The Journey

After Ondoy

2009-10-04T12:27:00.001+08:00

My family is blessed that only heavy rains, no water for several days and wet clothes from the closet were brought about by Ondoy.

My heart goes to those affected by the typhoon.

Together, let us rise as a nation from this storm.

GOD bless us.

Wanted: Adult Caregiver

2009-09-21T21:29:00.004+08:00

A couple of days after Nanay’s (I call my grandmother as such) caregiver went on day-off and will be a week after by tomorrow when she went home to retrieve all her things from our house, but still I have not found anyone to replace her. Looking for such requires much of an effort here. My yaya is the one looking after her but she had also expressed her desire to leave as well on the same day Nanay’s caregiver left. It’s a complex situation and that day when she told me she will be leaving as well I had to give in. I just told her to wait until we get a new caregiver and by that time she’ll let me know if she will still pursue leaving.

If you know of someone, please let me know.

How am I doing?

2009-07-04T14:13:00.002+08:00

It’s been a little over two months after I was separated from work… I am still jobless as it is my personal choice. But every time I use a part of my separation pay, I am always tempted to go and look for work. But wait. Hold still. I have to be guided by my priorities…
I have an important one that I need to check out before the year ends and I feel that being employed as early as today will not make it possible. I have to do it soon or I may not have the time and opportunity anymore.

How am I doing?
> I still weigh the same hahaha… It became my habit that when I am idle I eat… BAD me! Losing weight and being fit and trim is a very much big challenge.
> I had my hair rebonded before the Davids concert.
> I visit and tend the “farm” at least once or twice a week for the past 2 weeks already… Still need big effort and money to develop it. I am planning to plant calamansi, black pepper and banana trees.
> I will be starting the commercial building construction soon. I already had the plan last week but still working on what my brother and I can support financially.
> I attended the DBM training but stopped for 5 weeks due to having yaya on vacation, the not so good weather and being sick. I’ll resume again next week.
> I have replanted the orchids, cleaning this and that and experimenting in the kitchen.
> I declined a job offer though it offers comparable salary as my previous job. Again, I focus on my priorities.
> I enjoy playing the SIMS3, accessing facebook.
> and above all these, I get to spend my time with Andrei day in and day out. PRICELESS!

The 2 David's Concert

2009-05-08T22:07:00.004+08:00

May 16, 2009... a week away from AI's Season 7's top two David(s): Cook and Archuleta's concert.

Excited! Got our tickets ages ago... how about you?

Running 101

2009-04-23T18:44:00.002+08:00

I have found a new joy in running. I have already joined several fun runs. I find it amusing to sight see while running ehem or must I say jog/walk so it is taking me too long to finish my 5k runs. I also desire to try 10k. While doing my research on how to do it, I came across these start-up recommendations. I will update you on my progress. Enjoy reading!

From Joy Rojas:

Looking back, this ambitious run across America—and all other runs before it—would not have happened if I didn’t take that first awkward jog around the park. Running may or may not lead you to the same road that I’ve tread, but it’ll definitely lead you to other great things—among them, a trim figure, healthier heart and body, new friends and an affordable alternative to exercise. Here’s how to get started.

1. Get your doctor’s okay before starting. This is an important rule, especially if you’ve been sedentary for years or have pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

2. Walk. Friends who jumped into the sport with no exercise background have sworn off running after waking up with sore and stiff legs after a first attempt. Get your legs and heart used to the activity by walking in a leisurely place for 30 minutes to an hour. When that gets easy, alternate walking with an easy jog (try the one minute walk/one minute jog ratio). And when that gets easy, lengthen your running time over your walking time until you find yourself running all the way.

3. Follow your own pace. You can worry about speed later when you start joining road races, a fun way to meet new people. See how you do against fellow runners in measured distances and set foot in roads that you would otherwise cross in a car. Build your stamina for the sport, allow your body to slowly ease into the activity and be patient with results like weight loss, endurance, speed and running form: if you keep at it, these things will come in time.

4. Go for a shoe fit rather than a shoe size. For instance, it took years on the road (not to mention huge blisters and dead toenails) for me to realize that I run well on US men’s 9 ½ shoes . Buy socks that aren’t too thick that they cramp your shoe, or too thin that you feel the ground you’re running on. A shoe that blends cushioning and stability is your best bet. Don’t be shy to try as many styles and brands until you find your right match: shoes are the most important tool of the sport, so invest wisely.

5. Eat and drink like a runner. Carbohydrates are running’s fuel, so this isn’t the time to practice the South Beach Diet. Eat a balanced mix of complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables) and protein (fish’s omega-3 fatty acids bode well for the heart and joint support), and load up on rice and pasta if you’re going to run long. As for hydration, water is fine for easy runs that last no more than 30 minutes. Reach for an electrolyte-rich sport drink when your run lasts longer than 30 minutes or is under extreme heat.

