How Did You Know?

(please turn up your speaker volume)

Today I share with you a beautiful song performed by one of our country's finest singers, Gary Valenciano. This song is included in the official soundtrack of the movie "All my Life."

I have written about so many different things but I have not yet made one single post about the man who made me believe in love again... and this song says so much about it.

I remember so well the day you came into my life. You asked for my name, you had the most beautiful smile. October 15, 2006. The day "you" and "me" became "us" and "we." I found my soul mate, my best friend, my buddy. I met you, my sweet Poppa bear.

How did you know I needed someone like you in my life? How did you know, baby? Did you feel the void in my heart? Among the billions of women on earth, how did you find me?

You came at the right time in my life. We were both coming out of broken relationships. We shared our sadness and hurt. It helped to have someone who understood. It was heartwarming to be give and receive the love and care we both longed for. You went ahead and took on the responsibility of helping me raise my kids when their own father turned his back on them. Thank you for saving me and my children.

I'll never forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life and took all the worries and fears that I had. After my marriage with my first husband ended up in separation, I lost all belief in love and marriage. Whenever I see a young couple getting married, all I could think of is "He's going to find another woman and dump her like trash." All that changed when I met you. It was you baby, who made me believe in love again. In God's time, we will seal our love with the bond of marriage.

I guess what I'm really trying to say, its not everyday that someone comes my way. No words can express how much I love you. Love is best expressed in ways and deeds. Between the coffee and cigarettes, the occasional bottle of beer we share, new recipes and wonderful cheese, its the loving glances we exchange with each other. The soft smile, the caring gestures, lots of hugs and silly laughter are things that make our day complete. I am looking forward to a lifetime with you, sweetie. My pinky promise! We'll grow old and wrinkled together, count grandchildren, get our own "His" and "Hers" walking sticks, or wheelchairs, or diapers, or what-nots. We will live a full life together. Our children will look to us as models of how love and family should be. You will be my forever sunshine, my cuddly bear, my sweetie pie. I love you baby. You've got  this feisty dragon all mushy right now.

From Light Weight to the Right Weight

Losing weight seems to be a worldwide trend. However, we need to take a look at the other end of the scale. There are some individuals who are desperately trying to gain weight. These may be young adults who want to be buff, or athletes that need to gain more muscle mass. Others may be recuperating from an illness while a handful are those who are recipients of the gene for skinniness. I am particularly involved in finding a way to gain weight the healthy way because the hubby needs to regain the weight he lost over the past months.

I have done my research and read lots of articles about how to gain weight safely and effectively. Out of all the articles I read, there is one common advice - INCREASE YOUR CALORIE INTAKE.

Increasing the daily calorie intake entails choosing and eating the right foods, not those that are high in calories but provide zero nutrition (i.e. sugary snacks). In weight management, the diet for gaining or losing weight are basically the same. We should consume portions from all the food groups, only in different proportions - more of it if we want to gain and less if we want to lose weight.

Here are some tips I have collected that would help provide healthy weight gain:

• Start with hydration. 50-60% of the human body is composed of water. It is only logical that we drink up to keep our cells healthy and receptive to assimilate nutrients. Coconut water is a refreshing drink that contains more potassium than 4 bananas.

• Stimulate your appetite. A short walk before a meal can jump start our appetite. A light round of exercise or any activity that would make us move around is encouraged. Exercise is also essential in weight gain.

• Get Meaty. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs and Seafood are all allowed. Always ask for an extra serving. These would give our bodies amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.

• Complex carbohydrates are your ally. Potatoes, legumes, whole wheat bread, corn, and yams are your new friends. These foods rates not only provide us energy, it also gives us good healthy fiber for easy digestion.

• Go nuts over nuts (and seeds). Devour nuts and seeds by the handful. It is a known fact that nuts and seeds contain protein, fiber, minerals and healthy fat (mono-and polyunsaturated fat). Make a habit out of snacking on peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazel nuts, cashew nuts, and coconuts. Oops, not the last one. Coconuts go into a different category.

