Savings 101

Not so long time ago, Kiel got very curious after seeing his Ate Kassie’s piggy coin bank. He wants to hold and play with it all the time because he enjoys the sound it makes when he shakes it. Eventually, his Momsie (my mom) got him his own piggy coin bank in a different color. Since then we have been constantly giving Kiel our spare changes (in 5’s and 10’s) so he can put it in his coin bank. At times he will get excited and sometimes, not at all, and it’s okay. We just wanted him to learn the habit of saving that could benefit him in the future. Eventually it got full and Kiel received his second piggy from his Mamita (MIL).

Last week, we opened the two coin banks because they are getting full already. And to our surprise, the coins amounted to almost Php 5,000! We got excited as we stacked up the coins and put them inside individual plastic bags. In the coming days, we’re going to go to the bank to open an account for Kiel. It may not be much but we know it’s a good start to teach our son the value of saving that will surely benefit him in the future. And as parents, we’ll try our best to explain to him why we have to do it. Oh, and by the way, I already bought Kiel two new coin banks to get him started saving again.

Color My World

Since a few months ago, coloring books for adults have become a trend. I see them all over the Internet and in social media being posted by friends and colleagues. They say coloring has lots of benefits. I said to myself that it is something I may need to experience personally before I can say my take on it.

Last week, my husband handed me a brown paper bag from a known bookstore. Much to my surprise, inside it was the exact adult coloring book I told him I was planning to buy months back. I got excited and thrilled! Who wouldn’t? I got a present without any occasion and it was something I really, really wanted. Surprisingly I got a little frustrated too. You know why? Because I know I don’t have the time to work on it yet because of lots of commitments and activities.

Guess what. After a super stressful weekend, this week has been very good to me so far. So I unwrapped the book and sharpened my coloring pencils and decided to give coloring a try.

Here are my observations:

1.     It lessens anxiety.

I say it’s true, at least for me. I mentioned I had a rough weekend and got a lot of things going on in my mind and it’s starting to drive me C-R-A-Z-Y! When I started coloring last Wednesday, it eased my mind. I became less bothered of the things I was worrying about. And it felt good.

2.     It is relaxing.

My hand got tired easily from holding the coloring pencils for so long because I am no longer used to holding pens, pencils, and crayons anymore. And since I have a bad back, sitting for a long period of time is not good for me as well. But even with those effects, I’ve never felt more relaxed. Coloring may be physically exhausting for adults, but it is emotionally and mentally relaxing.

3.     It lets you be you.

You’re the one in control and you can put any color or style you like. There’s no right or wrong. You can freely express yourself.

4.     It is fun!

I really enjoyed it. I felt like a kid again, but better (in staying within the lines). Now I’m just anxious to get to the bookstore again to buy more coloring pencils because 24 colors will not be enough for me anymore.

Based on what I’ve experience, I say this activity is highly recommended to all especially for those who are too stressed and want to keep their minds off things or for those who simply want to do something out of their routine that is both fun and relaxing.