6. Have fun. It’s my number one piece of advice. People get into running for different reasons, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, or find yourself asking “Why am I doing this?” then perhaps the sport isn’t for you.

Happy running!

My Easter Egg (thanks Joanne!)

2009-04-13T14:10:00.002+08:00

Your Easter Egg Says You Are Philosophical

You are incredibly introspective and thoughtful.

You strive to understand the world in a deep way.

Culture, art, and literature of all types interests you.

Almost anything can get you thinking. You don't take anything at face value.

The Easter Egg Personality Test

Food For Thoughts 01

2009-04-13T13:34:00.002+08:00

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

And Counting...

2009-04-10T14:41:00.003+08:00

It is only 21 days... will do some checking on what documents I still have to acquire, transfer documents to my personal drive, etc. I am busy for the rest of the month: summer outing, training, expos, etc.

Plenty of plans on hand…

An Answer

2009-03-04T16:23:00.000+08:00

A soon to be unemployed wife and mom and thinking of finding ways to earn, please find time to visit my website (but unfortunately still under construction): ShoppeAtQuiarr.multiply.com

Pahimis Coffee Run

2009-02-13T08:37:00.005+08:00

When:
02/28/2009

Event title
Coffee Run 3K/5K/10K Amadeo, Cavite

Event description:

COFFEE RUN
February 28, 2009
Amadeo Municipal HallAmadeo, Cavite

Run through the scenic plains and coffee farms of Amadeo, Cavite in 3K, 5K and 10K Categories. Amadeo is best known for the Pahimis Coffee Festival. Pahimis, a gesture of thanksgiving to God practiced by the local townsfolk more than a century ago, which showcases the town's coffee industry. It is usually held on the last weekend of February. The Mission of Coffee Run: The Coffee Run aims to support and improve the livelihood of the Amadeo farmers and their families with the Amadeo Coffee Farmer’s Foundation as one of its beneficiaries.

EVENTS
3K/5K/10K

REGISTRATION
Registration starts @ 7aminfront of Amadeo Municipal Hall, Feb. 28, 09Adults P250.00 Kids P150.00inclusive of race number, singlet and unlimited coffee for adults
Download the Registration form here.Coffee Run Registration Form

PRIZES
10K (men and women)
1st - P7,000 + trophy
2nd - P5,000 + trophy
3rd - P2000 + trophy
4th to 10th – medals

5K (men and women)
1st - P5,000 + trophy
2nd - P3,000 + trophy
3rd - P1,500 + trophy
4th to 10th – medals

3K (boys and girls, 15yrs old and below)
1st - P2,000 + trophy
2nd - P1,000 + trophy
3rd - P500 + trophy
4th to 10th – medals

REGISTRATION AREAS
1. All SM Sports Central outlets and Club 650 (libis) deposit your registration fee at BDO current acct no. 3648004057, diliman-matalino branch with acct. name,Thumbs Advertising Inc. then fax your deposit slip and registration form to 682-1854
2. Municipal Hall, Municipality of Amadeo, look for Joy Alonsagay jr., 0922 8679339 or email jalonsagay@yahoo.com
3. For club teams, we pick-up and deliver forms and payments, look for Roy Lopez, 0917 9769571, 682-1854 or email

A Moment

2009-02-10T10:30:00.002+08:00

I was passing by Greenbelt last Saturday and decided to check out the chapel that I used to spend time whenever I was in Makati during my college days.

So many things have changed with its surroundings converted to shopping malls but one thing remains: I still feel being ME. In silence and prayer, I started to talk with myself and my Creator. And in that spur of the moment, there was emptiness and I went blank. I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. What was that for? I still don’t know. I am still finding answers to that feeling a very long time ago. Is it the dream that I have been longing for? I don’t know.

I still have more roads to travel to reveal what this mystery holds… and for the time being, I am exploring, living, loving and … patiently waiting.

Finally... My Brown Envelope

2009-02-06T09:10:00.001+08:00

It was several minutes after 2pm yesterday that I received a phone call asking if I was busy. I was about to hang up when the other party was not responding who she was but then her voice became familiar. I told her I was free and asked me to proceed to room 225.
Although I had already been expecting this but still I felt different when she thanked me. I was both happy and sad. Happy that what I was asking for was finally in my hands wherein it might be the gateway to the fulfillment of a life-long dream… sad that I have to start all over again, leaving the company that I had spent almost all of my career years… hah.
I am counting and making the most of my stay here… with people I have met and have left a mark in my life…
Good luck to all of us!

Bye Bye 2008

2008-12-31T21:37:00.002+08:00

In less than three hours time, 2008 is over. I hope that 2009 will be as fabulous and as blessed as the one ending.

