Dusts

I'm back!

2009-12-09T13:22:00.005+08:00

I'm back!

After my unplanned hiatus, I'm here again expressing whatever thoughts that cross my demented mind.

I have been planning to write again since writing is my way of destressing, but I never got to sit down and do the usual stuff that I so love to do.

Then I found an inspiration.

And now I'm back! =)

Loser?

2009-05-28T21:04:00.000+08:00

I received a text message from a former staff and it says “Loser!Haha!” I was taken aback. Am i really a loser?
At the age of thirty, I haven’t done anything significant in my life. I had a good paying job but I gave it up, because I was too stressed with the way things are going in the company. A year after, I was offered simultaneously with two jobs. One offers a higher salary and the position is already top management, the other is supervisory and the pay is meager. And guess which job I chose!. I chickened out. I was not confident with my ability so I settled with the less glamourous and low paying job. And the job I chose cost me an enemy, who calls me a loser without second thoughts
I’m beginning to think that indeed, I am a loser.

BUT I am NOT!

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T23:51:00.003+08:00

To have someone like these two is a real blessing in life. Happy Father's day...
...my husband
and my dad

And to all the father's in the world!

Thoughtful Thursday

2008-06-13T08:34:00.002+08:00

If you're not prepared to look stupid, then nothing great is ever gonna happen

- House's patient-

SURVIVOR - my own edition

2008-06-01T18:02:00.004+08:00

I was a "cast away" for two weeks. No electricity, no news from the outside world. At night I would rely on the cool breeze to lull me into sleep in the absence of air conditioning. Yet, the mosquito net that shields me from mosquito bites would also shield me from fully enjoying the breeze. However, in my own SURVIVOR episode, I have the luxury of a mosquito net, some candles, the softness of my bed and the comfort of our home MINUS the ELECTRICITY.

Power was cut off on the afternoon of May 17, Saturday and was only restored on May 30, Friday. Storm COSME landed on my province in the afternoon of Saturday, while I was busy fulfilling the role of an usherette in my friend's wedding.

In the early morning of May 17, I was having second thoughts in attending the wedding due to the nonstop rain. What made me decide to attend is my yellow gown and my golden shoes =). And so, armed with an overnight bag, I braved the rain. The wedding is set at 5:30 in the afternoon. I was supposed to arrive before the guests and the entourage, so I left our house at eleven in the morning. It was a one and half hour ride, but I still have enough time for make up and changing into the yellow gown. But halfway from having my make up done, the power was cut off. And when my friend and I were about to go to where the ceremony would take place, the wind was blowing so hard, the glass door of the salon was pushed open. Somehow, despite the wind, we managed to arrive safe, sound and beautiful. It was quarter to five. We have settled the guests in the ceremony hall and the entourage in the coffee shop adjacent to the hall. By six in the evening, the ceremony started. I was teary eyed because finally, my friend has found the right woman. While I was trying to control my tears from falling, typhoon Cosme did not spare us from his wrath. He continued blowing strong winds and showering us with non stop rain. When the ceremony was finished, the bride and groom were rushed to the reception hall. But only the two of them managed to get through the strong wind. The rest of the entourage and the guests were ushered to the coffee shop. And there, we spent almost two hours waiting for Cosme's wrath to subside. The guests were calling and texting the family and relatives they left at home. We were agitated because the wind was so strong we can hear galvanized roofs being blown away. Some were concerned about their car being hit by branches of trees, others feared that their place could be flooded. Yet, after an hour of waiting and being stranded in the coffee shop, water came flowing inside. And slowly it started rising that I have to put my feet up on a chair. The water reached my ankle, then above it. The kids were restless. They were hungry and angry. It was a little past nine in the evening when we were ushered by the hotel personnel to the reception area. Everyone took off their shoes, lifted their skirts and pants and walked through the flooded corridor, water reaching half my leg. We no longer care how we look, all we wanted was to move in a safer and drier place, and a place where we could ease our hunger.

My ordeal did not end there. I have no place to stay. The hotel could no longer accommodate me for an overnight stay because their rooms were flooded. Same with the other hotel i called. I chanced by a tricycle and decided to sleep at my aunts house which is 3 kilometers away. But halfway there, we were stopped. We can no longer pass the road because the water was starting to rise, numerous trees were uprooted, roofs were thrown, electrical lines were cut and billboards were all blocking the road. I was shocked. I have nowhere to go. I was in the middle of a signal number three typhoon, caught in the debris of destruction and with no one to rely on. I can only answer the driver with my tears when he asked me where to take me next. I decided to try the other hotel I called earlier, and luckily, they were able to clean the flooded rooms and accommodate me.

It was midnight when i arrived, but I was not able to sleep at once. When I woke up, I was uncertain if I could go home, the bus I was to take suspended their operation. When I went out of the hotel, the sun was shining. The wind was calm. But the degree of destruction is evident. On my way home, I saw houses that were destroyed, missing roofs, walls, and some, only posts were left. People were walking in the flooded road, water reaching their waists. Trucks, buses, cars were stranded on one side of the road. Only big buses braved the flood. Trees were uprooted, branches were cut, fruits were blown away. I was in disbelief. The destruction was so wide and until now, some parts of my province is still living in the dark.

But what is evident is that despite the destruction and misfortune, the people in my province tried to live normally. After the storm came the sun and with the sun the hope in every one's heart. Hope that something could still be salvaged from the debris and hope that everything will be alright, eventually.

I survived Cosme. Our province survived Cosme. Some things might not have been restored to this day, but it will be, eventually.

Someone from above is watching over us.

A Divine intervention or just a mere concidence?

2008-05-16T17:36:00.003+08:00

It happened again!

Whenever I make a step in applying for a job through the net, either my mom gets sick, or I get sick.

I have been a stay home mom for almost nine months already. Although I enjoy every moment of it, I feel restless sometimes. I was used to managing a number of people, setting targets and achieving them. For eight years I was subjected to a challenging job, then it all stopped when I resigned. I thirst for knowledge and learning. Not that I do not find new learnings from the everyday experience with my daughter, but I think I need more. So I decided to try my luck again.

But a day after I made that step, my mom was rushed to the hospital. The doctor ordered a CT scan to check her brain because she seemed to have lost motor skills for a very short period of time. That night, I didn't sleep at all. Luckily, the result was negative. thank GOD!

This is not the first time it happened. And I no longer think it is just a coincidence.

I am an only child and my mom is 69 years old. I should be taking good care of her. I believe someone is telling me to do that through these incidents.

Divine intervention or not, I really shoud be doing that.

Blog Your Blessings: Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T22:29:00.004+08:00

Your Mother Is Always With You
~Author Unknown

She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks.

She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter.

She's crystallized in every tear drop.

She's the place you came from, your first home.

She's the map you follow with every step that you take.

She's your first love and your first heart break.

Nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space, not even death...

will ever separate you from your mother...

You carry her inside your heart!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the Mommy, Mama, Mom, Niang, Okaasan, Eomma, Inay, Nanay.

Happy Seventh Anniversary!

2008-05-08T23:22:00.004+08:00

Today marks our 7th year of marriage. Just like any other couple, ours was not pure bliss. We went through a lot. We experienced disappointments and failures and we almost gave up on each other. But we managed to overcome the numerous trials that came across our path. We simply refused to give up on our promise of forever.

" I looked for love for so long, and when I had
finally given up, you came into my life.
It's as if I have to meet a few wrong people
in order to find and appreciate the
right one. I thank God for bringing you into
my life, 'cause in you, I find happiness
and completeness"

Seven years is not a monumental achievement to a lot of people, but in this age, where falling in and out of love is so fast paced, it is one of OUR greatest achievement.

Sad...sad..sad...

2008-04-10T22:38:00.004+08:00

I have always tried to be a good person, always taking a step ahead, always thinking of how the other person might feel. In the process, I have let the people around me take advantage of me.
I have always tried to keep my mouth shut, always weighing my words, always considering how the other person might accept it. In the end, the opportunity to be understood slipped away.
I have suffered in silence. But there is no one to blame but I.
I let them.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Top of her class

2008-03-30T20:52:00.005+08:00

Andrea is Mary help of Christians Learning Center Grade 1 class First Honors. She was also awarded Best in English, Best in Filipino, Best in Science, Best in Sibika, Best in Religion and Most Disciplined. I am so proud of her. But the award I treasure the most is the Most Disciplined award. It says a lot about her character, and in a way, shows how I and my husband nurtured our daughter. Too bad, dad wasn't around to assist me in pinning the medals and ribbons to our little girl.

And worst, her pictures while she was being awarded were corrupted when I tried editing it. But this misfortune couldn't dampen my spirit, I am blessed to have a beautiful, intelligent, responsible and God fearing daughter.

How to Stay Happy Always - a forwarded email

2008-03-27T18:23:00.003+08:00

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.

Let the doctors worry about them.. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.

(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

*********
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!

6. The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourself.
LIVE while you are alive.

7 Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity

Sad News

2008-03-25T17:49:00.004+08:00

Former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino was diagnosed to have a colon cancer. Her family, represented by Senator Noynoy Aquino and talk show host Kris Aquino informed the Filipino people yesterday that their mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. President Aquino is a well known political leader. She is also known for her strong faith in God.

