Monday, April 30, 2007
MARK NEPO SAID...
To listen is to continually give up all expectation and to give our attention, completely and freshly, to what is before us, not really knowing what we will hear or what that will mean. In the practice of our days, to listen is to lean in, softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.
LIFE BEGINS WHEN?
If you were asked this question what would your answer be - "life begins at ___"?
I have read a lot of articles about celebrities who state that "life begins at 40" or "50 is the new 30" or topics like that. I know sometimes those articles are superficial, and just tackle the exterior beauty of those celebrities, how-to-stay-young tidbits, personal fountains of youth, beauty regimens, etc. My desire to know the answer to the question "life begins at (blank)" has a much deeper meaning. Well, for me that is.
I was thinking about this a few months back. I think I don't have a definite answer yet to this question. I could say that maybe, yes, my life started when I married Ruther because it was undeniably the happiest day of my life. But I feel I have yet to discover my purpose in life. Sometimes during quiet moments, I ask myself "Why did God put me in this world? What does he want me to do? What can I do to fulfill His will?" Sometimes, there are days when I absolutely have no clue, and sometimes, I have only the faintest indication. There was a time when I had to look back into my past, to reevaluate some of the choices I made and what I can do in the future. It has taken me several months of self-discovery, of building up my confidence that I COULD do this. Not many of you know this but I graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Yes, I am a stay-at-home, non-practicing dentist. Even when I was at the university and taking the course, I was still not sure if it was the course for me (although thankfully, I had good grades). After I graduated, I felt the same way. After I got married to Ruther, considering the nurturing nature that I have, I found fulfillment in taking care of my husband then my boys. Now, I want to know what I can do to help others outside my family. I have been mulling this over since last year (yes, LAST YEAR), and then I realized, I love being with kids. I came to the realization that I like reading and researching about understanding children and their behavior and psyche, how to bring them up the right way, articles on homeschooling, practically everything concerning toddlers and kids. Then it hit me. This might be what I should do with my life. To help kids grow, to teach them to reach their full potential. When I realized that, I felt my heart swell and I knew I had my answer. All self-doubt, all misgivings disappeared. I was very happy to know the answer at last.
So, what am I going to do about it? I am enrolling myself in a Child Psychology course this month. I am quite excited about it because it's not going to take my time away from Nikki and Ethan and our homeschooling activities. At the same time, I am also planning to further that by taking Caring for the Special Child, a diploma course at the University of the Philippines (where I graduated from). It's also a course that I could take in the comfort of home and will last only a few months. So, I'm going to be homeschooled too! =D
Ruther has been very supportive about this. He has been my strength when I had self-doubts during the past year. He was the one who urged me to follow what I wanted to do. When he asked me if I was still going to pursue my Dentistry course and I told him my heart was no longer in it, he told me to find out then what I desired to do and to do something that would make me happy. Because of his urging, I let myself dream and after several months of pondering and soul-searching, I now have the strength to start anew.
This is going to be a new adventure for me. I am starting from scratch once more but this time, I know this is what I really want.
P.S. Thank you baby. I love you...
I have read a lot of articles about celebrities who state that "life begins at 40" or "50 is the new 30" or topics like that. I know sometimes those articles are superficial, and just tackle the exterior beauty of those celebrities, how-to-stay-young tidbits, personal fountains of youth, beauty regimens, etc. My desire to know the answer to the question "life begins at (blank)" has a much deeper meaning. Well, for me that is.
I was thinking about this a few months back. I think I don't have a definite answer yet to this question. I could say that maybe, yes, my life started when I married Ruther because it was undeniably the happiest day of my life. But I feel I have yet to discover my purpose in life. Sometimes during quiet moments, I ask myself "Why did God put me in this world? What does he want me to do? What can I do to fulfill His will?" Sometimes, there are days when I absolutely have no clue, and sometimes, I have only the faintest indication. There was a time when I had to look back into my past, to reevaluate some of the choices I made and what I can do in the future. It has taken me several months of self-discovery, of building up my confidence that I COULD do this. Not many of you know this but I graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Yes, I am a stay-at-home, non-practicing dentist. Even when I was at the university and taking the course, I was still not sure if it was the course for me (although thankfully, I had good grades). After I graduated, I felt the same way. After I got married to Ruther, considering the nurturing nature that I have, I found fulfillment in taking care of my husband then my boys. Now, I want to know what I can do to help others outside my family. I have been mulling this over since last year (yes, LAST YEAR), and then I realized, I love being with kids. I came to the realization that I like reading and researching about understanding children and their behavior and psyche, how to bring them up the right way, articles on homeschooling, practically everything concerning toddlers and kids. Then it hit me. This might be what I should do with my life. To help kids grow, to teach them to reach their full potential. When I realized that, I felt my heart swell and I knew I had my answer. All self-doubt, all misgivings disappeared. I was very happy to know the answer at last.
So, what am I going to do about it? I am enrolling myself in a Child Psychology course this month. I am quite excited about it because it's not going to take my time away from Nikki and Ethan and our homeschooling activities. At the same time, I am also planning to further that by taking Caring for the Special Child, a diploma course at the University of the Philippines (where I graduated from). It's also a course that I could take in the comfort of home and will last only a few months. So, I'm going to be homeschooled too! =D
Ruther has been very supportive about this. He has been my strength when I had self-doubts during the past year. He was the one who urged me to follow what I wanted to do. When he asked me if I was still going to pursue my Dentistry course and I told him my heart was no longer in it, he told me to find out then what I desired to do and to do something that would make me happy. Because of his urging, I let myself dream and after several months of pondering and soul-searching, I now have the strength to start anew.
This is going to be a new adventure for me. I am starting from scratch once more but this time, I know this is what I really want.
P.S. Thank you baby. I love you...
GOOD NEWS
Anything earth-friendly is good news for me. I got this from www.inq7.net...
DOST eyes 1st RP-made electric vehicle
04/30/07
THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology, together with the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), is developing the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) for mass transportation.
Leading the development of the EV is engineer Romeo Marave, who owns the rights to a prototype EV. He is being assisted by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development (PCIERD), the MIT School of Mechanical Engineering and several PEZA-accredited private firms, including an organization of motor car battery companies and a group that makes motoring parts.
In an interview, DOST-PCIERD Deputy Director Raul Sabularse said the EV project entered by the three agencies will focus more on improving the engine earlier developed by Marave.
The first EV prototype was already tested by the MIT group. It has a payload of 1, 000 kilograms for a 70-kilometer run. Marave’s EV traveled the distance with an eight-hour charge at a cost of just P2.07 pesos per kilometer, or P144.90 for the entire 70-km trip.
The project is also aimed at lowering the use of gasoline-powered vehicles in cities, villages and subdivisions.
“We’re still working on the lower weight-to-power ratio of Marave’s vehicle. It also needs technical improvements before it can be commercially viable. We’re also looking into minimizing recharging time and building the car with much lighter materials,” according to Sabularse, who also heads the DOST-PCIERD’s alternative fuels project.
Sabularse noted that while other car manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota have already tested their own electric-hybrid vehicles, the Philippine EV will not compete with these and will instead have a niche market of users in the Philippines.
“We won’t be seeing any electric-powered jeepneys soon but some city-driving cars will be powered by electricity. Eventually, we’ll be working with power-charging stations for these types of vehicles,” Sabularse said.
DOST eyes 1st RP-made electric vehicle
04/30/07
THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology, together with the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), is developing the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) for mass transportation.
Leading the development of the EV is engineer Romeo Marave, who owns the rights to a prototype EV. He is being assisted by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development (PCIERD), the MIT School of Mechanical Engineering and several PEZA-accredited private firms, including an organization of motor car battery companies and a group that makes motoring parts.
In an interview, DOST-PCIERD Deputy Director Raul Sabularse said the EV project entered by the three agencies will focus more on improving the engine earlier developed by Marave.
The first EV prototype was already tested by the MIT group. It has a payload of 1, 000 kilograms for a 70-kilometer run. Marave’s EV traveled the distance with an eight-hour charge at a cost of just P2.07 pesos per kilometer, or P144.90 for the entire 70-km trip.
The project is also aimed at lowering the use of gasoline-powered vehicles in cities, villages and subdivisions.
“We’re still working on the lower weight-to-power ratio of Marave’s vehicle. It also needs technical improvements before it can be commercially viable. We’re also looking into minimizing recharging time and building the car with much lighter materials,” according to Sabularse, who also heads the DOST-PCIERD’s alternative fuels project.
Sabularse noted that while other car manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota have already tested their own electric-hybrid vehicles, the Philippine EV will not compete with these and will instead have a niche market of users in the Philippines.
“We won’t be seeing any electric-powered jeepneys soon but some city-driving cars will be powered by electricity. Eventually, we’ll be working with power-charging stations for these types of vehicles,” Sabularse said.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
LEONARDO DA VINCI SAID...
Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
After that dismal choice of read the past week, I thought it was time for me to start reading again. I was craving for a murder mystery story so I picked this book to read this week. I can never go wrong with an Agatha Christie book. So happy reading again for me! =D
PRICEY
I was browsing through a fashion magazine yesterday out of boredom. But my boredom quickly vanished when I saw a Salvatore Ferragamo bag that cost P66,500!! Unbelievingly, I looked again. Yes, I saw right! 6. 6. 5. 0. 0. Wow. There was a Vivienne Tam skirt that cost P15,649, a Furla tote at P 27,950, Tod's flats costing P25,5000, and this one blew my mind away... a Prada hand bag that cost P106,000!!! Now I know about signature clothes and accessories. I know they are costly and are of good quality. But my goodness! This is just too much!
