SUN CITY

Here are our photos from the recent trip to Sun City...

Can we swim now?

Lunchtime! L-R: Ernest (my brother), Russ and Ron (brothers-in-law), me!, Tita Nicki, Mama and Papa. My sis took the photo.

Kiddie pool! Nikki is having loads of fun!

Ethan tries the slide.

Nikki loved the slide! He did this like a million times.

Tita Nicki tries the slide too!

Floating away in the adult pool. Ethan just loves the water.

HOW WE CELEBRATE HOLLOWEEN IN THE PHILS.

http://www.librarylink.org.ph/featarticle.asp?articleid=22

Philippine "Halloween" Customs
by Angel V. Campoy
Date: 10/24/2002

“Halloween” in the Philippines is celebrated on the evening of All Souls’ Day (November 1) instead of on the evening of October 31 as in the United States. In most American communities Halloween parties are held mostly for fun and entertainment, but in the Philippines Halloween is observed in remembrance of the souls of the dead, and prayers, feasting, and merry-making are combined.

In the Eastern Visayas, more particularly in Negros Oriental, certain peculiar Halloween customs and beliefs are traditionally observed. One custom is the burning of candles on the family altar from six o’clock in the evening just before the Angelus rings, until past eighth o’clock, when the church bells toll that hour. This is done to welcome the souls of the dead who, as many believe, are free to roam about on Halloween night. A glance at the altar and the number of candles lighted there tells one the number of persons who have died in the family.

Another tradition is the prayer for the departed souls. The Halloween prayer is in reality the last of nine nights of prayer, which begin eight days before Halloween. It is believed by many Catholics that these prayers will help save the souls of their departed loved ones or release them from Purgatory.

The most interesting and touching custom of all is the way the Halloween feast for the dead is celebrated. The feast is supposedly served to the souls of the departed who are believed to be able to visit their former homes on that night, although it is actually the living who enjoy the feast.

A table is placed under the house or just below the porch, as is most convenient. The table is brightly lighted with candles and upon it are set dishes that contain the various foods and delicacies that the departed souls liked best when they were alive. Grandfather’s huge pipe may lie upon the table before the chair he used to sit in, and on the other side there may be some betel-nut and lime for a dead uncle to chew after his meal. If the dead loved tuba, you may find a pitcher full of this native brew on the table. Fruit and candy may be there for the little boy or girl who has untimely passed away.

When everything is ready, the head of the family calls out the names of the dead and invites them to eat and feel at home. He then goes up into the house, and the prayers begin. Everyone in the house including the servants must join in. No one must go downstairs or look down through the floor at the table laden with food below. It is believed that while the family prays, the departed souls get their fill of the food set out for them and the souls can not bear to see anyone watching them as they eat. When the prayer is over, the family and friends who may have taken part have their turn at the same table and everyone enjoys a hearty supper. Story-telling and merry-making follow until late in the night. No matter how poor the family may be, there is always a good supper this night for it comes during that season of the year when root crops like tugue, cassava, and camotes, and also fruit are abundant.

Are you a single or a widower or widow and would you lie to get a glimpse of your future mate? Then Halloween night is the time for you. There is a belief that you can see your future husband or wife on Halloween if you try hard enough. Here’s all you have to do: Get a ripe orange and a bunch of orange blossoms ready on your dressing table before you go to bed on Halloween night. Also have a knife ready to peel the orange. Before you go to bed say a prayer for the soul of a departed friend or your late spouse. At exactly twelve o’clock, get up quietly and light the lamp on your dressing table. Do not make any noise so as not to awaken anyone. Now peel the orange. When this is done, leave the house as quietly as you can, taking the peeled orange, and, without turning around, walk straight to the nearest street crossing and there cut the orange in two. Leave one half of the orange at the crossing and go back home carrying the other half. You must not look back or make any noise in doing this or the spell will be broken. As soon as you are back into the house, kiss the orange blossoms before your mirror and behold! There in the mirror is the image of your future mate – or should be! Eat your half of the orange, and while you are eating you will continue to see the image while the spell is on. This must all be done in absolute secrecy or the thing won't work. I have a friend who told me this magic worked with him! When he looked into the mirror he saw the image of a girl who is now his wife. It would be useless for me to try as I am already a married man.

Source: Campoy, Angel V. Philippine Magazine. Oct 1939, p. 411+

BYE TITA NICKI!!

Tita Nicki just left for the airport a few minutes ago. I will really miss her. I really enjoyed all our talks and exchanges in the evenings and she was really like a second mom to me. In case you didn't know, Tita Nicki is Ruther's aunt. She is the Australian wife of Mama's younger brother. She was here in the Philippines for 5 months to teach at a university. Anyway, I will really miss her a lot. I made a letter for her (it was a secret and her daughter, Tasha will give it to her) which she will read when she is back home. I hope I conveyed to her all my feelings about how much I will miss her and how much I have learned from her all these months. Hopefully, I will get to see her again when she returns here next year. =D

.....

It was a busy day for me. I washed some of Ruther's clothes to get some of the "wardrobe" smell out. It was just some light washing because the clothes were not dirty or anything. It just smelled a bit funny. Anyway, even if it was light washing, it still tired me out because I had to do other chores in between. Also, it was such a hot day it just drained all my energy. Even Tita Nicki (who does not feel warm easily) agreed with me. So yeah, today was kind of exhausting. Exhausting but at least I still got to do some things done for the room.

.....

Speaking of the room, Ruther finally saw it last night. He saw it through th webcam and he said it was nice. Of course, there was no gushing and "it's wonderful!" and "WOOOOOOOW!" Just: "It's nice, baby." So I guess I will have to be content with that.

Of course, a little (or maybe a lot of) praise would have been fantastic too...

FUN DAY

Yesterday was a lot of fun! We decided to go back to Sun City for the family outing because not only is the entrance fee cheaper, the pools are clean and well-maintained and there are lifeguards about. Also, the place is relatively clean and there weren't much people about so it was an ideal place for us.

When we got there, the boys immediately changed into their swimming trunks and went to the kiddie pool. They forgot all about lunch so we all ate and had our fill while the boys had fun swimming about and frolicking in the water. After lunch, I changed into my swim clothes and urged the boys to transfer to the adult pool. The water reached just below my chest so I thought it would be nice for the boys to practice their kicks. Nikki and Ethan had fun going around the pool in their floaties and after a while, we decided to try the slides. Nikki enjoyed it so much, he kept on sliding the whole afternoon. By mid-afternoon, I was hungry so I let Ethan play in the kiddie pool while I had a snack. The weather was wonderful: it was persistently cloudy so I did not have to worry about the boys getting dark or getting sunburned. Tita Nicki had fun too and also went down the slides several times. By 4pm, we were ready to leave but Nikki said wanted to slide 100 more times! Oh my goodness! I just told him we'll come back again another day and fortunately, he agreed and went out of the pool. Five minutes after we left Sun City, the boys were asleep. They were both tired out! But it was good that they had fun with the other kids there.

Maybe when Ruther's here we could go back there because last night Nikki said, "I miss Daddy. I want Daddy to go swimming with us." So cute. I haven't told Ruther that yet. Will do so tonight. Hopefully, before the month ends, we could go swimming as a family and have another day of fun.

STUDIES

Yesterday I received a letter in the mail from my distance learning institution. They were asking how my studies were going since I haven't updated them with my latest studies/lessons. Uh-oh! I wil probably send them an email tomorrow explaining the break in my studying. Well, it really can't be helped. With the renovations and everything else in between, it's just too chaotic here for some quiet study time for me. I just need to concentrate! So until Ruther's and my room get done, my studies will have to wait. I'm confident that once I start studying again (which will probably be in the middle of next month) I'll be able to get things going and most probably be done before next year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

DESPEDIDA

In a few hours we'll be heading for Laguna to have another fun-filled family swim at Sun City. Tita Nicki is going to leave for Australia on Tuesday so Mama and Papa decided to let her have a bit of fun far from the city. Tita Nicki is glad for the trip. She said since she has been here (which was like 5 months ago), all she did aside from doing her work was frequent the malls. So she's very happy with the day trip tomorrow. This will be another wonderful family bonding I'm sure. And my sister and brother are coming too! Yipee! =D

HALLOWEEN DECORS

One of my favorite stores. Duh, it's Snoopy! =D

This store is near Ruther's office building. Aren't the decors cute? And those stuffed Snoopys just make me drool. Look at the people! I just wish I could afford the stuff in the store! Some of them are really expensive!

TGIF

When I wake up in the morning, I usually look for my glasses first before getting out of bed. (I usually kiss Ruther first thing in the morning, but since he's not here, my glasses are my priority.) Anyway, last night, I remember placing my glasses on top of the radio (which was on the bed). When I woke up this morning, it was not on the radio. You know where I found it? Under Ethan. And yup, it was in 2 pieces. It's really okay. I have an extra pair and those glasses did not cost me much. If it did, I would have felt really bad about the accident. Anyway, at least I'll get to use my new pair now. Which means, I'll have to get another pair in case another emergency crops up...

.....

The boys and I spent the afternoon at the mall. I had to buy those plastic racks so I could organize the stuff at the attic. I also bought some clothes for the boys because some of their clothes were ruined in the wash. =( I know... But there's no need to dwell on those things. Before, I would obsess about it and have difficulty letting go but now, I try to look at the positive side of things. Not only is it healthier but it lessens my wrinkles and gives me a happier disposition. Anyway, the boys had fun at the mall and that was all that mattered. =D

.....

Tomorrow, Tita Nicki and I are going with Mama to the market. Since it'll be the last weekend of Tita Nicki here (she will be returning to Australia on the 30th), she wanted to get some stuff there and have some of the kakanin (sweet Filipino desserts/snacks) sold there. Even if she is Australian, she loves our kakanin. Her favorites are the pichi-pichi (dessert made from cassava) and bibingka (rice cake, also my all-time favorite!). So yeah, she's really looking forward to tomorrow. And since this is her last weekend here, so am I!

SOON TO BE EXTINCT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071026/ap_on_sc/primates_in_peril;_ylt=AkBKrv25qPCuGchJ1G9myyWs0NUE

Report: Primates in danger of extinction
By MICHAEL CASEY, AP Environmental Writer
2 hours, 37 minutes ago

BANGKOK, Thailand - Almost a third of all apes, monkeys and other primates are in danger of extinction because of rampant habitat destruction, the commercial sale of their meat and the trade in illegal wildlife, a report released Friday said.

Of the world's 394 primate species, 114 are classified as threatened with extinction by the World Conservation Union.

The report by Conservation International and the International Primatological Society in Hainan, China, focuses on the plight of the 25 most endangered primates, including China's Hainan gibbon, of which only 17 remain.

"You could fit all the surviving members of the 25 species in a single football stadium; that's how few of them remain on Earth today," said Russell A. Mittermeier, president of Conservation International.

"The situation is worst in Asia, where tropical forest destruction and the hunting and trading of monkeys puts many species at terrible risk," said Mittermeier, who is also chairman of the World Conservation Union's Primate Specialist Group, which prepared the report with the International Primatological Society.

The 25 most endangered primates include 11 from Asia, 11 from Africa and three from South and Central America. The list includes well-known primates like the Sumatran orangutan of Indonesia and the Cross River gorilla of Cameroon and Nigeria, as well as lesser known species, such as the greater bamboo lemur from Madagascar.

Six species are in the report for the first time, including a recently discovered Indonesian tarsier that has yet to be formally named and the kipunji from Tanzania, which was discovered in 2003.

"Some of the new species we discover are endangered from the get go," Mittermeier said. "If you find a new species and it's living in an area heavily impacted by habitat destruction and hunting, you recognize it's in trouble."

Habitat loss due to the clearing of tropical forests for agriculture, logging and fuel wood continues to be the major factor in the declining number of primates, according to the report.

In addition, climate change is altering the habitats of many species, leaving those with small habitat ranges even more vulnerable to extinction, it says.

Hunting for subsistence and commercial purposes is another major threat to primates, especially in Africa and Asia. Capture of live animals for the pet trade also poses a serious threat, particularly in Asia, the report found.

Four primates on the list from Vietnam have been decimated by hunting for their meat and bones, according to Barney Long, a conservation biologist based in Vietnam for the WWF Greater Mekong Program.

"All four species are close to extinction," Long said of the Delacour's langur, golden-headed langur, grey-shanked douc and Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. "The key populations have been stabilized. But there needs to be a lot more law enforcement and work to persuade local communities to support conservation for those numbers to increase."

The news is not all bad.

Nine primates from the last report in 2004 were taken off the list, mostly because of bolstered conservation efforts to save their populations. Among them are the eastern gorilla from Africa, the black-faced lion tamarin and the buffy-headed tufted capuchin from Brazil and the Perrier's sifaka from Madagascar.

"If you invest in a species in a proper way and do the conservation measures needed, you can reduce risk of extinction," Mittermeier said. "If we had resources, we would be able to take every one of the species off the list in the next five or 10 years."

WOW!

Ai gave me this wonderful honor and I really and truly appreciate the gesture.

As a mom, wife and woman, I strive to be the best I can be in so many ways that sometimes, we forget our fabulousness and little reminders like this is just so wonderful! So thank you Ai! And thank you to all my online friends who take the time in your busy lives to take a peek in my little nook. Here's to years and years of friendship and I hope that one day, I would get to meet all of you! =D

THE HOUSE

I just realized that I haven't posted a photo of the facade of the house yet. So here it is. Please excuse the junk in front. The collectors haven't taken those away before I took the photo. Anyway, the house was white before but now it's a lovely color. I must say, I like the look now. =D

WHAT'S YOUR HALLOWEEN PERSONALITY?

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume. Sneaky and devious, people should really watch out for you. You are usually underestimated and forgotten. Your inner child is stubborn and a bit bossy. You truly fear the dark side of humanity. You are a true misanthrope. You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it. You are unique, expressive, and a trendsetter. Your ideal Halloween costume is over the top and one of a kind.

What's" Your Halloween Personality?

WEIRD WEATHER

The weather has been crazy today. This morning it was sunny. Then around noon it was really cloudy. A few minutes ago it rained and now it's sunny/cloudy again. Weird. I wish it would make up its mind. =D

.....

I'm still fixing up the room. Today I asked one of the workers to drill some holes for screws for the hooks, the mirror, the curtain rod, etc. The room is looking more and more wonderful! Okay, I know, I'm biased because it's Ruther's and my room but still, I'm glad that everything is starting to come together wonderfully. Ruther asked me last night to see the room and I told him to just let me finish fixing and decorating then I'll send him photos. We've also been talking about what other things to get for the room like the tv, the chair, etc. Ruther said that we'll do that together when he comes home. Yipee! I miss shopping with my sweetie. Okay, gotta go back to fixing/decorating/cleaning.

MELTING GLACIER

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071024/ap_on_sc/vanishing_glaciers;_ylt=Asgye3WnLXELv55yYQfhY_ys0NUE

Geologists: Collier Glacier is shrinking
Tue Oct 23, 10:57 PM ET

BEND, Ore. - Between the North Sister and Middle Sister in Oregon's Cascade Range, Collier Glacier has advanced and receded for hundreds of thousands of years. But like many glaciers, it is headed in one direction these days: backward.