• Daily Dairy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are tops in providing protein and calcium. So raise your glass and drink up. Word of caution to those who are lactose intolerant: Read the label and make sure you are getting the lactose-free kind.

• Have fun with colorful fruits and vegetables. Pack those vitamins and minerals by having dense fruits like apples and pears. Have your fill of veggies. If vegetables are not your thing, make yourself a fruit and vegetable smoothie and enjoy. Mix and match different fruits and veggies to suit your taste.

• Choose your oils. Olive, Palm, Canola and soybean oil are rich in Vitamin A and are classified as "healthy oils," because they are unsaturated fats and do not cause an increase in the blood cholesterol levels. Use liberally on salads and for preparing food. Avocados also contain a lot of healthy oil so start making a large batch of guacamole!

• Snack Attack. There are numerous ways to prepare high calorie healthy snacks. A bagel smothered with peanut butter and washed down with a fruit smoothie is relatively easy to make. 

Now that I have mapped out a plan to put the hubby on the path of regaining strength and body weight, I would be happy to see him gain a pound a week.

Do you have any high protein or high calorie nutritious recipes to share? Please do. It would be much appreciated. 

Are you a Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself Mom too?

It was seven years ago when my spouse and I got our own little apartment. During our first Christmas together, he asked me, "What do you want for Christmas, sweetie?" Without batting an eyelash, I said, "A toolbox"

I assume most men were wanting to hear "I'd like a necklace" or "A new purse" or maybe "A pair of designer jeans and shoes." Well, that's not me. 

All I wanted was a toolbox - complete with screwdrivers, a wrench, a small hammer, a vise grip, long nose pliers and a wire cutter. I also wanted some washers, a few nuts and bolts, nails, electric and plumbing tape, hooks and screws. My reason was for practicality. I am not the person who would be on the phone calling a plumber to fix a leaking faucet. I can do that myself. Saves me a lot of money. I can assemble my own electrical extension cord, change washers, install clotheslines, and tighten door hinges. I can craft a small wooden stool out of scrap. 

I learned these skills from my Dad. I guess he really wanted a boy for a first born but instead, he got me! Haha. Tough luck. Nevertheless, I did not regret having grease on my hands, getting a few cuts, or hitting my thumb with a hammer. I learned how to properly position a jack and change car tires all by myself. Neat, huh? I am a true-blue HANDY-WOMAN, Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself mom.

Well, I did get my wish and I have my own set of tools that I use for minor repairs around the house. The hubby is so proud of me. He is simply amazed at how a woman like me can do things like that. Maybe its because I am Filipino? Unfazed by adversity? Or is it just because I was trained early in life to be independent? I have no idea. All I know is that it saves us money. Maybe next Christmas I would ask for power tools. 

How about you? What was the most unconventional  present you asked from your spouse? Are you a true-blue HANDY-WOMAN, Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself mom too?

My Last Day of 2013 in Pictures

Its the first day of the New Year. Whew!

Its 2014. Another chance at making the world a better place (in my own little way).

Here are some pictures of how I spent the last day of the past year.

Woke up and took pictures of nature in bloom:

Aimed my camera up in the sky and took captured one of the bluest skies I've seen:

Asked my boys to take charge preparing lunch. Oh yes, they were grilling pork chops in our tiny charcoal grill:

Watched the annual Christmas Street Party for the neighborhood kids:

Paid my mom a visit (She lives on the next street from ours). Mama didn't like to have her picture taken because she said she's not dressed nicely and does not have any lipstick on. Haha. My mom the fashionista. 

Walked home and captured the last sunset of 2013

And finally, had a blast watching the fireworks and taking pictures of it. These are the only decent ones I was able to capture. My shutter finger was too slow. :)

Welcome 2014! Peace, love and blessings of prosperity to everyone!

Mick's Money Tree from the City of Pines

"Mama, Mama! Look what I got for you!" I heard my son's excited voice as he walked in the door. 

Two months ago, my youngest son went on a school field trip to Baguio City, also known as "The City of Pines" It is about 251 kilometers (156 miles) north of Metro Manila where we live. Baguio is a city situated on a plateau of the mountainous region of Northern Luzon, and is around 5000 ft above sea level. The weather is always cool all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 15-23C (59-73F).

