HOMElife: A promising career at home!

It is a gift and a privilege to have witnessed the coming of a new year. New adventures and lessons in life.

I remember one sharing of a lady who used to play Lotto (or sweepstakes or slot machines
in the US). She said she was ashamed when the Pastor asked the congregation on who among them gambles. She looked around and noticed nobody is raising a hand and right there and then, she felt like a melted candle. Now, realizin that gambling is not of God, she doesn’t gamble anymore and lived a righteous life where she works hard and God blesses the works of her hands.

What an amazing testimony of how God heals and touches lives. I wish you and your family bountiful harvest for 2009 and good health always. To God be the glory for this year and beyond!

Dear Anak,

PS First time kita nakitang napakadungis kanina… hehehhee.. Sayang di kita na picturan hehehe… You were playing with Kuya Mars kanina eh. Hehehe.

With the season to be merry and eat (A LOT for most of us), we can still maintain that figure and avoid those killer diseases if we will watch what we put inside our mouth. As someone once said, what we eat is what we are. Here is a page from YAHOO where you can find interesting topics on organic living and even food gift suggestions that are quick to prepare.

We wish you healthy holidays!

I’m excited about this exercise where you can get a flat ab! Ahuh?

I have been looking forward to my 2nd-year highschool waistline again! Hahaha.. it’s 24-inches!! My classmate even envied me then because hers was already 26 or 27 ! hahaha! Ok, ok so muh about it. I just want to have that flat abs back !:)

I never knew what Sound of Music is until I saw a VCD on sale few years ago. When I viewed it, I was hooked to it that I reviewed it many times already. I just loved the lyrics of the song especially the one that says “somewhere in my years of childhood, I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING GOOD!”.. Im not sure if I get the lyrics right but I really am looking for the full lyrics and title of that song. Not to mention the song “when the bee stings,… when I’m feeling sad/bad…I simply remember … and it makes me feel so good…” (again, di ko sure ang lyrics). One thing for sure though. SOUND OF MUSIC is a movie that taught about love, life and joy. It is beautiful beyond time!

So when I read from YAHOO that the Von Trapps are reunited, I was so excited and shocked because its the first time I learned that this movie is based from a real-life story! Amazing!:)

How do you solve a problem like Maria? Oh wellcheck the VAN TROPP HISTORY for more details.

Have a nice day!

Wish ko lang I was one of the “family” of the marines and navy personnel at Hawaii. Hehehe. Why? So I could have said Hi to Barrack Obama too! hehehe.. (ang babaw no?hehehe) But kidding aside, I wish I can meet this man. I am looking forward to read his book too. I forgot to buy it the last time I saw it at NBC. I think he really has something to say and do.

What a nice feeling to be born in this era where histories are taking place. Manny Pacquiao is one. And more so that he is Pinoy! Yehey! Then there is Barrack and I think many others whom I forget or have not yet known.

ANyway, here is a peek on the Obama’s Christmas in Hawaii.

Dear readers,

Thank you so much for dropping by. From our family to yours, we wish you a blessed and merry Christmas and a prosperous year ahead! See you around!

Oh my! A day before christmas and Yahoo’s news is filled with Obama’s photos in his vacation at Hawaii.He is a certified Hunk! Check this out: Shirtless Obama. Well, I am posting this because come to think of it, he is one of the busiest person in the world, yet he manage to maintain a 4-pack abs with his 45mins work out 6-times a week! WOW! Congratulations, Mr President! And oh, you might be interested to check his college photos too.

But let me tell you something. If there will be photo contest on OBAMA-LOOK-ALIKE, I would surely win. I know someone who looks like him. No kidding. I would have to ask his permission first if I can post his photos or submit it to TIME magazine perhaps? Hhaha.. Just kidding.

Now, about his writer. I have read the news few days ago that his chief writer has the same age as mine! Oh my! oh my! Speechwriter Jon Favreau is only 27-years old and he is making history, boy! Read more here

So that’s it! Have a merry christmas everyone!

Thanks Rachel for sharing my excitement about the native tree I have this year. I think I will have it as my yearly theme from now onwards. I would love to make something out of nothing hahahah! I was not able to place the coconuts as a based although I might do it today. Oh gosh! This will be the 4th time I’ll re arrange my tree. HAHA! First I just put it there on top of my “parse-made” floormat (looks like small bamboo sticks woven together as a mat). Then, I decided to cover it with my unused green curtain (YES you read it right. CURTAIN as a cover.) No one noticed it since I didn’t hang that curtain yet at the living room, unless one would take a peek at our bedroom hahahhaa! Then I moved it again on top of our monoblock chair where it looks better now still with the green curtain cover.

