to the public transport; from the wet market to a variety of stores...you name it.

…Immaculate Concepcion Parish is just a stone throw away. I got the chance to reflect more often and benefit from the serenity of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel that is a few steps away.

…we were protected from ravaging impacts of typhoon. We feel safe inside this small house.

Our stay in this small house is just temporary but wherever our next destination maybe, to this small house truly grateful we'll always be!!!