After I put down the magazine I still could not forget about what I read. I was thinking, the cost of the Vivienne Tam skirt could save the life of a poor child. The cost of the Salvatore Ferragamo bag could clothe several street children. Those Tod's flats could feed how many hungry school children. The Furla bag cost could provide a patient with medical attention or medicines. And that Prada handbag could give shelter to many homeless people.
I thought about that and I was sad. In fact it really affected me that until today, I could not forget those exorbitant prices. I think the world needs more than just expensive things. I think the world needs care and concern and love. If I had the money to buy those things , I would still do what I suggested. I would give it to charity. After all what would I do with a bag that would stay behind when I die? I would rather bring precious memories with me than material things. But then again, that's just me...
After I put down the magazine I still could not forget about what I read. I was thinking, the cost of the Vivienne Tam skirt could save the life of a poor child. The cost of the Salvatore Ferragamo bag could clothe several street children. Those Tod's flats could feed how many hungry school children. The Furla bag cost could provide a patient with medical attention or medicines. And that Prada handbag could give shelter to many homeless people.
I thought about that and I was sad. In fact it really affected me that until today, I could not forget those exorbitant prices. I think the world needs more than just expensive things. I think the world needs care and concern and love. If I had the money to buy those things , I would still do what I suggested. I would give it to charity. After all what would I do with a bag that would stay behind when I die? I would rather bring precious memories with me than material things. But then again, that's just me...
Saturday, April 28, 2007
WEIGHT TO GO
I was reading my magazine this afternoon when I encountered a very useful article. It listed 15 foods that would help people like me (a.k.a weight-obssessed) to lose some weight. Here's the list and good luck to us!
15 FOODS TO HELP YOU LOSE
1. EGGS. They're full of protein and will help you feel fuller longer. Research has shown that protein may also prevent spikes in blood sugar, which can also lead to food cravings.
2. BEANS. You've probably never heard of cholecystokinin, but it's one of your best weight-loss pals. This digestive hormone is a natural appetite suppresant. One way of getting more cholecystokinin is by eating beans. There's also evidence that beans keep blood sugar on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer. Health bonus: High-fiber beans can lower your cholesterol.
3. SALAD. Control that calorie intake by starting with a large salad (but hold the creamy dressing). People who ate one salad a day with dressing had higher levels of vitamins C and E, folic acid, lycopene, and carotenoids - all disease fighters - than those who didn't eat salad to their daily menu.
4. GREEN TEA. The slimming ingredient isn't caffeine. Antioxidants called catechins are what help speed metabolism and fat burning. In a recent Japanese study, 35 men who drank a bottle of oolong tea mixed with green tea catechins lost weight, boosted their metabolism, and had a significant drop in their body mass index. Health bonus: The participants also lowered their (bad) LDL cholesterol.
5. PEARS. They're now recognized as having more fiber. At 6 grams per medium-sized pear, they're great at filling you up. Apples come in second. Both contain pectin fiber, which decreases blood-sugar levels, helping you avoid between-meal snacking.
6. SOUP. Researchers speculate that even the simplest soup satisfies hunger because your brain perceives it as filling.
7. LEAN BEEF. The amino acid leucine, which is abundant in proteins like meat and fish as well as in dairy products, can help you pare down while maintaining calorie-burning muscle.
8. OLIVE OIL. A monosaturated fat, it will help you burn calories. It works well in salad dresings, as a bread dip, for sauteing.
9. GRAPEFRUIT. Eating half a grapefruit before each meal or drinking a serving of the juice three times a day helped people drop more than 3 pounds over 12 weeks. The fruit's phytochemicals reduce insulin levels, a process that may force your body to convert calories into energy rather than flab.
10. CINNAMON. A little cinnamon can help control post-meal insulin spikes, which make you feel hungry. Health bonus: A quarter teaspoon of cinnamon a day lowered the blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
11. VINEGAR. It's a great filler-upper. Acetic acid in the vinegar may slow the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestines so your tummy stays full longer. Vinegar can also short-circuit teh swift blood-sugar rise that occurs after you eat refined carbs such as white bread, cookies and crackers.
12. TOFU. Tofu is an appetite-quashing protein.
13. NUTS. People who tend to snack on nuts tend to be slimmer and burned more calories even when relaxing. Health bonus: Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and eating 10-20 pecans a day can reduce heart disease risks.
14. HIGH-FIBER CEREAL. You can curb your appetite by eating a bowl for breakfast.
15. RED HOT PEPPER. Eating a bowl of spicy chili regularly can help you lose weight. The magic ingredient may be capsaicin, which helps suppress appetite.
15 FOODS TO HELP YOU LOSE
1. EGGS. They're full of protein and will help you feel fuller longer. Research has shown that protein may also prevent spikes in blood sugar, which can also lead to food cravings.
2. BEANS. You've probably never heard of cholecystokinin, but it's one of your best weight-loss pals. This digestive hormone is a natural appetite suppresant. One way of getting more cholecystokinin is by eating beans. There's also evidence that beans keep blood sugar on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer. Health bonus: High-fiber beans can lower your cholesterol.
3. SALAD. Control that calorie intake by starting with a large salad (but hold the creamy dressing). People who ate one salad a day with dressing had higher levels of vitamins C and E, folic acid, lycopene, and carotenoids - all disease fighters - than those who didn't eat salad to their daily menu.
4. GREEN TEA. The slimming ingredient isn't caffeine. Antioxidants called catechins are what help speed metabolism and fat burning. In a recent Japanese study, 35 men who drank a bottle of oolong tea mixed with green tea catechins lost weight, boosted their metabolism, and had a significant drop in their body mass index. Health bonus: The participants also lowered their (bad) LDL cholesterol.
5. PEARS. They're now recognized as having more fiber. At 6 grams per medium-sized pear, they're great at filling you up. Apples come in second. Both contain pectin fiber, which decreases blood-sugar levels, helping you avoid between-meal snacking.
6. SOUP. Researchers speculate that even the simplest soup satisfies hunger because your brain perceives it as filling.
7. LEAN BEEF. The amino acid leucine, which is abundant in proteins like meat and fish as well as in dairy products, can help you pare down while maintaining calorie-burning muscle.
8. OLIVE OIL. A monosaturated fat, it will help you burn calories. It works well in salad dresings, as a bread dip, for sauteing.
9. GRAPEFRUIT. Eating half a grapefruit before each meal or drinking a serving of the juice three times a day helped people drop more than 3 pounds over 12 weeks. The fruit's phytochemicals reduce insulin levels, a process that may force your body to convert calories into energy rather than flab.
10. CINNAMON. A little cinnamon can help control post-meal insulin spikes, which make you feel hungry. Health bonus: A quarter teaspoon of cinnamon a day lowered the blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
11. VINEGAR. It's a great filler-upper. Acetic acid in the vinegar may slow the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestines so your tummy stays full longer. Vinegar can also short-circuit teh swift blood-sugar rise that occurs after you eat refined carbs such as white bread, cookies and crackers.
12. TOFU. Tofu is an appetite-quashing protein.
13. NUTS. People who tend to snack on nuts tend to be slimmer and burned more calories even when relaxing. Health bonus: Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and eating 10-20 pecans a day can reduce heart disease risks.
14. HIGH-FIBER CEREAL. You can curb your appetite by eating a bowl for breakfast.
15. RED HOT PEPPER. Eating a bowl of spicy chili regularly can help you lose weight. The magic ingredient may be capsaicin, which helps suppress appetite.
JAMES BRYDEN SAID...
Love does not die easily. It is a living thing. It thrives in the face of all life's hazards, save one - neglect.
Friday, April 27, 2007
WAY BACK INTO LOVE
This is my current favorite song. I love the lyrics, the accompaniment, the singing... There are some words that apply to what I have been feeling these past few weeks...
WAY BACK INTO LOVE
Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant
I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past,
I just can't seem to move on
I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh
I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere
I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end
WAY BACK INTO LOVE
Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant
I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past,
I just can't seem to move on
I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh
I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere
I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end
MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES
To view it more clearly, click on the map.
Manila is in the National Capital Region. Zamboanga is waaay down, at the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The Philippines has 7,100 islands. =D
POLITICS AND RAIN
These days, it's all about the elections. Elections in the paper, on the radio, on tv... Elections, elections, elections. I hate politics! I want to read about more important things like the environment, new discoveries and good news. I hate all this political hoopla... I wish all this would end soon...
.....
It has been raining these past few nights. It's so nice to feel the cold air again, to hear the raindrops on the roof, to inhale the fresh air when you're about to sleep. It's such a lovely feeling. Hopefully it will rain some more in the next few nights to give us some respite from the summer heat.
.....
It has been raining these past few nights. It's so nice to feel the cold air again, to hear the raindrops on the roof, to inhale the fresh air when you're about to sleep. It's such a lovely feeling. Hopefully it will rain some more in the next few nights to give us some respite from the summer heat.
JAMES MARTINEAU SAID...
