wifespeak

Facing Death and Making It Out Alive

2010-02-18T14:39:00.004+08:00

WARNING: If you fear staring death in the face, this post is not for you. If you don't, read on. This can be a very vivid account of death knocking at your door and surviving it.

My father came out of the hospital very recently after being pronounced DOA there a few weeks ago. The doctors in attendance at the time managed to revive him but his brain had been without oxygen for at least 10 minutes and during the first several critical hours he was in a coma. We feared the worst and steeled ourselves for an even worse eventuality that we knew could come anytime. I watched him come and go out of a series of seizures which left me numb. I was mostly alone at the ICU unit with him and watched in the sidelines as a roomful of nurses and doctors would trek in and out of the room trying to manage the seizures as they came and went. I watched in silence as he flatlined twice in the span of a few hours. The code blue team would come rushing in, machine in tow, and they would paddle him and I would see the green line jolt back up in a sudden rush. Then everyone would wait in silence for critical seconds waiting for the green line's next move. The medical staff in the unit would visibly breathe a sigh of relief in unison when the green line would go back to its normal rhythm. I just watched the drama unfold. I was calm and collected through it all. Millions of thoughts darted through my mind but I had to be strong. I knew everyone expected it of me. I just witnessed my father die twice and come out of it fighting! Counting the time his heart just stopped at 8 a.m. earlier that day, he had actually died thrice in a span of six hours that day!!!

Finally the seizures stopped. My youngest brother and my husband were allowed to enter the ICU at this point. We conversed in hushed tones as I updated them with what I had just seen. They could only shake their heads, amazed at how a man of 75 years who had undergone a multiple bypass operation 14 years ago could die three times in six hours and come out of them mockingly shouting: IN YOUR FACE, DEATH! I can only surmise how extremely he must have wanted to go on living. Comatose or not, death was not going to beat him that day-at least not yet.

By 7 p.m. the next day, he came out of the coma. This time, I was not in the room to witness it. While he was fighting for his life, the doctors had allowed me to be with him. Now that he was no longer in critical condition, we could only come in at certain times of the day. Mostly, we just watched him through a small window. When they allowed me to come in, he was already conscious. The doctor in attendance just described to me what had transpired. Apparently, he just opened his eyes and tried to talk. But there was a tube about an inch in diameter hanging out of his mouth so he could not do so. Visibly irritated by the appendage, he pulled out the offending tube and demanded that he be allowed to go home. Family and friends began to arrive soon after because visiting hours were at 7 to 8 p.m. We had a great time talking about how he pulled out the tube and-true to form-demanded to be let out.

Now he is back home-alive, yes, but not quite the same. I don't think he will ever truly recover from his near-death experiences. He faced death squarely and beat death twice but his life will never be the same again. The effects of losing oxygen in the brain for more than 10 minutes can be truly life-changing but that is for another post.

Picking Up From Where I Left Off

2010-02-15T16:08:00.003+08:00

I'm not sure if I have any friends left in the blogging world. I have been on a really extended leave of absence from blogging (almost two years). People were getting sick in my family and they still are, to be honest. But I just have to get away from being around sick people even if only for a few minutes so I decided to revisit my old blog. So here I am typing away. It's a welcome relief from all the sickness that seem to have been enveloping my whole world these past couple of years. Blogging again might just be the break that I need. There are times when I feel really low due to all the stress. It is really exhausting to have to be the strong one for everyone. There are times when I feel I am going to go insane. Sitting down in front of my computer and writing will help relieve me of my stress. It will provide me with a few minutes of time for myself away from all the worries. So I hope you will all welcome me back as you did a couple of years ago when I debuted in the blogging world. Heads up to all my past friends and to those who will soon be my friends.

Traffic-Maker Again

2008-03-31T14:12:00.001+08:00

This is the easy way and the fastest way to :

1. Make your Authority Technorati explode.
2. Increase your Google Page Rank.
3. Get more traffic to your blog.
4. Makes more new friends.

Rules :
1. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog.
2. Put your own blog name and link.
3. Tag your friends as much as you can.

1. Picturing of Life
2. Juliana’s Site
3. Hazel-My Life, My Hope, My Future.
4. Jeanne-The Callalily Space
5. Starz in De Sky
6. My Charmed Life
7. Denz Techtronics
8. Denz Recreational
9. Life’s Simple Pleasures
10. My Blog
11. Because Life is Fun
12. In This Game of Life
13. Scribbles of my Life
14. Changing Lanes
15. This is what my heart says...
16. A mom's note
17. Tasteful Voyage
18. Jackie's Everyday Life
19. Jackie Simply Pinay
20. Gerthy's Scrapbook
21. Gerthy Sanctary
23. Aileen's Sweet Escape
24. Wifespeak
25. Your Link Here

~~End Copy~~

Extended Time Out

2008-03-31T14:01:00.002+08:00

Hello, dear friends. I thought I could buckle down to blogging after Easter. It seems I was wrong. I have to work on a new set of cross stitch patterns for my collection. Those of you who have been my friends since I started know that I run a small craft shop in my husband's hometown. I'll pop in from time to time to say hello but for the meantime, blogging has to take a back seat. I'm missing all of you. See you soon.

Links Around the World Tag

2008-03-23T00:22:00.002+08:00

Joy sent me this tag.

This is the Links Around The World Tag.Instruction:

1. Place your link after the list. If you have more than 1 blog, feel free to add them all here!

2. After placing your blog’s address/es, you must tag 5 or more bloggers that is not yet in the list, this is to keep the ball rolling.

3. Here is the best part: Make sure to update your list every now and then, by getting the master list here. I’ll be updating the master list every day, or as soon as I see a new blog that’s been added to the list.

1-Momhood Moments 2-Business Mars 3-Princezz 4-Princess 5-Cecil 6-Ron & Cecil 7-Pinay Mommy Online 8-OnlineBiz and Resources 9-A Simple life 10-moms…..check nyo 11-Mommy’s Little Corner 12-Random Thoughts 13-Paradigm 14-See Me For What You Will 15-Pamp’s Blog Corner 16-Pampered 17-HappyHeart 18-Qtcotzkie and Baby 19-A Sorta Fairytale 20- tragicseven 21-Listen to the Beat! 22-Just Saying 23-Tipsy Tips 24- 25-Different AnglesDelicious Corner 26-I Care 27-Blog Blag Blog 28-Daily List 29-Life’s Journey 30-Welcome to my Crib 31-A Daily Walk With Bill & Gina 32-Me,Myself + 2 33-Fun.Fierce.Fabulous 34-Mike 35-BerryScrappy 36-BloggerHappy 37-My Planet Purple 38-Our Journey to Life 39-Princess Bela 40-Kaptyurd by Howell 41-My Simple Joys 42-A Sweet Taste Of Life 43- Bits and Pieces 44. Mem's Precious Moments 45. mugshots 46. Brainymommy 47. Pioneers Band 48.Maya's Window 49. Rojoy's Daily Update 50. Buzzy Bee Mom 51. Mommy Joy Of Two 52. Rojoy's Kitchen 53. Wifespeak 54. Your Link

I am passing this tag to Liza, Marie, and a new friend, Carol.

Easter Greetings to All My Friends

2008-03-22T23:57:00.001+08:00

Send this eCard !

Time Out

2008-03-10T21:57:00.002+08:00

I have been unable to blog for more than a week now. My children are having their examinations and I have to prepare them. I managed to make a couple of articles to post but that is about all the time I have. I will be back in full force after Easter but I will try to squeeze in a few minutes every now and then just to take a peek. I miss you all! HAPPY EASTER!!! in advance, dear friends.

When Endurance Fails

2008-03-10T21:27:00.002+08:00

Everyday we hear the stories of everyday heroes who, by sheer endurance, conquer all obstacles just to survive. In a third world country like the Philippines just putting food on the table is a feat. Millions of families survive day by day on a daily allowance of $5 or even less. Considering that the average size of the Filipino family is 4.5, that amounts to a little more than a dollar per person per family.

I continue to be amazed at how millions of Filipinos manage to smile despite all these odds. I wonder to myself where they get the endurance to get through all these and still manage to be happy. Such is the strength of the Filipino.

Where does he get this? The answer is faith. The Filipino has extreme and absolute faith that in the end, everything will be alright. He is absolutely sure that at the end of his strength, he can rely on the helping hand of God who will take him beyond himself and conquer.

A salute to the Filipino spirit! It is well-deserved. In the light of the prevailing political and economic situation of our country, we will conquer. Gloria in all her evil glory cannot bring you down. Good always conquers evil. We will conquer the devil in Malacañang!

Vaginal Rings: Lowering the Risks of Oral Contraception for Diabetics

2008-03-10T20:49:00.004+08:00

Oral contraceptives are probably the most popular method of contraception. They remain to be the first line of treatment for women who desire birth control. A lot of studies have been done to minimize the risks involved with regards to cardiovascular disease but very little has been done with regards to metabolic effects of oral contraceptives.

There is evidence which shows that oral contraceptives may aggravate insulin resistance and exert other metabolic effects that might increase a woman's long-term risk for diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, women who have diabetes or cardiovascular disorders are not advised to use oral contraception. Recently, tests have been done in an effort to lessen the risk of oral contraception to diabetics by using vaginal rings. Research indicates that delivering low-dose oral contraceptives using vaginal rings can provide better efficacy and good cycle control with less of the risk. The tests done showed that insulin sensitivity measured with a glucose tolerance test was significantly decreased in women who took the oral contraceptive pill as compared to women who used the vaginal ring. The study confirms that low-dose oral contraceptives can adversely impact metabolic function. Thus, many women of reproductive age have insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes. Although further tests are necessary, the initial tests show that using vaginal rings to deliver contraceptives to women has less metabolic effects than oral contraceptives.

Moreover, the vaginal contraceptive ring has other benefits. Women who use it find it more convenient to use because they have to worry about their contraception only once a month. They have experienced shorter and lighter menstrual periods with fewer cramps. They have decreased PMS symptoms. There is also a decrease in the appearance of acne. And studies have shown that there is also a decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.

The vaginal contraceptive ring is highly recommended for women who have a history of breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, epilepsy, depression, gallbladder or kidney disease, those who have recently had major surgery, those who suffer from dropped uterus or bladder, those who suffer from severe constipation, and those who are breastfeeding. It is available through a prescription.

The Domino Effect Tag

2008-02-28T02:02:00.002+08:00

This tag came from, Liza. Thanks for remembering me, sis.

Rule: Copy the entire list and add your name at the bottom. And tag at least 5 friends. (But you can tag as many as you like)

Vanniedosa

Thea is {bloggerhappy.com}
Childstar
Mike
My Scrappy Side
Abie
Aggie
Alpha
Apple
Apols
Jacqui
Jane
Jody
Joy
Kelly
Mich
Peachy
Liza (A Simple Life)
Tet
Nyumix
JulianaRW
Liza(MCN)
Wifespeak

Now I would like to tag Max, Trinity, Jk, Darlene, and Ruby.

Award Time Again!: THE EXCELLENT AWARD

2008-02-27T17:35:00.003+08:00

Got this award from my new friend Jo-n. Thank you for this award. I appreciate it that you appreciate my efforts at getting to know you better.

I AM AN ASS

2008-02-26T19:16:00.003+08:00

This is a tag sent to me by Rojoy. Hope you find it fun just as I did. Seems to have hit the nail right on the head with me on this one. Feel free to grab it and pass it on just for the kick of it.

LOOK UP YOUR BIRTHDAY AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE. FORWARD ON TO PEOPLE THAT YOU THINK THAT WOULD GET A KICK OUT OF THIS... INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU. PUT YOUR BIRTHDAY ANIMAL IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND PASS IT ON.

Don't forget to scroll down to see what it says about you.

January 01 - 09 ~ Ass
January 10 - 24 ~ Slug
January 25 - 31 ~ Cockroach
February 01 - 05 ~ Parasite
February 06 - 14 ~ Bullfrog
February r y 15 - 21 ~ Skunk
February 22 - 28 ~ Snake
March 01 - 12 ~ Ape
March 13 - 15 ~ Cockroach
March 16 - 23 ~ Slug
March 24 - 31 ~ Parasite

April 01 - 03 ~ Ass
April 04 - 14 ~ Snake
April 15 - 26 ~ Slug
April 27 - 30 ~ Skunk
May 01 - 13 ~ Slug
May 14 - 21 ~ Bullfrog
May 22 - 31 ~ Cockroach
June 01 - 03 ~ Slug
June 04 - 14 ~ Skunk
June 15 - 20 ~ Ass
June 21 - 24 ~ Ape
June 25 - 30 ~ Parasite

July 01 - 09 ~ Slug
July 10 - 15 ~ Ass
July 16 - 26 ~ Bullfrog
July 27 - 31 ~ Parasite
August 01 - 15 ~ Ape
August 16 - 25 ~ Slug
August 26 - 31 ~ Skunk
September 01 - 14 ~ Bullfrog
September 15 - 27 ~ Parasite
September 28 - 30 ~ Ass

October 01 - 15 ~ Ape
October 16 - 27 ~ Skunk
October 28 - 31 ~ Snake
November 01 - 16 ~ Cockroach
November 17 - 30 ~ Parasite
December 01 - 16 ~ Ass
December 17 - 25 ~ Ape
December 26 - 31 ~ Bullfrog

If you are an Ass : A very loyal and sweet person. Your loyalty can never be doubted. You are quite honest and sincere when it comes to your attitude towards working. You are a very simple person, indeed. Absolutely hassle free, humble, and down-to-earth!! That explains the reason why your friends cling on to you! You have a good taste for clothes. If your wardrobe is not updated with what is trendy, you sure are depressed. Popular and easy-going. You have a little gr! oup of dignified friends, all of them being quality-personified.

If you are a Slug : Always up to some sort of a mischief! The mischievous gleam in your eyes is what mak e s you so cute and attractive to everyone. You are an extremely fun-to-be-with kind of person. No wonder people seek your company and look forward to include you for all get-together's. However, you are sensitive which is a drawback. People need to select their words while talking to you. If someone tries to fiddle around and play with words while dealing with you, it is enough to invite your wrath. God bless the person then!

If you are a Cockroach : Quite contradictory to your name, you are a peace loving person. You best try to avoid a situation wherein you are required to fight. An outdoor person, you dislike sitting at one place for a long duration. You are a born leader, and have it in you how to tactfull! y deriv e work from people. You love being loved and when you receive your share of limelight from s omeone, you are all theirs!!!! Well, well... Hence some people could even take an advantage, flatter you to the maximum and get their work done. So be careful.....

If you are a Parasite : An extremely lovable, adorable person, sometimes shy, with a passion for quick wit. At times, you prefer quietness. You love exploring various things and going into depth of each thing. Under normal circumstances you're cool but when given a reason to, you are like a volcano waiting to erupt. You're a fashion bird. People look forward to you as an icon associated with fashion. Basically, you mingle along freely but don't like talking much to strangers. People feel very easy in your company. You observe care in choosing your friends.

If you are a Skunk : You are near to perfect and nice at heart! . The e xamples of your kindness are always circulated in groups of people. You, too, love peace. You wouldn't like to retaliate even to a person who is in the wrong. You are loved due to this. You do not wish to talk behind one's back. People love the way you always treat them. You can give, give, and give love, and the best part is that you do not expect it back in return. You are generous enough. Seeing things in a practical light is what remains the best trait of you guys.

If you are a Bullfrog : You symbolize a very happy-go-lucky approach in life. Whatever the surroundings may be, grim or cheerful, you remain unaffected. In fact, you spread cheer wherever you go. You are the leader of your group of fri ends! and go od at consoling pe ople in their times of need. You dislike hypocrisy and tend to shirk away from hypocrites. They can never be in your good books, no matter what. You are very methodical and organized in your work. No amount of mess, hence, can ever encompass you. Beware, it is easy for you to fall in love....

If you are a Snake : You are mysterious. You are someone who can handle pressure with ease, and can handle any atmosphere without going berserk. You can be mean at times, and love to gossip with your selected group. Very prim and proper. You like all situations and things to be in the w! ay you desire, which, sometimes is not possible. As a result, you may lose out in some relationships. But otherwise, you love to help people out from difficult and tight spots when they really need you.

If you are an Ape : Very impatient and hyper!!! You want things to be done as quick as possible. At heart, you are quite simple and love if you are the center of attraction. That way, you people are unique. You would like to keep yourself safe from all the angles. Shall your name be dragged or featured in any sort of a controversy, you then go all panicky. Therefore, you take your precautions from the very beginning. When you foresee anything wrong, your sixth sense is what saves you from falling in traps. Quite a money minded bunch you people are!!

I am passing this tag to retchel, ivan girl, and posh totty. They are my new friends here in the blogging community whose blogs I go to almost daily now.

One Proud Mama

2008-02-26T17:39:00.006+08:00

No, fellow-Filipino bloggers, I am not going to write about Qtv's newest show hosted by Jaya. I am going to act like any proud mama and gloat about my eldest daughter. This coming March, she is crossing another milestone in her life. She is graduating from elementary. And from all indications, she is graduating among the top 10% of her batch. I have been helping her out with her academic requirements these past few weeks which is why I have not been active at blogging recently. She deserves nothing less from me as she has continually given me numerous reasons to be proud of her as a daughter and as a student. She has consistently gotten very good grades since pre-school and has been an outstanding student leader since first grade. And now my baby is graduating. And she makes me proud. She will not be pleased about this but I am posting here her official graduation pictures. She is one of the greatest achievements of my life. Here's to you, Denise, my darling daughter! Congratulations!

A Call to Filipinos Who Love the Philippines

2008-02-26T04:18:00.001+08:00

You're Invited To A BLOGSWARM

In the spirit of true PEOPLE POWER, we are inviting you to an online show of disgust and search for the truth. We will be conducting a blogswarm slated on Feb. 25-26. You may copy the banner and post it in your blog on the dates mentioned. If you have your own posters, please use them too.

Captions and entire posts are welcome. Let us all join hands and free our country from the grip of "EVILS" in government. The time for genuine change is NOW!

Pass It to the Front

2008-02-26T02:53:00.004+08:00

I was tagged byRusin Roundup.

Here are the rules:

* First copy and paste it.
* Do not remove any content.
* Just add One word related to your blogs.
* If you don't like the concept Pls! say no?
* Our main goal is we are going to circulate our number of friends.
* The more people join the "pass it to the front" the more links we generate.
* Lastly write only one word "short" for your blogs...
* Keep it simple and short, I know some of you have more than one blogs.
* The color is only black, gray, or white plssss avoid using any color okies.

Let me show you:

1.-Filipina, 2.-Darling allen, 3.-Abroad, 4.-Halfway, 5.-life, 6.-culture, 7.-interracial, 8.-pinaystories , 9.-pinaysinglelooking, 10.-health, 11.-Miscellaneous, 12. Coaster,13. Roundup 14. Reviews 15.-wife 16.

I'm going to pass it on to my new friends in the blogging world the 4 seasons of my life, simple life, simply me, mari, and mamabliss' treasured moments.

More on the EDSA Anniversary

2008-02-25T16:20:00.000+08:00

In the spirit of genuine People Power I am one with the Nation in protest against the current administration.

Ngayon ang simula ng dalawang araw na blogswarm para sa pagpapababa sa Pang(g)ulong Arroyo. Saktong sakto sa anibersaryong ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon. Tara na mga kapwa cyber-aktibista! Saan mang lupalop ng mundo ka naroroon, makilahok na sa…

Electronic
Data
Swarm
Against Arroyo
wave 1.0

Let’s Expand the Democratic Space through cyber-Activism. Sama-sama nating ISIGAW / I-POST / IE-MAIL:

TAMA NA, SOBRA NA, KILOS NA!
GMA, ALIS(IN) NA!

Remembering EDSA 1

2008-02-25T15:38:00.003+08:00

In celebration of the first People Power Revolution, I am appealing to Gloria Arroyo, her family, her cabinet, the Senate and Congress, all the mayors and their respective councils, and the barangay captains to please remember the spirit that made that historic event happen. Stop all your evil doings. Stop abusing the power which your constituents gave you to enrich yourselves. Matakot kayo sa Diyos! There is always a payback time. What is painful is that more often than not, God hits you where it hurts the most. Most of the time, it is your children or grandchildren who will pay the dues you owe to society. If you love your family, do not make them pay for all your evil works. Gloria, your children are hopeless. So God will not punish you through them. But your small grandchildren are very small. Do you want them to pay for the evil you, your husband and your children have done? Maawa ka sa kanila. Believe me, God will find retribution for all your sins and they will probably be the ones who will be hit the most. If you are planning to tape another "I am sorry" act, please don't. Gastado na yan! Admit your mistakes and like Erap, do your time. Make your co-thieves do the same. Congressmen, stop your boot-licking. Tapos na ang panahon ni Gloria. Gusto na namin siyang patayin! Baka sa sobrang gigil ng tao, bumuo na kami ng liquidation squad na susugpo sa mga tiwaling opisyales ng pamahalaan. Di na lang NPA at MILF ang magiging problema niyo! May vigilante squad pa na pagod na sa mga magnanakaw na kagaya niyo! Baka imbes na non-violent reform ang itawag namin, a call to civil revolt na. Kayo rin! Huwag niyong hintaying mapuno ang salop. Nakakapagod na kayo at ang inyong kawalanghiyaan. Even peaace-loving people like me are enraged. Matakot kayo sa mga taong tahimik. Matinik sila kung magalit. At di ako nag-iisa. Marami na kami. At patuloy na dumadami hangga't patuloy kayo sa inyong kawalanghiyaan. Sa aking mga kapwa Pilipino, na alam kong gising na gising na, iparinig niyo ang inyong hinaing. Organize yourself into groups and fight corruption. This is the only way for the Philippines to reach the greatness it so deserves. We deserve good governance because we are a basically good people. Do not allow yourselves to be pulled down by these evil men in government. We deserve the best because we are one of the best. Like Ninoy said, "The Filipino is worth dying for." Do not let his death come to naught because those who came after him are the devil's "pakawala." Unite! Be heard!

My New Award

2008-02-25T15:23:00.005+08:00

I got this award from Ma x.

I would like to pass it on to my friends eds, lizza, amel, and sasha. I would have wanted to share it with all my friends but I don't have that much time right now. So to all my friends, this is for you as well. And thanks again, Max. You're the best!

Gtky Tag

2008-02-24T15:54:00.003+08:00

I’ve been tagged by melai for this meme.

Here are the rules:

Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!

1. What is your occupation?
-entrepreneur

2. What color are your socks right now?
-Sorry, no socks. Humidity in the Philippines does not make it comfortable for us to wear socks.

3. What are you listening to right now?
- I don't like listening to music when writing.

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
- Nilaga. (If you're not Filipino, you won't know what this is, he he he. It's a clear soup with beef, cabbage, bananas, potatoes, and corn. Goes well with steamed rice.)

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
- I don't drive.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
- Blue. It's calming.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
-My daughter's godmother who is also a very close friend.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
- I have never met her in person but from what I've read of her daily articles in her numerous blogs, she could just turn out to be one of my most admired people on this planet. I get the impression that she is gifted with absolute courage, admirable humility, and kindness that makes for a great human being and a most treasured friend.

9. Favorite drink?
- Pepsi max. (It used to be coke but these days, it just doesn't taste right anymore.)

10. What is your favorite sport to watch?
- Ice skating. (Is that a sport? It's the only one I can bear watching. I am not into sports at all.)

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
- Oh yes! I had white hair even at the tender age of 10. Now I need to have it dyed unless I want to look 60 even if I am not quite that age yet.

12. Dog named
-Olive, our family's beloved little shih tzu.

13. Favorite food?
- Any kind of pasta. I must have been Italian in my former life.

14. Last movie you watched?
- I Am Legend. My husband's choice really. I watch whatever the family wants to see.

15. Favorite Day of the year?
- Christmas. That's the Sagittarian in me, I suppose-refusing to grow up.

16. What do you do to vent anger?
-I write. It helps me to put my emotions into perspective. Then I find that there's really nothing to be all that upset about.

17. What was your favorite toy as a child?
- My talking doll. I called her Maribel.

18. What is your favorite, fall or spring?
- Where I am, we only have two seasons, the wet and the dry season. The wet season means rain which I hate. So I guess it's the dry season for me which is summer.

19. Hugs or kisses?
- Hugs, most definitely. It gives me a feeling of warmth and tender care.

20. What kind of pie?
- Apple. Love the play of apple flavor with the hint of cinnamon.

21. Do you want your friends to email you back?
-Oh yes. I love getting e-mail from friends. All the more so now that I have joined the blogging community.

22. Who is most likely to respond?
- Most everyone responds. Family, specially.

23. Who is least likely to respond?
- My kids. We see each other day in and day out so whatever they need to say, they just tell me personally.

24. Living arrangements?
- I live with my parents, my maternal aunt and uncle, my three children, my youngest brother, the maids and the driver. Oh, and of course, our dog and our almost a hundred finches.

25. When was the last time you cried?
-Since Jun Lozada appeared at the Senate, almost daily. It's a mixture of sorrow for the wretched state of the Philippine government, and extreme anger at the evil enveloping Philippine society. Whenever I watch the news these days, I cry.

26. What is on the floor of your closet?
- My bags and my jewelry case.

27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to?
- Amel and Max. They are the first bloggers to visit my site (along with fellow-Filipina Sasha and Melai, who sent me this tag). That was just over a month ago - imagine that!

28. The friend you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to?
-Lyn. She intrigues me.

29. Favorite smell?
- I'm not into perfumes. I love the smell of the sea though.

30. What inspires you?
- Generosity, selflessness. This day and age, it's rare.

31. What are you afraid of?
- Nothing. My faith has erased all my fears. Whatever comes my way, I know with God's help, I will prevail.

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
-Cheeseburgers, definitely.

33. Favorite car?
- I don't care one way or the other. I am not into cars.

34. Favorite cat breed?
- I am a bird lover. I don't think cats are good for my aviary.

35. Number of keys on your key ring?
- One. The spare key of my van. In case my driver locks his key inside it.

36. How many years at your current job?
- I run my own business. I put it up in 1993. So that's about 15 years, right?

37. Favorite day of the week?
- Saturday. That's family day. That's when my brother and fellow blogger and sis-in-law Liza and their kids (dog in tow, too) come over.

38. How many provinces have you lived in?
- One. I lived in my husband's province for six years.

39. How many countries have you been to?
- 2. I haven't travelled all that much. No time and no money to do it.

I am passing this tag to joy, amel, sheng.lyn,and max. Perhaps among all my new blogger -friends, they are the ones I am most curious about.

Random Thoughts on Greed

2008-02-19T02:59:00.003+08:00

They say money is the root of all evil. But I have to disagree. If you think about it, there is nothing wrong with having it or wanting to have it. Perhaps it would be more correct to say that the pursuit of money at all cost is the root of all evil. Its pursuit is motivated by greed. Greed is the antithesis of sharing. Sharing is the essence of love. Therefore, money is not the root of all evil, it is greed.

Why am I writing about greed? It is, after all, a negative subject. I guess it is brought about by the continuing saga of the anomalous national broadband deal that has rocked the foundations of the present Philippine presidency. I am appalled by the magnitude of greed our politicians seem to be entrenched in. And to think we are the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia.

The whistle-blower and reluctant hero Jun Lozada says his friend and former boss Rodolfo Neri called Madame President evil. I myself refer to her as the devil in Malacañang. Perhaps some would say I am being too harsh on her. But I beg to disagree. As President, she should be the model of all that is good and pure and true. And yet she has shown us that she lies, she cheats, and now, she steals, too. By all accounts, Neri is correct. She is indeed evil.

Why is there so much greed in the world today? Why is there so much evil? How can we combat this? I fear for my children. Now, more than ever, I am determined to instill in them the morals and the values that will make them better human beings. Man by nature is not greedy. Everyone is basically good. Why then do we have people like Gloria and the rest of her kind? Perhaps it is because their parents failed to instill in them the proper values that make us different from animals. This is actually an anguished call to all parents out there! Please, teach your children well. Arm them with the values they need so that in their adulthood they do not turn into the monsters we see around us now. Teach them to love, to share, to be considerate, to be respectful, to be selfless, to be useful to society. More importantly, teach them to choose what is right all the time. If all parents in the world determine to do this, then there is hope for mankind.

My Take on Jun Lozada's Expose on the ZTE Scandal

2008-02-17T01:19:00.003+08:00

Since Mr. Jun Lozada came out with his expose on the NBN-ZTE broadband deal, I have been trying to stop myself from making a comment about it on my blog. Because really, it concerns only the Philippines. And not all bloggers are Filipinos. Somehow, I felt it inappropriate a venue to air my views on corruption in the Philippine government.

Upon deeper reflection, however, I have had to change my view. After all, Filipino politicians do not have a monopoly on corruption in government. It would be naive to think that. It happens everywhere and we see news of these things happening even and perhaps, more importantly, in first world countries like the U.S.A.

A lot of Filipinos are saying that all these exposes will come to naught anyway, so why bother talking about it. Even if Arroyo steps down, whoever comes after her will do just as she and her cohorts have done, enrich themselves while in power. Corruption will remain long after the Arroyos leave Malacañang.

The truth is, I am convinced that corruption will be present whoever is in power. But that is not the point, is it? We allow these people to steal from our country when we keep quiet about it. Nothing will change if we do not do something about it. The silent majority have to be heard. We have to show our disgust. And the time is NOW!