It’s so funny because hubby was counting our chairs this morning and realized one is missing. I laugh out loud as I told him its under the tree, darling! hahhahaa. I hope to post a picture soon!

Got this mail from Homemakers by Choice. Hail to all moms!

T’was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were sleeping, all snug in their beds
While visions of Wii games and Barbie danced through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV
With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter
Which made her sigh, “Now…what’s the matter?”

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand
She descended the stairs and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
“Oh, great”, muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”

“Ho-ho-ho!”, cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make.”
“Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone.”
“Exactly!”, he chuckled , “I’ve made you a clone!”

“A clone?”, she asked, “What good is that?
Run along Santa, I’ve no time for chit-chat.”
Then she saw what appeared to be her twin….
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

“She’ll cook , she’ll dust, she’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy, watch the Young and the Restless”.
“Fantastic!”, the mom cheered, “my dream come true!
I’ll shop, I’ll read, I’ll sleep a whole night through!”

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
“Mommy?! I’m scared….and I’m wet.”
The clone replied, “I’m coming sweetheart.”
“Hey”, the mom smiled, “she knows her part.”

The clone changed the small one and hummed a tune
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
“You’re the best mommy ever, I really love you.”
The clone smiled and sighed, “I love you, too”.

The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal!
That’s my child’s love she’s trying to steal.”
Smiling wisely Santa said,”To me it is clear,
only one loving mother is needed here.”

The mom kissed her child and tucked her into bed.
“Thank you Santa for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won’t be very long,
until they’ll be too old for my cradle-song.”

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.”
With the clone by his side, Santa said, “Good Night.
Merry Christmas mom. You’ll be all right.”

-Author Unknown

So it’s Christmas in few days. Wow. The christmas breeze is very much present from where we are. Thank you Lord for this gift!

I finally had a set of 100 bulbs christmas lights but I still can’t figure out where to place it. Hahaha! Although I will have to ask a friend today to climb the coconut tree and get me some dried branches. I am excited about this. It has been sometime since I last used indigenous materials as Christmas decor. I just want my christmas touch to be unique. I hope my son won’t mess up what I’ll put up later. Hehehe!

A buko fruit is definitely out of the list hahaha. But I can make it as a base. Hmmm.. my creative mind is working.. hehehe. We just had a harvest last week so we have SOOO MUCH of “niyog” in stock. Anyone wants to buy? hahaha! Too bad, it’s already old enough for a salad or a buko juice. But it is still very much okay for ginataan. Let me know if you want one. Hehehe.

Got this from my email. This is very timely and informative. Have a healthy and happy holidays!

Dr. Pam Popper’s
Healthy News You Can Use

Vol. 6 Issue 49 Deccember 8, 2008

Planning For the Holidays

Well, it’s that time of year again. We’re all faced with the usual challenge of how to survive the holidays without completely blowing our commitment to healthy eating and living. It can be done - you can be the same size you are now (or even smaller!) on January 1, 2009, if you plan for it to happen!

Here are some of my tried and true strategies for a healthier holiday season:

* Decide in advance when you are going to cheat, and to what degree. And, make sure it’s worth it. You can take in an extra 2000 calories every day just wandering mindlessly by the office candy bowl 12 times per day, or you can wait and have one glorious dessert at a party and really enjoy it.
* Set yourself up for success. Don’t allow your house and office to become storage depots for “bad” foods. They will call your name from the kitchen, closet, or wherever your store them. If you receive a gift of chocolate, cookies, or anything on the forbidden list, have a few pieces and GET RID OF THE REST! There are lots of people out there who can’t get enough of this stuff, so let them have it!
* When you are attending functions, don’t arrive hungry if you know the offerings of healthy food are going to be sparse. Eat before you go, and plan to make the event strictly a social occasion. If you do decide to indulge, have a few morsels, get rid of your plate and move away from the food table. (You can consume a pound of cheese or cookies while mindlessly taking one piece at a time while you are talking to others!)
* Don’t drink alcohol at every opportunity. It’s full of calories, and alcohol tends to make you hungrier. Although we don’t encourage people to give up alcohol, drinking filtered water at most occasions will not only save calories from alcohol consumption, but make you less likely to consume lots of other things you shouldn’t be eating also.
* For family dinners, offer to bring healthy food. That way you’ll be sure to have something to eat, and you may find that people like it (that’s been my experience!). At holiday dinners, fill up on vegetables and salad first, and then consume some of the other offerings. You’re likely to consume less of the calorie-dense stuff that way.
* The day after a holiday event or dinner, get rid of all of the “bad” foods. Again, they will call your name until you finish them. Find a neighbor that would appreciate these foods, or take them to a local church or food bank, but get them out of your house!
* Don’t let up on exercise. When your daily routine changes, it is easy for your exercise routine to change as well. Here’s a suggestion - instead of less exercise, how about planning to do more! Add a workout every week, take an extra yoga class, find something new to try. You may find yourself losing, rather than gaining weight this way!
* Find ways to deal with the increased stress of family members visiting, shopping and more events to attend. How? Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. And, you’ll kill two birds with one stone - you’ll get rid of stress AND you’ll be smaller on January 1!