I admire the former President so much. Her life is full of challenges but she always get through the trials. Her husband was a political detainee during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. For an ordinary woman, what she went through during her husband's detention is difficult to surpass, but she is different. Aided by her strong faith in God, Cory Aquino survived this trial in her life. Her faith and strength was again tested when her husband, the well known former Senator Ninoy Aquino was assasinated when he braved to come home to his beloved Philippines. She has been a picture of a strong wife and mother. Then she became President of the Philippines in 1986, after the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown by people power or "EDSA l". Even during her term, her leadership was tested by two coup attempts, all of which she emerged victorious in the end. But I guess, the greatest test of her strength and faith in God is during this time, her battle with colon cancer. But according to her family, her faith in God was not shaken.

The former President is really a picture of strength. She has proven her strength as a wife, a mother, a political leader and as a child of God.But I guess, it wouldn't hurt her and her family, if we pray for her fast recovery.

I humbly ask those who would stumble upon this blog to offer a silent prayer for President Cory Aquino's fast recovery. She is a pillar of strength in my eyes and to the eyes of millions of Filipino people who look up to her.

Incidentally, this is her first day of chemotherapy

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Easter Message

2008-03-23T20:58:00.002+08:00

Pope Benedict's Easter message is for all the injustices, hatred and violence around the world to end.

Let us take a moment to reflect and pray that each of us may find peace in our heart and mind, in our family, in our life, and in the world.

No matter how chaotic the world have become, there is always hope that we will find peace.

Just like the picture above, no matter how dark the clouds are, there will always be a persistent ray of light penetrating through it.

Happy easter!

Good Friday!

2008-03-21T19:33:00.005+08:00

And it's my birthday today!

This photo was taken last year on my birthday. It was the most unforgetable birthday, and the most expensive since the trip was out of the country. I was smiling here, which is quite the opposite when I am preoccupied with work, and it was almost ALWAYS. After our five day trip, I realized I have never felt so carefree and so at peace and happy that the glow inside reflected on my face. And it was while looking at our three hundred plus photos from the trip that made me think on what I really want in my life.

Peace of mind.

As I turn a year older today, I'd like to think that I have been "reborn". My priorities changed, my values strengthened, and I found out I could laugh like a child again.

Happy birthday to me. =)

Eight lies of a Mother

2008-03-06T19:21:00.003+08:00

I received this email from a male friend, and it touched me so much that I decided to share it here.

EIGHT LIES OF A MOTHER

This story begins when I was a child: I was born poor. Often we hadn't
enough to eat. Whenever we had some food, Mother often gave me her
portion of rice. While she was transferring her rice into my bowl, she would say
"Eat this rice, son! I'm not hungry." This was Mother's First Lie.

As I grew, Mother gave up her spare time to fish in a river near our
house; she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could gave me a little bit
more nutritious food for my growth. Once she had caught just two fish, she
would make fish soup. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me
and eat the what was still left on the bone of the fish I had eaten, My
heart was touched when I saw it. Once I gave the other fish to her on my
chopstick but she immediately refused it and said, "Eat this fish, son! I don't
really like fish." This was Mother's Second Lie.

Then, in order to fund my education, Mother went to a Match Factory to
bring home some used matchboxes which she filled with fresh
matchsticks. This helped her get some money to cover our needs. One wintry night I
awoke to find Mother filling the matchboxes by candlelight. So I said,
"Mother,go to sleep; it's late: you can continue working tomorrow morning."
Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, son! I'm not tired." This was Mother's
Third Lie .

When I had to sit my Final Examination, Mother accompanied me. After
dawn, Mother waited for me for hours in the heat of the sun. When
the bell rang, I ran to meet her.. Mother embraced me and poured me a
glass of tea that she had prepared in a thermos. The tea was not as
strong as my Mother's love, Seeing Mother covered with perspiration, I at
once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son!
I'm not thirsty!". This was Mother's Fourth Lie.

After Father's death, Mother had to play the role of a single parent.
She held on to her former job; she had to fund our needs alone. Our
family's life was more complicated. We suffered from starvation. Seeing
our family's condition worsening, my kind Uncle who lived near my house came
to help us solve our problems big and small.
Our other neighbors saw that we were poverty stricken so they often
advised my mother to marry again. But Mother refused to remarry saying "I don't
need love."

This was Mother's Fifth Lie.

After I had finished my studies and gotten a job, it was time for my
old Mother to retire but she carried on going to the market every morning
just to sell a few vegetables. I kept sending her money but she was
steadfast and even sent the money back to me. She said, "I have
enough money."

That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

I continued my part-time studies for my Master's Degree. Funded by the
American Corporation for which I worked, I succeeded in my studies.
With a big jump in my salary, I decided to bring Mother to enjoy life
in America but Mother didn't want to bother her son; she said to me "I'm
not used to high living."

That was Mother's Seventh Lie

In her old age, Mother was attacked by cancer and had to be
hospitalized. Now living far across the ocean, I went home to visit Mother who was
bedridden after an operation. Mother tried to smile but I was
heartbroken because she was so thin and feeble but Mother said, "Don't cry, son!
I'm not in pain."

That was Mother's Eighth Lie.

Telling me this her eighth lie, she died.

YES, MOTHER WAS AN ANGEL!

M - O - T - H - E - R

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of gold,
"E" is for her eyes with love-light shining in them,
"R" means
right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell

"MOTHER"--

a word that means the world to me.

Blog Your Bleesings: Cemetery of Negativism

2008-03-01T18:29:00.007+08:00

There is an interesting cemetery located at Camp John Hay in Baguio City. It is called Pet Cemetery, Lost cemetery or Cemetery of Negativism. However, no actual animals are buried there. Rather, negative thoughts or the "greatest negativisms of all times" were buried. It was in the early 1980s, when base commander John Hightower enjoined all camp employees to think of the negative thoughts and attitudes that impeded their productivity at work, and symbolically buried them all there.

If we try to create our own cemetery of negativism, is our backyard enough to fit every negative thoughts that cross our mind?

On a Holiday!

2008-03-01T17:44:00.003+08:00

My cousin and I went on a holiday. Well, sort of. Holiday from our diet, holiday from worries and from the kids.

We went to Baguio to at least feel the "Panagbenga Festival" although it's kinda late already. The busy street of Session road was filled with shops selling all sorts of products, from foods, to handicrafts, to even real estate. My eyes feasted on the various foods being sold along the road. I haven't fgured out till now where I got the courage to resist the temptation of tasting every food being sold.

We ended up eating at Man Han, a chinese restaurant located at SM City. We ordered broccoli with beef rice topping, spicy spare ribs and beef wanton noodles, and it was just the two of us! The rice topping was generous in amount that we ended up sharing it.

Spicy spare ribs

broccoli with beef

Yummy!

Blog Your Bleesings: Panagbenga celebration

2008-02-24T19:05:00.004+08:00

If you haven't experienced the "Panagbenga Festival" of Baguio, you are missing a lot. Panagbenga is a kankanaey term which means "a season of blooming." It is also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, some kind of a tribute to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for.

But for me, Panagbenga celebration brings a different memory. For two years, during the street dancing and float parade "days" of the celebration, we would wake up as early as 3 am in order to be at the store as early as 4 am. This is torture for us since the third week of February is considered the coldest in Baguio. We have to open early and be able to cook enough food before the bulk of customers, usually tourists, would come in. I, together with the assistant managers and the crew would be on our feet from early morning till late in the afternoon. I witnessed how the crew persevered and how the managers supported the team members. It was a picture of team work and hard work.

Just like the flowers of Panagbenga, my team blooms during this period. They are blooming in the spirit of team work and hardwork.

I miss my team. I miss being "in action". But I have chosen to be just an observer now. A proud observer of how the flowers and the people bloom.

The reality of death

2008-02-23T12:02:00.006+08:00

If you are given three months to live, how would you spend it? Would you spend it regretting the things you weren't able to do? Or would you spend the last three months of your life sharing love and happiness to the people who mean the most to you?

If I have to chose one among all the asian drama series I have watched over the years, Silence would definitely top my list. It is not just a love story, it is a life story. Watching it made my heart ache, but it opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities in this life. One of which is death.

Death is a reality. Each one of us will have to face this truth, even if we do not want to, in God's perfect time, we will.

Two days after watching this, I experienced the worst chest pain I ever had. I feared that I might have a heart attack any moment, so I sent my husband a message telling him how much he means to me, how I want us to grow old together, how I feared dying this young. That night, the reality of death hit me real hard. I could die any moment. I could die from asthma attack, from heart attack, or I could die from an accident. I maybe well and laughing in the morning, but I will never know when my destiny ends.

After that night, I willed myself to live healthier so I decided to go for a pulmonary check up. I underwent a test called spirometry where I was made to blow air into a measuring device. The normal result is at 80-100% according to the doctor, but I only measured at 53%, way below normal. The good thing though is that my asthma is curable. My chest pain according to the doctor is brought by my asthma too.

I willed myself to live a healthier life, because I don't want to die young. My husband and I will be sacrificing 31 months away from one another. I don't want to put this sacrifice into waste.

To end this melodrama, I would like to borrow the line from the movie John Q " I am not gonna bury my son(daughter), my son(daughter) will gonna bury me"

Life changing move

2008-02-21T19:14:00.002+08:00

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble.