It is in serious peril, says geologist Ellen Morris Bishop of the Fossil-based Oregon Paleo Lands Institute. "We have basically a really sad picture of Collier Glacier today."

Geologists blame among other things a warming climate, altering the landscape and perhaps the availability of water to high-elevation ecosystems. Collier is shrinking faster than most of the 35 glaciers in the state.

"Now everything is just in a chaotic shrink," Bishop said.

This summer she led a climate change-themed tour of the Central Oregon Cascades, starting from McKenzie Pass and heading south. Volcanic activity built the Cascades, but over eons the glaciers have worn them down.

At the glacier's base is a moraine, or a ridge of rocks, deposited by the slowly moving glacier when it was bigger. Today an empty valley fills the space between the ridge and the glacial edge.

"This was a full valley in 1906," Bishop said. Since then it has retreated more than a mile.

The ice sheet has visibly shrunk since she first visited the glacier in the 1980s, Bishop said.

"We're in trouble," said David Eddleston, of Bend and a participant in the field trip. "It's right there in front of our eyes."

The shrinking of the glacier started about the same time carbon dioxide emissions started rising, Bishop said.

"It's all tied to climate change, said Peter Clark, a geosciences professor at Oregon State University.

In the late 19th century, many glaciers started to retreat, he said. That shrinking was probably due to natural fluctuations in the atmospheric temperature.

But in the last 20 to 30 years, all of the Cascades' glaciers have been shrinking, he said.

Collier is reflective of glaciers all along the Cascades, Clark said.

And because the actions of glaciers reflect temperatures from two decades ago, even if warming trends were to stop today, glaciers would still be shrinking for at least 20 years to come, he said.

With warming predicted to rise between 3 and 5 degrees by the end of the century, temperature will likely be the main factor that causes glaciers' decline.

"Most people would say that by the turn of the century there will be very little ice left on the mountains," Clark said.

Glaciers store water in the winter and then release it throughout the year, Clark said, spreading out the time when water is flowing. Without the glaciers, many streams will rely more on springtime runoff.

"It will affect the water balance of the mountainous regions," he said.

"At some point, they're going to be so small that they're not going to pump out that water," said Andrew Fountain, a geology professor at Portland State University.

And when that happens, lands at higher elevations will be much drier and subject to droughts, Fountain said. Stream flow will probably decrease, which means that plant life along those waterways would diminish.

Some lakes previously fed by glaciers would become clearer because there would be no sediment but they could also start to evaporate and become smaller.

But while glaciers might shrink, that doesn't mean the ice on mountains will disappear completely, he said.

"It's actually tough to get rid of a glacier," Fountain said. As glaciers retreat, they do so by inching up to higher mountain elevations, where the air is colder.

"But it's the difference," Fountain said, "between the Collier Glacier today and a little ice patch that might be 100 yards long."

CINDERELLA AND PRINCE CHARMING

Is Prince Charming looking at me? Hahaha! =D

Of course, you know where this photo was taken. I am such a HUGE Disney fan so I just snapped away and really wished I had a photo up close. Even Nikki misses Disneyland. As we were lying in bed last night, he told me, "Mommy, I miss Tokyo Disneyland and I miss my Mickey balloon." He sounded so forlorn so I just told him maybe we could go back someday.

ANOTHER WET WEDNESDAY

It's still pretty rainy today. Again, not that I mind. I'm trying to take a break from all the fixing by checking my blog. I already fixed most of our books and I think I'm done with that. I have to also check our albums and fix the attic as well because really, it is such a MESS up there. It's okay to do that today I guess because the rainy weather won't make it too warm up there (am having the electrician put an outlet there so I could use an electric fan when I'm up in the attic). Natasha, Ruther's cousin who went home to Australia last week has been reminding me to send her photos of the room. I told I'll do that once the room has been decorated. She's so excited. I think she's more excited than Ruther. I was hinting things to him like "I hope you'll like the room" and I didn't get anything from him. Oh well...

.....

The weather is making me sleepy. Which is not good today because I HAVE to do a lot of things aside from cleaning and fixing. The other day I felt guilty for not sitting down with Nikki for lessons so last night, I made sure we read some books and did a few pages of his workbook. He's actually still doing so good with his lessons. We've started reading on living and non-living things. Nothing serious though. Just an introduction. He's getting it a bit now. Like fans are non-living and cats are. He's currently doing picture stories. He would draw several things on a piece of papar then he would tell me the story. I'm going to post photos of those soon because his drawings were just so cute! He's getting to be quite creative and I am happy about that. =D As always, I worry that we might not be studying as much as other schoolkids but when I see how much fun my boys are having while studying at home and how relaxed they are with their lessons, I try to persevere. Of course, the age-by-age checklist helps a lot as well. But so far, so good. =D

CALM WATERS

This is Nikki. This was taken in Subic last December 2003. We decided to have a post-Christmas outing then and the boys had a lot of fun and I loved our bonding time as a family. Ethan was still a baby then. Doesn't Nikki look so small in the photo? And the water looks very calm.

SLEEP AND EMOTIONS

I found this newsbit very interesting...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20071022/sc_livescience/emotionsrunamokinsleepdeprivedbrains;_ylt=Am8lfIXm3FV_62TcJkFHlKSs0NUE

Emotions Run Amok in Sleep-Deprived Brains
Charles Q. Choi
Special to LiveScience
LiveScience.com
Mon Oct 22, 12:20 PM ET

Without sleep, the emotional centers of our brains dramatically overreact to bad experiences, research now reveals.

"When we're sleep deprived, it's really as if the brain is reverting to more primitive behavior, regressing in terms of the control humans normally have over their emotions," researcher Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Berkeley, told LiveScience.

Anyone who has ever gone without a good night's sleep is aware that doing so can make a person emotionally irrational. While past studies have revealed that sleep loss can impair the immune system and brain processes such as learning and memory, there has been surprisingly little research into why sleep deprivation affects emotions, Walker said.

Walker and his colleagues had 26 healthy volunteers either get normal sleep or get sleep deprived, making them stay awake for roughly 35 hours. On the following day, the researchers scanned brain activity in volunteers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they viewed 100 images. These started off as emotionally neutral, such as photos of spoons or baskets, but they became increasingly negative in tone over time—for instance, pictures of attacking sharks or vipers.

"While we predicted that the emotional centers of the brain would overreact after sleep deprivation, we didn't predict they'd overreact as much as they did," Walker said. "They became more than 60 percent more reactive to negative emotional stimuli. That's a whopping increase—the emotional parts of the brain just seem to run amok."

The researchers pinpointed this hyperactive response to a shutdown of the prefrontal lobe, a brain region that normally keeps emotions under control. This structure is relatively new in human evolution, "and so it may not yet have adapted ways to cope with certain biological extremes," Walker speculated. "Human beings are one of the few species that really deprive themselves of sleep. It's a real oddity in nature."

In modern life, people often deprive themselves of sleep "almost on a daily basis," Walker said. "Alarm bells should be ringing about that behavior—no pun intended."

Future research can focus on which components of sleep help restore emotional stability—"whether it's dreaming REM sleep or slow-wave, non-dreaming forms of sleep," Walker said.

Many psychiatric disorders, "particularly ones involving emotions, seem to be linked with abnormal sleep," he added. "Traditionally people mostly thought the psychiatric disorders were contributing to the sleep abnormalities, but of course it could be the other way around. If we can find out which parts of sleep are most key to emotional stability, we already have a good range of drugs that can push and pull at these kinds of sleep and maybe help treat certain kinds of psychiatric conditions."

The findings are detailed in the Oct. 23 issue of the journal Current Biology.

YOUR COMMENTS

I am really worry if it takes me some time to reply to your comments. Things have been just so hectic here. I just want you all to know that I really appreciate all the comments you make on my blog and I promise that I will get to replying to them eventually. I love hearing from you and reading your thoughts that I feel like every time I read a comment, I am getting to know you more. So thanks! =D

RAINY TUESDAY

I woke up pretty early this morning considering I slept kinda late last night. I fixed most of Ruther's and my books in the shelves. Most of our books are there now, but I think there are still more books in other places in the house (attic, Ron's room, etc.) and I know I have to put them there as well. I finished fixing the books at around 1230am. I know. But I just didn't want to leave the work unfinished. Today I'll need to do more cleaning, fixing and decorating. I will also have to go out and buy the boys' milk and Ethan's ointment. So this will most probably be another busy day for me.PS. Sorry if I haven't been posting photos of the room yet. I wanted it to be a surprise for Ruther so I promise, once he has a look I'll post away.

.....

I am feeling a bit guilty that I have been neglecting my studies for the past weeks. It's just that I had a lot of things on my mind (and still do) and I just could not concentrate on what I was studying. I didn't want to force it so I decided to put if off for a while until I could get back to it. I'm sure, once I'm done fixing my room, I'll be able to study away with no more worries.

GRASSHOPPER

I caught this grasshopper for the boys the other day. Ethan was the most excited because he loves bugs. (Unfortunately, because he was too excited and kept on moving and his photos were blurry.) I thought it would be nice for the boys to keep the grasshopper for a few minutes to study it before letting it go. They did enjoy the lesson and I am glad that they got to see one up close. =D

BUSY BUSY BUSY

Yesterday was such a busy day for me. The painters were done with Ruther's and my room last Saturday so I tried to dust a bit that evening and prep the room for decorating and fixing up. So I suppose I slept pretty late that night.

The next day was the luncheon for Ate Nita's birthday (Mama's sister). She turns 74 on Tuesday (tomorrow). Anyway, yesterday morning, I had to prepare the boys' bag, bathe them, take a bath myself and other things before heading to the celebration. It was all right. Not everyone in the family went but it was still fun and Nikki and Ethan enjoyed playing with the kids there. It was just terribly hot and there was no airconditioning there (the government might label them in the Class C category) so we had to try to cool ourselves as best we could. While we were there, I decided to get Nikki a bike. We have a bike store there (10 family members pooled their money to start this bike business - including Ruther) so I picked one that would fit Nikki. When he tried riding it, he loved it a lot and of course, Ethan got jealous and wanted a turn. After several test runs, they had to stop because it was just so terribly warm and Ethan was getting cranky. Anyway, the bicycle cost only P1400 (approximately US$32) compared to the ones at the mall that were about P2400 (approx US$54). So yay! The boys have a bike now. Of course, they would have to share it first...

At around 2pm or so, we left but we did not go home immediately and decided to drop by the mall to cool off and buy some things. Russell (brother-in-law) helped me buy the wires and cable and electricals for the room and I was really so glad for his help. I also got a mirror for the room (P399 only! [approx. US$9]) and a trash can.

Come evening, I started fixing up the room and I started with Ruther's DVDs. I was not able to do much anymore because I was pretty exhausted. So I thought I would just continue today. And of course, that I did. I'm not even halfway done!! I still have a lot to do, not to mention fix the things in the attic because I just placed all the stuff there before the workers started painting. Sigh.

Might as well get on with it...

HOW GIRLY ARE YOU?

And this is what I discovered:

You Are 48% Girly

You're a little girly, a little boyish, and probably a whole lot indie. You have your own unique style, and it pretty much defies gender lines.

How Girly Are You?

OVERCAST SATURDAY

From the look of the sky right now I think it will probably rain later. I can't wait!

.....

This afternoon, we had lunch together as a family along with Tita Nicki (who is Ruther's aunt from Australia and who is married to Mama's younger brother). When I was done, I got myself a slice of papaya for dessert. I usually like eating it with some condensed milk and so I would pour some on the papaya and eat it like that. Tita Nicki saw me and asked me if it was yummy that way and I said yeah, and I really enjoy eating papaya with condensed milk. She wanted to try it so I gave her the can of milk and she said she found it yummy and added that from then on, she's going to eat papaya with condensed milk. =D Anyway, the reason why I love eating papaya with condensed milk is because it takes away some of the sap-y taste and it's creamier and sweetish. So yeah, call me weird but I like eating papayas like that. =D

.....

It's Mama's sister's birthday on Tuesday but Mama said that the family will be having a celebratory luncheon tomorrow. I already have Ate Nita's present and I got her a bath towel and a house dress. I hope that's okay. Nikki is already looking forward to tomorrow because he wants to play with Matthew, the son of one of Ruther's cousins who is the same age as him. I think it will be nice for him to play with the other kids there tomorrow. I just hope that they won't be intimidated with Nikki's English because he really doesn't speak much Tagalog yet. For sure, I'll be dropping by to see Baby Zidane! He is such a cutie! =D

WOODSTOCK

Ruther got me this cute Woodstock. Of course, he got it from a UFO catcher in Japan when we were there last October. Isn't it cute? =D Ruther is the reason why my stuffed toy collection keeps on growing. =D

Thanks sweetie!

TAG!

Kathy tagged me! Thanks sis! I have to answer her question and then pass on a question of my own. And her question is:

What would you choose to eat: LECHON BABOY (roasted pig) or LECHON BAKA (roasted cow)?

I would have to say I prefer lechon baboy (roasted pig) because ever since I was little, we always had lechon during special occasions. Growing up with a Chinese grandfather, I suppose, it just became the usual sight and taste during family gatherings. I already tried lechon baka once or twice and it was nice but I suppose the memories associated with eating lechon baboy makes it more appealing to me. =D

And now for my question: What is the one sure thing that relaxes you when you are stressed?

And I am tagging Beevee and Lot! =D Enjoy!

TGIF

The workers arrived today, yipee!! One of them apologized for not arriving yesterday and I brushed it off and told him it was all right. Of course, I was just so happy that they were here today! I hope that they would finish tomorrow as planned. I can't believe Ruther's and my room is almost done!! =D

.....

Ruther has started buying his pasalubong for everyone here. He was out last night after work and bought some things and food stuff so he could put them in the balikbayan box which he plans on sending sometime next week. He told me that it will be picked up on Sunday and then will be shipped on Wednesday. It will take 2 weeks for the box to arrive here so it will be in time for his arrival. At least this way, he won't be bringing a lot of stuff with him while traveling. Nikki misses his dad a lot. Almost every night, he would tell me that he wants all of us to go to Daddy because he misses him. I told Nikki to wait a few more days because his Daddy will be home soon. I am sure he will be happy about that. And so will I. =D

ISKINITA (ALLEY)

I took this photo one day when we were on our way to the market. It's a narrow alleyway somewhere in Don Galo (a place in Paranaque) and you can clearly see how narrow it is. It was kind of early which would explain why the iskinita was empty. Love the capiz (type of shell) windows on the upper left part of the photo...

MEASLES

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071015/hl_afp/healthphilippinesmeasles;_ylt=AuUWf8.0MLOkXKM7TWWWXc_gcbYF

Philippines begins mass measles vaccination
Mon Oct 15, 12:13 PM ET

MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines launched a nationwide vaccination programme Monday to immunise nine million children against measles, the department of health said on its web site.

It said more than 10,000 vaccination teams will begin a month-long programme to immunise children aged between nine months and four years.

The Philippines hopes to eliminate measles by 2008, earlier than the 2012 target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Yolanda Oliveros, director of the department of health's National Center for Disease Prevention and Control was quoted by local media saying all health activities will be halted for a month to ensure the success of the programme.

Although a safe vaccine has been available since 1963, measles remains a leading cause of childhood preventable death and disability.

It is estimated that 20,000 to 30,000 deaths a year in the region are due to measles.

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW SAID...