Before you start objecting, think for a minute about past holiday seasons. If you ended up feeling tired and bloated, you put on weight, your exercise program evaporated and you found yourself starting over again at the beginning of the New Year, the same thing will happen this year UNLESS YOU DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!

So, take a few minutes and write down your own personal strategy for dealing with the situations you usually find yourself in, and read it every morning before you start your day -it will reinforce your decision and help keep you on track. If you get in trouble call a friend, call our office, send me an email, but don’t give up and fall into your usual pattern!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The news and other items in this newsletter are intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

For the record, Nippon Maru (NM) made it to the province! Thank you Lord for a safe trip. Now NM needs change oil, engine wash and all the other stuff that is needed for it to be on great condition again. After all, the almost 500km ride was not a joke.

We had geography lesson for sometime now. My child wants to look at the flags of the world again and again. In fact, he already knew Japan and Bangladesh with its quite almost the same look, except for the color. He even included Palau in the list. And soon, Laos will be included too. He likes these flags with circle on it. He finds it easier to remember I guess.After all, he loves balls ever since. Maybe these flags looked like it has a ball on it that’s why he remembers.

I was so tired last night when he asked me to look for the card with the Bangladesh flag. Then as I was browsing the flipcards, I asked “Bahamas ba yung hahanapin ko?”. He answered “Hindi Bahamas mommy. BANG-LA-DESH!” As in with emphasis. Hahaha. I was awaken with what he did. Kids will really wake you up. In all aspects. Hahaha!

HERE is a very interesting article for those who are planning to get married. Better check these questions. Its good to be on the same financial understanding with your spouse whom you will spend the rest of your life with.:) Enjoy learning!

Dear Anak,

Mommy

I told my hubby that I wanted a Christmas touch at home. I have been bugging him with Christmas decors for sometime, yet, until now I don’t get anything hehehe. He even kidded that he will buy me christmas lights that is enough to form a line outside the window. HAHAHAH! As in, one line christmas lights! Kasi “touch” lang naman daw ang gusto ko hahaha. My aunt seconded that she should have brought me a small Christmas wreath from their house so I can put it outside our door waaaaa!! Enough!! hehehe

Originally (and I am still considering) I wanted to make origami birds as my decors since I wanted a “japanese” home and I just reviewed my origami making lessons through the help of Argie. Salamat kapatid!:) In fact, I bought some froggie stuff to add on that origami but until now, I haven’t started a thing yet. Why? Because my hands are still full with household chores plus the loads of bookings for this holiday season where I think everyone wants to fly somewhere else. Hahaha! Oh well, Praise God for great business. hehehe

We just visited a friend’s house and she just put up her tree this morning. Nice one. Then, I also chance upon another friend’s blog where she posted a photo of her newly bought giant christmas tree on sale! wow! Everyone is having their christmas decors up, and here I am still busy with something else. I won’t be surprise (and no hurt feelings really!) if this season will end and I won’t have any decoration at all.

After all, the real essence of this season is in our HEARTS. And it will always be.

PS Ok na ito atleast may christmas touch naman ang blog ko! hehehe

Last year, I had a thanksgiving post because most bloggers I know and read are from the States. This year, I still read them but not as frequent as before, so I didn’t noticed that America already celebrated thanksgiving day. I think I better celebrate this occasion everyday in my life. I have learned that when I am thankful, I feel better and I passed it on to others who would in turn feel better too. Isn’t it that there are too many reasons to be thankful for?

Here is my list:

Good Health for me and my family
Time with my son
Fresh air
Beautiful sound of the waves when it kissed the shore
Coconut trees nearby
White narra trees
Song of the bird that wakes me up in the morning
And of course, a loving husband.
And readers like you!

Thank you for dropping by. How about you, what are you thankful for? Leave me a message, if you don’t mind sharing? Happy Thanksgiving!!

Anak,

Mommy

We all know that America’s economy is quite unstable the past months. But in Illinois, employees will be having a merrier christmas as their employer gave away whooping bonuses to as much as $35,000! Wow!! I wish I could make our business grow this big and give away this much too! For more of the story, click HERE

Forgive me but I am an Obama fan ever since I saw him at Yahoo news and read his speeches even that of his wife Michelle’s speech. Their success is a proof that Change is possible and that there is still HOPE. Always.:)

Obama on making White House “green”

Obamas hand out food at a Chicago Church

Obama girls will do Chores in White House

Obama: Attack will not defeat India’s democracy

I’m an avid fan and reader of Robert Fulghum. In fact, I wish to meet him personally one day and just join him in his adventures with life. So when I read from his site that he is leaving for Indonesia, I felt like going there too. But where particularly in Indonesia? Helllo??? So, I rest my case. But never lose hope that one day, he might visit our country or I go to Seattle and finally meet this man who showed me that even on the simplest things that happen in your life, there is a lesson out of it — there is something out there to write about. Thank you for the inspiration, Bobby! (Ehem! Close kami! hahaha).

One of his recent posts is about this teenage girl who stood right at the corner where he had lunch. I wish I was that girl. After all, I fought for change too — not on the streets though. But that girl brought me back memories of my younger days where I talked to lawmakers and appear on tv and radios just to call for action to help save our environment. Haaayyy.. I wonder if he would shed a tear too when he heard me talk then?

Read the full story here.

P.S. We both love Barak Obama too! He made a post for him here.

Oh no! I would want to visit this place soon, but with the recent terror attack, it would take sometime I guess. I wonder if I could still see the same beauty and grandeur I saw on posters and pictures. Haaay… Condolence to the family of the victims of this horrible attack.

I just reviewed my posts last year and I came across this very interesting and timely(for some friends) article again. This is for all married women out there.

It’s called COMPARING GARDENS

My dear Son,

Lovelots,
Mommy

This is horrible. I hope it won’t happen here in our country.

Check out Denmark’s Killing Dolphins’ photosa

Few days ago, I bumped into this very interesting article from Yahoo about Einstein’s formula E=mc2. That it is after all correct! After more than 100 years of proving, physicist finally agreed that Einstein is Correct!

I am not much into science subject but I think this is a history that I need to post here. Someday, my son will have his own share of mind boggling physics problems and he would surely encounter this formula.

Dear Anak,

Anyway, back to the haircut session, the only time you moved was when the shaver was on the lower part of the head (in bisaya, Tingkoy) when you were asked to flip down your head and you were tickled. Ahah! Kiliti pala dyan huh? hehehe..

We both headed to the bences under the Duhat Tree. This tree where I used to seat when I was still pregnant with you and when this tree was warmer because it was not yet trimmed. But it’s okay, atleast it stands still and the benches too, now its painted with green. Before it doesn’t have a paint — just the original color brown. From our point o view, we could see some men having their morning exercise. What a nice way to start our day. I told you to imitate them but
you said ” Ayoko. Ang dami nila”. Hehehe. Now you are shy. I thought you could perform an exercise to anyone which you usually does with the JO’s here. You would pushed up and do stretching and you would invite them to join you aHahahah!! I will write a separate post on that. Your adventures with KUya Argee and Kuya Jasper.:)

When the men left to run and swim, we went to the gangway and talked with Kuya Raymond. You said your goodmorning to him and he was happy to saw you smile. He said ” Ang ganda ng ngiti mo ah. Wag ka kumain ng candy para di masira ang ngipin ha”. Defintely! Definitely! We have taken care of your health and so with your teeth for more than 2 years now and we will continue to do so. This is healthy and happy living!

I went inside the room to get the laptop and booked someone who needs to fly today. Then, we saw some officers and ever Sir Dabong who gave you a new name. That is another story. I am excited to share it soon. Meantime, let’s enjoy the day! mWah!!!

Lovelots,
Mommy

I think I supposed to put this article here, but was in a hurry instead I put it in my journey to prosperity blog. You might want to read what it is all about.

It’s here

When you are living a life with a pre toddler, you are always bound for surprises. Everyday, your little angel has something new for you.

Last MOnday (Nov 16), Daddy and I and the baby and Manong tubero went to the city to buy some stuff for the activation of the water system at home. (Wow! Iba ang feeling ng pagkasabi ko ng home ngayon. yes OUR home! hehehe.YEHEY! Thank you Lord!) Dad decided to parked near a dunkin donut store. I never knew it until I remembered we have to buy snacks for the workers at home. So I told my baby ” Ay naku, kelangan ko pala bumili ng snacks boy! Sa dunkin donuts na lang.”

Then, one of the shocking statement he ever said at his age (just 2 yrs old and 6 mos) ” May savings ka mommy? May five hundred ka?” HAHAHAH! With full emotions yun ha yung tipong serious talaga na nagtatanong kung may pambili ba ako! WWWAAAAAHHH!!! And his head flipping sidewards hahaha.

Well, I can’t blame him because we taught him that before he could buy things, he needs money so he needs to save. No wonder everytime there is an expense made, he would asked if there is an available savings Hahahaha!

In one way or another, he reminds us that we REALLY need to be serious with our savings scheme and that we have a little one who is watching us.:)

It’s been an adjustment period the past weeks. Yet my dear child is fine with the new set-up. In fact, he is even at ease and enjoyed the vast area where he could run and play. I wish the beach is cleaner so we could go swimming too. But it’s alright. I’m not complaining. I am thankful, really.

This morning, he found out the box which contains his books and toys. As usual, he was more interested with the books and took it away from the box. He placed it on our bed and began flipping those pages again. I think he must have missed it for sometime. I am glad he still remembers the characters in it. These were animal books which I got on sale from SM. I just learned that pretoddlers books should be like these: hardbound pages (I’m not sure if that’s how you call it hehehhe). Basta it’s thick. Each page is thick and hard so it’s durable. There were many times he tried to tore away a page but failed because of its hardpaper materials.

IF you have been reading my blog for sometime, you noticed that I am writing letters to my son about how he was doing. Today, I am mixing my letter and my homeschool notes in one article. And speaking of homeschool, our lesson today involves the 4 books on animals. Yesterday we reviewed the 4 tiny books too which were also made of hardpaper. These things are really designed for toddlers I guess. It is more expensive than the usual children’s books but it is worth it.

So here is my letter to my little angel today:

Dear ANak,

Maming (heheheh)

So, you are an environmentalist and you want to get paid while doing something good for the environment?

You gotta check this out then!

How to find a GREEN JOB? Got the answer from HERE

DEar Anak,

Mommy

Repetition is indeed the mother of learning. I never knew how much my child learns until he asked me to start singing those nursery songs while he sings with me.

“Mommy Baabaa Black sHeep beh”

Then I started singing and he followed. Medyo bulol nga lang hehehe

After that, he would request another song “A B C D mommy please”

And it goes on and on…

” I have two hands, the left and the right…..”

“Three blind mice… THree blind mice…”

I was particularly surprised that he could already almost memorize the “I have to hands” song. Thank you to the educational videos and nursery song videos!

Those nursery songs are like lullabyes before he goes to sleep at night.

He also found his pocket size hard bound and colored books which we bought during the book sale last month. I was surprised when I heard him recite the things he saw on the book such as Carrots, Corn, Apples and more…

THank you Lord for these developments!

Dear Anak,

It ended with a good night rest as the heavy rain poured. What a day.

I bumped into a financial article from Yahoo finance which I reposted in my financial blog. You might want to check it out this article on TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE VALUE OF MONEY

I am excited because as early as one year old, I already instilled in my child’s mind about savings that everytime he sees 5 or 10 peso coins, he would exclaimed “SAVINGS!” Heheheh.. Soon, I will teach him that paper bills are savings too — with bigger value than coins hehehe. Maybe we should put putting paper bills in the piggy bank too.:)

I bumped into a financial article from Yahoo finance which I reposted in my financial blog. You might want to check it out this article on TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE VALUE OF MONEY

I am excited because as early as one year old, I already instilled in my child’s mind about savings that everytime he sees 5 or 10 peso coins, he would exclaimed “SAVINGS!” Heheheh.. Soon, I will teach him that paper bills are savings too — with bigger value than coins hehehe. Maybe we should put putting paper bills in the piggy bank too.:)

Dear Anak,

Love,
Mommy