I have been experiencing recurrent chest pain the last two days - squeezing, burning sensation on my chest that extends to my arms, neck and back, and also brings dizziness and weakness. It's like a definition straight from a medical dictionary, but it is what I feel. So tomorrow, I will be seeing a doctor, to erase any doubts on my health.

That plus a more positive outlook in life. Because lately I have been dwelling with stressful situations, and again, my health is the one suffering.

I hope to have a more positive post tomorrow after my visit to the doctor

Blog Your Bleesings: Voice

2008-02-20T16:41:00.003+08:00

I suffered a terrible asthma attack last week and I am just regaining my strength now. To my luck, I have wonderful people, my mom and my aunt, who took really good care of me. I feasted on milk and egg (according to their doctor, eating at least 2 eggs per day is good for the health. I'll write more about this next time) and my favorite Asian drama series ( my all time favorite stress buster =>).

The latest series that I watched is Silence, a Taiwanese drama series shown in the year 2006. The story is about a young girl and a young boy who met in a hospital and found happiness during the week they were together, although in silence. The girl was involved in an accident that traumatized her and makes her unable to speak. In one episode the girl asked, using hand language (with english subtitle of course => ) this question.

" Why do people who have a voice always hide the most beautiful words in their heart?"

Why do we indeed?

At least at one point in our life we meant to say good things to someone, wanted to say words we know deep in our heart would bring smile to someone, but opted not to.

What if an unexpected thing happens and robs us of our voice? How will we be able to express out loud with emotions the words we kept in our heart?

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Happy Birthday Mama!

2008-02-10T20:46:00.000+08:00

It almost slipped my mind, but I am extra blessed this sunday because my mom is celebrating her 69th birthday today.

Happy birthday mama. Thank you for your unconditional love. We love you!

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Burnay

2008-02-09T23:47:00.000+08:00

"Burnay" or Jar

Burnay Making

Andrea witnessed the process of Burnay making

Burnay making in Vigan was introduced by Chinese immigrants. Burnay maybe used for storing drinking water, salt, basi wine, tagapulot (brown sugar), and Ilocano's favorite bagoong.

The educational tour of Andrea's school at the Heritage City of Vigan gave us the opportunity to have a deeper appreciation of these jars. They are no longer just jars, instead, it signifies skills and hard work.

An Angel in Disguise?

2008-02-06T17:27:00.001+08:00

The number of customers coming in was fewer than the previous days. I was feeling down and thinking that maybe I made a mistake. I was losing confidence again. Then, out of nowhere, an old man passed by our canteen. He appeared to have suffered from a stroke and has difficulty in walking. Then the old man approached me and told me not to mind the people from the other canteen infront of us. They appear to be taunting us for having few customers. But the old man told me not to mind them. And to not say "wala" or nothing/none in english. Saying "wala" is like being dead, because you are giving up already he added. Just persevere and God will help you he said. Then he went on tellng me his life story. Of how he was blinded by power and money,but when he suffered a stroke, he instead thank God for giving him the opportunity to rest his body. He says he does not have much, but he does have strong faith which keeps him alive and able to live day by day.

Isn't this a great coincidence? When I was feeling doubtful, God made sure that I receive encouragement. Not from the people around me, but from someone i don't know.

Which led me into thinking, is he an angel in disguise?

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Surprises!

2008-02-03T20:25:00.001+08:00

I feel so blessed today!

Early this mornig, while serving breakfast in our canteen, one customer approached me and asked where I studied in high school. Incidentally, we went to the same high school but he was already a senior when I was just a freshman. When he was about to go, I asked his family name because I couldn't remember his face, it was then when i realized I was talking to my ultimate crush in high school. He belonged to our school's basketball team and I have been following their games eversince I saw him shoot from the three points area. Well, I was an ugly duckling in high school, and I never thought that he would notice me. But I guess, he did. Uhm, I am not sure if it's because I still look like the ugly duckling then. Nevertheless, he remembered me, and I, did not recognized him.

After attending mass this afternoon, I dropped by the drugstore and I was so thrilled to see one of my bestfriends in highschool! After more than ten years of not seeing each other, I was able to hug her again.

Thank you so much for today. After dreaming for a year (during my high school days) that this ultimate crush would look my way, I was able to confirm that, at least he took notice of me then ( who cares what he thought about me then, at least he took notice of me). And I know in my heart that despite him being my ultimate crush, God gave me someone better, someone who completes me.

Thank you so much for today. After I resigned from my work, I felt sad because I won't be able to see my friends as often as i want to. But I guess, it paved the way back into the arms of my old friends.

This is truly a blessed day. For sure, I will be wearing a smile on my face tonight as I rest my tired my body.

Happy Blog Your Blessings Sunday!

Cusina Ni Tiya (Auntie's kitchen) is now open for business

2008-01-30T20:12:00.000+08:00

After five months of dreaming, conceptualizing and budgeting, my little dream is finally turning into a reality. Cusina Ni Tiya had it's soft opening yesterday. I was dead tired when I got home last night that even if I wanted to write how I felt on our first day, I fell asleep after I said goodnight to my little girl.

I was having second thoughts about pushing through with opening a small canteen. I doubted my capability, and I still doubt it now. I am so afraid to fail. Actually, I don't want to fail. Partly because I don't want others to look down on me, but the biggest reason why i don't want to fail, is because if I fail, I would think low about myself again. My greatest critic is also myself.

Initially, I was supposed to open last December 2007. But I was so busy procrastinating.

I read Paulo Coelho's the Zahir, and he wrote something which exactly describes how I felt then..." My dream is now realizable, but if I try and fail, I don't know what the rest of my life will be like; that's why it's better to live cherishing a dream than face the possibility that it might all come to nothing."

I'm trying to realize my dream now. I need all the courage I could extract from my heart to continue realizing my dream.

And the mantra that i keep on reminding myself is "Just believe, and it will happen."

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Promise Yourself

2008-01-26T21:22:00.000+08:00

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can
disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living person you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble.
The Optimist Creed
From The Optimist International

I stumbled on this when I was looking for inspiring stories to get me back on my feet. I hope it could bring you additional energy as it did to me.

Standards

2008-01-26T08:22:00.000+08:00

A six year old child was crying. But before the mother could reach her, one mother asked her what happened. A two year old slapped her arm, the child explains. " Does it hurt?" The mother of the two year old asked. The six year old child just cried, and the mother of the two year old did nothing.

Does the degree of pain defines if the action is good or bad? In the absence of pain, is the action justified? It doesn't hurt anyway.

It's like eating fatty foods and not have hypertension.
...smoking packs and packs of cigarette everyday and not have lung cancer.
...driving beyond the allowed speed and not cause an accident.
...like a philandering husband who doesn't get caught.

It doesn't hurt them anyway.

Does the age of the aggressor excuses him from the action?

It's like a teenager eating too many fatty foods, he is young and looks healthy anyway.
...A twenty something gentleman smoking 2 packs of cigarette a day, he is starting to enjoy his life anyway.
...A car racer driving beyond the allowed speed in a densely populated district, he is a racer anyway.
...A thirty year old man who sleeps around but married to a forty something woman, he is young anyway.

That six year old is my daughter.

Does knowing that I am the mother added color to my story?

She is thinking that way because her daughter is involved anyway...

Please help us pray

2008-01-17T22:20:00.000+08:00

My childhood friend's partner is included in the list of missing crew of MV Hofeng when it sank wednesday morning. Please help us pray that he will be rescued soon. Our spirits are down due to unconfirmed stories that he was slightly drunk the night before and the hang over could have slowed down his reflexes. We are still hoping for the best but it won't hurt if an extra soul prays for his safety.

MANILA, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Philippine authorities are searching for 11 sailors missing after their cargo ship sank in stormy weather off the northern coast, an official said on Thursday.

A spokesman for the coast guard said eight people had been plucked from choppy waters off Batanes island near Taiwan a few hours after the ship, which was carrying steel from China, sank on Wednesday.

"I spoke with the pilots helping our search and rescue ships in the area and they were having difficulty because of near zero visibility due to bad weather," Lieutenant Armand Balilo said, adding they were not giving up the search.

The ship, m/v Hofeng No. 7, was on its way to Malaysia and carrying 19 crew from the Philippines when huge waves, strong winds and rain caused it to list and sink.

"The rescued seamen were brought to Taiwan for medical treatment," Balilo said. (Reporting by Manny Mogato, editing by Carmel Crimmins)

Personal Space

2008-01-17T09:37:00.000+08:00

I was busy scrubbing the floor today when the thought of personal space kept on entering my mind. The wood parquet must have felt how intense I was scrubbing it,but even if it screamed from pain, I wouldn't hear it.

How much space does a man need? A question which was asked in the book "Body Language The essential Secrets of Non Verbal Communication" by Julius Fast. It was mentioned in the book that " we staked out a territory in our mind". According to the book, each of us possess zones of territory, and if someones breaks this "zones of territory", we feel threatened and uneasy. He made an example on how we divide a table when eating out. Unconsciously, we divide the table in half, one half for us and half for the other person. How we guard our zones and how we agress to other zones, it says, shows an integral part of how we relate to other people.

But, when that zone of territory is not unconsciously drawn, but infact, established from the start? Does it still need a verbal claim that it is yours? Should you draw the line, shouldn't the other person draw the line on her own? Doesn't your personal things spell out that this particular territory is yours?