The mere lapse of years is not life. To eat, to drink, and sleep; to be exposed to darkness and the light; to pace around in the mill of habit, and turn thought into an instrument of trade-this is not life. Knowledge, truth, love, beauty, goodness, faith, alone can give vitality to the mechanism of existence.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
BUKO PIE
Buko is a Tagalog word and means young coconut (pertaining to the meat). The buko pie in Manila is not like this. I never really liked the buko pie in Manila (actually in a province south 
of Manila called Laguna) because it's a bit dry and for the life of me, I could never seem to taste the custard in it. So, when I saw this slice in a bakeshop here in Zamboanga, I just had to try it. It looks really yummy, doesn't it? I have to admit, the meringue on the top added to the "want" factor. =D
of Manila called Laguna) because it's a bit dry and for the life of me, I could never seem to taste the custard in it. So, when I saw this slice in a bakeshop here in Zamboanga, I just had to try it. It looks really yummy, doesn't it? I have to admit, the meringue on the top added to the "want" factor. =D The buko pie in Manila doesn't have this meringue on top. It's just huge slivers of young coconut meat or buko mixed in very little custard. I really am not too fond of that because 1. the coconut slivers are too big and you have a bit of difficulty biting them off and 2. the pie is too dry for my taste. I like my buko pies rich and creamy and custard-y and a bit sweet. Just like this one!
side view. yummy!
ACTIVITIES
Last night and today the boys and I just made some crafts. Since Nikki is really into the solar system and already knows about the planets, their relative sizes and colors, I decided to make a new set of planets for him and add additional facts for each planet. So last night we were able to do a lot of cutting and pasting and this is what we came up with so far... tada!
Jupiter... we even included the Great Red Spot. =D It's just not too visible though...
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
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The planets - I know that Pluto is no longer a planet but I still want Nikki to learn about it and I remind him that the proper term for Pluto is that it's a "dwarf planet".
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Jupiter... we even included the Great Red Spot. =D It's just not too visible though...
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Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
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Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto
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We used old magazines to provide the colors of the planets (after verifying from the internet of course) and I was happy with the result. The scale is not exact though but at least Nikki will know which planet is bigger than which. I was happy with the activity because not only did it teach the boys about science and astronomy, but it also taught them how to cut (with much difficulty, I might add) and paste, how to work together, how to recycle (I didn't want them to use colored papers because we have many magazines lying around) and that it's okay to make a mess once in a while. We had a lot of fun! Hopefully, in the next few days, we will be able to post the facts under each planet. This is another reason why I like homeschooling. We don't have to rely on schoolbooks that might have information that's not updated. When we did this project, we searched the internet for data and so now, I'm confident that what I'm teaching the boys is right. The first time I taught Nikki the solar system (from Reader's Digest Children's Atlas to the Universe book) Jupiter had 18 satellites. When I checked the internet last night, NASA said Jupiter currently has 63 MOONS!!! Wow!!! So yeah, I'm glad I did research first...
Will post a photo of the finished product later... =D
.....
This afternoon, we played with the frisbee I bought yesterday. Unfortunately, the garden was too small for it and we had to keep playing at a minimum. Too bad. But still, Nikki had fun. As we were playing, I suddenly thought about the huge space in front of Akarenga (the red brick warehouse converted into boutique and dining places at Yokohama) where some families would fly kites, walk their pets, picnic, nap and throw frisbees. I was thinking it would be a wonderful experience to play with the boys and Ruther there. Everyone would have a lot of fun...
Oh well...
Will post a photo of the finished product later... =D
.....
This afternoon, we played with the frisbee I bought yesterday. Unfortunately, the garden was too small for it and we had to keep playing at a minimum. Too bad. But still, Nikki had fun. As we were playing, I suddenly thought about the huge space in front of Akarenga (the red brick warehouse converted into boutique and dining places at Yokohama) where some families would fly kites, walk their pets, picnic, nap and throw frisbees. I was thinking it would be a wonderful experience to play with the boys and Ruther there. Everyone would have a lot of fun...
Oh well...
APRIL FESTIVALS
KUTSITSA FESTIVAL
April 26 Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
This is a thanksgiving event for a bountiful harvest, with festivities like street dancing competition and agri-trade fair.
BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL
April 27- April 29 San Jose, Antique
Celebrated annually to commemorate the landing of the ten Bornean datus and made their first settlement in the country.
SAKNUNGAN FESTIVAL
April 27- April 30 San Jose, Mindoro Occidental
Festival incorporating the exhibition of the cultural heritage of Mindoro’s ethnic communities.
YAG-YAG FESTIVAL
April 28 29 Cangmating Sibulan, Oriental Negros
Yagyag is the vernacular for spawning. The process refers in particular to the crabs and other marine creatures which gather during the months of October to December in Sapa.
MANGO-BAMBOO FESTIVAL AND TRADE FAIR
April 28 San Carlos, Pangasinan
A festival promoting San Carlos City as major trading center of bamboo based products/furniture and best producer of "carabao" mangoes and other mango variety in the country.
TINAPAHAN FESTIVAL
April 29- May 1 Lemery, Batangas
A 3-day festivities that will showcase a trade fair of agro-industrial products, lectures on livestock raising and food processing as well as food demo competition.
BAGGAK FESTIVAL
April 29 Bauang, La Union
Inland and coastal sports, beauty contest, musical extravaganzas and activities for balikbayans.
IMBAYAH
April 29- May 1 Banaue, Ifugao
Ethnic Sports Festival and thanksgiving rites featuring Ifugao's traditional practices showcased in their songs, dances, arts & crafts.
BANGUS (MILKFISH) FESTIVAL
April 30 Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Part of Dagupan’s Pistay Dayat celebration with the highlight of longest bangus (milkfish) grill covering more than 1,000 meters of the whole stretch of the main road.
source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/events/events_calendar.asp
April 26 Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
This is a thanksgiving event for a bountiful harvest, with festivities like street dancing competition and agri-trade fair.
BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL
April 27- April 29 San Jose, Antique
Celebrated annually to commemorate the landing of the ten Bornean datus and made their first settlement in the country.
SAKNUNGAN FESTIVAL
April 27- April 30 San Jose, Mindoro Occidental
Festival incorporating the exhibition of the cultural heritage of Mindoro’s ethnic communities.
YAG-YAG FESTIVAL
April 28 29 Cangmating Sibulan, Oriental Negros
Yagyag is the vernacular for spawning. The process refers in particular to the crabs and other marine creatures which gather during the months of October to December in Sapa.
MANGO-BAMBOO FESTIVAL AND TRADE FAIR
April 28 San Carlos, Pangasinan
A festival promoting San Carlos City as major trading center of bamboo based products/furniture and best producer of "carabao" mangoes and other mango variety in the country.
TINAPAHAN FESTIVAL
April 29- May 1 Lemery, Batangas
A 3-day festivities that will showcase a trade fair of agro-industrial products, lectures on livestock raising and food processing as well as food demo competition.
BAGGAK FESTIVAL
April 29 Bauang, La Union
Inland and coastal sports, beauty contest, musical extravaganzas and activities for balikbayans.
IMBAYAH
April 29- May 1 Banaue, Ifugao
Ethnic Sports Festival and thanksgiving rites featuring Ifugao's traditional practices showcased in their songs, dances, arts & crafts.
BANGUS (MILKFISH) FESTIVAL
April 30 Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Part of Dagupan’s Pistay Dayat celebration with the highlight of longest bangus (milkfish) grill covering more than 1,000 meters of the whole stretch of the main road.
source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/events/events_calendar.asp
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
KURT VONNEGUT SAID...
A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.
VANILLA
Little Vanilla - I took this photo this afternoon while the boys were playing in the garden. When she first came to live with us (she was given by my uncle - my mom's brother) she was shy and very cautious. But now, she's precocious and very active and she barks a lot. She likes to play near the plants (much to my mom's irritation =D) and she loves to be cuddled. Her playmate is Shiro, being the junior doggies of the lot. She looks really cute in the photo with her ears all perked up like that. =D
GOTCHA!!
I mentioned about my night visitor in a previous post. Well, surprise surprise!! When I woke up this morning, the little bugger was caught in the flypaper!! Bwahahahaha! Joyful day! Poor little lizard though. He got caught in the flypaper yesterday. I felt so bad for the lizard because I like lizards. They eat mosquitoes and insects and well, here in the Philippines, they are a sign of good luck in a home. Sorry little reptile! When Nikki and Ethan saw the lizard stuck in the flypaper yesterday, they wanted me to remove it. But I couldn't because it was stuck fast and I didn't think it would live after being removed from flypaper. So I told them that unfortunately, the lizard had to stay there. This morning, when Ethan saw the mouse, he wanted to touch it which really freaked me out! So, after I took a picture of it, I had the flypaper thrown away pronto.
Sorry if the photo grosses you out (looking at the photo creeps ME out!). Just want to show proof that the pesky mouse is finally outta here! I hope I won't see any more mice in my room...
TO TOWN, TO TOWN...
I went to town this afternoon while the boys were napping. No, I did not go on a shopping spree. I had to buy diapers for the boys. I realized last night that they were out of diapers (they use them only at night as a just in case) so I had to go to town today. I also had to buy some bottle nipples/teats because Ethan created a big hole in one of his bottle nipples. I really don't know why he loves to chew (yes, CHEW not bite) on those. Anyway, while in town, I bought some snacks for the boys, a chocolate bar for me (shhhh!), facial wash, a croquet set for the boys, a frisbee and a Lightning McQueen notebook for Ethan and a Buttercup and Mojo Jojo notebook for Nikki. When I arrived home, the boys were still asleep. Such sleepyheads. =D When he woke up, Nikki was quite excited about the croquet set and wanted to play with it immediately but I told him to wait awhile because it was still too hot outside. When it was 430pm, he finally got to play after I showed him how to do it. While watching Nikki play and after taking his photo (Ethan was playing with his tryke then) the water in their pool looked so inviting to me so I changed my clothes and just stayed in the pool with Ethan while Nikki played with his croquet set. Ethan loved pouring water all over my back and we played the "can you find..." game. At around 530, we went into the house but Ethan wanted to stay out and put up a fuss. But when I showed him his Lightning McQueen notebook, he came inside immediately and asked for his crayons. Wow. Nikki loved his Buttercup notebook (he likes watching the Powerpuff Girls on Cartoon Network now) and started to write in it. So now, I have time to blog because everyone's busy! Hahaha! =D Maybe tomorrow afternoon, we'll try the frisbee. I hope it won't fly to the roof or to the nearby tree... Fun fun fun! =D
KRYPTONITE ON EARTH
Did you hear? Kryptonite is no longer fiction... It's real!!! When I read about it I was really astounded... Now, if we could only find Superman...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070424/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_kryptonite
Scientists unearth Superman's "kryptonite"
A mineral found by geologists in Serbia shares virtually the same chemical composition as the fictional kryptonite from outer space, used by the superhero's nemesis Lex Luther to weaken him in the film "Superman Returns".
"We will have to be careful with it -- we wouldn't want to deprive Earth of its most famous superhero!," said Dr Chris Stanley, a mineralogist at the Natural History Museum.
Stanley, who revealed the identity of the mysterious new mineral, discovered the match after searching the Internet for its chemical formula - sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide.
"I was amazed to discover that same scientific name written on a case of rock containing kryptonite stolen by Lex Luther from a museum in the film Superman Returns," he said.
The substance has been confirmed as a new mineral after tests by scientists at the Natural History Museum and the National Research Council in Canada.
But instead of the large green crystals in Superman comics, the real thing is a white, powdery substance which contains no fluorine and is non-radioactive.
The mineral, to be named Jadarite, will go on show at the the Natural History Museum at certain times of the day on Wednesday, April 25, and Sunday, May 13.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070424/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_kryptonite
Scientists unearth Superman's "kryptonite"
A mineral found by geologists in Serbia shares virtually the same chemical composition as the fictional kryptonite from outer space, used by the superhero's nemesis Lex Luther to weaken him in the film "Superman Returns".
"We will have to be careful with it -- we wouldn't want to deprive Earth of its most famous superhero!," said Dr Chris Stanley, a mineralogist at the Natural History Museum.
Stanley, who revealed the identity of the mysterious new mineral, discovered the match after searching the Internet for its chemical formula - sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide.
"I was amazed to discover that same scientific name written on a case of rock containing kryptonite stolen by Lex Luther from a museum in the film Superman Returns," he said.
The substance has been confirmed as a new mineral after tests by scientists at the Natural History Museum and the National Research Council in Canada.
But instead of the large green crystals in Superman comics, the real thing is a white, powdery substance which contains no fluorine and is non-radioactive.
The mineral, to be named Jadarite, will go on show at the the Natural History Museum at certain times of the day on Wednesday, April 25, and Sunday, May 13.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
BUDDHA SAID...
“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.”
NIGHT VISITOR
For the past 2 nights we have had a visitor in our room. Yep, it's a little mouse!
The first time I noticed it was when it crawled under the door and ran under the computer chair (where I was!) and dashed under the bed. Now, I really HATE mice. I cannot be even more explicit about it. I HATE them! I HATE mice and I HATE rats! HATE! HATE! HATE!!! Okay, gotta calm down...
I know mice in movies are cute and all but well, in real life and in my world, they creep me out. A lot. I suppose there's that ick factor and the fact that they are dirty creatures. Also, I hate it when they scamper around oblivious to any human presence. Can't they do that when everyone's asleep? I also hate it when they could fit into a hole as tiny as the circumference of your thumb and when they get into nooks and crannies. I hate it when I see little mouse droppings here and there because I can already imagine the myriad of diseases and sicknesses one little poo can bring to me and my boys. So yeah, I am itching to get rid of this little bugger...
I found out from experience that poisoned rat/mouse food is not a good idea. Firstly, these pests are very cautious creatures. It will take several days for them to get near the food let alone eat it. Secondly, when they do eat it and eventualy die, there is the task of finding the smelly body which, in my opinion, is totally disgusting. Thirdly, having poisoned rat food in a home where 2 curious boys are present is NOT a good idea. So, in comes the FLYPAPER! Yup, good old flypaper. I usually just put a sheet of flypaper in an area where the mouse frequents, hold it down with sticky tape and put a small piece of food (usually the really smelly one like chicken or dried fish) right smack in the middle of it. Then I wait. It takes a lot of patience but sooner or later, I do get them. It's just a matter of time...
The trap is ready. Now, I wait...
The first time I noticed it was when it crawled under the door and ran under the computer chair (where I was!) and dashed under the bed. Now, I really HATE mice. I cannot be even more explicit about it. I HATE them! I HATE mice and I HATE rats! HATE! HATE! HATE!!! Okay, gotta calm down...
I know mice in movies are cute and all but well, in real life and in my world, they creep me out. A lot. I suppose there's that ick factor and the fact that they are dirty creatures. Also, I hate it when they scamper around oblivious to any human presence. Can't they do that when everyone's asleep? I also hate it when they could fit into a hole as tiny as the circumference of your thumb and when they get into nooks and crannies. I hate it when I see little mouse droppings here and there because I can already imagine the myriad of diseases and sicknesses one little poo can bring to me and my boys. So yeah, I am itching to get rid of this little bugger...
I found out from experience that poisoned rat/mouse food is not a good idea. Firstly, these pests are very cautious creatures. It will take several days for them to get near the food let alone eat it. Secondly, when they do eat it and eventualy die, there is the task of finding the smelly body which, in my opinion, is totally disgusting. Thirdly, having poisoned rat food in a home where 2 curious boys are present is NOT a good idea. So, in comes the FLYPAPER! Yup, good old flypaper. I usually just put a sheet of flypaper in an area where the mouse frequents, hold it down with sticky tape and put a small piece of food (usually the really smelly one like chicken or dried fish) right smack in the middle of it. Then I wait. It takes a lot of patience but sooner or later, I do get them. It's just a matter of time...
The trap is ready. Now, I wait...
ETHAN
Here is a photo of Ethan. This was taken last October 2004 so he was about a year and 4 months at this time. I think this was at Alabang Town Center, a mall near Ruther's office in Manila. I love this photo because Ethan's eyes are all twinkly and he has such a HUGE smile it makes his nose a bit flat. Hahaha... =D Cutie baby...
Monday, April 23, 2007
A DULL MONDAY
I decided to stop reading the book Audrey Hepburn's Neck. Since I posted about it the other day, I haven't touched the book and now, I just want to get a new book that would interest me. I'm not even sorry I didn't finish the book. It's THAT boring...
.....
I was supposed to go to town this afternoon but well, I changed my mind. Firstly, I realized that I only wanted to go because I was bored at home. Secondly, I had nothing important to buy there so I thought, why should I go? Thirdly, I realized that I will only be spending needlessly so finally, I decided against it. So instead, I just fixed the room up a bit and sorted my old clothes. I plan to give my old clothes away to those who need them more. I am sure the extra space in my cabinet and the organized look of my clothes will please my mom a lot.
.....
While browsing through the channels, I happened to see Heart and Souls on HBO. I love this movie. The first time I watched this, I thought it was hilarious and I really loved Robert Downey Jr. here. He's such a great actor. Too bad what happened to him in the later years though... Anyway I really enjoyed watching this movie again this afternoon. This is really a feel-good movie and one I will enjoy watching from time to time.
SHOEPRINTS
Here's a photo of my foot, Ethan's foot (with no shoes on) Nikki's foot and part of Ruther's shoe alongside Charlie Brown's shoe prints. I took this at Queen Square, Yokohama...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
EARTH DAY
I think everyone should be environmentally aware and do our part in making Mother Earth live for a long, long time...
from wikipedia:
EARTH DAY (APRIL 22)
Responding to wide spread environmental degradation, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin called for an Environmental Teach-in or Earth Day to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated and it is now observed each year by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries.
Earth Day proved extremely popular in the United States and around the world. The first Earth Day, in 1970, had participants and celebrants in two thousand colleges and universities, roughly ten thousand primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States.
The momentum of all this thought and action helped make Earth Day happen. It is generally accepted that this momentum was increased by the event itself. The first Earth Day is commonly credited with creating environmentalism, and/or giving a tremendous boost to the pre-existing conservation groups and the relatively new and radical grassroots ecology movement, as well as spurring the growth of environmentally sensitive spiritual paths such as Wicca and Neopaganism.
Earth Day's leading organizer Denis Hayes said he wanted Earth Day to "bypass the traditional political process,". However, Earth Day's effect on the political process was immediate and powerful, including the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Earth Day was a resounding success.
Grassroots groups have sought to make Earth Day into a day of action which changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.
from wikipedia:
EARTH DAY (APRIL 22)
Responding to wide spread environmental degradation, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin called for an Environmental Teach-in or Earth Day to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated and it is now observed each year by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries.
Earth Day proved extremely popular in the United States and around the world. The first Earth Day, in 1970, had participants and celebrants in two thousand colleges and universities, roughly ten thousand primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States.
The momentum of all this thought and action helped make Earth Day happen. It is generally accepted that this momentum was increased by the event itself. The first Earth Day is commonly credited with creating environmentalism, and/or giving a tremendous boost to the pre-existing conservation groups and the relatively new and radical grassroots ecology movement, as well as spurring the growth of environmentally sensitive spiritual paths such as Wicca and Neopaganism.
Earth Day's leading organizer Denis Hayes said he wanted Earth Day to "bypass the traditional political process,". However, Earth Day's effect on the political process was immediate and powerful, including the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Earth Day was a resounding success.
Grassroots groups have sought to make Earth Day into a day of action which changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.
ADDICTED
Yup! I have become quite addicted to Pinoy Big Brother. I think the Philippines-Slovenia swap was a refreshing change to both houses. I really enjoy Tina's energy and cheerfulness with the Philippine housemates. Hopefully, Bruce will be comfortable in Slovenia too (despite the chilly weather). I spent the entire afternoon today just reading forums and watching uploaded videos on Youtube. I know... bad... =D It's a good thing this swap is only for a week...
.....
Nikki is really itching to go back to Manila. I think he misses the daily activities we have there. In the afternoons, we usually go to the nearby playground and in the mornings they watch their shows. Sometimes, we go to the mall and do some studying and sometimes, I just leave the boys to do things on their own. So yeah, maybe compared to the activities we have in Manila life in Zamboanga is boring. I just told him to be a bit more patient and pretty soon, we'll be heading for Manila. =D Also, he wants to go back to Japan. I think he misses Ruther and family bonding we had there. He really had a lot of fun because when he sees the photos we took there, he remembers them all.
.....
Nikki is really itching to go back to Manila. I think he misses the daily activities we have there. In the afternoons, we usually go to the nearby playground and in the mornings they watch their shows. Sometimes, we go to the mall and do some studying and sometimes, I just leave the boys to do things on their own. So yeah, maybe compared to the activities we have in Manila life in Zamboanga is boring. I just told him to be a bit more patient and pretty soon, we'll be heading for Manila. =D Also, he wants to go back to Japan. I think he misses Ruther and family bonding we had there. He really had a lot of fun because when he sees the photos we took there, he remembers them all.
DISAPPOINTING READ AND SATURDAY FUN
This is the book I am currently reading. I'm halfway through it and well, sad to say, it is kinda disappointing. I thought it would be interesting and insightful but it's just drags on and on. Sometimes, I don't even have the energy to pick it up because I'm afraid I'll be bored to death when I start reading a few pages. You simply don't know where the story is going. I won't even write the synopsis here because I'm not done with the book yet and I'm sure it will come out very boring. I sometimes think, why am I even bothering to finish this book when I can barely bring myself to open it? Well maybe, I want to know how it ends. But then again, I can always read the last page...
Oh well... I'll decide later on whether or not I'll finish this quite disappointing book...
.....
Ruther had a fun-filled day today with his officemates. First they had a sort-of bowling tournament at Round 1, Yokohama. He told me he did not have a great game but I'm still happy he played if only for the exercise. Then they went to Kamoi for karaoke. I'm sure he had a blast here. Then they had dinner at a place called Gusto. I've never been there but he said they had a good meal. =D
Saturday, April 21, 2007
LIMBO NO MORE
I just read in an article on how the Roman Catholic Church dismissed the concept of limbo after thousands of years of teaching. From the article: Limbo, which comes from the Latin word meaning "border" or "edge," was considered by medieval theologians to be a state or place reserved for the unbaptized dead, including good people who lived before the coming of Christ. "People find it increasingly difficult to accept that God is just and merciful if he excludes infants, who have no personal sins, from eternal happiness, whether they are Christian or non-Christian," the document said. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070420/ts_nm/pope_limbo_dc
When I was little, I heard about limbo and I thought that it must be a sad sad place for all those babies who died and were never baptized. Only when I was in High School and studied Catechism that I thought, "What about other religions? They don't have the Sacrament of Baptism. Does this mean that God will not welcome them in His Kingdom when they die?" So, I thought then limbo just existed in the Catholic teachings. And it appears that I was right. After all, why should the innocent little babies go to limbo just because they have the stain of the original sin? I think other people have done much worse than that (ex. Va. Tech). So yes, I think it's for the best that this concept was scrapped. But I still think that the Sacrament of Baptism is holy, that Catholic babies should have it and I hope that God saves all the unborn and unbaptized babies who died so that their souls will rest in peace.
When I was little, I heard about limbo and I thought that it must be a sad sad place for all those babies who died and were never baptized. Only when I was in High School and studied Catechism that I thought, "What about other religions? They don't have the Sacrament of Baptism. Does this mean that God will not welcome them in His Kingdom when they die?" So, I thought then limbo just existed in the Catholic teachings. And it appears that I was right. After all, why should the innocent little babies go to limbo just because they have the stain of the original sin? I think other people have done much worse than that (ex. Va. Tech). So yes, I think it's for the best that this concept was scrapped. But I still think that the Sacrament of Baptism is holy, that Catholic babies should have it and I hope that God saves all the unborn and unbaptized babies who died so that their souls will rest in peace.
COCONUT MANGO
This is called a coconut mango. As you can see in this photo, it's as big as my hand. According to my mom, coconut mangoes grow even bigger than this one! So imagine my astonishment when I heard that!
This mango was given to us by our neighbor who is also a relative (father's side). My mom said that before this, they were given a huge one and it was so sweet, crunchy and yummy. True enough, when we opened this, the fruit was a perfect dark yellow and it was sweet. I hope my aunt gives us more mangoes in the coming days... =D yummy!!
ALEX KARRAS SAID...
“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.”
Friday, April 20, 2007
HONEY-MUSTARD PORK CHOPS
I found this recipe in a food magazine and I thought the photo looked delicious so I am saving the recipe here just in case I want to try making this one of these days...
HONEY-MUSTARD PORK CHOPS
Honey-Mustard glaze:
1/4 C honey
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar)
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
dash of onion powder
For the chops:
4 boneless pork loin chops, 1-in thick
salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients for glaze. Marinate pork chops in glaze for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush grill rack with oil to prevent sticking. Heat grill to medium.
Remove pork from marinade and resere marinade. Grill pork 4-5 inches from heat, 10-15 minutes, turning once.
Meanwhile, heat reserved marinade to boiling and brush pork with marinade during last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve hot with choice of salad.
Serves 4.
HONEY-MUSTARD PORK CHOPS
Honey-Mustard glaze:
1/4 C honey
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar)
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
dash of onion powder
For the chops:
4 boneless pork loin chops, 1-in thick
salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients for glaze. Marinate pork chops in glaze for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush grill rack with oil to prevent sticking. Heat grill to medium.
Remove pork from marinade and resere marinade. Grill pork 4-5 inches from heat, 10-15 minutes, turning once.
Meanwhile, heat reserved marinade to boiling and brush pork with marinade during last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve hot with choice of salad.
Serves 4.
AT A FAMILY RESTAURANT
Nikki loves to swing...
Ethan gives it a try.
The kids' play area.
"I'm having loads of fun!"
"Catch me, Mommy!"
Ethan gives it a try.
The kids' play area.
"I'm having loads of fun!"
"Catch me, Mommy!"
A SONG FOR ME
This song somehow just affects me (more at this time than any other time...)
When She Cries Lyrics
Artist (Band): Restless Heart
The road I have traveled on
Is paved with good intentions
It's littered with broken dreams
That never quite came true
When all of my hopes were dying
Her love kept me trying
She does her best to hide
The pain that she's been through
(CHORUS)
When she cries at night
And she doesn't think that I can hear her
She tries to hide
All the fear she feels inside
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves'
Cause I die a little each time
When she cries
She's always been there for me
Whenever I've fallen
When nobody else believes
She'll be there by my side
I don't know how she takes it
Just once I'd like to make it
Then there'll be tears of joy
That fill her loving eyes
(CHORUS)
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves'
Cause I die a little each time
When she cries
When She Cries Lyrics
Artist (Band): Restless Heart
The road I have traveled on
Is paved with good intentions
It's littered with broken dreams
That never quite came true
When all of my hopes were dying
Her love kept me trying
She does her best to hide
The pain that she's been through
(CHORUS)
When she cries at night
And she doesn't think that I can hear her
She tries to hide
All the fear she feels inside
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves'
Cause I die a little each time
When she cries
She's always been there for me
Whenever I've fallen
When nobody else believes
She'll be there by my side
I don't know how she takes it
Just once I'd like to make it
Then there'll be tears of joy
That fill her loving eyes
(CHORUS)
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves'
Cause I die a little each time
When she cries
Thursday, April 19, 2007
ATE AND ME
This is a photo of Ate and me in Baguio. I am the one sitting on the left. I think I was only 3 years old when this picture was taken. Baguio is called the Summer Capital of the Philippines because it is the perfect place to go during the hot summer. More on Baguio from Wikipedia:
The City of Baguio (Ilokano: Ciudad ti Baguio; Filipino: Lungsod ng Baguio) is a 1st class highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903 and incorporated as a city by the Philippine Assembly on September 1, 1909. There is a presidential mansion, as well as supreme court and legislative offices in Baguio. Baguio is the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning 'moss'. The city is at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters (5100 feet) in a moist tropical pine forest conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids. Shopping at the famous city market offers one a wide array of locally sourced goods and products, from colorful woven fabrics and strung beads to primitive wood carvings, cut flowers, strawberries and vegetables. (Strawberries and string beans - known as 'Baguio beans' across the Philippines - are shipped to major urban markets.) Tourism is one of Baguio's main industries. Commonly, overseas visitors pass through Baguio, while Filipinos make it a destination.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 252,386 in 52,302 households.
I call my sister Ate because that is how we call our older female siblings in the Philippines. This is a sign of respect and was adapted from the Chinese culture (who also have similar terms for calling their older brothers and sisters). My sister's name is Sherry, but since she is the only elder sister I have, calling her Ate is sufficient. An older brother is called Kuya. If there is more than one older sibling, the younger ones add their names after the Ate or Kuya, example: Kuya Ian, Ate Marie, etc.