You see things and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were, and I say 'Why not?'

NO SHOW

The painters did not come today. I am kind of worried about the partly finished work upstairs. I hope they are coming back tomorrow. If not, I would really freak out and not know how to get our room done in time for Ruther's arrival. I hired two painters for the job and both of them are not here today! Oh no... This is getting worrisome. I sincerely hope they will be coming tomorrow. They actually have to redo the ceiling because instead of off-white, they used a grayish-white color and it clashed with teh avocado color of the walls! So just to be on the safe side, Ruther and I decided to have our ceiling repainted white. And today the painters didn't come!! Okay, I shan't panic... But they better come tomorrow or else!!

.....

Ruther told me yesterday that he passed his JTest!! It's a language (Nihongo) proficiency exam. I can't remember the exact date when he took the exam but he told me the results yesterday. Anyway, I am so proud of him. Being the perfectionist that he is, he told me that he passed but did not get the score he wanted. Silly! I'm just happy that he passed! And I know he's happy as well.

Congrats sweetie!

DISPLAY

This was our window display at our home in Japan last year. Nikki and I cut out letters from magazines. Of course, I never realized we pasted the "N" the wrong way. Hahaha! Ruther got those stuffed toys (including Jack the Pumpkin King) from UFO catchers. Those 2 chick pumpkins he got in one try because the other one fell with the other. Talk about luck. He is quite good and when we were in Japan, I got most of my stuffed toys that way. I must say, after that trip, my collection has increased a lot! =D

SOMEWHAT WET WEDNESDAY

It rained for a bit today. But it lasted for such a short while that after mere minutes, the sun was out again. Bummer...

.....

Had to bring our VHS player to the repair shop today. Some mechanism seems to have gone wrong inside it. The VHS tape won't eject and I can't use it (nor can the boys). So I thought of bringing it to the repair shop so they could have a look-see. They told me that before they do anything to it, they would give me a call so I would know the estimated cost of the repair. I said that would be fine. At 4pm, they called and told me that the repairs (parts and labor) will cost P900 (approximately US$20). That seemed okay with me because if I bring the unit to an authorized service center it might cost more and will definitely take days to be done (we had another unit repaired before and it wasn't a happy experience). At the repair shop, they told me that I could get it at 6pm later!! Talk about fast service. Well, I hope it works well later. Will have to test it before I pay for it.

.....

Ethan is undergoing a phase. He now hates to take a bath. You know Pigpen from Peanuts? I sometimes think of him when I see Ethan covered in chalk dust and refusing to have a bath. It's just so weird because this boy used to love staying inside the pail for hours and hours until he turned into a prune. And now when I say, "Ethan, bathtime!" I am met with wails and protests and a chase around the room. But when we are at the pool or a resort, he would need no urging and would be in the pool swimming and frolicking in a blink of an eye. Sigh...

Time to shower him now. Wish me luck...

TRICK OR TREAT!

Melisse sent me this yummy treat! Thanks a bunch! I haven't eaten a candy apple yet though... =D

I still don't know what we're planning for Halloween. The fixing up of the room is currently occupying my mind these days. I would want Nikki and Ethan to try trick or treating but I'm worried that it would be too crowded at the malls and instead of having fun, we'll just all be stressed out. Definitely not my fave thing to do so I'm still trying to weight things a bit and see if we could do another halloween activity this Halloween. =D

SHARP BRAINS

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071015/ap_on_he_me/healthbeat_aging_brains

Doctors discuss theories on aging brains
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer
Mon Oct 15, 5:43 PM ET

WASHINGTON - When aging hampers memory, some people's brains compensate to stay sharp. Now scientists want to know how those brains make do — in hopes of developing treatments to help everyone else keep up.

This is not Alzheimer's disease, but the wear-and-tear of so-called normal aging. New research is making clear that memory and other brain functions decline to varying degrees even in otherwise healthy people as they age, as anyone who habitually loses car keys probably suspected.

The question is how to gird our brains against time's ravages, a question becoming critical as the population grays. If you're 65 today, odds are you'll live to 83. But improving health care means people in their 50s today may live another 40 years.

"I don't think we've recognized, as scientists or a society, (that) this is the front-and-center public health issue we face as a nation," Dr. Denise Park, director of the University of Illinois' Center for Healthy Minds, told fellow brain specialists assembled by the government last week.

"We need to understand how to defer normal cognitive aging ... the way we've invested in fighting heart disease and cancer."

There are intriguing clues, gleaned from discoveries that some seniors' brains literally work around aging's damage, forging new pathways when old ones disintegrate.

"It's not just fanciful or pie-in-the-sky" to try harnessing that ability, said Dr. Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, which organized last week's meeting to seek advice on the most promising research.

High on the list: Simple physical exercise. It seems to do the brain as much good as the body.
Other options aren't as well-studied, but range from brain-training games to medications that may keep brain networks better connected. In fact, an old blood-pressure pill named guanfacine improves memory in old rats and monkeys by doing just that — but it hasn't yet been tested in older people with memory problems.

What's normal aging and what signals impending Alzheimer's? That is a big question for elders worried about periodic memory lapses. Science can't yet tell for sure, but there seem to be distinct differences.

Consider: A healthy brain is a bushy one. Branch-like tentacles extend from the ends of the brain's cells, enabling them to communicate with each other. The more you learn, the more those connections form.

Alzheimer's kills neurons, so the cells disappear along with connections their neighbors need.
With normal aging, the cells don't die but their bushes can shrivel to skinny twigs, explained Dr. Carol Barnes of the University of Arizona. Cells that are less connected have a harder time sending messages. You may know someone's name, but not be able to recall it.

Moreover, Alzheimer's seems to first target a different spot in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, than aging does.

There are two capacities for fighting back:

_Some brains withstand a lot of assault before showing symptoms, something called "cognitive reserve." Indeed, striking autopsy studies have found between 20 percent and 40 percent of elders who displayed no confusion actually had brains riddled with Alzheimer's trademark plaques. Presumably, they had such bushy brains that even when some neurons died, enough were left to function.

_Compensation is how the brain adapts when old pathways quit functioning, to reroute itself and use alternates. Brain scans show younger people tend to use different neural networks than older people when performing the same task.

What's the advice for now?

Physical exercise is the best-proven prescription so far, the scientists agreed. Memory improved when 72-year-olds started a walking program three days a week, and sophisticated scans showed their brains' activity patterns started resembling those of younger people,
Then there's the "use-it-or-lose-it" theory, that people with higher education, more challenging occupations and enriched social lives build more cognitive reserve than couch potatoes.
It's never too late to start building up that reserve, said Columbia University neuroscientist Yaakov Stern. But, "the question is how. What is the recipe?"

Everything from doing crossword puzzles to various computer-based brain-training programs has been touted, but nothing is yet proven to work. Johns Hopkins University has a major government-funded study under way called the "Experience Corps," where older adults volunteer to tutor school students 15 hours a week, to see if such long-term stimulation maintains the elders' brains.

What about medication? Companies have been reluctant to test side effect-prone drugs in an otherwise healthy aging brain, but scientists cited animal studies suggesting low-dose estrogen and drugs that might mimic or ramp up brain signaling are promising possibilities.

And recall that old blood pressure drug guanfacine? It is now being studied as a potential treatment for children with attention-deficit disorder — and it works in the same brain region, the prefrontal cortex, where elderly brains forge new networks.

"If it works in a 6-year-old, we hope it will work in the elderly," said Yale University neurobiologist Amy Arnsten.

WHAT PART OF FALL ARE YOU?

Here's mine:

You Are Warm Nights by the Fire

Peaceful and romantic. The best part of fall.

What Part of Fall Are You?

This was fun! =D

COSMOWORLD

Yokohama CosmoWorld... How I miss it so... Can't remember taking this photo so Ruther must have taken this. One day, I'm going to have a go on that roller coaster. Hopefully that will be sooner than later. =D

TUESDAY THOUGHTS

I woke up early today because I had to call and wake Ruther up so he would get to work on time. When I spoke to him, he told me that he slept around 2am already the night before. This worried me because remember he had some dizziness a few days back? Well, I don't want him to be more stressed than he already is and I worry that the dizziness is a symptom of something. I already asked him to undergo a physical exam when he comes back and he agreed. I just know I'll worry less if I have him beside me at last.

.....

October is halfway over!! Can you imagine that? Sometimes, the days seem to just fly by, other times it feels like forever. Anyway, I'm just glad that everyday is another day that would bring my closer to my sweetie...

.....

Nikki has finally completed his antibiotic treatment and his impetigo has cleared completely. Yahoo! He has been such a good boy and has cooperated wonderfully with the daily doses. I am quite proud of him.

Yesterday, we visited Baby Zidane (who was home from the hospital) and when I saw Nikki next to the baby it hit me that he really was no longer a baby. He was quite excited to see the baby so little and he told me "Mommy, the baby is so cute!" He loved touching the baby's smooth legs and really, he was all aflutter. Ethan on the other hand, didn't want to touch the baby. He was quite noisy there but fortunately, the baby is a sound sleeper so he didn't wake up at all, thank goodness. But once, Ethan poked the baby with the bolster (the small sausage-shaped pillow you put beside the baby) and I was so shocked! I think he wanted to see if the baby would move if he poked it. Naughty boy! But after I told him not to disturb the baby, he left it alone. Of course, that did not stop him from making noise still. Sigh. =D

COOL!

Kristine passed this Cool Mom award to me! Wow! This is really great! Thanks so much, Kristine!

Even before I had Nikki, I always told Ruther that I wanted to be a cool mom; I wanted to be there for our kids through thick or thin, I wanted to be someone who our kids could talk to about anything and eveything, someone who could play games with them (unfortunately, my video game skills are quite poor), who could teach them about many things about life and the world, and someone who could and would accept them for who they really and truly were. My boys are still quite young for me to determine if I have indeed achieved this "cool mom" status but I know I will still try my darnest to be the best mom for them. I just hope that a few years from now, I will have become the "cool mom" I have imagined and expected myself to be. Will keep you updated about that. =D

I am passing this award to all the moms out there because I know and believe that you are all great and cool and you all deserve the recognition. Kisses to all!

MONDAY MUSINGS

Today, the painters did a first coating of the avocado shade that I picked for the room. It turned out to be lovely. I really love the relaxing color of the green and at the same time, I enjoyed the subtle yellow tones that cheered up the room. I think the color will be great with the dark chocolate color of the furnishings. I am soooo excited to see the room done!! The painters said that they will try their best to finish it this week which will be so great if that happens. I am itching to start fixing up the room!! Ooh, I hope that everything will look absolutely great after the room is done and I hope Ruther will like it!

.....

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 has begun!! It premiered last night and if course, I stayed up late for that. Blame Mommy for introducing me to this reality show. Anyway, it's actually a fun show to watch but is definitely not for kids and I would not recommend anyone younger than teens to watch this, not unless they were with their parents of course.

Here's the first batch of housemates:

1. True Lover - Will Devaughn (25) model/sportcaster

2. Princess of Charm - Megan Young (17) former Starstruck avenger

3. Desirable Diva - Riza Santos (21) Miss Earth-Canada, FHM covergirl (october issue)

4. Komedyanteng Promdi - Ruben Gonzaga (25) ABS-CBN Davao's Kapamilya Sabado Party nagpauso ng Budotz dance

5. Lonely Dreamboy - Victor Basa (22) Penshoppe model, ASAP Coverboys

6. Mom in Distress - Yayo Aguila (40) Bagets star/wife of William Martinez

7. Wild Child - Baron Geisler (25) former ABS-CBN's child star

8. Brainy Babe - Marylaine Viernes (21) 26K girl scholar sa La Salle, palanca awardee 2004

9. Despised Babe - Jen Da Silva (?) former 26K girl

10. Good Brother - Donald Geisler(?) 2 national athlete Baron Geisler's brother/taekwondo champ

LITTLE ARTIST

Here's my little artist. He loves to draw on his chalkboard these days and after a few hours, he would be covered in chalk dust (even if the chalks were "dustless"). Anyway, I leave him be. He's such a creative and artistic boy I think a bit of mess is worth it after seeing his wonderful drawings after.

Photo taken a few days ago.

TEASING AND WEIGHT PROBLEMS

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071014/ap_on_he_me/diet_overweight_teens;_ylt=ApAINwoGcJJzQGzRPvqqtWCs0NUE

Study: Teasing adds to weight problems
By AMY FORLITI, Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS - For parents concerned about their overweight teens, new research suggests the best tactic might be to just relax and cook a healthy Sunday dinner.

Pushing diets probably won't help. Neither will teasing about weight. Instead parents should focus on having frequent family meals, creating a positive atmosphere at mealtimes, promoting physical activity and building self-esteem, the researchers recommend.

The study of more than 2,500 adolescents over five years reinforced several things that doctors have found among their patients — particularly that destructive behaviors such as vomiting or abusing laxatives are prevalent among overweight teens as well as their too-thin peers, and that body attitudes and perceptions can play a big role in future weight problems.

"This is obviously of concern," Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, lead author of the study at the University of Minnesota, said of the risky behaviors. "We know that these behaviors tend to actually increase weight gain over time. It points to a need to address these behaviors with ... overweight kids."

The research will be published in the November issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The study found that 44 percent of the girls and 20 percent of the boys were either overweight, engaged in binge eating or had used extreme weight-control measures — such as purging or abusing laxatives, diet pills or diuretics.

Of the overweight adolescents, about one fourth of the girls reported using extreme measures, while 10 percent reported using extreme measures as well as binge eating. Only about 12 percent of overweight boys used extreme measures.

Neumark-Sztainer, who is also author of the book "I'm, Like, So Fat!," said she has long been interested in the intersection between eating disorders and obesity, and how both can be prevented. This study shows that problems on both ends of the weight spectrum can stem from the same issues of low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and risky eating behaviors, she said.

The medical director of the Eating Disorder Center of Denver said the study was well-constructed — using a large number of kids over an extended period. Dr. Carolyn Ross said she was interested in the way the study linked teasing and pressure to lose weight to an increased risk in obesity and binge eating five years later.

The study found that girls who reported being teased about their weight were about twice as likely to be overweight five years later when compared with other girls in the study.

They were also about 1.5 times more likely to binge eat and use extreme weight-control behaviors, the study said.

Ross said the focus on obesity in children has prompted some negative approaches. For example, a physical education teacher who weighs students in front of their peers.

"This study shows us that we are really going in the wrong direction to put more attention and more pressure on kids to lose weight, which further stigmatizes them," she said.

Dr. Joel Jahraus, medical director of the Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Eating Disorders Institute in Minneapolis, said parents need to send the right message. Jahraus said kids should not be told to "diet, diet, diet."

"The message should be one of balance," he said.

FRIENDSHIP

Mhay has bestowed upon me this Friendship Award. Thanks a bunch! Really and truly appreciate it!

When I started this blog, I never thought nor expected to make friends through cyberspace. I just thought this was going to be my online journal, a record of sorts just so I could document our family life and things important to me and my family. Now that I have been blogging for 11 months, I find that making friends and touching lives makes blogging even more fun and more meaningful. So to all of you who have touched my life in many ways, I hope that I too, have made a difference in yours.

You may not pass this on, but I pick you, Mitzh. I will always appreciate the friendship we have formed through blogging. And I pick you Clea, my childhood friend. And Mio, my friend since college. Love you guys...

CLIMATE AND PEACE (?)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071012/ap_on_sc/nobel_widening_peace;_ylt=ApLQCwnTfM9wWvGuNzsBlo2s0NUE

Experts: Climate change threatens peace
By CHARLES J. HANLEY, AP Special Correspondent
Fri Oct 12, 4:53 PM ET

What does global warming have to do with global peace? The globe may find out sooner than we think, experts say.

"Climate change is and will be a significant threat to our national security and in a larger sense to life on Earth as we know it to be," retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, former U.S. Army chief of staff, told a congressional panel last month.

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee agrees. In awarding the prize Friday to climate campaigner Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N.-sponsored network of scientists, the Norwegian committee said the stresses of a changing global environment may heighten the "danger of violent conflicts and wars, within and between states."

Those like Sullivan who study the issues point particularly to the impact of drought and altered climate patterns on food and water supplies, leading to shortages that could spur huge, destabilizing migrations of people internationally.

In a report in May, scientists advising the German government noted specific scenarios that could upend the lives of millions, driving them across borders to overwhelm other lands.

"The dieback of the Amazon rain forest or the loss of the Asian monsoon could have incalculable consequences for the societies concerned," said the German Advisory Council on Global Change.

In some cases, potential backlashes from warming weren't foreseen even a few years ago. One example: The stunningly swift shrinking of Arctic Ocean ice in recent summers has drawn attention to looming international disputes over rights to the newly open seas.

The unpredictability of when, where and how some of the changes will occur has frustrated Pentagon planners and others trying to prepare.

A 2003 report commissioned by the Pentagon warned that abrupt climate change "could potentially destabilize the geopolitical environment, leading to skirmishes, battles, and even war due to resource constraints."

But that study's scenario for abrupt change hinged in part on fears that the Atlantic's Gulf Stream current might slow, chilling northern Europe and eastern North America and curtailing food harvests. Now, however, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says it's "very unlikely" the current will slow abruptly.

Unpredictability was dispelled elsewhere in the panel's reports this year. It found, for example, that warmer and drier conditions are already shortening the growing season in Africa's Sahel, a conflict-ridden region long burdened by food and water shortages.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the German scientists cited other potential "hotspots," including:

• Egypt's vital, low-lying Nile Delta, where the livelihoods of millions may be at risk from rising sea levels and salinization of agricultural areas.
• The Asian subcontinent, where the retreat of Himalayan glaciers will dry up downstream water supplies, and rising seas and stronger cyclones will threaten tens of millions on the Bay of Bengal coast.
• The poor nations of Central America, where more intense hurricanes could severely damage economies, destabilize political systems and send streams of uprooted people toward the U.S. border.

At the same time, the German scientists said, the climate challenge is an opportunity to unite the international community. In that spirit, Britain last April organized the first U.N. Security Council meeting to consider climate change as a threat to international peace.

Global efforts have faltered, however, in trying to cut back emissions of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases — in part because the Bush administration opposes such internationally mandated reductions. That in itself may help sharpen world tensions, the German report said.

If, amid recriminations and finger-pointing, governments fail to unite on global warming, "climate change will draw ever-deeper lines of division and conflict in international relations," it said.

Leaders are growing nervous. At the U.S. Army War College last March, military and scientific specialists quietly convened in a colloquium on "Global Climate Change: National Security Implications." Among the topics discussed: the possible need for a new National Security Act to "oblige intergovernmental cooperation" on climate by future U.S. administrations.

BABY ZIDANE

This is Zidane, Lot's (Ruther's cousin's) baby we visited the other day. His nickname is going to be Zizou, according to the father (who, incidentally, I haven't met yet). Isn't he adorable? Ethan was never this small when he was a baby. When he came out of me he was 8.1 pounds so I guess he was never tiny. But he was still so cute and chubby. =D

Zizou and his Mama

SUNDAY TRIM

I had to give Ethan a haircut today. His hair has just become so long and unkempt, I was not too happy about it. So this morning, before I gave him his bath, I brought him to the garage and I trimmed his hair there. Of course he put up a fuss. This is the main reason why I can't bring him to the barber because he just hates it a lot. We can't even make him sit on the chair for goodness' sake! Anyway, at least when I cut his hair, he's relatively more behaved and I just have to urge him not to fidget. And of course, I need a great amount of baby powder to keep the itching to a minimum. He really hates those snippets of hair. Everytime I snip, he would avade the falling hair as though they were bugs. So you can imagine our progress through the entire length of the garage as he carefully tried to walk away from me (and the falling hair) while I was trying to give him a good-enough haircut. Anyway, I did buy some nice hair trimmers/scissors so they were a huge help and at least Ethan's hairstyle is better now than earlier this morning. I suppose I will have to give him another haircut in a few weeks' time but for now, I'm happy that my boy had his trim. =D

NIKKI AND HIS DINOS

These stuffed dinos were presents from Christine, Russell's wife who came for a visit from the US few weeks ago. These were her pasalubong for the boys. Nikki named the brontosaurus Haiiro because it means "grey" in Nihongo. And of course, he had to name the other one Chairo because it's brown. Cool names, if you ask me. =D

Photo taken last month.

4 IN THE MORNING

Gwen Stefani


Waking up to find another day
The moon got lost again last night
But now the sun has finally had its say
I guess I feel alright

But it hurts when I think
When I let it sink in
It's all over me
I'm lying here in the dark
I'm watching you sleep, it hurts a lot
& all I know is
You've got to give me everything
Nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

Chorus:
I give you everything that I am
I'm handin' over everything that I've got
Cause I wanna have a really true love
Don't ever wanna have to go & give you up
Stay up till Four In The Morning & the tears are pouring
& I want to make it worth the fight
What have we been doing for all this time?
Baby if we're gonna do it, come on do it right

All I wanted was to know I'm safe
Don't want to lose the love I've found
Remember when you said that you would change
Don't let me down
It's not fair how you are
I can't be complete, can you give me more?
& all I know is
You got to give me everything
& nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

(Chorus)

Oh please, you know what I need
Save all your love up for me
We can't escape the love
Give me everything that you have
& all I know is
You got to give me everything
& nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

ROOM UPDATE

I have not mentioned it early this week but the painters have started working in our room already. They actually started last Monday and this is their 6th day of work. They have sandpapered the furnishings and shelves and such and they have also started painting most of the furniture. Hopefully, next week, they could start working on the bedframe and then paint the room by Thursday. I am urging them to not dilly-dally so that by next week, the room will be done and then I could air the room for a few days to let the paint smell dissipate then I could start fixing the room and the attic. I think Mama wants to fix everything up soon and I really could not put my stuff anywhere else except in the existing space available which is of course, in the living and family room. It is quite an inconvenience but I really can't do anything about it until the room is all done and I can transfer the stuff. So hopefully, next week, the room will be done. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

NEW BABY

There's a new baby in the family! Ruther's cousin Lot, gave birth through CS yesterday and she now has a really cute baby boy. So adorable. She had the CS operation at around 8 in the morning because they found out the day before, that her water was leaking out of her and would pose a threat to the baby. So it was a good thing that yesterday, everything went well and when Russell, Tita Nicki and I went to the hospital for a visit, we got the chance to see the baby! I was so excited to hold it and Tita Nicki was crying because she said she was so happy. At around 5pm or so (we arrived at the hospital around 430pm), Lot's other cousins visited so it was like a mini-reunion. Her younger sister Beck ordered pizza for everyone and we had a mini-picnic in the suite. But of course, everyone was doting on the cute baby. The baby's father is still out of the country but he might visit if all goes well. I'll try to post some photos of the adorable baby. It made me quite nostalgic seeing it so tiny in my arms and made me realize that indeed, my boys have grown so much. Sigh... I might have to leaf through the boys' baby books later...

ETHAN

Little Ethan. He loves having his photo taken and it shows. =D So cute.

Photo taken a few days ago.

BOURNE ULTIMATUM

I watched this movie the other night and it was cool. I never really liked Matt Damon before the Bourne movies. He was like, okay with me as an actor but after watching Bourne Identity, he was woah! Pretty cool. Not Jet Li cool though, but cool enough. =D Anyway, I loved the flick and maybe because I already loved the first 2 movies. I just found the plot riveting and exciting and full of suspense. The action scenes were great too and I could only imagine Ruther's annoyance at me while I went "Get him! Get the guy!" or "Just kill him already!" Yes, I can become quite involved with the stories while I'm watching the action (of course, I don't do this in the movie theatres for fear of being booted out)... =D Anyway, I think this will make it to out DVD collection and of course, the rest of the Bourne movies as well...

IMPETIGO UPDATE

Well, Nikki has been taking the antibiotic regularly, I am happy to say. I was thinking it was going to be a fuss-filled event but surprisingly, Nikki is okay with drinking the medicine as long as he gulps it down fast. I'm actually quite proud of him. I know how yucky medicine could be for some kids. (I'm sure Ethan would not be as accommodating.) Yeah, I'm quite glad that we are having no problems with the drinking of the medicine. Anyway, I have been observing Nikk's sores closely and the only change I have seen so far is the one on his scalp, the area above his forehead. It seems to be healing nicely. The rest however, are still the same and I'm suspecting it's because Nikki keeps on scratching those. So yesterday, I bought a bunch of bandaids and after he had his bath, I applied some antibiotic ointment on the sores and covered them up with the bandages. This way, his impetigo won't spread and at the same time, will keep scratching to a minimum. Hopefully it will work. Ethan has some small "bites" and I'm applying antibiotic ointment on them too to prevent them from becoming sores. He also keeps on scratching them and it's driving me nuts having to remind them all the time NOT to scratch. Anyway, as long as we continue with the daily treatment and taking of the oral antibiotic, then I'm sure they will be right as rain in no time. =D

EGGS

These eggs were laid by the chicken here at home. Nikki and Ethan were so fascinated by these eggs because they looked more elongated and less white (light brown) than the usual eggs we buy at the supermarket. At least they know that not all eggs are the same now. =D

Photo taken a few days ago.

DIZZY

Ruther just told me that he is home from work. Apparently, he suffered some dizziness this morning and decided to just have some rest today. I'm kind of worried about this dizziness. When we were in Japan last year, he also had vertigo while we were at the gym and he said he felt kind of weak. I noticed that this happens intermittently, like every 4 months or so but I'm worried that it might be something more serious. I want him to take a thorough physical examination when he gets back so that we could find out if these are truly dizzy-ing spells only or if it's a symptom of something bigger. I just don't want to be complacent about these things. As always, prevention is so much better than cure and I don't want Ruther to keep having these bouts of vertigo. It's really quite alarming. =(

.....

Hot day today.

I have been trying to keep Nikki's itching to a minimum but it's quite difficult because for kids, it's like an involuntary action. Every once in a while, I say "Nikki, don't scratch!" and really, he's quite fed up of that reminder. But well, it can't be helped because I really don't want his impetigo to spread to Ethan.

With regards to the antibiotic-taking, we're doing okay so far. We haven't missed a dose and Nikki is getting better in taking the medicine everytime. The first time he tried to drink it, he gagged. So I told him to take the medicine in 2 sips. I taught him how to sip half of the medicine in the cup then drink a bit of water then take the remaining medicine and drink water again. Now he's not too bothered about the medicine. I just remind him that if he takes the medicine regularly, his booboos will all go away then we could go play in the bouncy castle again. He's really looking forward to that now. =D

UH-OH!

http://health.yahoo.com/news/180153

Study ties marital strife, heart disease
October 8, 2007 09:28:04 PM PST

A lousy marriage might literally make you sick. Marital strife and other bad personal relationships can raise your risk for heart disease, researchers reported Monday.

What it likely boils down to is stress, a well-known contributor to health problems, as well as a potential byproduct of troubled relationships, the scientists said.

In a study of 9,011 British civil servants, most of them married, those with the worst close relationships were 34 percent more likely to have heart attacks or other heart trouble during 12 years of follow-up than those with good relationships. That included partners, close relatives and friends.

The study, in Monday's Archives of Internal Medicine, follows previous research that has linked health problems with being single and having few close relationships. In the new study, researchers focused more on the quality of marriage and other important relationships.

"What we add here is that, 'OK, being married is in general good, but be careful about the kind of person you have married.' The quality of the relationship matters," said lead author Roberto De Vogli, a researcher with University College in London.

De Vogli said his research team is doing tests to see if study participants with bad relationships have any biological evidence of stress that could contribute to heart disease. That includes inflammation and elevated levels of stress hormones.

Another recent study also looked at quality of relationships but had different results. There was no association between marital woes in general and risks for heart disease or early death. But it did find, over a 10-year follow-up, that women who keep silent during marital arguments had an increased risk of dying compared with wives who expressed their feelings during fights. What appeared to matter more for men was just being married; married men were less likely to die during the follow-up than single men.

That study, of nearly 4,000 men and women, was published online in July in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

In De Vogli's study, men and women with bad relationships faced equal risks. Volunteers filled out questionnaires asking them to rate the person to whom they felt closest on several measures. These included questions about to what extent does that person "give you worries, problems and stress?"

They also were asked about whether they felt they could confide in that person, or whether talking with that person made them feel worse.

Over the following 12 years, 589 participants had heart attacks or other heart problems. Those with the highest negative scores on the questionnaire had the highest risks, even taking into account other factors related to heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure and smoking.

James Coyne, a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor who also has examined the health impact of social relationships, said De Vogli's results "make intuitive sense." But he said the study found only a weak association that doesn't prove bad relationships can cause heart disease.

"It is still not clear what to recommend," Coyne said.

"Do we tell people who have negative relationships to get therapy? They may have other reasons to do so, but I see no basis for them doing so only to avoid a heart attack," Coyne said.
Ending a bad marriage is not necessarily the answer either, he said, given evidence that being unmarried also could be a risk.

LAZY CAT

This cat was sleeping right outside or window one sunny afternoon so I thought of taking its photo. It looks so content, doesn't it?

Photo taken this week.

IMPETIGO

Nikki has impetigo. Sounds really bad, doesn't it? It's a skin infection and looks like a really bad sore. Nikki already has 7 on his body. He actually had only 6 but when I saw another one today I freaked out and decided to bring him to the doctor immediately. It was almost 5pm and I was worried that the pedia's clinic near home would be closed already. But good thing, when we got there, it was still open. So the doctor checked Nikki's sores and I told him the history. Then the doctor told me it was impetigo. I felt kind of relieved that I now know what those sores were and I now know how to (hopefully) prevent another infection. The doctor was nice and I think it would be okay for Nikki to have a regular doctor from now on. We usually go to a pedia that is recommended by Ruther's company but in situations like this, location can be a big plus. And in those clinics we had to wait for like an hour or so until it was our turn. I HATE that. So it's nice that there's a good doctor nearby to calm my nerves when an emergency comes up. Anyway, Nikki has to drink an antibiotic 4 times a day for a week. I'm already dreading it. Wish me (lots of) luck. Hopefully, Nikki will be better once the week of antibiotic-drinking is over.

.....

Impetigo, a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands, is one of the most common skin infections among kids.
It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age children, especially in the summer months. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup.
Good hygiene can help prevent impetigo, which often develops when there is a sore or a rash that has been scratched repetitively (for example, poison ivy can get infected and turn into impetigo). Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics.

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/impetigo.html