I could go on scrubbing the wood until my hand bleeds, but I wouldn't have the answer, unless, I confront the situation.

So much whining. About time that I stand up and really face it. The more I think about it, the more uneasy i get, and the pressure is building inside my chest.
If I don't stand up now, I'd be the loser in the end...

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: POSITIVE THINKING

2008-01-13T15:36:00.000+08:00

I got hold of this very inspiring book "The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. I am still on the second chapter when I read a phrase that caught my attention and hit me real hard.

" You must never conclude, even though everything goes wrong, that you cannot succeed. Even at the worst there is a way out, a hidden secret that can turn failure into success and despair into happiness. No situation is so dark that there is not a ray of light."

I am a mother, a wife, a daughter and a listener to all my troubled friends. When some of my colleagues thought of giving up on their job, I have offered them my ears and this philosophy in life, that everything will turn out find, eventually. The words from Peale's book reflected the thoughts that I have been trying to pass on to my colleagues and friends. And guess what, they were able to last longer than I did

Funny. Because while I was so busy sharing this philosophy with them. I forgot to live it.

I am just very lucky to have a husband who maintained his positive outlook in life, despite being bombarded with trials too. I have almost given up so many times. But he always put things into the right perspective, and gave me assurance that everything will turn out find, eventually.

I am truly blessed.

Yummy!

2008-01-10T12:37:00.000+08:00

This is a grilled beef tripe with vinegar, garlic and chili for the dip. This can be bought from the street vendors selling different skewered meat (pork blood, chicken feet/neck etc.) for only ten pesos. Looks exotic but tastes heavenly, well, at least for me.

I went home with a full stomach and full of guilt. I have eaten more than I should have, but I am smiling.

अ गोल्डेन Night

2008-01-10T11:59:00.000+08:00

CLASS '58 Golden Jubilee Grand Alumni Homecoming of Saint Philomena's Academy and (then) Pozorrubio High School.

The sparkle on their eyes outshone the dazzling lights that adorned the town plaza.

Cheers to all of you!

One kind tree

2008-01-08T09:22:00.000+08:00

There was once a tree alone on top of a hill. It was happy on it's own. Drinking water from the pouring rain, nourishing from the earth's natural minerals. The tree lived in harmony with the birds and animals that come and ago. Then one day, a wanderer found the tree and fell in love with it's strength and beauty, thus, the wanderer decided to stay. The man, respecting the beauty of the tree decided to keep it the way he found it. The man, the tree and the ocassional bird-animal- visitors lived in harmony.

But one day, the man needed to go down the hill. Being a proud inhabitant of the hill with a beautiful sturdy tree, he brought wanderers with him when he went back. They too fell in love with the tree. But beyond their admiration is their desire to avail of the comforts a sturdy tree could give them.

One wanderer was not contented with the comfort the leaves bring. " I can weave a bed with all that leaves" he told the man.

" But the tree will lose it's beauty" protested the man.

" Oh, you can look at it from the top, and you'll never notice that the leaves are thinner in number" He reasoned.

The other settlers heard this and and they too wanted a bed out of the leaves of the tree.

The man and the tree, although hurting, accepted the settler's reasoning. And then, they lived again in harmony.

One day, another settler talked to the man and said "I can build a house with those branches"

" But we can be protected by the branches just the way it is " The man protested. If we remove the branches, it will not be as sturdy as it used to be.

" But we will be more comfortable staying in a house." The settler reasoned. "Besides, we can be protected by the house that we will build."

When the other settlers heard this, they demanded a house be built from the branches of the tree.

The man and the tree gave in. The man thought that maybe after this, the settlers will be contented. He will instead tend to the tree so that it's branches and leaves will grow back. And it's beauty and strength restored.

So every day, the man tried everything to nurture the tree, while the settlers lie on the bed of leaves in the comfort of their houses. Until one day, although not fully recovered from the broken branches and missing leaves, the tree started to grow flowers.

The man was so pleased with the tree. " Tree, you may not look as beautiful as you used to be, but the scent of your flowers will draw the birds and the bees.Ahh, your beauty is restored". Contentment and relief can be seen on the man's face.

Then the settlers caught the exquisite scent of the flowers, and one by one the flowers started to disappear.

" If you remove the flowers, there will be no fruit later on." The man protested.

"Oh, stop being foolish" one settler smirked at him. " There will be enough flowers to grow into fruit." Then they went on, plucking the flowers that they could reach.

The man and the tree, contained their disappointment in their heart.

Then the days passed and the few flowers bloomed and became fruits. The man and the tree was pleased.

The man then decided to go down the hill for some things.

When the settlers saw this, they tried to get the fruits. But the only flowers that were left to grow into fruits were on the top most part of the tree, the settlers could not reach it from the ground.

" I will climb so we can get the fruits." One settler volounteered. Then he climbed. But he was tempted to try one fruit, just one fruit he thought. But he was so pleased with the sweetness of the fruit that he took another one. The other settlers saw this. Thinking that the settler up on the tree is outsmarting them, they demanded him to go down. So absorbed with eating the fruit that he did not notice the clamor of the settlers down the tree. No settler would settle for anything less, so one by one they climbed the tree, each wanting to come up first, each wanting to get more fruits than the other. There were very few sturdy branches, and the little branches that were starting to grow were stepped on. Many branches broke. Plenty of fruits were smashed and fell to the ground.

The tree stood there, helpless. With every settler pushing it's trunk and stepping on it's branches, the tree grew weaker and weaker.

Then the man arrived and saw what was happening. He got so mad and shouted at the settlers. " Look what you have done!" The man's voice was starting to quiver with so much anger. " You wasted the fruits with your selfishness." The man was trembling in rage and was close to tears as he stared at the crushed fruits lying on the ground.

" You are only sorry for your self because you will not be able to sell the fruits." One brave settler asnwered back at the man.

" Whoever thought I will sell these fruits? he asked with astonishment in his voice. " I came down for these baskets, so each house could have one to place the fruits during harvest time."

The settlers, having realized their mistake, retreated to their houses with their heads bowed down.

The man was left on his own, picking up the crushed fruits and the fallen branches.

During the night, the man, eyes closed, lay motionless under the tree, the roots keeping his back off the ground. When he opened his eyes to stare at the leaves of the tree, his gaze was met by the dark clouds that enveloped the sky. Then he cried unashamedly.

" Sorry tree, I was not very good to you. You have been so kind to me the moment I stepped on your hill. Your leaves sheltered me from the burning sun, your branches protected me from the rain. You gave me enough twigs and leaves to use for my fire, even provided fruits that I and the birds share." He spoke to the tree in between sobs. " You have been so kind to me, but your kindness was taken advantaged of. Because of me, you were exploited."

In the middle of the night, the man left the hill. Ashamed and in pain. He couldn't bear to look at the tree again, for he can see his failure, in every part of the tree. He failed in protecting the tree that gave him everything.

When the settlers learned that the man left. They rejoiced. No one will stop them from doing what they want. So they gathered more leaves to make as beds, and more branches to build more houses.

Then one day, a strong storm came. The houses that the settlers built were blown away, the bed of leaves flew with the wind. Each settler tried to seek the comfort of the big tree. One by one, the settlers gathered around it. But the tree is not as sturdy as it used to be. It grew weaker and weaker each time it's branches were cut off and everytime a settler climbs on it. Then, a sudden gushed of wind brought the tree down. The settlers stood there, wet, shivering and uncaring that the kind tree was almost lying on the ground.

Disappointed that the tree could no longer provide them their needs. The settlers left the hill and wandered again. Looking for the same kind, beautiful and sturdy tree.

But the man, realizing what could have happened to his beloved tree, went up the hill. He cried in anguish when he saw what happened to what was once a beautiful and sturdy but did not lose hope, it is a sturdy tree, he reasoned out. So every day he nurtured the tree. He tended to it. The man, the birds and the animal.

Until finally, the tree bounced back to it's health. "Ahh, you are still my beautiful and sturdy tree, even if you are lying down now." The man, a smile on his lips, laid his back on the trunk of the tree.

The man, the tree, the birds and the animals lived there in harmony.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: WOMAN

2008-01-05T13:44:00.000+08:00

You can see her in the affection of a…
Sister
You can see her in the care of a…
Mother
You can see her in the envy of a…
Beloved
You can see her in the understanding of a…
Wife.
She’s a woman
She’s YOU.

This was the content of the e card that my husband sent me,while I was feeling low. Again, it brought tears to my eyes.

For all the women.

You may check the ecard at http://egreetings.indiatimes.com/egreet/compose.jsp?recpno=1&langid=13&imgid=5442&subcatid=130204&pay_cardflag=P. It is better with music.

Happy Blog Your Blessings Sunday!

I welcomed the New Year with a BLAG!

2008-01-03T20:15:00.000+08:00

BLAG, not with a bang, because I fell down the stairs in my father in law's home. I was going down the stairs absentmindedly when I heard a couple of "blags" then I found myself on the floor, shock and unbelieving that I fell. My sister in law and father in law rushed to help me, I was hurt but not badly hurt, just shaken from the fall so I wasn't able to move nor speak at once. As I was being helped to my feet, I laughed. I laughed for looking stupid. I had gone up and down that stairs many times during the span of six years. And this is the first time that I fell. But I took the stairs again, this time, with a little care.