BACK ACHES AND HEALTH ISSUES
I noticed in the past few days that I have been experiencing low back pains. I really don't know if it's partly due to my disposition (I believe that what we emotionally feel affects our physical health) or because of poor posture. Or maybe it's both. I have been experiencing low back pains since I was in college. After sitting long hours, I would have aches on my back that would not subside immediately. I would resort to hot baths or liniments or analgesics (as a last resort) when afflicted with such pains. When I got pregnant, my low back pains got worse during the third trimster and walking became a bit difficult for me. Compared to that of course, my latest back aches are nothing. But still, it's very disconcerting and so, I would still want to be rid of this. I would have wanted to try acupuncture. But 1. it is a bit expensive for me, 2. it is not available in Zamboanga (or I have not heard of an acupuncturist here) and 3. when in Manila, the location is too far away from our home and is therefore inconvenient for me because no one can babysit the boys. So, lately, I just do the hot baths, liniments and analgesics although I rarely drink medicine now. I try to avoid taking medicine as much as I can and resort to more healthy options like drinking tea or using a hot water bottle. Why avoid medicine you ask? Well, I don't want to harm my liver or kidneys because of medicines. When I get older, for sure, I will be taking supplements but for now, I want to keep my kidneys and liver as healthy as possible.
Anyway, I am sure a happy disposition will help my condition as well since endorphins are the body's Prozac. I also plan on taking more milk or calcium supplements (but personally I choose the former). I have been kinda lax in this and I really don't want to be osteoporotic a few years from now. Furthermore, I have to take folic acid regularly (but I usually forget) because I am anemic and my red blood cells (RBCs) are not healthy. According to Nikki's hematologist who got blood samples from Ruther and me a few years ago, my RBCs are not as red nor as disc-shaped as the normal RBCs. So yeah, my RBCs are abnormal. But other than that, I think I am perfectly healthy (though I still have to lose those extra pounds... grr...).
My mom always tells me and my siblings to take care of our health. She and dad always remind us to cut down on sugar (diabetes is in the family history), to eat more fruits and vegetables, cut down on fatty meats and eat more white meat instead, and to exercise regularly. I plan to be more careful with my food intake. I have a sweet tooth so cutting down on sugary food is a bit difficult for me but of course, I DO want to stay healthy so I eat in moderation now. I also try to drink more juices and less colas. It's a good thing the boys are not into colas so less worries for me there. All in all, I suppose we just want to live as long as we can in this world and if we need to sacrifice a few things to do that, then why shouldn't we do so? So maybe, good eating habits, regular exercise and a happy disposition are what we all need to live long full lives...
Anyway, I am sure a happy disposition will help my condition as well since endorphins are the body's Prozac. I also plan on taking more milk or calcium supplements (but personally I choose the former). I have been kinda lax in this and I really don't want to be osteoporotic a few years from now. Furthermore, I have to take folic acid regularly (but I usually forget) because I am anemic and my red blood cells (RBCs) are not healthy. According to Nikki's hematologist who got blood samples from Ruther and me a few years ago, my RBCs are not as red nor as disc-shaped as the normal RBCs. So yeah, my RBCs are abnormal. But other than that, I think I am perfectly healthy (though I still have to lose those extra pounds... grr...).
My mom always tells me and my siblings to take care of our health. She and dad always remind us to cut down on sugar (diabetes is in the family history), to eat more fruits and vegetables, cut down on fatty meats and eat more white meat instead, and to exercise regularly. I plan to be more careful with my food intake. I have a sweet tooth so cutting down on sugary food is a bit difficult for me but of course, I DO want to stay healthy so I eat in moderation now. I also try to drink more juices and less colas. It's a good thing the boys are not into colas so less worries for me there. All in all, I suppose we just want to live as long as we can in this world and if we need to sacrifice a few things to do that, then why shouldn't we do so? So maybe, good eating habits, regular exercise and a happy disposition are what we all need to live long full lives...
ITLOG NA MAALAT (SALTED EGGS)
http://www.pinoyfoodtalk.net/index.php/site/comments/itlog_na_maalat_salted_eggs/
Mallard duck eggs, the sa
me kind used for making balut and penoy, are used for making itlog na maalat or salted eggs. I don’t know if that still holds true today or whether large chicken eggs are substituted for the duck eggs which are considerably more rare and expensive than chicken eggs.
me kind used for making balut and penoy, are used for making itlog na maalat or salted eggs. I don’t know if that still holds true today or whether large chicken eggs are substituted for the duck eggs which are considerably more rare and expensive than chicken eggs. Itlog na maalat are sold cooked--hard-boiled to be more precise. The red color of the shells isn’t natural, of course. The shells are colored to distinguish them from fresh eggs. In wet markets, itlog na maalat is sold side by side with fresh eggs and imagine if the vendor gets a little confused and gives you salted eggs when, in fact, you 
intended to buy fresh ones. In Pateros where making itlog na maalat is a town industry, along with balut and penoy, you can buy them before the shells are dyed.
intended to buy fresh ones. In Pateros where making itlog na maalat is a town industry, along with balut and penoy, you can buy them before the shells are dyed. Salted eggs are often cut into small cubes and mixed with diced tomatoes to make a salad that is the traditional accompaniment for tinapa or any fried or grilled fish. You don’t have to limit the salad to salted eggs and tomatoes, however. You can be a little more creative by adding fresh herbs and some subtle seasonings.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A GOOD FRIEND
Tonight, I was feeling low again and had no one to talk to. So I called my friend up and again, he made me feel better after a 45-minute talk. It's wonderful when you have good friends to share your musings and burdens and they are just there to listen, to calm your fears and to make you feel better afterwards. I feel blessed that I still have such a friend, that no matter the hour, no matter the problem, I can share anything and everything with him. Yes, really really blessed...
APRIL 18 EVENTS
1506 - The cornerstone of the current St. Peter's Basilica is laid.
1797 - Battle of Neuwied - French victory against the Austrians.
1882 - birth of Leopold Stokowski, Polish conductor (d. 1977)
1906 - An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9, destroys much of San Francisco, California.
1907 - birth of Miklós Rózsa, Hungarian-born composer (d. 1995)
1923 - Yankee Stadium, "The House that Ruth Built", opens.
1942 - World War II: The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo occurs.
1947 - Over 1,000 bombers attack the small island of Heligoland, Germany, detonating 6800 tonnes of explosives, creating the biggest non-nuclear explosion in history, and changing the shape of the island.
1947 - birth of James Woods, American actor
1949 - The Republic of Ireland Act comes into force.
1951 - birth of Ricardo Fortaleza, Australian-Filipino retired boxer
1953 - birth of Rick Moranis, Canadian comedian
1955 - death of Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize laureate (b. 1879)
1963 - birth of Conan O'Brien, American comedian
1969 - birth of Princess Sayako of Japan
1976 - birth of Melissa Joan Hart, American actress
1797 - Battle of Neuwied - French victory against the Austrians.
1882 - birth of Leopold Stokowski, Polish conductor (d. 1977)
1906 - An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9, destroys much of San Francisco, California.
1907 - birth of Miklós Rózsa, Hungarian-born composer (d. 1995)
1923 - Yankee Stadium, "The House that Ruth Built", opens.
1942 - World War II: The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo occurs.
1947 - Over 1,000 bombers attack the small island of Heligoland, Germany, detonating 6800 tonnes of explosives, creating the biggest non-nuclear explosion in history, and changing the shape of the island.
1947 - birth of James Woods, American actor
1949 - The Republic of Ireland Act comes into force.
1951 - birth of Ricardo Fortaleza, Australian-Filipino retired boxer
1953 - birth of Rick Moranis, Canadian comedian
1955 - death of Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize laureate (b. 1879)
1963 - birth of Conan O'Brien, American comedian
1969 - birth of Princess Sayako of Japan
1976 - birth of Melissa Joan Hart, American actress
COCONUT TREES
I took this photo last April 7, on our way to the pool party. There were just rows and rows of coconut trees, as far as the eye could see...
EGG PIE
This is a popular snack/food in the Philippines. I've eaten this since I was little and I still love the taste.
Here's more about egg pie: http://www.pinoyfoodtalk.net/index.php/site/comments/egg_pie/
It’s a custard pie. If you buy it in a panaderia (small neighborhood bakery), it is called egg pie. It is usually 10 inches in diameter and you can buy it whole or per slice. In pricey joints, it is much smaller (the size of a cupcake) and it is called custard pie or egg tart. Basically, it is the same. Custard baked into a pie shell. Aside from the price, the main difference between the egg pie from the neig
hborhood bakery and the egg tart from “classy” joints like The Portuguese Egg Tart Factory, is in the crust. The cheaper egg pie has an ordinary pie crust while the more expensive egg tart has a flaky crust similar to phyllo.
Commercial egg pie like the one in the photo (above) does not have the smooth and even dark brown top of the egg pie sold in neighborhood bakeries. The dark top is made by adding a thin layer of meringue (stiffly beaten egg whites and sugar) after the custard has been poured into the pie shell. The meringue darkens as the custard sets during baking. Well, that was how egg pies were in my childhood. I guess the extra effort of adding meringue to the custard has been dispensed with to save time and labor. Or, maybe, someone decided that the egg pie looked more natural without the darkened meringue.
From Pinoy Food Talk
Another version of egg pie. I buy this one in Zamboanga. Most of the egg pies in Manila are like the one in the first photo.