Happy new year everyone!

Why family Should Eat Together

2008-07-05T21:41:00.003+08:00

I was at Dusit Thani Hotel today past 8am already. I will attend a talk on family togetherness during meal time.

There are also other speakers who talked about child health and nutrition, rabies and the importance of rotavirus vaccine.

Anyway, here are the notes I had taken down

Factors affecting family togetherness during mealtimes
1. Busy/conflicting schedules
2. Hi-tech age

Benefits of eating together
1. Parents spend quality time with children
2. Communication lines are open
3. Healthy eating for both children and parents
4. Children learn good manners

How to do it?
1. A willing spirit/initiative
2. Involve kids in meal preparations
3. Plan some variety. Be creative
4. Keep it simple
5. No television, please
6. Stay connected
7. Choose a meal time and stick to it

On Personal Freedom

2008-06-26T21:11:00.002+08:00

Rules kill;
Freedom gives birth to personal growth.

Rules immobilize;
Freedom allows people to be who they are designed to be and gives hope to last a lifetime.

Jeepney "Tag"

2008-06-26T20:48:00.004+08:00

A jeepney has this "tag".

"Subukan mo akong mahalin
Kung hindi ka lumigaya
Saka mo ako limutin".

A sample of the Filipinos' creativity and poetic prowess!

Argh!

2008-06-07T12:30:00.003+08:00

Some couples sometimes decide to part ways. No medicine is invented yet to cure this pain. Maybe a two-bottle drink gives the courage to tell what the heart feels, what is going on inside the head and encourage those tears to fall but still… it hurts! Ouch!

Rain, Rain Go Away or Come Again?

2008-06-03T22:17:00.001+08:00

It rained today.

Some people see a rainy day as sad and gloomy.

For me, it is a blessing to nourish the earth. It offers a new start, a new life.

I just love the smell of grass after the rain (weird, hahaha). It reminds me that after the rain in our lives, something great will start to unfold.

Rain is also my best comrade in shielding my pain. Have you tried crying under the rain? Hahaha... Most people do not recognize your tears. Try it…

I like the rain and the beautiful and colorful rainbow after it!

Live for Today

2008-06-03T15:42:00.002+08:00

I met this person many years ago. He is the husband of a neighbor and a good family man. I am saddened by the news of his untimely death.

I know that death is a reality of life. When it will come, I do not know. No one can tell. I read that it will come as a thief in the night.

This reality is continuously changing my life. As much as I can, I want to make the most of each day... do what I want, be happy, love unconditionally, laugh my heart out...

But of course, everyday is not always a sunny day for me. There are showers and thunderstorms. I cry when I am sad, angry. At the end of my drama, I still try to end my day with happy moments. I do not want to miss the wonderful things this day still has to offer. There are much more abundant things that make me smile than those that make me cry.

I know it is hard to get over with pain and sadness. I know it. I've been there too.

But still, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! I feel it. All I need to do is TO SEE WITH MY EYES TOGETHER WITH MY HEART.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T09:13:00.002+08:00

Greeting every mom a Happy Mother's Day.

For a job well done (as always!), keep it up!

My Canon 400D Amateur Shots

2008-05-01T20:09:00.005+08:00

Sharing my amateur photography shots using Canon 400D...

Your comments are very much welcome and appreciated...

Earth Day 2008

2008-05-01T19:15:00.012+08:00

Last April 26, 2008, Gen Trias celebrated Earth Day. Finally, I was able to get involved and helped give back to Mother Earth. I hope that the trees that my hands touch would bloom and serve their purposes...

Aside from the various companies in Gen Trias, municipal hall and school personnels, Jollibee, Jeffrey Santos and Ryan Soler also joined the event.

Long live Mother Earth!

Keeping Home Safe Before You Go Away for Vacation

2008-04-23T20:29:00.004+08:00

1. When you travel, know where you are going and how to get there and back. Check for construction detours; for longer trips, get a weather forecast.
2. Put a timer on inside lights and porch lights so they switch during the evening.
3. Cancel the deliveries of newspapers or ask a friend to regularly check your house and to pick up any mail and deliveries.
4. Turn the phone ringer down so no one outside can hear repeated rings.
5. Inspect boundary fences to ensure no gaps have developed and repair immediately if required.
6. Do not put your home address in your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination. This will prevent letting someone know that nobody is home.

It's Monday!

2008-03-23T21:12:00.002+08:00

Few hours from now the long weekend is over.

It's time to sleep. No more late nights computer gaming. Tomorrow is Monday. Most of us will be back to work.

I'll miss Andrei...

A big hug

2008-03-14T20:09:00.004+08:00

Thanks Anna for the tag...

I'll pass this on to:

1. liza

2. rocks

3. dada

4. heidi

5. jan