Looking deeper, my "fall" is just like the things that happens in our life. When we have grown comfortable with our routine, sometimes we function automatically. Then out of the blue, we take a "fall". We ask how could that happen? We knew perfectly well what to do, just like I know perfectly well how to go up and down the stairs. But still, I fell, and we take a fall every now and then. Either we laughed at it, rise from the fall and take the stairs again, or wallow in despair for looking stupid over a simple task. Even if we are left with bruises, just like the bruises I have on my back and thighs, it will heal, eventually, and we would be as good as before.

A new year for me, a new career soon. Last year I took a "fall" when I quit my job. It was difficult financially, I am bruised. But with the new venture which I hope I could start soon, I will heal, eventually, and all my "bruises" will be gone.

Start the year right, even if it started with a BLAG!

Happy New Year everyone!

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: The Light

2007-12-23T20:30:00.000+08:00

The Parol, technically called Philippine Christmas lantern, was adapted from the Chinese lantern and the Mexican piñata to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Patterns of the parol evolved from the five-pointed star-shaped paper lantern that was crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928. His creation was made of bamboo strips pasted with papel de japon (Japanese paper), illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide). This kind of lighting was adapted by barrio folks to light their paths during an annual ritual dawn Mass called Misa de Gallo, due electricity being unavailable at the time.

The star-like shape of the parol which has been its original design remains common in the Philippines and considered distinct for Filipinos.The crafts are usually made in the barrios and the poblacions and is rarely done in urban areas. On the contrary, Parañaque, a city in Metro Manila, has the largest production of Parols.

The parol has become an iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas Tree is to other cultures. Its appearance on houses and streets which usually starts in September along with other Christmas symbols signals the coming of the season. The parol is associated with the Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses that lasts for nine days. Parols remain until in January, usually removed by the sixth day of the month, to honor the "Three Kings" and their visit to the child Jesus. (Wikipedia)

Without the parol, christmas would be less festive for us Filipinos. And it makes me proud that this christmas ornament is distinctly a Philippine product

Sa Araw ng Pasko ( On Christmas Day)

2007-12-22T09:48:00.000+08:00

Andrea's class performed this during the Family Day celebration of her school last December 19. They lip synched and danced to this tune. after the second stanza, the kids went down the stage, looked for the parents and led us back the stage. It was a touching moment for me. Right before the song ended, they handed us a long stemmed rose. My eyes were filled with tears already. The lyrics touched my heart. I have heard the song many times, and it never failed to bring tears to my eyes. But hearing it this time is far more different with dad away from us this christmas.

The song is written in "Filipino", the official language used in the Philippines. It touches the hearts of Overseas Filipino Workers who are celebrating christmas away from home. The song talks about how Christmas celebration in the Philippines is uncomparable, how the celebration would be different if they are home, if the family is complete. The song also wishes the OFW's a Merry Christmas whatever part of the world they are.

To all the OFW's MERRY CHRISTMAS

All Star Cast
Sa Araw Ng Pasko

'di ba't kay ganda sa atin ng pasko
Naiiba ang pagdiriwang dito
Pasko sa ati'y hahanap-hanapin mo
Walang katulad dito ang pasko

Refrain
Lagi mo na maiisip na sila'y nandito sana
At sa noche buena ay magkakasama

Chorus
Ang pasko ay kay saya kung kayo'y kapiling na
Sana pagsapit ng pasko, kayo'y naririto
Kahit pa malayo ka, kahit nasaan ka pa
Maligayang bati para sa inyo sa araw ng pasko

Sa ibang bansa'y 'di mo makikita
Ang ngiti sa labi ng bawat isa
Alam naming hindi n'yo nais malayo
Paskong pinoy pa rin sa ating puso

Dito'y mayro'ng caroling at may simbang gabi
At naglalakihan pa ang christmas tree, ang christmas tree

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: One man's trash is somebody else's treasure

2007-12-16T18:54:00.000+08:00

I have been thinking about cleaning my closet but I was too lazy to start it. However, when my aunt mentioned that the church she is associated with invited some indigent families on December 23, and the church members are encouraged to bring used items to share it with them, I gladly started cleaning out my closet at once.

While going through my things, I was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions. Every piece of clothing has a sentimental value, which makes it more difficult for me to let go of. But I have set my mind that the things that does not see the front of my drawer or cabinet will have to go. In no time, I have 3 big bags full of old clothes, bags and shoes which were only kept for sentimental reasons. It is sad to let go of the things that brings back the past, but the thought of being able to clothe other people is more than enough compensation. Besides, i am not letting go of the memories, just the symbols. Because the memories will forever be embedded in my heart.

I may not have the happiest christmas this year because one member of my family is away, but I am sure that I have made someone smile through my "trash".

I promise to do this every year. And when I am more stable financially, I will be giving more than just used things.

Christmas in our HOME

2007-12-13T10:09:00.000+08:00

December they say is the happiest time of the year for Filipinos. Relatives from around the globe come home to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas. Family reunions, high school reunions, college reunions and other kind of reunions happen during christmas time. People are more friendly, more forgiving during this time too.

Once the "ber" months start, christmas songs will be heard over the radio. Christmas lights and lanterns in every Filipino home will entice you with thir ryhtmic burst of colors. Christmas trees of all kinds and sizes will be put up.

I for one, have set up our christmas tree as early as October. Usually, some would wait until All Saints day is through. But I would like to enjoy the christmas athmosphere longer, so I started early. Setting up the tree was quite sentimental for us. Andrea and I decorated the tree but our mind would drift from time to time to dad. For six years, the three of us celebrated the holidays together. This year is totally different. dad won't be able to join us because he is working abroad. But the thought that there are millions of Filipino families who will be celebrating with one member away from them, is quite comforting. I salute these families who have endured incomplete christmas celebration for years. But I take my hats off to the OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) working in all parts of the world, their predicament is more difficult because they have no family to celebrate with them physically.

The Department of Tourism made a commercial with a tag line "Come home this Christmas". Home referring to the Philippines. But this is not limited to the OFW's, this is an open invitation to ALL. I wish every one could come to their "home" this christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!

Thank you

2007-12-13T09:39:00.000+08:00

Since my mom was hospitalized, I have been inactive in submitting a post for Blog Your Blessings every Sunday. Again, this does not mean that I stopped counting my blessings. I have received countless blessings during my "hibernation" period and included in my blessings are the people who constantly visited this site and those who expressed positive thoughts when mom was recuperating.

Sandy
Blue Panther
cybercelt
paulie
stev
msdemmie
marilyn
and to the nameless bloggers who checked on me but opted to remain anonymous

B I G T H A N K S to all of you.
And now, IM REALLY BACK!

Crisis

2007-11-30T11:32:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, our country faced another crisis, Senator Antonio Trillanes lV, Brig. General Danilo Lim and other military officers walked out of the court and marched to Manila Peninsula Hotel and expressed their withdrawal of support to the President. On their way to the hotel, Trillanes took the opportunity to call on to people to go out and support their clamor for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down from the presidency."Magsama-sama tayo. Nanawagan po kami sa taongbayan na naniniwala sa pagbabago. Join us po" was the words he used to seek the support of the people When I heard him say those words, I had goose bumps. It was like hearing the late Cardinal Sin, calling on to people to come to the aide of the rebel leaders. Unlike the successful Edsa 1, no one came to the aide of Senator Trillanes and company.

Question is why? If Senator Trillanes is so confident that the 11 million votes he received will support him, why did he not succeed? Probably, the method he used is no longer effective. The people are tired hoping against hope that if they overthrow a government or a public official from the position, they can see change. People power was effective during Edsa 1, it was also effective with Edsa 2. But after that, succeeding revolts against the government failed to initiate dramatic response from the people. Are the Filipino people disillusioned with the outcome of Edsa 1 and Edsa 2 that they no longer want to use the same method to unseat and put into position a person who does not truly deserve to govern?

I am disillusioned. I rejoiced when President Erap was thrown out of Malacanang and President Gloria Arroyo was sworn as the President. I further rejoiced when Gloria Arroyo was elected into office during the last presidential election. I thought she is the "next best choice" among the candidates. But with the continous graft and corruption cases being thrown at her government, I am already in doubt. But despite my doubts and disappointment with the government, I still think that the President is doing a good job in improving the economy. I just hope that she distances herself from the people who are taking advantage of her position.

As for Senator Trillanes, I admire his desire to have a clean government. But wouldn't it be better to start a clean government in a "clean" way too? What he did was a big risk. He gambled on the 11 million votes he received. He was elected by these 11 million people because they believe that he can make a difference in the government. But making a difference may not mean making a drastic move. He is a Senator but he disrespected another wing of the government, the justice system. Their decision to go out of the Peninsula and "surrender" was not because they are thinking about the safety of the people around them. They should have thought about the innocent guests of the hotel before they went there. This was the second time that he risked innocent people in his desire to overthrow the government. The first was in Oakwood, and now, the Manila Peninsula. I believe that the reason he decided to "surrender" was because, hours after calling on to people to support them, no significant number of supporters arrived. Maybe realizing that they will not be able to gather considerable amount of people on the streets, they surrendered under the guise of "welfare of innocent people."

I want change. I want a clean government. I want a stable economy. But how can we achieve this if there are people who does not have high regard of the law? If there are elected officials who think they are above the law? Trillanes and the President Arroyo that they want to portray are no different from each othe. If all the charges of corruption and election fraud against Arroyo are true, is Trillanes, who violated the constitution, disregarded the court, occupied a private property for personal intentions any different?

Remember what Jesus said to the people throwing stones at Mary Magdalene. "Whoever is sinless can throw the first stone".

The Teacup Story

2007-11-23T23:02:00.000+08:00

Just want to share this story with you...

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.

"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay." My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "let me alone", but he only smiled, "Not yet."

"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!" I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet."

Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, "Not yet."

Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. "There, that's better," I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. "Stop it, stop it!" I cried. He only nodded, "Not yet."

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, "Not yet."

Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself." And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful."

"I want you to remember, then," he said, "I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

Author unknown

Hello!

2007-11-23T20:07:00.000+08:00

I'm back.

And I am sorry that I missed one Blog Your Blessings Sunday. But this does not mean that I missed counting my blessings.

My mom is regaining her strength after spending three days in ICU, and two days in recovery room.

I was able to spend quality and quantity time with her. I came to know more about her illness. When I rushed her to the ER, I couldn't answer questions about her illness. But now, I know by heart her blood pressure, pulse rate and medications.

My planned business was put on hold when mom was hospitalized. But this again turned out to be another blessing, because I found a cheaper and a better place for my venture.

Blessings. Sometimes they are candy coated, sometimes we have to look beyond what is presented to us. Dwelling on the negative side will make things worse, so I always try to look at the brighter side.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Delays

2007-11-11T10:03:00.000+08:00

Usually, if there is a delay in my schedule I would be impatient. If there is a long line in the register, I would be forced to chose another establishment or postpone buying an item. But this particular day, the delays that transpired paved a smoother way for me to handle a crisis.

It is a blessing that I couldn't find some items in the supermarket so I have to browse all the aisles.
It is a blessing that the cashier was new, so she was quite slow in punching the items I purchased.
It is a blessing that the queue in the restaurant we had our lunch was long.
It is a blessing that the van going to our place left just as we arrived at the terminal. So we have to wait for another van.
It is a blessing that it took longer for the van to load more passengers.

Without these delays, I would have difficulty bringing mom to the hospital for an emergency treatment for her asthma attack. We were about to go home, the van is almost full when my mom voiced her wish to be nebulized. I had to rush her to the E.R. because she was really having a difficult time breathing. Being an asthmatic myself, I know how difficult it is to suffer from an attack. That, plus her rheumatic heart condition made it doubly worse for her.

In life we encounter so many "delays". We are disheartened, we get mad. But beyond these delays, are beautiful fruits.

Blog Your Blessings: Time

2007-11-04T20:27:00.000+08:00

Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't
own it, but you can use it. You can't keep
it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it
you can never get it back.”
Harvey MacKay

I had a heart to heart talk with my cousin yesterday. She was already in her forties, an accomplished career woman who chose to leave the corporate life for her family. She shared how she missed so many things in her daughter's life, and the success she achieved with her job cannot compensate with those things. Her daughter once remarked that even if she is blessed with material things, her happiness is not complete because her mom was not there for her. Now, being a full time mom in just a little over a year, she still has to learn a lot about her child. She is starting fresh, hoping that she could still bridge the gap between her and her teenage daughter. But still wishes to turn back time so she could change the past.

Indeed, time is free and priceless. We are blessed with time, with an opportunity to use it. Though it is free, it comes with a great responsibility too. That is to make sure that we spend it the best way we can. Sometimes, when we have not acknowledged the most important thing in our life, we take time for granted. we spend it carelessly. And then when realization strikes us, we would like to turn back the time. Not all of us are given another chance. So while we do not know how many chances could be given to us, why not spend our time wisely?

Happy Blog Your Blessings Sunday!

Installing love

2007-11-01T23:06:00.000+08:00

Just want to share this story with you...

Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?
Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running?
Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.
Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.
Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.
Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.
Customer: Thank you, God.

What matters most?

2007-10-31T17:59:00.000+08:00

I was very disappointed when my laundry woman delivered my laundry today. She accidentally poured a bleaching agent on my black top. Well, yeah, it happens. But this is my new favorite top and I was only able to wear it twice. Now, i couldn't wear it.

Did I get mad at her?

No.

It is just a top. I can always find another "favorite" top. My point is, these are just material things. they can be replaced. The lady was brave enough to admit her mistake. It took her a lot of courage to approach me and tell me about it. Scolding her wouldn't solve the problem, won't repair my black top. But scolding her would probably put her feelings down a little bit more. I know the lady personally. her husband is a drunkard, and she spends her time doing other people's laundry to support her family. Does this give her an excuse? No. But I think she has a lot to worry about and I didn't want to burden her emotionally.

In our every day life, things do not happen the way we always want it to be. Sometimes we are burdened by a lot of things that we feel like giving up, breaking down. And one wrong move by someone could make us snap. But what if the other person is feeling the same way too? Worse than the way we do?

Before we let off the steam, can't we try to assess if it is really worth it? Or are we just complaining because of something worth a hundred peso or less?

Which do you think is more important?

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Bountiful Land

2007-10-28T18:09:00.000+08:00

I left this place when I was fourteen years old to study in the city with my two cousins. Since then I became accustomed to the city life and never looked back at this place. After I graduated from college, I was lucky enough to land a job in a company known internationally. For eight years I moved from one city to another. I would occasionally visit our place, but during the short visits I was always in a hurry. Country living never appealed to me. Until recently. Six months ago I was heart broken because my romance with the city was cut when my husband and I decided to move back home. I was not very happy with the decision but there are things we need to do even if it does not bring us so much joy. We just need to because it feels right. So we moved, and now I'm loving it.

I am blessed with this beautiful view from my bedroom window. During the months of April and May, this land was dry and barren, but it is heaven to kids who were flying their kites. When the rain started to fall, it was wet and muddy, but it was a blessing to the farmers who were eager to plant rice. Now, after months of toiling the land, it is a mixture of green and yellow and brown. The colors of harvest time. Soon, every storage room within our little place will be filled with sacks of rice. A reassurance that there will be enough to feed a family until the next harvest time, or that a student will be able to pay his tuition fee in the next semester.

I do not have to look far to appreciate some more the blessings of living in the rural area. Our backyard is filled with vegetables. If I needed an eggplant for breakfast, a "siling labuyo" or a calamansi, I only need to look within our yard, and I would find them there. A relative dropped by this morning and gave us 40 pieces of milk fish fresh from the pond. A kilo in the market would cost us almost a hundred peso.

The free things within this place are indeed blessings. But the real blessing for me is the patience, hardwork, the kindness, the unpretentious life that unfolds in my very eyes everyday.

A ray of light

2007-10-26T20:54:00.000+08:00

Another friend is scheduled to leave the country to try her luck in a foreign land, Canada. When I heard the news, I only felt happiness for her. She has been through a lot and she deserves this opportunity. When she was still working with me in the same company, she had been put through hell. Her integrity was questioned. But she managed to overcome the trials. And now, she is rewarded with a working visa in Canada, a start of a brighter future for her and her family.

While contemplating on my friend's luck, something came over me. Why should I question God's plan for me when I can see Him doing wonders with other people's lives. People who suffered too and now are emerging victorious.

God's works are everywhere. I may be having a difficult time in a certain aspect of my life, but I should remain hopeful, and faithful. His assurance is through the lives of other people. I may not receive the answer that I want to receive from HIM now, but I know, my prayers will be answered soon. Just like everybody else around me. In God's perfect time, He will give the answer that He knows befits me

A telenovela entitled Philippine Politics

2007-10-25T20:29:00.000+08:00

A few hours ago, former President Joseph Estrada, convicted of plunder , was given by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,full pardon. Just a few weeks after being convicted, and after the appeal on his case was withdrawn, the full pardon was finally given by the President.

The decision was met with various reactions by the Filipino people. On my part, I was stunned. It was too sudden for me. I have followed the case way back when then President Estrada was being impeached. Had I been in Manila during the time when the envelope was decided not to be opened, I would have joined the people in the streets in protest. I was never fond of Estrada and his family, so when he was convicted, I rejoiced. Finally, I thought, justice was given. But now, he gets a full pardon. Some said it was a compassionate justice, to which I would ask, how about the ailing prisoners in Muntinlupa, where is compassionate justice? For some it is a move for political reconciliation? Again, I would ask, what about political justice and rule of law? For some it might be because President Gloria Arroyo hopes that when she gets convicted with the various accusations of graft being thrown at her, she would also be granted full pardon. And I would ask, When will she get convicted?

Politics here in the Philippines is like a "telenovela". Full of scheming characters, the villains usually are the one in power, while the main character is being used, abused, or taken for granted. Despite the main characters misfortune, he remains hopeful and believing. He still finds ways to be happy, to live and to make a difference. I am sure that the main character in this telenovela entitled Philippine Politics, is the Filipino people. And I am sure that any one who reads this will know who are the villains.

Just like any telenovela, in the end, the main character emerges victorious and vindicated.

Will the Filipino people experience this victory and vindication? I believe yes. The only question is when?