Here's more about egg pie: http://www.pinoyfoodtalk.net/index.php/site/comments/egg_pie/
It’s a custard pie. If you buy it in a panaderia (small neighborhood bakery), it is called egg pie. It is usually 10 inches in diameter and you can buy it whole or per slice. In pricey joints, it is much smaller (the size of a cupcake) and it is called custard pie or egg tart. Basically, it is the same. Custard baked into a pie shell. Aside from the price, the main difference between the egg pie from the neig
hborhood bakery and the egg tart from “classy” joints like The Portuguese Egg Tart Factory, is in the crust. The cheaper egg pie has an ordinary pie crust while the more expensive egg tart has a flaky crust similar to phyllo. Commercial egg pie like the one in the photo (above) does not have the smooth and even dark brown top of the egg pie sold in neighborhood bakeries. The dark top is made by adding a thin layer of meringue (stiffly beaten egg whites and sugar) after the custard has been poured into the pie shell. The meringue darkens as the custard sets during baking. Well, that was how egg pies were in my childhood. I guess the extra effort of adding meringue to the custard has been dispensed with to save time and labor. Or, maybe, someone decided that the egg pie looked more natural without the darkened meringue.
From Pinoy Food Talk
Another version of egg pie. I buy this one in Zamboanga. Most of the egg pies in Manila are like the one in the first photo.
PINOY BIG BROTHER
I have a confession to make. I am a BIG Big Brother fan. I just find this reality tv very entertaining. Not only do I brush up on my Tagalog but I like to see which of the housemates deserves the big prize. I suppose I am only interested in the Pinoy Big Brother because when I read about the international Big Brothers, it didn't catch my fancy.
Anyway, you might say, "What is it to me?" Well I am excited about the upcoming Big Brother swap. A housemate from the Philippines (Bruce Quebral) will fly to Slovenia and will stay there for a week! Likewise, a BB Slovenia housemate (Tina) will come to the Pinoy Big Brother house starting this Saturday. I am so excited! Well actually I think pretty much every Pinoy BB fan is excited. I'm going to stick to the tv like glue this week and next week. I hope this Tina girl will learn much from her (short) stay here.
Anyway, you might say, "What is it to me?" Well I am excited about the upcoming Big Brother swap. A housemate from the Philippines (Bruce Quebral) will fly to Slovenia and will stay there for a week! Likewise, a BB Slovenia housemate (Tina) will come to the Pinoy Big Brother house starting this Saturday. I am so excited! Well actually I think pretty much every Pinoy BB fan is excited. I'm going to stick to the tv like glue this week and next week. I hope this Tina girl will learn much from her (short) stay here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
SAD NEWS
Another school shooting has occurred in the US. I read here that this is the deadliest school schooting in US history. This is a sad, sad event. Thirty-three people were reported to have died after the shooting spree. This event changes the face of education in the United States. I was thinking that if I had kids studying at a university in the US, I would maybe pull them out and send them elsewhere. I know that sounds really crazy (overprotective, if you will) but if schools are no longer the safe institution we see them to be then maybe our kids are better off learning at home.
In the Philippines, we do not have problems like school shootings. But despite this, I would still rather homeschool Nikki and Ethan because of the many benefits it brings to us. We are closer as a family, the boys have great fun learning and clearly, they love life and they love being themselves. No pressures at all. I don't want to send Nikki to school then find out that he's become bored or that his classmates or teachers don't understand him. We have fun with unstructured learning, looking at pictures and studying the solar system, singing rhymes and reading books, coloring and doodling and painting and so much more. It IS hard work but I love what I do and I love that the boys are thriving.
I suppose the US will find ways to control this kind of tragedy from happening again. But until kids grow up to be God-fearing people and have respect for life, how are we to know that sending them to school is safe for them?
In the Philippines, we do not have problems like school shootings. But despite this, I would still rather homeschool Nikki and Ethan because of the many benefits it brings to us. We are closer as a family, the boys have great fun learning and clearly, they love life and they love being themselves. No pressures at all. I don't want to send Nikki to school then find out that he's become bored or that his classmates or teachers don't understand him. We have fun with unstructured learning, looking at pictures and studying the solar system, singing rhymes and reading books, coloring and doodling and painting and so much more. It IS hard work but I love what I do and I love that the boys are thriving.
I suppose the US will find ways to control this kind of tragedy from happening again. But until kids grow up to be God-fearing people and have respect for life, how are we to know that sending them to school is safe for them?
MOSHI MOSHI
A pay phone in Japan... (Took this photo at Yokohama while Ruther was buying some cream puffs...)
I DREAM OF ANTS
Last night I dreamt of ants. I really don't know what happened in my dream but all I remember when I woke up was that there were a lot of ants in my dream and I was finding a way of getting rid of them. Funny huh? But I just checked the meaning of ants in a dream and this is what it says:
To see ants in your dream, signifies your general dissatisfaction in your daily life. You are feeling neglected and insignificant. Petty things will annoy you throughout the following day. You will learn that cooperation will be the only way to achieve your desires.
Ants also symbolize hard work, diligence and industry. Increase business activities are expected.
When I read this, I felt something cold go up my spine. The reading/interpretation is so perfect that I had goosebumps all over. I am a believer of signs. I see answers in things other people might interpret as nothing. (Besides, I asked for a sign and prayed for one.) I think this is my answer. Maybe it's time I focus on myself at this time. I have always been a nurturing person and I always put others' needs before mine. Maybe this is telling me that I deserve to have my dreams realized, that I deserve to be happy and that it's okay to get out of my comfort zone. Maybe it's time for me to fly...
To see ants in your dream, signifies your general dissatisfaction in your daily life. You are feeling neglected and insignificant. Petty things will annoy you throughout the following day. You will learn that cooperation will be the only way to achieve your desires.
Ants also symbolize hard work, diligence and industry. Increase business activities are expected.
When I read this, I felt something cold go up my spine. The reading/interpretation is so perfect that I had goosebumps all over. I am a believer of signs. I see answers in things other people might interpret as nothing. (Besides, I asked for a sign and prayed for one.) I think this is my answer. Maybe it's time I focus on myself at this time. I have always been a nurturing person and I always put others' needs before mine. Maybe this is telling me that I deserve to have my dreams realized, that I deserve to be happy and that it's okay to get out of my comfort zone. Maybe it's time for me to fly...
SOMETHING THE LORD MADE
I slept at 4am this morning because I stayed up to watch this movie on HBO. Oh my god. A really really wonderful and inspirational story. It was so interesting that I was awake during its entirety. I was pretty sleepy when I was flipping through the channels but when I saw this, all I wanted to do was finish the movie. It's that riveting. I usually experience this kind of feeling with books. I usually get so riveted in unput-downable books that I HAVE to get to the end of the story or I would not be able to sleep, or if I do try, I would just toss and turn and wonder how the story would end. This movie moved me so much, I just HAD to know how it ended.
Something The Lord Made revolves around 2 people during the Great Depression: Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman), a white surgeon and Vivien Thomas (Mos Def), a poor black carpenter-turned-lab technician who started a medical revolution. The story begins with Vivien, recently out of a job as a carpenter, who applies at a doctor's clinic doing menial jobs until he expresses great (this is an understatement) interest in medicine. Dr. Blalock notices this and gives Vivien a chance to be a technician and don the white coat, letting him perform minor surgery on dogs for his study on trauma. Vivien astounds Dr. Blalock with his natural gift, sharp memory and dextrous hands. Due to the success of his research on trauma, Dr. Blalock is assigned as Chief Surgeon at the Johns Hopkins institution, a place where, during those times, blacks had to enter through the back door. Together, Dr. Blalock and Vivien tackle the impossible task of treating the Blue Baby Syndrome (Tetralogy of Fallot). This was the time when heart surgery was never done and was deemed an impossibility due to the fact that the heart had to pump blood to the brain constantly and damage to it could lead to brain damage or even death. But after successfully operating on a baby, these 2 performed something of a miracle. Since their success, they have been together until Vivien became the Director of Laboratory at Johns Hopkins and Dr. Blalock died in 1964. The movie ended with Vivien given an honorary doctorate degree and his own portrait beside the (then deceased) Dr. Blalock in the Johns Hopkins hall. Since then, Vivien has been called "Dr. Thomas".
This story was based on a magazine article "Like Something The Lord Made" by Katie McCabe who interviewed Vivien in 1985 (the year of his death). After this sensational story came out, it was only then that the poor carpenter, who never had a medical degree, was given the recognition he richly deserves. During the success of the Blue Baby operation, it was only Dr. Blalock who was renowned internationally but only because it was the way things were done back then. But now, Vivien Thomas will be a man no one will overlook nor forget because he truly is a miracle from God.
Something The Lord Made revolves around 2 people during the Great Depression: Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman), a white surgeon and Vivien Thomas (Mos Def), a poor black carpenter-turned-lab technician who started a medical revolution. The story begins with Vivien, recently out of a job as a carpenter, who applies at a doctor's clinic doing menial jobs until he expresses great (this is an understatement) interest in medicine. Dr. Blalock notices this and gives Vivien a chance to be a technician and don the white coat, letting him perform minor surgery on dogs for his study on trauma. Vivien astounds Dr. Blalock with his natural gift, sharp memory and dextrous hands. Due to the success of his research on trauma, Dr. Blalock is assigned as Chief Surgeon at the Johns Hopkins institution, a place where, during those times, blacks had to enter through the back door. Together, Dr. Blalock and Vivien tackle the impossible task of treating the Blue Baby Syndrome (Tetralogy of Fallot). This was the time when heart surgery was never done and was deemed an impossibility due to the fact that the heart had to pump blood to the brain constantly and damage to it could lead to brain damage or even death. But after successfully operating on a baby, these 2 performed something of a miracle. Since their success, they have been together until Vivien became the Director of Laboratory at Johns Hopkins and Dr. Blalock died in 1964. The movie ended with Vivien given an honorary doctorate degree and his own portrait beside the (then deceased) Dr. Blalock in the Johns Hopkins hall. Since then, Vivien has been called "Dr. Thomas".