Gloria cheated her way to the presidency. That much is clear. She continues to cheat us via her husband's and her children's money-making activities at the expense of all of us. And our response to all these wrongdoing is a shrug of our shoulders because voicing out our disgust is not going to change anything anyway!? Really now?!?! Enough! One thing is clear to me. I am as much to blame for the rape of the Philippine economy by my choice not to say anything. Apathy, not Gloria, is the root of our problems. Change is in our hands, not the government's. We can make it happen if we determine to make it happen. Mr. Lozada placed the ball in our hands. What happens next is our choice.

Valentine's Day Greetings

2008-02-14T00:33:00.003+08:00

To all my new-found friends in the blogging world and to all bloggers out there, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Spread the LOVE not only today but everyday.

May this angel baby bring you and your loved ones all the LOVE you need the whole year through.

2008-02-13T02:41:00.000+08:00

This linky love tag came from Lizza.
Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
StylewithPassion
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife Tune
Underneath it All My Charmed Life
Blueberry Cheesecake
Underneath it All
I am Dzoi
Alpha’s Blog
Liza “My so called life”
Online Ramblings
TeacherJulie.com
Mommy's Little Corner
Wifespeak
Have just done so many tags today. I don't think want to tag anyone in particular. Just feel free to grab this one.

Feeling Low? Remember This . . . . . .

2008-02-12T19:34:00.000+08:00

I have to excuse myself to all the non-Christian bloggers out there. This post might not sit well with you and your beliefs so please skip this one.

I'm Catholic so prayer is part of my daily habits. My favorite prayer is the Serenity Prayer. It goes like this: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." In the most trying times, this prayer helps to keep me sane.

Very recently, a dear friend sent me an e-mail which I found very helpful when I am feeling low or feeling worthless. We all go through these moods so I would like to share this with all of you who might be going through a rough spot. Here goes . . . .

The next time you feel GOD can't use you, just remember . . . .
Noah was a drunkard.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Leah was ugly.
Joseph was abused.
Moses had a stuttering problem.
Gideon was afraid.
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah and Timothy were very young.
David was an adulterer and a murderer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Isaiah preached naked.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
John the Baptist ate bugs.
Peter denied Christ three times.
The disciples fell asleep while praying.
Martha was a worrier.
The Samaritan woman was divorced . . . more than once.
Zaccheus was very small.
Paul was too religious.
Timothy had an ulcer. . . AND Lazarus was dead!
So no excuses now. God can use you to your full potential.
Besides, you aren't the message; you are just the messenger!

God is just waiting for you to see your full potential! When you realize that, then He can finally use you for His great purpose.

Post a Smile

2008-02-12T19:08:00.000+08:00

This is a really sweet tag I got from Max. It took a while for me to put it up because I didn't quite know how to do this. She very kindly taught me how but I fell ill and was out of circulation for a bit. I finally had time to search for the nicest smile I could find. I hope it brings a smile to everyone who sees it.

Cute, isn't it? It's a picture of my son way back when he was a loveable year old toddler.
I would like to tag my friends . . . My Precious . . . , CC's Lifestyle and Reviews, and Shower Your Children With Love-The Right Way.

Awards From Dear Fellow-Bloggers

2008-02-12T18:29:00.000+08:00

I got this really cute Pixie Dust Pin from A Simple Life. Thanks, sis.
I'd like to pass this on to my friends Choc Mint Girl, Manilenya, and My Life, My World.

This Hello My Friend tag I received from Rojoy's Daily Update. I'd like to pass it on to my new friends D' Cooking Mudra, Pinay's Lifestyle and Living, and Pinaymama's Diary.

The Peace Train

2008-02-12T17:45:00.000+08:00

I chanced upon this logo on My View of It. Since peace is one of my advocacies, I thought it only appropriate to have this logo on my blog for everyone to see. If you want to hop on the peace train, please click on the link I mentioned.

Big Bang Meme Updated List

2008-02-11T02:59:00.000+08:00

Just thought I'd post the updated list of the 'Big Bang' Meme for all my friends reference.

1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda's loft 7-Amel's Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen's Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My Life 18-The Painted Veil 19-My Thoughts 20-DatCurious.com 21-Little Aussie Cynic 22-A Nice Place in the Sun 23-DatMoney.com 24-The Down Side OF Up 25-Ladyjava's Lounge 26-Cat Tales 27-moms.....check nyo 28-Colorado Baby 29-It's a Woman's World 30-ENLIGHTENED BITS 31-My View of "It" 32-My Reviews and Finds Along the Way 33-Our Hep Chat 34-Rantings of a Woman 35-The Callalily Space 36-Mom Knows Everything 37-Hazel 38-Chronicles and Tales Unlimited (RED) 39-From the Mouth of Jabber Jaws 40-Sunny Side Up Foodie & Lifestyle 41-Carmel Corn 42-Daily Stock Picks 43-The Whole New World 44-Wifespeak 45-Slavery Bliss 46-Rooms of My Heart 47-Unpredictable Life 48-My Life, My World 49- At Your Service 50-All About Ebay 51-Everything Amazon 52-Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out 53-My So-Called Site 54-New Wife Blog 55-Tendre Poison 323 56-Nick's Bytes 57-My Scratch Pad 58-Choc Mint Girl 59-Life Is Just Around the Corner... 60-Amori, poseia, art... virtuali by Hanna 61-Maryannaville 62-monaco - monaco's 63-Nyumix's Blog 64-read my mind - my keyboard monologues 65-Shower You Children With Love - The Right Way 66-Secret Agent Mama 67-Pinaymama's Diary 68-Answers to the Questions 69-Work of the Poet 70-A Total Blog 71-My life, my hope, my future 72-NORTE 73-A Window to Our World 74-Life as a Mom 75-FIELD OF DREAMS 76-lisgold 77-See Me for What You 78-Caught in The Stream 79-Pinay Mommy Online - My Home 80-foster me up 81-CRUEL VIRGIN 82-Garden of Moments in Blog 83-So Cute 84-Love Everlasting 85-WeLcOmE To My CriB 86-WELCOM TO PINAYSMILE'S JOURNEY 87-Ice's Icelog 88-Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 89-Hobbies and Such 90-Sweet Paradise 91-Mommy's Gibble Gabbles 92-Rusin Review's 93-My Small World 94-Little Peanut 95-Online Ramblings 96-My Mood My Feeling 97-BLOG it with ALLEN 98-Entertainment World 99-Let's Go Singapore 100-Firelynx 101-Catsy Carpe Diem 102-Every Beat Of My Heart 103-Always Da Fresh Princess 104-Listening.. Learning..Living 105-All About Mars 106-Syii From Afar 107-Some Thoughts I Have 108-From Here and Beyond 109-My Paid To Blog 110-Scholarship Corner 111-Cell Phone Review 112-"Apples of the Eyes" 113-It's All About Play 114-The Luttrull Journey 115-RennyBA's Terella 116-Unchained Melody 117-Out of the Blue 118-The Lure Of the Unknown 119-Maricel's 120-my blog 121-Spiff, the Spaceman 122-Living Well 123-The Dog Log 124-Catnip Corner 125-A Piece of Idea 126-Observations From the Back 40 127-Poetry by The Redneck Gypsy 128-Odd Facts 129-Juliana's Lair 130-My life is murphy's law 131-lisgoldsmemoirs 132-My memories, as time goes by 133-Somewhere over the rainbow 134-Blogging by Sandee 135-Our Journey to this so called life 136-Idaho Daily Photo 137-Memories that Never Fades.. 138-Anything goes 139-Your Caring Angels 140-Little Paces 141-Laketrees 142-PoeARTica 143-fracas 144-Just FraCas 145-Archies Archive 146-Growing Up Together 147-A Woman's Diary 148-Mother's Got A Dot Com 149-Close To You 150-Hot Shit Form Here 151-Astro Galaxy 152-Detector 153-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 154-My Life is Peachy 155-The Down Side of Up 156-Magical Milestones 157-In Search of Life 158-RebelationsdotNet 159-Jen Jen's Place 160-Mimi Writes... 161-Strange but true 162-Depois de minha viagem 163-Your Perfect Wedding: 164-Make Money Online 165-Primitive Ornies and Bowl Fillers 166-Vegetarian Diet Lifestyle 167-Looking Out For You 168-BENOLSATUEM 169-OtherSide 170-Hacko's Site 171-where was I 172-Making Money Resources 173-text's Site 174-Movie Corner 175-Rahasia Bisnis Internet 176-Online Dating Tips 177-Beauty Kissing Tips 178-Forex Trading Tips 179-Singapore Tour Guide 180-PPC vs PTR 181-Indonesian Film 182-Adsense Success Stories 2008 183-Bali Tour 184-Paypal Indonesia 185-Review Bisnis Internet 186-Blog Daniel Scardua 187-Much of a muchness 188-Gagiers Amazing World 189-Clumsy Mommy 190-Leaotheblogger 191-PBDesigns Reading and Crochet Blog 192-Gagiers Striking Zone 193-DrowseyMonkey 194-Yesterday Today n Tomorrow 195-Auntie Dar's Life 196-Sky Windows... 197-Filippino Life Abroad 198-Leao the Blogger 199-Zoop's Rantings on Life 200-My Journey 201-A Sweet Taste of Life 202-This is a Miracle 203-Lavanderia Virtual 204- Nancies's Web - Family Life 205-Dating Profile of the Day 206-my wooden robot 207-My World 208-urban : trendy : lifestyle 209-Lucel Juliana's Library 210-Cooking Momster - My Life Journal 211-Anggie & Jeremy boy Online Journal 212-'Doc Doc Doc' 213-Transforming My Life 214-Gratitude Journal 215-Simplydunn.net 216-emila's illustrated blog 217-AZZY'S BLOG-A-ROONIE! 218-MAMABLISS' TREASURED MOMENTS 219-The Sky's the Limit 220-PROJECT HEAVY TRAFFIC 221-just another ordinary story.. 222-Samuel Rolo 223-The end mission! 224-R S S Submissions 225-Laice's Pics 226-Health and Fitness 227-Brainybimbo 228-Journey with WaterLearner 229-Zoop's Rantings on Life (at Blogspot) 230-Dear Me (Ivan) 231-Tour the Tabon Caves 232-Book Calendar 233-Love me. Hate me 234-Everyday health and beauty 235-BLOGANDO & ANDANDO 236-Memoirs.:*CRoSs mY hEARt*:. 237-The Chic Shopaholic 238-CK Go Places 239-Red Empress: Hell Flavored, Taste like Valentine 240-QUEENBEE 241-Le bric a brac de Cherie 242-jaqqq in the blogs 243-Bijoux & Banter 244-When Silence Speaks 245-MadTomatoe's Blogging Tools and Widgets 246-Conceptis addict 247-Madamoiselle 248-My Wooden Robot Blog 249-A Simple Life 250-It's a dog's life 251-A Technocrat's Blog 252-Misty's Words 253-My Dogs Keep Me Sane 254-New England Lighthouse Treasures 255-NoDirectOn (not: NoDirection) 256-Additional BlogLOve 257-I am DZOI 258-Caroland's Breathtaking Adventure 259-Blur Ting 260-Rojoy's Daily Update 261-Down River Drivel 262-Momhood Moments 263-Real World Mom 264-REALWORLDMOMUNPLUGGED'S WEBLOG 265-Lucca D Jiwa 266-AngrianiWorld 267-Marketing•Review 268-sejuk sesangat 269-Everything and then Some..... 270-Gbex...reachingOut 271-Heart of Rachel 272-The working mom / Finding balance... 273-Madamoiselle ver.2 274-Latest Keyword 275-Tanny's Blog 276-Pay to Review 277-Happy Life 278-Pet Haven 279-Teratak Nurani 280- A Melhor Novela de Todos os Tempos do Ãšltimo VerÃ£o 281-TYNIE World 282-Wanmus's Blog-get cheapest web hosting 283-mokkikunta 284-BLOGHIT, POLIBLOG, TOP TOPICS 285-none of your business 286-Expat Travels 287-The Poor Mouth 288-GIRLIEGEEK.ORG 289-Tau Tau 290-Points of View 291-kimf3's Blog 292-Bing-My Treasures 293-Everything Green 294-The Pipeline Fixation 295-~Menempuh Arus Masa-Life-Photography~ 296-Pea in a Pod 297-{Me and Mine} 298-Beblan Anak Tukang Jahit 299-How Bourgeois 300-Julie's Blog 301-Emphbone 302-Simply the Best 303-Euroangel Graffiti 304-My Daily Nourishment 305-the worldwideweb addict 306-(¯`·._.· PalavraS ArticuladaS ·._.·´¯) 307-The Big Life 308-Wild Borneo 309-Failure is the Key to Success 310-The muxic box's memories 311-What Goes Under the Sun 312-Cronaca di Gatteo 313-Angelika's other blog 314-So Real 315-Jaque 18 316-Overtime 317-When Life Becomes a Book 318-On the Bricks 319-Central Perk New York 320-The Simple Life of a Baghag 321-BlogBlast For Peace: The Official Site 322-Miss Cellania 323-Miss C Recommends 324-homeschooling.teacherjulie.com 325-belolats.com 326-The Original Blue Ribbon Bloggers 327-No nonsense Internet Tips 328-Its Not a Weekend; Its a Lifestyle 329-myfavehangout.com (Rich Valla) 330-Blog District 331-Official Travel Guide 332-EMJEI SAYS 333-www dot project rasso dot org 334-Work At Home Opportunities 335- VirusHead 336-Gracie de Guzman 337-Jollyjo 338-Jollyjo.tv 339-Ev Nucci's THE CAREER STRATEGIST 340-Ev Nucci's Resource Economics..Grease your brain 341-MARKETING MYSELF 342-NORTE 343-ACROSS THIS BRIDGE 344-STRUGGLING PARENTS 345-Read Between the Lines 346-Internet Lifestyle 347-THE SLEEPING TURTLE ART GALLERY 348-HIDUP BIAR SEDAP 349-BLOG ABOUT RICH 350-7101 Islands 351-Binding Ink III by Ndp the Poetress 352-mutiara hati 353-GreenBucks 354-Istilo Pinoy 355-Sweet and Complex Living 356-Angelika 357-my thoughts in writing 358-sharingplatform 359-Just the way it is... 360-LUCID CREATIVITY (Nelle-MyVirtualWorld) 361-TEACHERJULIE.COM 362-Bits and Pieces 363-Confessions Of A Breathing Tote Bag 364-My Joys 365-Fiction Earth 366-... My Precious ... 367-MY VIEWS ON MY SO CALLED LIFE 368-A Reality Bite 369-Cobb Community 370-Angelea's Blog 371-Janeth Vicy's Life Journey 372-NinaRepublic 373-Peaceful Mind 374-ME, MYSELF + 2 375-Mommy Jane and Little Sophia's Fasion misADVENTURES 376-ONKNEES - ITS NOT WHAT YOU THINK..... 377-SHEENISM 378-SAILIN' THRU LIFE (ASecretPlace) 379-Project Management Tutorial 380-Labindalawang Piraso ng Kokomban 381-Gorgeous Traveller 382-Sharing Gifts and Ideas 383-MUMBLINGS 384-Because Life Is Fun 385-PsychPatient MD 386-Everything Is Free 387-BRAINY MOMMY 388-Simply Unique 389-precious moments 390-Pearly Scripts 391-LIGHTNING AND THUNDER 392-Rayani Friends 393-WORK CULTURE 394-Psychology 395-Gold News 396-Applied Psychology 397-Scientific Psychology 398-Backwoods Drifter 399-New Beginning 400-Life in General 401-Life Is Like That (That's Life) 402-Life With Roxxymetal 403-SEXY MOMMA 404-The Z Files 405-I'll Never Forget the Day I Read a Book! 406-DOODLE PAGE 407-Escape Hatch 408-The Official Afterslaughter Weblog 409-Mommy's Little Corner 410-MALTED MONKEY 411-MOM AND THE CITY 412-Life with the Two Crazy Dogs 413-the joys (and pains) of being a woman (My Untamed World) 414-Making Cents-Sense of Technology 415-USER GAME REVIEWS 416-Write Shy 417-DOMANTYS.net 418-ZWANG 419-ANYTHING GOES! (my world, my place, my views...!) 420-Matt's blog (World of Insanity) 421-Lifestyle chronicles 422-The Alien Next Door 423-CMAQUEST 424-The Mascot 425-NARUTO ADDICT MANIA 426-Friendster Layouts 427-borneo tatoo...the original body ink 428-DOMANTIX 429-CULTURED SHOCK 430-EuWorx 431-HUBPRIME 432-STAR SURFACE 433-MY KALEIDOSCOPE WORLD 434-luckycharms 435-John's Blog - Maybe I Am Joking? 436-NEW WORDPRESS THEMES 437-WEB VIDEO HITS 438-TOP MUSIC VIDEOS 439-TEXT MESSAGES 440-Homemade Haven 441-TAGMEMEAWARD CAT 442-Coriander Dreams 443-BrainLoops 444-Soul Meets World 445-Speak The Speech 446-The Tall Poppy 447-My Day Off 448-Internet Business Promotions and Opportunities 449-Gage's World 450-PIXY ROSE 451-John's Cynical Blog 452-Poliblog 453-Techcheck 454-RoseateMarketingTips.com 455-RUSTYGANGSTER 456-Napaboaniya's Music Videos 457-EZINE PRIME 458-Prime Scrolls 459-FactMundo: World of Facts 460-CHAE 461-GOLDFINGER 462-OnlineBiz and Resources 463-ASTRO GALAXY TRAVEL 464-The Singapore Housewife 465-Climate of Our Future 466-Anorexic Queen 467- INSERT YOURSELF HERE

Coping With Betrayal

2008-02-11T00:34:00.000+08:00

Love hurts. Everyone who's fallen in love will tell you that. In a few days, couples all over the world will be celebrating their love for each other. Those who are in new relationships will be in that stage where romance is the prevailing mood. But those of us who have been in long term relationships will be celebrating it in a different way. And then again, those who have just been through, or are still going through a crisis in their relationship will have a much harder time celebrating it.

In my youth, I used to say that if the man in my life betrays me, I will leave-fast. Now that I'm in my forties and have been married for close to two decades, I'm no longer that sure. I have seen many marriages fall apart after a spouse strays. But I have seen more marriages go on despite the indiscretions one of them may have committed. When your husband strays, should you forgive him? If you stay, how do you cope with the betrayal? I have been asked these question so many times that I decided to write about it.

Whether one should stay in a relationship after the partner strays is entirely his/her decision. The answer depends on a lot of factors. For one thing, it really will depend on why the other strayed. Some men just lack the maturity to stay in a monogamous relationship. If that's the case, it is best to leave. Some stray because of a momentary weakness. Most of the women whom I know stayed believed their husbands were caught at a time when they were too weak to resist the temptation. And I have seen a lot of these marriages become stronger after weathering the crisis.

The first thing a woman has to determine when she finds out her man is being unfaithful to her is if her man still loves her and is determined to keep their relationship intact. Then she too has to examine herself and determine if she loves him enough to try to make things work again. You see, it takes two to make this work again. Once she knows this for sure, then she can take the steps necessary to repair their relationship.

The first thing she has to do is to ACCEPT that her man is not perfect-that he made a mistake. Also, she has to accept that she is partly to blame for what happened. They have to talk things through. And they have to do this without recriminations. They must both agree to accept their imperfections and try to work on them so that they don't commit the same mistakes again.

The second thing she has to do is to FORGIVE. This is easier said than done. To do this, her husband must be patient and he must be willing to talk to her and be sensitive to her feelings more than ever before. She has to learn to stop dwelling on the past and determine to move on and move past the pain. She has to let go of the anger and the hurt. She must purge herself of the negative emotions that ultimately comes with betrayal. All throughout this stage, her partner must be completely supportive and understanding. For some couples I know, this stage took years to accomplish because the anger and the pain takes longer to die down and mellow. But time is the great healer. And it does happen, in time.

The third step is to FORGET. This is probably even harder to do. As human beings, we have long memories and the more the memory hurts, the longer it takes for us to forget it. Then there is the perfectly natural reaction that once bitten, twice shy. We are reluctant to forget lest we get hurt again. By forgetting, I don't mean develop selective amnesia. I mean, it is necessary that the wife stop dwelling on the negative and concentrate on moving past the pain and getting on with their lives. Concentrate on getting through each day without thinking about her husband's indiscretion. In time, the memory of the incident will be but a blur in her memory. In time . . . .

The last step is to RESTORE THE TRUST. This is probably the hardest to do. But if the relationship is going to work at all, this is necessary. How can you possibly trust a person again if he has betrayed you before? Impossible? Not really. If you determine to trust your spouse again, then it will happen. It's not going to happen overnight but it will happen eventually. Of course, it will depend on how he goes about restoring that trust. The effort has to come from him and you will respond accordingly. The secret is to look for the good in your spouse; concentrate on that. Ignore the negative. By your faith, your relationship will be saved.

All these things are possible only with one thing: love. Love is not an emotion. Love is a decision. We do not fall in love. We grow in love.

2008-02-09T18:54:00.000+08:00

I received this award from j k.

I'd like to pass on this award to cc's lifestyle and reviews, juliana's site, and mommy's little corner.

2008-02-05T01:23:00.000+08:00

I grabbed this Choo-choo Train tag from Liza. I won't be tagging anyone but please feel free to grab this award if you're interested.

Cut and paste the following starting here. I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!) It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community. Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook .Link Addiction.Ardor of the Heart When Life Becomes a BookThe Malaysian Life .Yogatta Dot Com.What Goes Under the Sun.Rashidan’s Cyber Station Sha says.Art of Physics.And the legend Lives .My View My Life.A Simple Life.Juliana’s Site.The Callalily Space.Clumsy Mommy Starz in Sky.Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Choc Mint Girl Summer in Blue.Denz Techtronics Blog.Denz Recreational Blog .Denz Blog.Pinay WAHM.Teacher Corner.Roselle’s Blog.Roselle’s Blog.Life in the Blogger Lane Tikya sa Tate’ .MyOnlineBiz Gags, Chuckles and Giggles.Pinaysmile’s Journey.GARDEN of MOMENTS.Asawa’s Love Nest.A Mother’s Journal.Field of Dreams.Wildcatlady29. Norasfamilytreasures. Francine’s Blog, Sexymomy’s Blog, La vida es hermosa, Gracie’s Blog, Istilopinoy’s Blog, Chez Francine, La Place de Cherie, Le bric a brac de Cherie, HiPnCooLMoMMa Girlie, PERSONAL.SHOPPER.WANNABE vanidosa, my other site ::mariegvergara.com:: My World, Juliana's Lair, My Library, mommy's little corner, moms..... check nyo, wifespeak, ADD YOURSELF HERE!

The Chemistry of Love

2008-02-04T22:31:00.000+08:00

It's February once again. . . love is in the air. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it is inevitable that love will be written about and discussed everywhere where there are readers. Bloggers are not an exception. So here's a different viewpoint on love-for a change.

According to Helen Fisher, a leading expert on love, there are three stages of love. The first stage is LUST. She describes it as the initial, mostly sexual desire between two individuals which promotes mating. At this stage, the body shows an increased release of chemicals such as testosterone and estrogen. These effects, she found, rarely last more than a few weeks or months. But this is the stage of love that is prevalent among most people who are "involved" with someone.

The second stage is ATTRACTION. This is basically the romantic desire for a particular person. It develops out of lust to a commitment to a specific person. At this stage, individuals tested show that their brains consistently release a certain set of chemicals such as pheronomes, dopamine, and serotonin which have effects that are similar to amphetamines. These chemicals stimulate the brain's pleasure center and produces side-effects such as increased heart rate, loss of appetite and sleep, and an intense feeling of excitement. Research indicates that this stage generally lasts from one and one-half years to three years.

The third stage is ATTACHMENT. This stage is based on the type of bonding which promotes longer lasting relationships. It is based on commitment such as marriage and children, or on deeper friendships due to shared interests. The body, at this stage, releases higher levels of chemicals such as oxytocin and vasopressin.

The brain scans of people who are infatuated by love display a resemblance to those with mental illnesses. This is indicative, therefore, that new love is possibly more physical than emotional. Over time, this type of reaction mellows and the different areas of the brain are activated. These activities are based mainly on long-term commitments.

To those of you who have dates on Valentine's Day and are planning on taking their relationships a step further, keep this in mind. If you're in that stage where your heart races at the site of your "new love" and you can't seem to find your appetite for food or for sleep, then be aware that you are only on the second stage of love. This stage, as studies have shown, lasts all of three years. If you are looking for a life-long partner, you might want to wait until the "excitement" mellows before taking the plunge.

Friends Tag

2008-02-04T16:46:00.000+08:00

I got this tag from my new friend Pinaymama's Diary. Thank you for sharing this with me. I love Winnie the Pooh, too!

Friends
Anger is only one letter short of danger
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people. He, who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He, who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me...You brought another friend...And then there were 3...We started our group...Our circle of friends...And like that circle...There is no beginning or end...Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.

So now, let's see how many circle's of friends we can make by simply adding your link on this Friendship Meme!

1- Catsy Carpe Diem, 2- Catsy Downloads, 3- Out of the Blue, 4- A Day to Savor and Relish, 5- A Piece of Idea, 6- Write Shy, 7- Stupid Wise, 8- http://onlinememorylane.blogspot.com/, 9 - http://www.jk-nocargo.blogspot.com/, 10- FIELD OF DREAMS, 11-Pinaymama's Diary, 12- A Mother's Journal, 13- Asawa's Love Book, 14- Wifespeak, 15-Continue here

I'd like to tag A Simple LIfe, Amel's Realm, Mi Casa Es Tu Casa.

The P36 Challenge

2008-02-03T15:11:00.000+08:00

I was watching the Sine Totoo show last night and I could not help but write about it. A report came out recently that a government study states that an ordinary Filipino can survive on 36 pesos a day. Documentary writer Jay Taruc was probably just as amazed as I was about how they arrived at that amount that he decided to make a documentary about it. He challenged himself first. He tried to go about his daily business but limit his daily expense to 36 pesos on that day. Naturally, he failed dismally. So he decided to challenge others to spend only P36 on a single day while he and his crew followed the challengers around. A teacher, a jeepney driver, and a congressman agreed to the challenge. As expected, they all failed. He tried to get the President, Gloria Arroyo herself to take the challenge since the report came from her government but after so many times of trying, Madame President just dismissed his attempts to invite her. Well, helloo! Who in his right mind would say that an average Filipino can survive on P36 a day. Whatever government agency made that report should be abolished. It is most obviously manned by either the most stupid individuals in the Philippines or those who would say anything and sell out on their morals, principles and integrity to the devil at Malacañang for money. It is so irritating, nay, it is maddening to know that the Philippine government, top to bottom, is made up of the biggest liars the world has ever known. My grandmother used to say that anyone who lies is also, most probably a thief. How truly wise an observation that is! The Philippines is in such a mess because the government is composed of cheaters, liars, and thieves. And what is even more lamentable is that the people, because of the (bad) example set by its leaders, have followed suit. We have become a nation of liars , cheaters and thieves. Woe to the Philippines! Mothers, please, it is time for you to make your presence felt. The moral regeneration of our country is in your hands. Teach your children well. Teach them what is right. And when they go astray, lead them back to the right path. Even when they are already 60, they still need to be reminded that what is wrong is wrong. In that, there are no grey areas.

Love and Hate Tag

2008-02-03T14:16:00.000+08:00

Liza tagged me on this. I was asked to list down the things I love and the things I hate. So, here goes . . . .

The things I LOVE are . . . . . . . .

God above all else.
My children. They come first, naturally.
My family, that is, my parents, siblings and their families.
My husband. Not necessarily in this order, he he he.
Food, oh glorious food.
Christmas. For me, it's the season of love, not Valentine's day.
Cross stitch and hardanger-my favorite hobbies.
Malling, my way of unwinding.
Olive, our shih tzu, and all our birds. They give me so much pleasure.
My latest passion-blogging!

The things I HATE are . . . . . .

Corrupt politicians, specially Gloria Arroyo and her ohh so greedy husband Mike, the pig and her eldest son Mikey, the crocodile.
Poverty. I wish I had the power to eradicate it.
Greed. It is the devil's weapon against all that is good.
Narrow-mindedness.
Abuse of women and children.
Racial prejudice.
Oppression, in any form.
All the hoopla about Britney Spears. She obviously needs professional help so please let her sort things out in private. Same with Paris Hilton, and all the rest of them Hollywood brats who obviously lack in parental guidance.
Apathy. It is our moral obligation to be involved.
Parents who tolerate their children's bad behavior. Parents who plant the seed of greed and love of money and possessions on their children. I see it everyday.

This tag is a good idea because it gives us insights on the individuals doing the tag. I would love to see what sasha, manilenya, and juliana are going to list down.

The Foundations of a Good Parent-Child Relationship

2008-02-01T00:02:00.000+08:00

Through the years that I have been a parent, I have learned that parenting is a lifelong learning process. Experience has taught me valuable lessons on the foundations of a good parent-child relationship. That doesn't make me an expert, I know, but younger parents might benefit from them. So here goes:

RESPECT-This is the cornerstone of any relationship. Our children need to feel that we respect them as individuals and as human beings. We need to remember that our children are unique and are different from us. And we need to respect that. We cannot impose on them our beliefs, our style, our dreams. They have to be allowed to have their own, be their own person. Just as we expect our children to respect us, we need to respect them, too.
COMMUNICATION-We have to keep the lines of communication open between ourselves and our children. Each child is unique so we need to know our children well. Some children do not open up. We have to learn to listen to them even when they have not said a word. Most of the time, we can see, through their actions, if something is bothering them. Let them know you are there for them. When they are good and ready, they almost always come to you for help. Also, we need to be careful what we say to our children. We should not be over-critical when they fumble. We should know how to say things so that we do not offend them. When we criticize them often, we are in danger of damaging their self-esteem. Knowing their worth as human beings is an important foundation of their personality. It is the backbone of their existence. So we should not, in any way, be the one to damage that.
TIME-My world revolves around my children. In that, I am blessed. But I know not all moms are as fortunate as I am. There are millions of moms out there who are missing out on their children because they need to work. But this is not an excuse. We need to make time for our children. My mom used to take us with her to her office when we were children just so we can have some quality time together. She would schedule out-of-town trips with us so we can have time to bond. Even when she had live-in seminars she would insist on getting a room for us in the hotel where they were staying so that we could be together in the evenings. Otherwise, we would be at risk of alienating our children from us. We will not be able to get to know them if we don't spend time with them.

Parenting is a big responsibility. We should take it seriously. Every step of the way, we should think about our response to the smallest things. Although we parents are their first teachers, I have found that I have actually learned, and continue to learn from my children. Ultimately, my guide to effective parenting has been myself. Whenever I am in a situation which I am unsure about, I think back to the time when I was a child and how I felt back then. And I respond from there.

2008-01-31T23:54:00.000+08:00

Update on master list of "Big Bang" meme

-Start copy here-

1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana’s Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda’s loft 7-Amel’s Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen’s Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My Life 18-The Painted Veil 19-My Thoughts 20-DatCurious.com 21-Little Aussie Cynic 22-A Nice Place in the Sun 23-DatMoney.com 24-The Down Side OF Up 25-Ladyjava’s Lounge 26-Cat Tales 27-moms…..check nyo 28-Colorado Baby 29-It’s a Woman’s World 30-ENLIGHTENED BITS 31-My View of “It” 32-My Reviews and Finds Along the Way 33-Our Hep Chat 34-Rantings of a Woman 35-The Callalily Space 36-Mom Knows Everything 37-Hazel 38- Chronicles and Tales Unlimited (RED) 39-From the Mouth of Jabber Jaws 40-Sunny Side Up Foodie & Lifestyle 41-Carmel Corn 42-Daily Stock Picks 43-The Whole New World 44-Wifespeak 45-Slavery Bliss 46-Rooms of My Heart 47-Unpredictable Life 48-My Life, My World 49- At Your Service 50-All About Ebay 51-Everything Amazon 52-Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out 53-My So-Called Site 54-New Wife Blog 55-Tendre Poison 323 56-Nick’s Bytes 57-My Scratch Pad 58-Choc Mint Girl 59-Life Is Just Around the Corner… 60-Amori, poseia, art… virtuali by Hanna 61-Maryannaville 62-monaco - monaco’s 63-Nyumix’s Blog 64-read my mind - my keyboard monologues 65-Shower You Children With Love - The Right Way 66-Secret Agent Mama 67-Pinaymama’s Diary 68-Answers to the Questions 69-Work of the Poet 70-A Total Blog 71-My life, my hope, my future 72-NORTE 73-A Window to Our World 74-Life as a Mom 75-FIELD OF DREAMS 76-lisgold 77-See Me for What You 78-Caught in The Stream 79-Pinay Mommy Online - My Home 80-I’m Running To Win Two 81-CRUEL VIRGIN 82-Garden of Moments in Blog 83-So Cute 84-Love Everlasting 85-WeLcOmE To My CriB 86-WELCOM TO PINAYSMILE’S JOURNEY 87-Ice’s Icelog 88-Jenny’s Wandering Thoughts 89-Hobbies and Such 90-Sweet Paradise 91-Mommy’s Gibble Gabbles 92-Rusin Review’s 93-My Small World 94-Little Peanut 95-Online Ramblings 96-My Mood My Feeling 97-BLOG it with ALLEN 98-Entertainment World 99-Let’s Go Singapore 100-Firelynx 101-Catsy Carpe Diem 102-Every Beat Of My Heart 103-Always Da Fresh Princess 104-Listening.. Learning..Living 105-All About Mars 106-Syii From Afar 107-Some Thoughts I Have 108-From Here and Beyond 109-My Paid To Blog 110-Scholarship Corner 111-Cell Phone Review 112-“Apples of the Eyes” 113-It’s All About Play 114-The Luttrull Journey 115-RennyBA’s Terella 116-Unchained Melody 117-Out of the Blue 118-The Lure Of the Unknown 119-Maricel’s 120-my blog 121-Spiff, the Spaceman 122-Living Well 123-The Dog Log 124-Catnip Corner 125-A Piece of Idea 126-Observations From the Back 40 127-Poetry by The Redneck Gypsy 128-Odd Facts 129-Juliana’s Lair 130-My life is murphy’s law 131-lisgoldsmemoirs 132-My memories, as time goes by 133-Somewhere over the rainbow 134-Blogging by Sandee 135-Our Journey to this so called life 136-Idaho Daily Photo 137-Memories that Never Fades.. 138-Anything goes 139-Your Caring Angels 140-Little Paces 141-Laketrees 142-PoeARTica 143-fracas 144-Just FraCas 145-Archies Archive 146-Growing Up Together 147-A Woman’s Diary 148-Mother’s Got A Dot Com 149-Close To You 150-Hot Shit Form Here 151-Astro Galaxy 152-Detector 153-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 154-My Life is Peachy 155-The Down Side of Up 156-Magical Milestones 157-In Search of Life 158-RebelationsdotNet 159-Jen Jen’s Place 160-Mimi Writes… 161-Strange but true 162-Depois de minha viagem 163-Your Perfect Wedding: 164-Make Money Online 165-Primitive Ornies and Bowl Fillers 166-Vegetarian Diet Lifestyle 167-Looking Out For You 168-BENOLSATUEM 169-OtherSide 170-Hacko’s Site 171-where was I 172-Making Money Resources 173-text’s Site 174-Movie Corner 175-Rahasia Bisnis Internet 176-Online Dating Tips 177-Beauty Kissing Tips 178-Forex Trading Tips 179-Singapore Tour Guide 180-PPC vs PTR 181-Indonesian Film 182-Adsense Success Stories 2008 183-Bali Tour 184-Paypal Indonesia 185-Review Bisnis Internet 186-Blog Daniel Scardua 187-Much of a muchness 188-Gagiers Amazing World 189-Clumsy Mommy 190-Leaotheblogger 191-PBDesigns Reading and Crochet Blog 192-Gagiers Striking Zone 193-DrowseyMonkey 194-Yesterday Today n Tomorrow 195-Auntie Dar’s Life 196-Sky Windows… 197-Filippino Life Abroad 198-Leao the Blogger 199-Zoop’s Rantings on Life 200-My Journey 201-A Sweet Taste of Life 202-This is a Miracle 203-Lavanderia Virtual 204-COLORADO COWGIRL IN UPSTATE NEW YORK 205-Dating Profile of the Day 206-my wooden robot 207-My World 208-urban : trendy : lifestyle 209-Lucel Juliana’s Library 210-Cooking Momster - My Life Journal 211-Anggie & Jeremy boy Online Journal 212-‘Doc Doc Doc’ 213-Transforming My Life 214-Gratitude Journal 215-Simplydunn.net 216-emila’s illustrated blog 217-AZZY’S BLOG-A-ROONIE! 218-MAMABLISS’ TREASURED MOMENTS 219-The Sky’s the Limit 220-PROJECT HEAVY TRAFFIC 221-just another ordinary story.. 222-Samuel Rolo 223-The end mission! 224-R S S Submissions 225-Laice’s Pics 226-Health and Fitness 227-Brainybimbo 228-Journey with WaterLearner 229-Zoop’s Rantings on Life (at Blogspot) 230-Dear Me 231-Tour the Tabon Caves 232-Book Calendar 233-Love me. Hate me 234-Everyday health and beauty 235-BLOGANDO & ANDANDO 236-Memoirs.:*CRoSs mY hEARt*:. 237-The Chic Shopaholic 238-CK Go Places 239-Red Empress: Hell Flavored, Taste like Valentine 240-Q|U|E|E|N|B|E|E 241-Le bric a brac de Cherie 242-jaqqq in the blogs 243-Heart of Rachel 243-Bijoux & Banter 244-When Silence Speaks 245-MadTomatoe’s Blogging Tools and Widgets 246-Conceptis addict 247-Madamoiselle 248-My Wooden Robot Blog 249-A Simple Life 250-

Anyone can grab this one

My Favorite Hobby

2008-01-30T23:57:00.000+08:00

I love embroidery in general. Perhaps this is the influence of being educated for 13 years by Belgian nuns who taught us everything from cross stitch to pulled thread to crochet to knitting. And although I am quite adept at any number of these, I have to admit that my all-time favorite is cross stitching. I first learned cross stitching at age 6. I remember that we were asked by the nuns to stitch a border pattern on a small table napkin. And that napkin is still in our linen closet to this day. As I grew older, we would be asked to cross stitch different items, each one bigger than the last. When I entered college, cross stitching had to take a back seat because I was studying to be a writer and the paper work just did not leave any time for it. But I soon took it up again after graduating. Well into my first year of marriage, it began to take up most of my spare time. By that time, cross stitch was becoming a craze in Manila. I brought my project of the moment everywhere. Pretty soon friends and neighbors and even people I didn't know were asking me to buy them a kit when I travel to Manila (I was living in the province at the time). That is how I came up with the idea of opening a craft store. That was 14 years ago and the two craft stores I opened back then are still operating till now. I, however, have gone a step further. Although I still do some stitching from time to time, I have graduated from being a stitcher to creating patterns for cross stitching. That is what takes up most of my time nowadays. It is entirely different from cross stitching but one cannot do without the other. A project starts with a pattern. And a pattern is useless if you don't stitch it. What was initially a hobby, nay, a passion eventually became a business. And what is even more important is that my source of income is not work for me. It's a source of pure enjoyment.

Frustrated and Fuming

2008-01-30T02:35:00.000+08:00

I've been blogging for about a week now. I have to say I'm thoroughly enjoying it. So imagine my frustration when I was all ready and excited to write my new post and I can't get through. Our internet service provider was doing some repair with its international cable consortium so the service was down. That's frustrating with a capital F. After several hours, the internet came on. Finally. I was all set again. I checked my mailbox first. After several minutes, it was get and go to write my new post. And lo and behold! The internet was gone again. I felt like wringing the neck of someone but what can you do? So instead of writing about educating our children about sex, here I am griping about our internet server. Changing providers is not much help. I've asked around and those who are using other servers all have nothing good to say about their service providers. So what's a blogger to do. Twiddle her thumbs and wait and fume. Boy, am I fuming! Got to finish this post fast and post it even faster. You never know when the internet server is going to go pffft on me again.

Forever Friends Award

2008-01-29T17:47:00.000+08:00

I received this award from Liza and I want to share it with all of you.

Isn't it cute?

The Value of Giving

2008-01-28T00:29:00.000+08:00

Life was so much simpler when I was younger. Three decades ago, I had no qualms about walking in the middle of the night alone in the heart of Manila. Nowadays, that would be an invitation for trouble. Why is it that there seems to be so much evil in the world today than in those days? After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that the root of all evil is greed. Perhaps, to aspire to eradicate greed in all of mankind is a foolish thing. But is it?

Early in life, I was taught by my grandmother that giving, specially the giving of oneself is the one thing that makes us special among God's creatures. She never said it in so many words but she lived it to the end of her days. And the example she has shown me and the rest of my family is probably her best legacy to us. In retrospect, it will probably be the saving grace of our family.

Nothing can be more fulfilling than the act of sharing what you have with others. It gives you a high that cannot be described in words. Was it Oprah who said that everything she has gained in her life has meaning only when she gets to share it? Think about it. Try it. Help someone in need. Get a taste of how it feels. Only then will you understand what I am talking about.

As a mother, I began teaching my children the value of sharing as soon as they could walk. I never tire of reminding them that generosity will be their ticket to eternal life (we are Catholics, you see). When I see my children doing an act of kindness to people around them, my heart swells and I know that I have taught them well. It is my firm belief that whatever you give, you ultimately get back a thousand-fold. So when they give, I know that when I am gone they will always be alright because they have learned the one lesson that makes them human-the spirit of giving.

If as mothers we all teach our children the virtue of giving, then we will have a whole generation of human beings who have no greed in their hearts. Is that not utopia-people giving selflessly to one another? Mothers, you have the power to change the world. You are the key to eradicating evil in the world. Now think about that.

The Wonders of the Coconut

2008-01-26T21:57:00.000+08:00

In the Philippines, the coconut is part of our everyday lives. Every part of the coconut tree is of some use to us, from the leaves to the roots. But, perhaps, the most important contribution of the coconut to us is its health benefits. In every street corner of the Philippines, the coconut is sold by street vendors. We love to drink coconut water because it is not only refreshing but gives us an immediate energy boost. Coconut water contains lauric acid which our body turns into monolaurin. Monolaurin is important to the body because it inactivates pathogens. (Pathogens are infectious agents that cause disease or illness to their host.) Some of the pathogens that are rendered ineffective by monolaurin are the HIV virus, measles, herpes and simplex virus. A rich lauric acid diet contains about 24 gms. of lauric acid daily for average adults. That is equal to 3.5 tablespoonfuls of coconut oil (extracted from coconut meat) or 10 oz. of pure coconut milk. If you would rather eat the meat, about 7 oz. would contain the 24 gms. of lauric acid needed by our bodies.

Coconut water is very much like mineral water. It contains enough vitamin C to meet the daily requirements of our body. It also contains vitamins in the B group, such as niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, and thiamin. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sulfur and chloride. Coconut water is a good way of combating dehydration and electrolyte depletion. In fact, in some cases, it is used in place of IV fluids when these are not available. If you mix 8-12 oz. of coconut water with a teaspoon of fresh lime juice, you can effectively cure cholera if it is administered daily to the patient. It rectifies electrolyte balance and neutralizes acidosis of the blood. That is why intake of coconut water is a must for cholera patients. It is also a valuable cure of urinary disorders. It is a natural diuretic in heart, liver and kidney disorders. In fact, whenever I contract urinary tract infection (UTI), my mother makes me drink gallons of coconut water. I don't have to buy expensive drugs because coconut water is not only effective but also gives fast relief. Coconut water is also an excellent remedy for vomiting and dyspepsia.

A tablespoon of the freshly ground coconut taken at breakfast followed by castor oil after 3 hrs. is an effective remedy for intestinal worms. The meat of the young coconut treats digestive system disorders such as indigestion, colitis, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery. The red-hot shell of the ripe nut is an effective household remedy for ringworm, itch and other skin disorders. Coconut oil (extracted from the flesh of the ripe nut) is an effective dressing for burns and scalds. It also reduces the acid secretion of the stomach. The fats in coconut oil are easily digested, absorbed and put to use in nourishing the body. These fats, which belong to the category of medium-chain fatty acids, require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion. They are quickly digested and with minimal effort. They are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver where they are burned as fuel, pretty much like a carbohydrate. Therefore, they act more like carbohydrates than fats. Medium-chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil are unique because they can easily permeate the two membranes surrounding the mitochondria without the need of enzymes, so that they provide the cell with a quick and efficient source of energy. Eating foods which contain MCFAs is like putting high octane fuel into your car. With MCFAs, your body performs better because it has more energy and greater endurance. EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH. ADD COCONUT TO YOUR DIET.

"Big Bang" - World Record

2008-01-26T14:48:00.000+08:00

*Start Copy Here*
You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.
Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*
Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post at each site you add.
Tag or don’t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the bigger the list will grow.
Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like the scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.)
Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in.
1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda's loft 7-Amel's Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen's Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My Life 18-The Painted Veil 19-My Thoughts 20-DatCurious.com 21-Little Aussie Cynic 22-A Nice Place in the Sun 23-DatMoney.com 24-moms..... check nyo 25-wifespeak 26-
*End Copy Here*

I was tagged by Max on this meme, now I'm tagging Melai

6 quirky things

2008-01-26T13:21:00.000+08:00

This is my first tag from max.

Here are my 6 quirky things:

When I wake up in the morning, I don't like being talked to for the first 30 minutes.
I need to have the TV on while I'm working on the computer.
I love smelling my youngest child's armpits.
I hate it when my dog licks my face.
I hate being talked to when I'm working.
I don't like being interrupted when I'm talking.

Tagging sasha.

Put Yourself At the Top of That List

2008-01-23T01:14:00.000+08:00

I received word this afternoon that a friend from college had a nervous breakdown recently. That bit of news shocked me because she is the last person I would think can suffer a breakdown. She's the ultimate together person. What's more, I heard she is almost catatonic. A few years ago, I was watching the Oprah show. Her guest made a statement that drew a strong reaction from me. She said that as wife and mother, we should put ourselves on top of our priority list. The Filipina is known for being long-suffering and self-sacrificing. I am a Filipina wife and mother and those virtues (?) have been instilled in me since day one. At the time, I vehemently disagreed with that rather courageous statement. But I have had to rethink my position since then. On hindsight, she is right. If you put yourself last all the time, at some point you will burn out. As a Catholic, I was taught to love selflessly. But I was also taught that to be able to truly love others, first I must love myself. You can't be of use to anyone, least of all your family if you are not complete, whole and fulfilled. Your family draws its strength from you, so you have to be really strong for them, too. Therefore, you have to think of your well-being all the time. Otherwise, a breakdown is a looming probability in your horizon.

My First Article

2008-01-22T01:11:00.000+08:00

I never really know what I want to say until I sit down on my computer and get down to writing my thoughts down. Perhaps the muses come to me best in this manner. The first few lines are always the hardest-the Mt. Everest I need to climb to get my juices going. Since my siblings have gotten hooked on this habit of blogging, I have been arguing with myself whether I should get into myself or not. A fortnight ago, I just went ahead and did it without really thinking about it. Now I'm committed and there is no turning back. I wonder if all you bloggers out there experienced the same birthing pains I'm going through right now. I never imagined I'd have a hard time of it-me, who always has an opinion about most anything. There are so many things I can write about but, for some reason, I can't get them all sorted out just yet. Perhaps it's just as well. My second post can't be too heavy or I might lose my audience. But at this point, I am just groping. So to all you bloggers out there, please be patient with me. Hopefully, my next post will have a point. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy writing about my confusion.

Hello world!

2008-01-21T01:14:00.000+08:00

I've been sitting at my computer wondering what words to write as a way of inviting the world to view what is, essentially, a journal of my life's lessons learned. I'm not blogging to get attention. On the contrary, I'm writing in the hope that my personal experiences and those whose lives I have crossed at one point can be of help to those who are going through similar experiences. To a lot of people, I am JUST a housewife so what can I possibly contribute to better the life of anyone. But I have seen more of life in the limited confines of my life than some people might believe because I have made myself available to women, and families who are undergoing a crisis in their lives. Most people who go through a crisis only ever need someone to listen to them without fear of being judged. And by listening to them, I have learned so much and that is what I want to share with you. But don't get me wrong. My blog is not going to be all about really have stuff at all. I intend to write about anything and everything that concerns family-maybe even about what brand shampoo is best for your daughter. So there . . . . Welcome to my blog and my life. And please feel free to comment on anything I write about because what you think is just as important to me.