In my own way, I will try to make a difference. In the coming Baranggay election, I will cast my vote. I will vote for someone who I believe could help the main character find victory and vindication in this life long telenovela.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Money is not Everything

2007-10-21T00:28:00.000+08:00

This was proven by an eleven year old boy named Gicoven Abarquez or "Gangga" when he surrendered to the police a bag containing eighteen thousand pesos (18,000). He found the bag on his way to school. The money could have helped his poor family, but Gangga chose to do the right thing. Despite poverty, he was not tempted to keep the money because his mother taught him not to keep things which are not his. Because of the good deed, he received a citation from Dagupan City Police (Pangasinan, Philippines). Rewards in the form of gifts, school supplies and even scholarship were given to the boy.

I am so proud of you Gangga, and your mother deserves a standing ovation.

You make me so proud to be a Pangasinense.

Source: http://punch.dagupan.com/

Green green grass on my lawn.

2007-10-17T21:54:00.000+08:00

I used to think that the grass is greener at the other side of the fence. I have envied a lot of people. Thinking that they are living a better life, a perfect life. But of course, I am wrong.

When I was still working, my life evolved only around my work and my family. I was not able to nurture my relationship with my friends. I would see them in passing, catch a news or two about them, but never really catching up. Lately, I have been reconnecting with old friends. And it amazes me that the perfect life I imagined them to be having is also the same impression that they have on me. Funny.

Indeed, there is no such thing as a perfect life.

We only believe that the grass is greener at the other side of the fence until we learn to appreciate how healthy our lawn looks.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday:My happiness

2007-10-14T08:55:00.000+08:00

"Happiness is to joy as an electric light bulb is to the sun. Happiness always has an object, you're happy because of something, it's a condition whose existence depends on external things." from susana tamaro's novel follow your heart.

The softness of my child's skin.
Her laughter.
My husband's voice.
Buffy and her pup's.
Books.
Pencil.
Paper.
Crayons.
Coloring books.
Hot cocoa early in the morning.
Music.
Rain.
Sunlight.
Chirping of the birds.
Words.
Lines.
Cloth.
A warm embrace.
People.

If happiness is a condition that is dependent on external things, then it is a choice to be happy and to stay happy. With or without the things that makes us happy, we can always find happiness somewhere.

Just a few minutes ago I was complaining to my daughter about my stomach ache. And I was caught off guard when she said "Mom, don't mind the pain, just tell yourself you are happy. That's what I do when you won't allow me to play with my friends."

I hope everybody can find their happiness even in little things, just like my six year old kid.

Friends

2007-10-12T12:26:00.000+08:00

Ever felt like your heart will burst with overflowing emotions? I did. Last night I couldn't contain the emotions in my heart. I was nearly crying in pain, excitement, anxiety, happiness, faith, and only through writing how I feel that I was able to pacify my heart. For some reason, I cannot log in to my account. But this did not stop me from pouring my emotions through words, pen and paper was my lifesaver.

After gathering a lot of courage, I sent a text message to my long lost friend. I was only expecting a text message, but to my surprise, he called. And he called again today.

Ours is a friendship that I believe transcends time, distance and lack of communication. We may not talk or see each other for ages, but in a certain part of my heart, he will always be present.

Our friendship bloomed despite the distance. It was unexpected. But we clicked instantly. one family gathering and my life changed. I am an only child, he has two brothers and no sister. Maybe he completed my yearning for an older brother to look up to, and I, on his wish for a sister to dote on. From the moment we talked, we became inseparable. When their short vacation ended, our friendship still continued. We managed to nurture the budding friendship through letters. We would drift in and out of each others lives, but whenever we find our way back into each other, we also find our friendship stronger than ever. We met other people, fell in love, fell out of love, until we found our one true love, still, in our hearts we remained true friends.

We have so many unspoken questions, untold tales of failure, success, defeat, triumph, stories of our life without one another. With just one "hello" everything went back to its right place, despite the unspoken words.

Welcome back pare, kuya, cousin and my best friend.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: Back to basics.

2007-10-07T19:23:00.000+08:00

I would like to share something from Robert Fulghum's thoughts in his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back when you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt sombody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life-learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for the traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even little seed in the styrofoam cup- they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned-the biggest word of all- LOOK.

These are simple rules. So simple yet so useful. When life gets so complicated, let us go back to our childhood and learn all over again these basic things.

Can we say we are better now in following these simple rules than we were in kindergarten?

Desperate Housewives "insult" on Philippine Medical Schools

2007-10-04T09:39:00.000+08:00

On school days, I usually would wake up at 6 am to prepare the things my daughter would need for school. A cup of coffee plus the latest news on ABS CBN Umagang Kay Ganda morning show is what wakes up my senses. Yesterday was quite different, it was not a cup of coffee that gave me the adrenalin rush, it was about the news on an episode of Desperate Housewives where Teri Hatcher made a remark on Philippine Med Schools.

"Can I check those diplomas again? Because I would just like to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines." —Susan Mayer - Teri Hatcher's character

It may be "just a stupid script", we may be overreacting, but reality is, there are approximately 115 million viewers whose impression of Philippine Medical Schools would be affected. Like it or not, if we hear something like this, a teeny tiny doubt
would cross our mind, even for just a second on the qaulity of Filipino medical professionals.

For someone whose husband is a nurse, whose relatives and friends are in the medical profession working in the US, I feel quite insulted. The people I know did not just buy their diploma, they worked hard for it. To insinuate that the Philippine Medical schools are inferior as compared to US standards is unfair. Statistics would show that there are growing number of Filipino nurses and doctors who are working in the US. Not only because there is a shortage of nurses but because these professionals are also world class. The Filipino nurses and doctors were not just hired out of need but they passed the requirements needed for them to work there legally.

Filipinos are not perfect, neither is Teri Hatcher, or the writers of Deperate Housewives, nor it's producers, not even the US President. No one is perfect. But to step on someone in order to make a point is quite unacceptable, even a not so perfct person would know this.

Purpose Driven Life

2007-09-30T20:44:00.000+08:00

Blog Your Blessings Sunday

The past week was quite emotional for me. I have often detected disappointment from my father's voice whenever he speaks about my life. I resigned from my job more than a month ago. Since then, he already expressed his opinions on what career I should focus on next. My mother on the other hand would have difficulty telling her friends that I already quit my job. Both of them are often quick to add "she will pursue a masters degree" phrase after telling someone that I am at present, jobless. Being their only child, I understand they only have high expectations for me.

These observations made me doubt my purpose in life. Am I really living a life without a purpose? An empty life? Am I a failure because I no longer work? I quit, I was not fired. I decided to quit because I was not happy, I have no peace of mind and I do not find fulfillment in what I do. I may not have a work now. but I have the most challenging job, being a mother to my daughter.

People find fulfilment in different ways. For some it is their lucrative career, high paying job, big house, new car. But for me, I find fulfillment in my family. Living a simple life with my husband and my daughter, raising my kid into a good person, nurturing the relationship with my husband. I am not a career oriented person, evidently, I am a family oriented individual. Being a hands on mom is no joke. I am a teacher, a story teller, a playmate, a cook, a cleaner, a companion, a guidance counselor, a party host, etc. I could go on with the lists of the role I play being a mother. But my parents take this for granted. For them, the paycheck, the career is the end point. Because they believe that they are successful in raising me only when I have a career and a fat paycheck they can brag about.

The third day question to consider of The Purpose Driven Life book by Rick Warren is: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want to be?

The driving force of my life is my daughter and my husband. I have often referred to them as my strength. What do I want to be? The best mother in my child's eye, and a loving and nurturing wife in my husband's heart.

"... all achievements are eventually surpassed, records are broken, reputations fade and tributes are forgotten (from the Purpose Driven Life)." And I add, except raising a child into a good person and nurturing the family with love, affection and attention.

Come to think of it, maybe my parents also want to be "the best parents" in my eyes, we have just misunderstood each other.

Deal or No deal?

2007-09-25T18:32:00.000+08:00

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to”
George Seaton

A young actress named Maja Salvador was the contestant on tonights episode of deal or no deal at abs cbn channel 2. Since the start of the game, the offer kept on increasing because she was able to choose the lower amounts. Until what was left was five pesos and three million. The bankers offer was 800,000. It is already a huge amount. So it was no wonder why she cried while contemplating whether to deal or not to deal. Then she explained that she asked for a sign. If someone in blue will come inside her dressing room, three million would be in briefcase number 5,but if someone is in orange, the jackpot would be in briefcase number 3. It's as if fate and faith was testing her tonight. Because the two briefcase left was numbers 3 and 5. She chose number 5 for her briefcase because of the sign she asked. She was torn between her faith and the people she could help with the offer. What if her briefcase doesn't have the 3M? What if it does? Her heart told her to go for it, but her mind chose to accept the offer. Her briefcase contains 3 million pesos.

Faith.

We have often asked God for help, for some divine intervention, but when we are given the sign, we fail to notice it, and sometimes, we are just too stubborn to accept that it is actually God's way of answering our prayers.

Again, faith.

More often than not, we recognize God's sign, but instead of following it, believing in it, we chose not to. Because we are afraid that God will disappoint us. Rather, we are afraid to discover that our faith failed us.

You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
Mary Manin Morrissey

Tickle.

2007-09-25T16:56:00.001+08:00

Tickling is the act of touching a part of the body, so as to cause involuntary twitching movements or laughter. Such sensations can be pleasurable or exciting, but are sometimes considered highly unpleasant, particularly in the case of relentless heavy tickling. - taken from wikipedia
I just had a good laugh from tickling my little girl. She is so ticklish. But she enjoys being tickled and begs for more and more that I tire faster than she does. Tickling just before going to bed or just after waking up is a bonding moment of my girl with her dad. Dad would tickle her and my little girl would beg for more and more, until she cries. They say that tickling sensation is both pain and pleasure. Well, her reaction is one proof of this.

Dad also enjoys being tickled as much as his daughter does. When the light's been turned off and we are about to go to sleep, my husband would ask to be tickled. It makes me smile thinking about how he would cover his face with a pillow to muffle his laughters. More often than not, he would beg me to stop. And when I do, he would ask to be tickled again, until he begs me to stop while crying from too much laughter.

I am the most ticklish person in our family. But I hate being tickled. It is too much pleasurable for me that I kick and bite just so I could escape it. Pleasurable for me, but painful for them.

Well, that's pain and pleasure for me.

It's a rainy day!

2007-09-23T13:37:00.000+08:00

It's been raining the past few days, and today is no exception. But I am not complaining. I love the rain. But I love it more on weekends. It makes me stay in bed a little longer. It makes my little girl snuggle with me in our bed. Just the two of us, lying on our back, talking about how terribly we miss dad's presence.
If this is a sunny sunday, she would be making plans about her play date instead of spending extra time with me. She's growing too fast. Her world is becoming wider. But with the rain, she is all mine the whole day.
Thank you for the rain.

stay in love

2007-09-21T10:47:00.001+08:00

"After years of mistakes and pain and problems, real love is two people standing together, choosing to be together, despite all that has gone wrong." by shonda rhimes on http://www.greyswriters.com/.

While browsing the POEA forum on Overseas Employment Social issues, particularly the thread Family Abandonment: Your Opinion", I can't help but think about this particular phrase.

A lot have been arguing that it is loneliness that drives them to engage in extra marital affairs, some blames it on the way the family here in the Philippines spends the hard earned money sent to them. Either way, both are faulty and at the same time, not.

A lot could be attributed on how a particular marriage ends. But one common denominator that I could think of is the lack of commitment. When you are committed to loving that person "for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part", and mean it, it would not be too difficult to withstand any storm that may struck the marriage. No matter how difficult life seems to be, or how far the distance between you and your loved ones is, the relationship will always work. It is just a matter of choosing, deciding, committing to stay together, to stay married and to stay in love.

Isn't that being idealistic? I am. But I have had my share of bad times too. But amidst all the problems we had, we stayed together and we stayed in love with each other.

Family Abandonment: Your Opinion?

My opinion? Commit.

If all of those who posted a reply on that thread will choose, decide and commit, the statistics would change.

And they would make a difference.

2007-09-19T12:54:00.000+08:00

These are the friends I gained from my previous work. From managers to the team members to the rider. They all became my friends. After so many years, we gathered together and celebrated our friendship.

I left my job for eight years to focus on my little girl. I wanted to be there for her all the time. But I have no regrets. Because when I left my job, I brought with me tales of friendship.

Life is more meaningful with friends like them.

It's her Birthday!

2007-09-16T00:06:00.001+08:00

Blog Your Blessings Sunday

She brings me never ending joy. Her laughter is music to my ears. Her cries are knife slicing my heart. She is a typical six year old girl. Yet in my eyes, she is the world, she is life. In my life, she is my strength. She is a blessing.

This is a special Sunday for me. Today is her 6th birthday.

Six years of joy, pain, learning and growth for both of us - she, as a growing child, and I, as a "growing mother".

ARK

2007-09-12T17:34:00.000+08:00

Act of Random Kindness.

From the movie Evan Almighty. ARK was "God's" answer on how to change the world.

In Superbianca's 4th anniversary, she celebrated it by answering some questions from her readers. One question posted by a reader of her blog is "what should we do for a world to be a better place. Bianca's answer is from a quote forwarded to her by someone who heard it from boy and kris... every time you do good, the world changes.

The idea is so simple, yet so true.

If only the 6.7 billion people occupying the earth would at least do one good thing, one act of random kindness everyday, imagine how the world would become eventually. And if every time we receive one act of kindness, we repay it by doing a good thing on someone, then we have contributed to changing the world.

Every big thing came from something small. Why don't we start with ARK?

REGRETS

2007-09-12T16:27:00.001+08:00

I have made decisions which I am not proud of. I look back at the past from time to time, but I do not have any regrets....

Regrets

When you regret something, there is that desire to take back what you did, to erase it and replace it with "the right one".

You dwell on the past, wallow in self pity or self loathing, and moving on appears to be toilsome. It makes life wearisome.

only realizations...

Realization

With realization, you admit that it was a bad choice, yet you stand by that choice, but, you do things which could turn that bad decision into something else.

It gives you hope, a future. It enables you to reverse the effect of whatever bad decisions you made.

...Never regret something that you said or did, because at that certain point in your life, it was the right thing to say or do

My 10 ways to cope with loneliness

2007-09-12T16:24:00.000+08:00

Dad, here is what i occupied myself with the last two days you weren't here beside us.

Day 1 - accompanied mom to urdaneta.texted you almost every hour for an update.Later in the evening, Andrea and I watched High School musical 2, which I think I enjoyed more than she did. Started reading a book " The Ivy chronicles". The book we bought together. Read it until the 2:30 am. Sorry. I tried going to bed early but I was panicking a bit about you. Glad you texted me and assured me that you are fine.

How to cope with loneliness

tip # 1. Exhaustion. I tried to exhaust myself from physical activities so i would be too tired to notice the motional pain I am going through

tip # 2. Diversion. Read a book about a very unfortunate woman who found her husband in their bathroom with a naked woman who turns out to be the wife of the very same person who maneouvered to get her job axed in the guise of saving millions for the company, on the very same day her job was axed. It would make you feel less miserable

Day 2 - free day! or so I thought. After sleeping so late last night, err, early morning, I thought I could go to sleep til noon. It's a saturday. And most working "men and women" sleep late during this day of the week. But Ate Pinay picked up the laundry 30 minutes past 6. With a very little sleep, I dragged myself out of bed and fixed our clothes for laundry. I wanted to go back to bed, but I promised Andrea I would make pancakes for her breakfast. And Buffy's insistent barking is a warning that she needs to pee and poo. I have to walk her to the front yard where she does her morning rituals. Luckily, Aya was in the mood to walk buffy. I attended to the pups first, brought them out of their kennel so they too can exercise, prepared milk and dog food for both buffy and the pups. I need to do this, so our breakfast would be peaceful. After we had our breakfast, I decided to change the curtains in our room. Which led me to reorganizing the bedroom, bathroom and our shoe rack. Gave Andrea a bath and prepared her for her "playdate" with friends. Whew! After I was able to put the final touch of the reorganization, it was almost 12 noon.

tip # 3. Always promise I'll make breakfast for Andrea. This way, I will have to wake up early. Cut my daydreaming, or stop feeling miserable with Barney in bed. It takes my mind off my dear husband who I guess is still sound asleep.

tip # 4. Nurture my pets, get some more pets. The louder their barking, the more difficult it is to stay in bed. Isay and Lucky are learning the art of barking. And I feel guilty not answering their call. Aside from being busy taking care of the pets, they help me release my emotions without fear of being judged (well, except maybe for some neighbors who would think I am exagerrating)

tip # 5. Change the curtain in our bedroom. It makes the room feminine, plus, the old curtain reminds me more of my adoring husband. AND, changing curtain led me to.

tip # 6. Reorganizing the room. I could never do this. Mike will always ensure that any "reorganization will suit his preference... which led me to

tip # 7. Reorganizing the bathroom...which led me to

tip # 8 Reorganizing the shoe rack. Separated the " to go ( to be thrown or given away), for keeps (for keeping until further notice) for ever ( for ever my choice)" which again led me to...

tip # 9 Doing a detailed cleaning of our room. I was exhausted by noon time. I took a bath. Called Andrea home for lunch, made her nap after viewing Meet the Robinsons while I spend time thinking about husband again...I'm hurting still. So I decided to open the computer, read emails and finally.

tip # 10. Blog. Pour out my heart through words. Even if no one could read this, it makes my load a few lbs lighter.

The Verdict

2007-09-11T22:35:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow, September 12, will be another page in our history. Sandiganbayan will rule over the plunder and perjury charges against Joseph Estrada. The world's eyes and ears are all on us. The trial that took six years will determine the credibility of the Sandiganbayan. Some predicted that "Erap", as he is famously known, will be proclaimed "guilty" due to the pressure being exerted by the government. Some would argue that 'Not guilty" will be handed down due to the "credibility" issue of the "star witness". "Not guilty" verdict will also question the legitimacy of Arroyo's presidency. Either way, tomorrow's decision will have a great impact on our country, and on us Filipinos.

21 years ago, we made the whole world envy us for having thrown a dictator. Will the world envy us once more for ensuring that justice prevails in this country?

I have grown tired of politics. I have no trust on the public servants. For me, government officials are power thirsty, scheming hypocrites.

But I haven't lose hope. Hope that there is someone who could turn the government by 360'. Hope that Public Service has a noble meaning in his heart. Hope that majority of the voters will see beyond the face of "Ninoy".

Let us make the world envy us once again.