This story was based on a magazine article "Like Something The Lord Made" by Katie McCabe who interviewed Vivien in 1985 (the year of his death). After this sensational story came out, it was only then that the poor carpenter, who never had a medical degree, was given the recognition he richly deserves. During the success of the Blue Baby operation, it was only Dr. Blalock who was renowned internationally but only because it was the way things were done back then. But now, Vivien Thomas will be a man no one will overlook nor forget because he truly is a miracle from God.
What made this story very interesting to me is that this is not just a story about the pioneers of heart surgery but it is also about the relationship between the two, how racism and discrimination affected them during those times, how ambition and opportunity moved them to do the impossible and how passionate they both were about medicine and saving lives. Truly a movie worth watching.
Dr. Alfred Blalock and Dr. Vivien Thomas
Monday, April 16, 2007
FIGURE SKATING
I watched the 2007 State Farm US Figure Skating Championship this morning on ESPN. My sister and I love watching women figure skating competitions. I really don't know why. But maybe it's because we appreciate the sport, admire the skaters and become mesmerized sometimes at the choreography. I missed the short program which was shown earlier but I got to see some of the best skaters in the second part of the competition. The skaters were as follows:
1. Alissa Czisny - This girl was very graceful although I understood she is quite tall. But on the ice, she did great jumps and never fell once. She had a cute Audrey Hepburn costume that fit her music which was taken from the Sabrina soundtrack. She was very expressive and really just had a fun time.
2. Rachel Flatt - This girl is also very expressive and graceful. She did a perfect triple lutz - triple toe combination which was really astounding for me. She made it look quite effortless. She did fall once but it didn't faze her much.
3. Kimmie Meissner - This girl is already a world champion and when she was on the ice it clearly showed. She skated to Galicia by Farruca and it was really a dramatic piece. She was graceful and really felt the music. Her triple-triple combination was also wonderfully executed and I really admired her leg extensions. The commentators really praised her straight-line footwork.
4. Emily Hughes - This is the sister of champion skater Sarah Hughes. She is also quite good. Her music was Sylvia by Delibes and she wore a deep purple costume. She is a strong skater because of her athletic body. She was not as graceful as Alissa or Kimmie but she was still powerful and had presence on the ice. She fell once but still had high marks at the end.
5. Katy Taylor - Katy is a wonderful skater but clearly, she was not at her best. She skated to Theme and Variations by Tschaikovsky. Although her choreography was good, she was a bit stiff at times. She fell twice and you could tell that she was quite affected by those falls because for the rest of the program, she failed to do the rest of her jumps. But I am sure after this experience she could still turn out to be a strong contender in future competiti
ons.
6. Beatrisa Liang - This girl clearly understands music. She skated to Caravan by Duke Ellington and she was very expressive and very graceful. She fell twice but performed very well. Her triple triple loops were executed well. Another strong contender.
And the winners are:
Champion - Kimmie Meissner (photo)
Second - Beatrisa Liang
Third - Emily Hughes
1. Alissa Czisny - This girl was very graceful although I understood she is quite tall. But on the ice, she did great jumps and never fell once. She had a cute Audrey Hepburn costume that fit her music which was taken from the Sabrina soundtrack. She was very expressive and really just had a fun time.
2. Rachel Flatt - This girl is also very expressive and graceful. She did a perfect triple lutz - triple toe combination which was really astounding for me. She made it look quite effortless. She did fall once but it didn't faze her much.
3. Kimmie Meissner - This girl is already a world champion and when she was on the ice it clearly showed. She skated to Galicia by Farruca and it was really a dramatic piece. She was graceful and really felt the music. Her triple-triple combination was also wonderfully executed and I really admired her leg extensions. The commentators really praised her straight-line footwork.
4. Emily Hughes - This is the sister of champion skater Sarah Hughes. She is also quite good. Her music was Sylvia by Delibes and she wore a deep purple costume. She is a strong skater because of her athletic body. She was not as graceful as Alissa or Kimmie but she was still powerful and had presence on the ice. She fell once but still had high marks at the end.
5. Katy Taylor - Katy is a wonderful skater but clearly, she was not at her best. She skated to Theme and Variations by Tschaikovsky. Although her choreography was good, she was a bit stiff at times. She fell twice and you could tell that she was quite affected by those falls because for the rest of the program, she failed to do the rest of her jumps. But I am sure after this experience she could still turn out to be a strong contender in future competiti
ons.6. Beatrisa Liang - This girl clearly understands music. She skated to Caravan by Duke Ellington and she was very expressive and very graceful. She fell twice but performed very well. Her triple triple loops were executed well. Another strong contender.
And the winners are:
Champion - Kimmie Meissner (photo)
Second - Beatrisa Liang
Third - Emily Hughes
PUFFY
I woke up this morning feeling like someone punched me in the face the night before. My eyes were puffy and I had a hard time opening them the first time. This usually happens when I cried the night before so I was not really surprised that my eyes were like this. Am I feeling a lot better this morning? I’m still not sure. Frankly, I don’t want to think or feel or assess anything at all. I just want to go about my day without worries that by tonight I might be in tears once again. Maybe I’ll handle it, maybe I won’t. But I know who I am and I’m happy with who I am and I know that I can live with that.
You must all be thinking, “What the h*** is she talking about?” Well maybe someday I just might tell you…
You must all be thinking, “What the h*** is she talking about?” Well maybe someday I just might tell you…
Sunday, April 15, 2007
A REASON TO BE PROUD
http://www.sportinglife.com/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=boxing/07/04/15/manual_101055.html
PACQUIAO COMES THROUGH DESPITE CUT
Super-featherweight king Manny Pacquiao obliterated the unbeaten record of Jorge Solis in Texas with an eighth-round stoppage win on Saturday night.
In front of more than 14,000 fans in San Antonio's Alamodome, Filipino southpaw Pacquiao (44-3-2, 34 knockouts) floored Solis (32-1-2, 1 ND, 23 KOs) twice in the eighth round, the second of which forced referee Vic Drakulich to count him out.
'Pacman', 28, took time to adapt to the Mexican's unorthodox style early in the fight and was cut above the left eye by an accidental headbutt in the sixth round.
Spurred on by the cut, Pacquiao immediately rushed to Solis, throwing several big punches which rocked his opponent.
The tempo was maintained in the seventh round before the General Santos City native floored Solis.
And, in the eighth, Solis was unable to withstand the pressure, beating the count once after being officially knocked down for the first time - he had earlier been pushed to the floor.
Sensing the stoppage victory, Pacquiao pressed home his advantage to knock Solis down again and, while the Guadalajara man got to his knees, he failed to beat the count and suffered the first defeat of his 36-fight career.
"When I got cut, I knew I needed to throw more combinations to knock him out," Pacquiao said afterwards.
"When he got hurt and saved by the bell, I decided to go to the body and head to finish him off."
The win saw Pacquiao, regarded as the world's top 130lb fighter, retain the nominal WBC International super-featherweight belt.
Pacquiao now turns his attention to the forthcoming Congressional elections in his homeland before aiming to land a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Saturday's undercard included two world-title fights.
Mexico's Cristian Mijares, 25, defended his recently won WBC super flyweight championship with a dominating showing against two-time former world champion Jorge Arce of Mexico. The 12-round bout was won to Mijares on scores of 119-109, 118-110, 117-111.
And in a battle for the vacant WBC light-flyweight championship, Mexico City's Edgar Sosa surprised the division's former champion, Brian Viloria of Honolulu, 115-113, 115-113, 114-114.
PACQUIAO COMES THROUGH DESPITE CUT
Super-featherweight king Manny Pacquiao obliterated the unbeaten record of Jorge Solis in Texas with an eighth-round stoppage win on Saturday night.
In front of more than 14,000 fans in San Antonio's Alamodome, Filipino southpaw Pacquiao (44-3-2, 34 knockouts) floored Solis (32-1-2, 1 ND, 23 KOs) twice in the eighth round, the second of which forced referee Vic Drakulich to count him out.
'Pacman', 28, took time to adapt to the Mexican's unorthodox style early in the fight and was cut above the left eye by an accidental headbutt in the sixth round.
Spurred on by the cut, Pacquiao immediately rushed to Solis, throwing several big punches which rocked his opponent.
The tempo was maintained in the seventh round before the General Santos City native floored Solis.
And, in the eighth, Solis was unable to withstand the pressure, beating the count once after being officially knocked down for the first time - he had earlier been pushed to the floor.
Sensing the stoppage victory, Pacquiao pressed home his advantage to knock Solis down again and, while the Guadalajara man got to his knees, he failed to beat the count and suffered the first defeat of his 36-fight career.
"When I got cut, I knew I needed to throw more combinations to knock him out," Pacquiao said afterwards.
"When he got hurt and saved by the bell, I decided to go to the body and head to finish him off."
The win saw Pacquiao, regarded as the world's top 130lb fighter, retain the nominal WBC International super-featherweight belt.
Pacquiao now turns his attention to the forthcoming Congressional elections in his homeland before aiming to land a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Saturday's undercard included two world-title fights.
Mexico's Cristian Mijares, 25, defended his recently won WBC super flyweight championship with a dominating showing against two-time former world champion Jorge Arce of Mexico. The 12-round bout was won to Mijares on scores of 119-109, 118-110, 117-111.
And in a battle for the vacant WBC light-flyweight championship, Mexico City's Edgar Sosa surprised the division's former champion, Brian Viloria of Honolulu, 115-113, 115-113, 114-114.
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