My son Mick had a big smile on his face while he handed me a pretty little dish garden.

"Mama, this is a Money Tree. Its supposed to bring us good luck. I got it near Mines View Park in Baguio." 

Mick during an early morning hike in Baguio 

"Thank you. It looks lovely," I said.

"I also got a miniature pine tree for Grandma. She will love this!" And he excitedly walks over to his grandmother's house to give her his gift.

Mick has always been the thoughtful little one. He always has something for me and his grandmother every time he returns from a field trip.

And so, the little money tree found its way into our home. Did it bring us money? Hmm.. good question. In some ways I guess it did, not because of "magical powers" but the mere fact of seeing it everyday served as a reminder to be frugal and spend wisely. Maybe that is what its supposed to do. 

My Money Tree. 

Beach Fun

Here I am, on the second to the last day of the year 2013. Spending a quiet time on the beach. Getting some sun in December. Oh the joys of living in the tropics! Sunshine throughout most of the year.

I walk along the shore, feeling the small waves tenderly lapping at my feet. My husband walking alongside with me, hand in hand. I lovingly look up at him and he kisses me ever so tenderly. The children start teasing us, "Ewww! PDA! (Public Display of Attention)," "So mushy!" I wave to them in an effort to let them mind their own business. They seem to understand and the boys paddle away on their surfboards. The daughters are having a good time themselves, the eldest minding her husband and our sweet little granddaughter, and the other, playing cards with her soft spoken boyfriend.

A dream vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, no smog, no noise, no stress.

Night came quickly and we gathered together in front of the bonfire. A few beers, hotdogs and marshmallows, and a lot of stories and laughter. It is close to midnight. We put out the fire and gathered our stuff. We get inside our rented cottage and gave each other the warmest exchanges of "Good night, I love you."

I fall asleep, happy and content.

BUZZZZ....BUZZZZ....BUZZZZZ....

My alarm goes off. What the..?!!! 

REALITY! I wake up and I was back in our house, my alarm still buzzing. Its time for me to get ready for work.

ME AND MY WILD DREAMS.

.

Photo credits: http://www.cabana-cebu.com/images/philippines_sunset.jpg

Nostalgic Trip Down Facebook Lane

During my long holiday weekend, I had the chance to read my past Facebook posts and relived those happy, funny, disappointed, sometimes angry moments. Here are some of the best ones. Enjoy!

• Got the month's supply of prescription drugs at Mercury. I noticed that the pharmacists now have name plates. The usual pharmacist that attends to me had a name plate that read "ONDO". And so good old curious me asked.. "what's your real name? why the nickname ONDO?" And the man said.. "Ma'am, my real name is FACUNDO. I would prefer to be called ONDO than to be called FAC".

• My only regret is that my parents never taught me how to lick ass. If they did, I could have been a CEO of some company by now...

• THE MOST FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH WORD is shit...thats right, shit! You can smoke shit, get shit faced, buy shit, sell shit, lose shit, find shit, tell people 2 eat shit, forget shit, some people know their shit and some have shit 4 brains, there's lucky shits, dumb shits & crazy shit, there's bull shit, horse shit, chicken shit, deep shit, the wrong shit, the right shit & not enough shit, weird shit, scary shit, up shit creek without a paddle & sometimes everything you touch turns 2 shit. You could pass this along if u give a shit or not if you dont give a shit. Hope you have a shit free day but remember ........ Shit Happens!!!  Go on pass this shit on!!! 

• "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

• "People prefer to follow those who help them, not those who intimidate them." (C. Gene Wilkes)

• I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't looking good, either.

• "Take hold of the light of truth and shine it on the faces of those that hide the darkness of deceit" (Engr. Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada, Tomasino)

• To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, BE NOTHING...

• God has always something for you.. a key for every problem, a light for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow, a plan for every tomorrow.

• Another sunrise, another day. One more chance to pray for God's guidance today.

• "Ambivalence about family responsibilities has a long history in the corporate world."  (Rosabeth Kanter)

• What's the difference between "sick of working" and "sick but working"? The first means "burned out," and the second means "crappy attendance policy"

• Just a thought.. On my way to work every night, I noticed that those large, beautiful houses in White Plains, St. Ignatius, and Corinthian Hills look so lonely. There are no lights, there doesn't even seem to have a family living there. I guess there's truth to the saying "IT GETS LONELY AT THE TOP."

• THE BEST OUT OF THE OFFICE REPLY: "I am currently out of the office today with limited access to my email. Rest assured that your email will not be forwarded. Instead, it will be deleted in the order it was received. Thank you."

• SUPPORT BACTERIA. They're the only culture some people have.

• PARADIGM SHIFT: I will no longer look some people as assholes.. from today onwards, they will just be HOLES SURROUNDED BY ASS.

And of course, the "moving on to a new job" inspirational poem that I found on the web:

COMFORT ZONE

I used to have a Comfort Zone

Where I knew I couldn't fail

The same four walls of busy work

Were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things

I'd never done before,

But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone

And paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter,

That I wasn't doing much

I said I didn't care for things

Like diamonds, furs and such.

I claimed to be so busy

With the things inside my zone,

But deep inside I longed for

Something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by,

Just watching others win.

I held my breath and stepped outside

And let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength

I'd never felt before,

I kissed my Comfort Zone "goodbye"

And closed and locked the door.

If you are in a Comfort Zone,

Afraid to venture out,

Remember that all winners were

At one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise,

Can make your dreams come true.

Greet your future with a smile,

Success is there for you!

Merry Christmas Daddy

Hi Dad,

I wanted to talk to you today, however, I know that you know how my situation is nowadays. I hope I didn't disappoint you. I'm going to visit again, soon.

I worried about you last night. Is it cold there? It must be such a crappy feeling to be all alone at Christmas. I know that feels. I experienced that. Can't help but cry in a corner. Did you see me long for the warmth of family? I don't want to go through that again. I'm staying put. No more working abroad.

Dad, I wanted to give back some of the blessings I received this year. I made a personal promise to feed a hungry child at Christmas. Guess what? I did not find one single hungry street child. They must have been out caroling. I decided to feed a homeless man instead. I prepared a meal pack containing a slab of grilled pork, some beef steak and potatoes, hot steamed rice and some fruit. I searched the neighborhood for him, I knew he always made a bed for himself in the jeepney waiting shed. When I found him huddled against the wall of the elementary school, I immediately gave him the paper bag with the food in it and said "Merry Christmas! Here's some food for you. C'mon and eat while its still hot." This man looked up at me - the very first time I actually saw his face, and in a very soft voice he said "Thank you." He put the paper bag beside him and fell silent again. I spoke to him once more and said "Please eat." He did not look up anymore. I started walking home after greeting him Merry Christmas one more time. 

I did not know how good it feels to be able to do good to somebody who has nothing in life. Such a small gesture but it feels like I've made a difference in someone's life. Dad, I will be doing this again with every milestone achievement I make in life. I will be paying it forward from now on.

I hope you had a good Christmas where you are. I guess you did. You're with grandma and grandpa, and with your brother and sister. You're at the peak of your health and free from all pain. Most importantly, you are with Jesus and His Choirs of Angels.  I keep forgetting that you are not there in that cold place under the ground. You are with God and all the angels in heaven and that you are watching over us. Your tombstone is just a reminder that you have moved on to a better place.

Merry Christmas, Dad. I love you so much and I terribly, terribly miss you.

Hugs and kisses,

Eileen

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" - Uncovered

On my home from work everyday, I pass by the church to say a little prayer of thanks for the blessings I have received for the day. This particular church, the Pope John Paul II Parish Church (formerly The Holy Family Parish) in Eastwood City is a beautiful little church in the middle of a high end residential and business district.

The Church's foyer has little prayer booklets and reading materials that are given free to parishioners. Yesterday, I picked up a little reading material which really caught my attention. I am sharing it with you.

The Real Meaning of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Much more than a haunting melody with nonsensical lyrics, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written by the English Jesuits during the 15th century as a catechetical device.

By Father Edward T. Dowling, S.J. (Source: catholic.net)

I'm sure you have all head the Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." with its haunting melody. The carol dates back to the 15th century and its precise author is unknown. It has generally been assumed to consist of twelve nonsense verses built around a pretty melody. But in a fascinating article in Our Sunday Visitor (12/20/92), Fr. Gilhooley, a chaplain at St. Mary's College, informs us that the carol was written by the English Jesuits of the 16th century as a catechetical device and it is far from filled with non sensical verses.

The carol is akin to the apocalyptic literature of Scripture that used to obscure symbols to hide its true meaning from the enemy in time of persecution. To understand the background that gave rise to the carol, let us look briefly at the history of Catholicism in the 16th century England.

When Henry VIII was rebuffed by Rome in his bid to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn, he declared himself head of the Church in England replacing the Pope and demanded that all swear an oath of allegiance to him as such. St. Thomas More, the Chancellor of the Realm, the equivalent of the Prime Minister today, refused the oath supporting the elimination of the Pope's authority and Henry had him publicly beheaded. Catholic convents and monasteries were closed and looted. The situation was worse under his son, Edward VI, and better during the short reign of Catherine's daughter, Mary Tudor. She was succeeded by her half sister Elizabeth I, an ardent Protestant, the daughter of Anne Boleyn. The practice of the Catholic faith was banned. Priests were exiled and forbidden under the pain of death from returning or performing the sacraments. It was a desperate, dreadful time.

With this as a background we can see the need for secrecy and deception 'The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written to educate the faithful in the doctrines of the faith and yet not be so obvious to the persecutors. The numbers are simply a mnemonic to help Catholics remember some basic facts.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" celebrates the official Christmas season which starts liturgically on Christmas Day and ends twelve days later on the Feast of the Epiphany.

"My true love" refers to God and "me" is the individual Catholic. "Twelve lords are leaping" are the twelve basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed. The "Eleven pipers piping" are the eleven Apostles that remained faithful after the treachery of Judas. The "Ten ladies dancing" are the Ten Commandments. The "Nine drummers drumming" are the nine choirs of angels. The "Eight maids a milking" are the Eight Beatitudes. The "Seven swans are swimming" are the Seven Sacraments. The "Six geese are laying" are the 6 days of creation. The "Five Golden Rings" are the first five books of the Old Testament called Torah, which is generally considered the most sacred and important of all the Old Testament. The "Four Calling Birds" are the four Gospels. The "Three French Hens" are the three persons in God. The "Two Turtle Doves" represents the two natures in Jesus - human and divine. The "partridge" is the piece de resistance or Jesus himself and "the pear tree" is the cross.

Fr. Edward Dowling is the author of  Have You Heard the Good News. Reprinted with permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Say a Prayer for the World this Christmas

Ten days before Christmas and I have come across this video on youtube. It opened up all emotions and tears started flowing down my face. The unspeakable pain of Mary watching her child suffer and not being able to help Him. 

In this Blessed Season, please take a moment away from all the festivities and say a silent prayer of thanks. Through Mary, our Lord Jesus was born to offer His Life to save us from our sins. May we put it in our hearts that in this season of giving, let us share our blessings with the less fortunate. Teach our children to be loving and compassionate towards others.

Keep in mind all those who are far away from their families; the homeless; the orphans; the sick and dying; the victims of war and famine. Say a prayer for the world. 

I am thankful to have been raised a Catholic and I am proud of my Christian faith. I am paying it forward by feeding a hungry child this Christmas. Please do the same if you can.

If you have never thought about exploring religion for yourself, now is a better time than ever. Check out these Living Church of God reviews today to find out more.

My prayers of peace and happiness to everyone. Have a blessed Celebration of Christ's Birth. 

"And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of God shone around them and they were terribly frightened;  and the angel said to them "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people; for today in the city of David, there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 9-12)

Video credits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbysUxwQqNQ