ROAD TO RECOVERY

The boys are feeling much better today. They are not feverish any more and they are becoming their usual selves, and I'm glad for that even if I hear an occasional, "Mom-mee!" because of bickering.

Nikki's vesicles have started to dry up although there are still some "wet" ones. At least he's no longer just lying in bed and miserable. He's more upbeat now and talkative as ever. He doesn't scratch as much too but the scabs on his face look so bad (in my opinion). I just hope they heal nicely.

Ethan has lesser vesicles but since yesterday, he's developed a rash. He hates drinking medicine and I really dread having to tell him, "Okay Ethan, time for your antihistamine". We usually end up in a shouting match with him yelling "NONONONONONO!" and me begging, "Pleeeeease??" I so hate having to force him to drink medicine but I don't want him to succumb to anaphylactic shock just because he refused his meds. Sigh. This is supposed to be Ruther's job. (Hehe... Of course, the nasty stuff goes to the hubby.)

Anyway, I'm just glad that the boys are no longer listless and cranky. But just to be on the safe side, they'll have to stay home for a couple or more days...

THANKS BECKY!

It's been crazy these past days. I've spent so much time attending to the boys, discouraging them from scratching (little success there), keeping them hydrated and encouraging them to eat. It's been tough because my boys are rarely listless. Also, the vesicles look terrible!! Nikki has a lot on his face and I'm worried they would develop into permanent scars! I hope not. Maybe there's something I could apply on the drying wound that would keep it from scarring?

Anyway, I just want to say thanks to Becky for all the suggestions. The boys loved the oat bath. Before we did that, I would bathe them in some water mixed with an infusion of boiled guava leaves. Guava leaves have antiseptic properties. Only thing is, it turns the water brown which the boys don't like much. So last night, I tried the oat bath and they enjoyed it a lot! Ethan was wary at first but after I rubbed the oats (wrapped in their cloth diaper) on his skin he didn't mind anymore. I couldn't find the essential oil anywhere. I think it's available in specialty stores in huge malls here. Most probably in Makati but that's a bit far from here. I would have loved to try it though. I can't use honey on the sores too because we have an ant problem here at home. Wouldn't want to wake up with the boys covered in ants! :P

Thanks for the help and concern again Becky! You are truly a great friend! Mwah!

CHICKENPOX

The boys have chickenpox.

Ethan's fever turned out to be a symptom of the illness. Ethan had a blister 2 days ago near his upper lip and he complained that it hurt and wanted me to bandage it but after kissing him, we didn't think much of it until I noticed that it became like a reddish pimple. Then, I noticed that he developed another blister near his nape and I got suspicious. Yesterday, while combing Nikki's hair, I noticed a similar "pimple" on his scalp. Then this morning, when Nikki woke up he had tiny blisters on his face, arms and body and I was like, "AHA! Chickenpox!!" And I was right.

Ethan is feverish and cranky and clingy. He wants me to always be by his side. The good thing though is that he has very little blisters at the moment. Nikki is not as feverish but he has blisters over his body and suffers from upset stomach. Poor kids. :( I of course, am trying to make things easy for them today so I am like their slave for the moment. I don't mind because I know they need the pampering. I went to the drugstore this afternoon to buy some calamine ointment/cream so I could apply on the itchy blisters/sores. I don't want them to develop into scars from rough scratching.

Anyway, I'm hoping that their illness won't last for more than a week. It's a good thing I already had chickenpox when I was in grade school. But then again, I only had it for 4 days. I hope I don't start sprouting blisters in the next few days!!

PUPPY UPDATE

The pups are doing great. So great in fact that they are so cute and chubby and big. And we love them. This afternoon, my brother-in-law Ron, the boys and I had a little photo shoot going on with the pups. It was fun. Ethan was really excited about being close to the pups (without the mom, coz he's a bit scared of her and her nails) and Nikki loved holding his puppy. My pup, the only black one, I was pleased to find out, is a girl. So I'm naming her Beauty. You know, like Black Beauty. I know, it's cheesy but until I find a better name for her, it'll be Beauty for now. Nikki is naming his pup Framy, from a Japanese tv show. Oh well, it's his pup. :)

.....

We've had a busy afternoon preparing for tomorrow's get-together. I haven't seen Ruther's relatives since February so I'm excited to see them again. I'm sure it'll be another fun day for all. We'll be celebrating Ate Nita's birthday (she's Mama's elder sis - birthday was yesterday), Tito Mon's birthday (Mama's younger brother - birthday was a few days ago) and Mama's birthday as well (her birthday is on Nov 3). So I hope that almost everyone could make it to the celebration. :)

.....

Future is still uncertain.

Which pretty much sucks.

CROCHET

I've been checking the 'net for interesting crochet designs. I don't feel like I'm up to difficult projects yet so I'm researching easy jewelry, baby designs, hats, and all those simple things. I've started making a hat but it's nothing challenging. I'm still trying to come up with the proper way to curve the thing around my head. The first time I tried it, it looked like a huge flower. So now, I crochet and measure, crochet and measure... It's a bit difficult but I'm getting there. Hopefully, I'll be more confident with a few trial and errors. :D

.....

Friends from near and far seem to be either pregnant or just had a baby. One high school friend of mine even had twin girls!! Ruther and I have been talking about the possibility of having another baby in a year or so. Hopefully a girl this time. Even Nikki has been asking if we're going to give him a baby sister and asked me when is my tummy going to get big and round? (Can't do it without Dad, sweetie.) I wouldn't mind getting pregnant, of course but my only condition is that I wouldn't want to have a baby without Ruther with me 24/7. Unless that's gonna happen, I don't want to get pregnant. I've already had 2 pregnancies with Ruther away most of the time and I don't want another experience like that. Also, we'd have to consider of course the possibility of me no longer being able to work full-time once another baby's in the picture. So, unless we really talk things through, it's a 50-50 deal. Am I being too hard?

.....

October is ending in a few days. It still doesn't quite feel like Christmas yet. This year has been such a drag. Sorry 2009 but you really suck. Anyway, still hoping that this year won't end too badly...

INSECT

I miss everything about Japan. Even the cicadas...

PROJECTS

I don't know why but I've started crocheting again. For some strange reason I decided to pick up the hobby a few days ago. I can't remember the last time I tried crocheting. I think it was high school. I've forgotten some of the stitches but with some practice these past couple of days, I managed to remember most of them. Anyway, I started making really easy projects first: anklets, necklaces, flowers, etc. I think that before I embark on a more challenging project, I need to practice my stitching first. I remember the first time I started crocheting, my stitches were so uneven. Hopefully, with a little practice and inspiration from the internet, I'll be able to come up with interesting projects. Maybe even crochet myself a pretty dress. :)

.....

I want to have my own sewing machine. I recently bought a Japanese craft book on sale and it had a lot of interesting projects. I so want to try making them. Of course, I won't jump into the complicated pieces. I'm not unrealistic. I know my limits at this time. If only I were as good as blogger friend Amy in making those really cute bags and purses, maybe I could even sell them in Multiply. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I need a sewing machine first!! Maybe I could find a cheap but nice one at the mall. Any tips on how to buy a reasonably-priced sewing machine?

.....

I'm so hoping that Ruther will come home for Christmas. Already the year is ending in such a depressing note, I just wish something will happen that would put some happiness and good luck in our lives. Does that sound so desperate? Well, it's just that 2009 is nothing at all like I pictured and hoped it to be. Sigh. It's times like these that I wish I had a crystal ball that really works...

GETTING BETTER

I've just recovered (or am recovering) from a bout of a certain skin disease (which I will not say here lest I die of embarrassment) which has bothered me since last week and I am quite happy that it's now starting to go away. Talk about slow torture. Anyway, I'm just so glad that I'm on the road to recovery and hopefully, I will never have this darn thing again. E V E R.

.....

We can't get enough of the puppies. But we're still scared to go near them because we're not sure how Chowchow (the mom) would react if we borrow one of her newborn pups. But I really really want to get all 5 pups and just take endless photos of them. Maybe tomorrow I could do that. I might need some help distracting Chowchow though. Hopefully, we'll be able to sneak the pups away without her knowing. Hopefully...

.....

Been taking another course which will hopefully benefit me in the future. I'm actually quite excited to finish it, although I only took the basic course. I'm taking the TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I figured that if I really wanted to do this a few months from now, I might as well prepare for it and get a certificate at least. Initially, I thought of taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). But when I compared the TOEFL and the TEFL, they cost almost the same and if I pass the TOEFL exam, it would be only good for 2 years. So I figured, why not take the TEFL instead? I'd learn a lot, I'd spend only as much as the TOEFL exam and at the same time, be certified to teach. Not bad, right? So now, I'm 20% done with my course. Hopefully I'll be completely done in a few months. And then maybe I could apply for a job overseas. Who knows? It's time for our luck to turn around...

NEW PUPS

My brother-in-law's dog, Chowchow, gave birth to 5 pups today. So that pretty much kept our day occupied. She's a first time mom and I wanted to make sure she took good care of her pups. She handled the birthing well. I was worried at first because when the first pup came out it didn't seem like she knew what to do. But then, instinct kicked in and she was a pro. There was an 8-minute interval from the first pup to the second. Then the third quickly came. Then we thought that was that. But after seeing more contractions and some bleeding, the fourth one came out. And then we thought that was that. But finally, after a 6-minute wait, the final pup came. Whew! We were all too cautious to go near Chowchow even if she's very even-tempered with us. I still wouldn't allow the boys to go near her and the pups. Just to be on the safe side. I gave her some milk and she lapped at it hungrily. I'm gonna give her more milk in the next few weeks just to keep her milk supply up. The pups are sooo cute! The first one was all white. The second, third and fourth were white with black spots. Then the last one is almost black. I like that one the best. Anyway, I managed to "borrow" a couple of the pups to take their photo and here they are:

Absolute cutie pies. :D

AIKO AND TARO

Aren't they CUUUUUTTTEEE??

Okay, I'm obviously very biased but I don't care! I love our bunnies!! Taro was shy in the beginning but now, he's the one who always wants to jump out of their basket and scratches the basket to get my attention. Also, he's always hungry. Whenever I carry him and he gives me a little nip I know it's feeding time. Aiko is a sweetie. She loves to get on my shoulder and always wants to see the world so I let her look out the window sometimes. But she's so picky with her greens. She only likes eating the leaves of the kangkong!! I'm sure Taro doesn't mind.

Don't you just wanna squeeze them? :D

NO INTERNET

We lost our internet connection for the past 3 days. Been having some problems with the phones and when the service guy came over, he did something and we lost the connection! So, we had to call it in again and today, someone came over and fixed the problem and voila! connected to the cyber world again.

Anyway, I thought that the boys would complain about having no internet connection but I was wrong. They read their books. And Nikki used the laptop, opened Microsoft Word and typed words in upper and lowercase (his favorite thing to do). And Ethan was right beside him, learning along. That was nice to see. Then, I got one of Nikki’s books and we did a spelling test. I would give him a word (e.g. reverse) then read that word in the story (Miss Honey drove the school bus in reverse). Then Nikki would type the word and if the spell-check underlines the word, he’d know he made a mistake and would correct it. After completing a list of words, he would identify them as either a noun, verb or adjective. I was just glad that he enjoyed the activity. I’m sure other kids would have complained about the lesson.

…..

I’m currently reading The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore. I just started reading it and it’s so far a great read. I agree with some points written but at the same time, I’m not too fond of other ideas. I especially like the idea of child readiness. With Ethan, we’re adapting the Moore formula and mixing it with other forms (which is why we are eclectic homeschoolers) and I think it’s good for Ethan’s personality. I also agree with their concept of volunteerism. I want Nikki to start being more concerned for other people. The downside however, is that volunteer groups here in Manila rarely ask for kids’ help. But I hope that we’ll still be able to do this in our own way eventually.

I’m still in the first few pages of the book but maybe I’ll pick lots of good tips once I’m done reading it.

STILL RAINING...

The rains have not let up. This typhoon is taking its sweet time leaving the country and it's just making the flooding worse for those places already underwater/partially underwater. I saw the news tonight and it's so distressing to see families still waiting for aid. In one report, a lot of people were still trapped in a mall in Pangasinan because waters flooded the first floor of the building. It's really worrisome. Are there old people in there? Are there kids? Do they have food? I'm kind of pissed that until now, the government has not done something concrete to help these people. The most obvious help I've seen so far are from the media. Is the government really that inept? And why am I asking this question when I already know the answer? Sheesh...

.....

Ruther has been working so hard for the past weeks. I'm kind of worried about him because when we spoke last night he looked a bit peaked. When he lacks sleep he usually gets eyebags or dark circles under his eyes the next day and he looked haggard last night. I worried of course. Plus, the fact that my high school classmate's dad had a heart attack from stress made me worry about the stress Ruther is having at work as well. I hope he'll take it easy this weekend and just relax for a change...

.....

I watched a documentary this afternoon on the Bio channel. It was titled "Can You Live Without Make-up?" And it was interesting in a psychological point of view. The woman in the documentary had to be without make-up for a week and the night before the first day she was getting anxious and worried about taking off her make-up. She said that she's always been with make-up and feels naked without it. During the first day, she just saw all her flaws. She believed that people thought she looked terrible and couldn't help asking people what they thought about her without make-up on. She was in her late 30s and I think she had a nice, sweet face. During the first night of the experiment, she was depressed. The next day she had to meet clients and even if everything went well, she was still anxious about her appearance. It was kind of sad because she knew how to dress well, she had a great personality but she said that her make up is like her "armor". I could go on about the psychological implications of that but to make it short, she lacks confidence without her make-up on. She said that she's willing to spend much on pretty-ing herself up because she needs to be pampered. She goes to a salon once a week. But she's not vain. When I watched the documentary, she presented herself as a person who was unsure of herself without make-up. She believed that people liked her more when she's "dolled up" as she said. (I so blame the media for this.) Anyway, on the third night, she went out with her 3 close friends again without make-up and she was having a great time and was starting to feel good about herself when a passing comment from a stranger brought back all her insecurities once more. I believe the comment went something like, "Go home and put some make-up on. You look like an ugly cow" or something to that effect. I was aghast of course. I wouldn't know what I would have said to that person (maybe something nasty) but she cried and got depressed. The next day she was even more determined to finish the experiment so she could use make-up again. She said that she was finally starting to appreciate the self-discovery but the comment the previous night made her realize that in a party scene she will not do without some make-up. Anyway, that night she had dinner with her best friend and good thing her friend had some sense to tell her that she was a beautiful person and she didn't make up for people to "see" her for who she was. Actually, her friend said a whole lot more but they were all positive and I would have said the same thing. Anyway, the next day, she was more happy, more accepting and came to realize that make-up did not make her. When she finished the experiment, she did use make-up once more but just to enhance her features. She was no longer overly done (she used to wear bright red lipstick, she said), she's not afraid for people to look at her flaws and she's more confident.

I love documentaries like this. I like those path-to-self-discovery stories. It's really inspiring. Imagine, something as simple as make-up can make you look at yourself and life differently.

Anyway, I for one, am not make-up dependent. I do use make-up from time to time but mostly, I try to just moisturize my face in the evening just to keep my face supple. God knows I've heard enough reminders from my mom (who has a nightly regimen, by the way and who is another person who wouldn't be caught dead without make-up on in public). Maybe when I start work I'll be wearing make-up more often but I'll still keep it to a minimum.

Anyway, would love to see more documentaries like this...

TYPHOON VICTIMS STILL NEED HELP

A lot of people who were victims of Typhoon Ondoy still need help now. Please help in any way that you can.

http://www.yanswersblogph.com/b4/2009/09/29/how-can-we-help-victims-of-typhoon-ondoy/


I’m sure this is the top question for so many of the Pinoy Answers community right now. After Typhoon Ondoy raged across Luzon dumping a reported 34 cm of rain, equivalent to a month’s worth of rainfall, in just 6 hours, more than 200 have been reported dead and nearly 300,000 displaced from their homes.

For a quick answer to this pressing question, here’s a list of some very important information for Filipinos everywhere to take part in the relief efforts for Typhoon Ondoy victims:

From the National Disaster Coordinating Council – http://ndcc.gov.ph/home/

TS Ondoy Donations
TS Ondoy cash donations may be deposited to the NDCC Donated Funds current account (Philippine Currency-Peso) #0-00149-435-3 (with shift code: DBPHPHMM Account #36002016), Development Bank of the Philippines, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Branch, Camp Aguinaldo, QUezon City, Philippines.

DONATION DROP OFF-POINTS

Pasay Area
National Resource Operation Center Chapel Road, Pasay City
Mrs. Francia Fabian
852 8081918 9302356

Quezon City Area
Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Info Center (DROMIC)DSWD Central Office
Rey Martiga or Imee Rose Castillo
951 7119 / 951 2435
or Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera
0918 9345625

Manila Area
DSWD- NCR San Rafael Corner Legarda St.Quiapo, Manila
Dir. Thelsa P. Biolena
Dir. Delia Bauan
734 8622 / 734 8642

Ever Gotesco
Distribution Point Center for Relief

NDCC Relief Center
Kalayaan Hall, Malacanang Ground
Luli Arroyo and all female members of PGMA’s Family
734 2192 / 734 8642

MMD-DOH Central Office
Engr. Dave Masiado
0917 8163400

NDCC Missing Person Hotline:
Marikina: 0920-9389914
QC: 0921-6555262
Pasig: 0918-9356318
Cainta: 0917-5606241

From the Philippine National Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org.ph/

1. CASH or CHECK
Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross. We can also arrange for donation pick-up.

2. BANK DEPOSIT
Account Name: The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross

PNRC PESO ACCOUNT

ALLIED BANK
Intramuros Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 1941-01347-1
Type of Account : CURRENT
SWIFT CODE : ABC MPH MM

BANCO DE ORO
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 453-0018647
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : BNOR PH MM

BANK OF PHILIPPINE ISLAND
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 4991-0010-99
Type of Account : CURRENT
SWIFT CODE : BOPI PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 151-3-04163122-8
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : MBTC PH MM

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Sta. Cruz Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 3623-3680-0011
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : PNB MPH MM

PNRC DOLLAR ACCOUNT

BANCO DE ORO
Port Area Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 453-0039482
Type of Account : SAVING
SSWIFT CODE : BNOR PH MM

BANK OF PHILIPPINE ISLAND
United Nation Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 8114-0030-94
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : BOPI PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 151-2-151002182
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : MBTC PH MM

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Sta. Cruz Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 375-283500026
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : PNB MPH MM

UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES
Sta. Cruz Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 132-070001012
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : UBPH PH MM

PNRC OTHER ACCOUNT

METRO BANK
Binondo Branch
EURO ACCOUNT : 016-201650005-9
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : MBTC PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
YEN ACCOUNT : 151-2-15130001-9
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : MBTC PH MM

For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

Credit Card
Please fax the following info to +632.404.09.79 and +632.527.0575: Name of card member, billing address, contact nos. (phone & mobile), credit card no., expiration date, CCV2/ CVC2 (last three digits at the back of the credit card), billing address, amount to be donated.

In-Kind Donations
LOCAL
Please send in-kind local donations to The Philippine National Red Cross – National Headquarters in Manila. We could also arrange for donation pick-up.

INTERNATIONAL
1.Send a letter of intent to donate to the PNRC
2. A letter of acceptance from PNRC shall be sent back to the donor
3. Immediately after shipping the goods, please send the (a) original Deed of Donation, (b) copy of packing list and (c) original Airway Bill for air shipments or Bill of Lading for sea shipments to The Philippine National Red Cross–National Headquarters c/o Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila 2803, Philippines.

SMS and G-CASH (Globe)
SMStext REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
G-CASHtext DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882

Most urgent needs:
Food items: Rice, noodles, canned goods, sugar, iodized salt, cooking oil, monggo beans and potable water
Medicines: Paracetamol, antibiotics, analgesic, oral rehydration salts, multivitamins and medications to treat diarrheal diseases
Non-food items: Bath soaps, face towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, water containers, water purification tablets, plastic sheetings, and Laundry soap
Rehabilitation Programs: Shelter materials for house repair

For OFWs, here are some specific places where you can help:
Ayala Foundation – for online donations (Visa, Mastercard, Diners, GCash, SmartMoney), go to https://www.myayala.com/ondoy/Default.asp
TXTPower (Paypal, SmartMoney, GCash) – http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20090927-227196/Help-Ondoy-victims-via-Paypal
American Red Cross – Tel: 1-800-435-7669
World Food Programme
SINGAPORE
Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore (20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395). Donors are discouraged from sending used clothing, which is prohibited for importation into the Philippines under Republic Act No. 4653. Organizations wishing to donate are advised to refer to the Embassy’s guidelines for donations to the Philippines, which are available online at: http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/index.cfm?GPID=53. Further queries may be directed to Ms. Pearl Camento at php@pacific.net.sg, subject: “Typhoon Ondoy”.
A-Freight Cargo (304 Orchard Road, #03-19 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Donations/drop-offs accepted, contact Maureen Schepers 6235-1011.
i-Remit Singapore (304 Orchard Road, #03-69 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Will be waiving charges for donations to the Philippine Red Cross.
LBC Singapore (304 Orchard Road, #04-77 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863). Will waive remittance charges for donations made to the following organizations: ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Foundation, Philippine National Red Cross, and the National Disaster Coordinating Center.
World Vision Singapore
Singapore Red Cross (15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486). Walk-in cash donations accepted. Send cheques to the Singapore Red Cross Society and indicate your name and return address for receipt purposes.

Now is certainly the time to use the power of social media to help our fellow Filipinos who have been badly affected by Typhoon Ondoy. I recently posted the question “What can we do to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy?” and if you have any relevant information or any creative idea that can be of help to victims of Ondoy, please take the time to share them.

Our news editors also posted this question, “Do you think the RP government is doing enough to help with Typhoon Ondoy’s relief efforts? Yes or no, why?”. According to National Disaster Coordinating Council’s Anthony Golez, the system and local government units are “overwhelmed,” and are not used to massive relief operations. If you have personally witnessed this and you have seen how they can further improve their rescue operations, then please share your thoughts and opinions.

Just check Yahoo! Philippines News for more updates about the relief efforts, for pics of Typhoon Ondoy’s aftermath, check out Flickr and this blog post for details on how you can help. Thanks so much everyone! I’m so proud to be Pinoy right now! God bless!

TOTEM

A photo I took in Japan...

Miss our life there...

FOR THE TYPHOON VICTIMS

Today, we pretty much just sorted through our many things around the house to donate to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. We got quite a lot of old clothes so we put some in a box along with some medicine, utensils, footwear, towels, noodles, canned goods and toiletries. I even added 3 old but still usable pillows (with pillowcases) in the box. I figured, those people will need a good night’s sleep after losing much of their things. I know what we gave is not enough to ease their suffering but I’m hoping that together with the millions of people who donated from their hearts, it will be enough to cheer them up, at least for a few days.

.....

Yesterday was game day for us. We got to play tumble-O, then some Wii, then some bingo. Ethan did his puzzles and I took his photo. We also played some tickling games which the boys loved. Then Nikki and I played a race game using some of their toy vehicles. I picked a slow truck so naturally, Nikki won everytime. I don’t think that was a good move. Nikki hates to lose. It was fun to have a day of craziness and laughter. It would have been more fun if Ruther were here, I suppose…

LUCKY... AND NOT

We (people in Manila) are lucky that the typhoon did not hit us as expected. However, I cannot say the same for other parts of Luzon that were affected by the storm. People still need a lot of help so I hope that good-hearted citizens will continue to give and share to these people in need.

.....

I have decided to cut down on the number of tv shows that I've been watching lately. I feel as though I'm spending too much time watching shows and not doing anything else. Now that most of the tv shows have new seasons, I'm thinking of only watching those shows that I really want to and perhaps watch the others next time. With all the things I need to do right now, I think this is a good decision.

.....

It's October. Can't believe how slow time can be. Been trying to keep myself preoccupied and so far I'm doing okay. But then again, despite being preoccupied, I still can't sleep at night. I'm still wide awake at 3am and I still feel as though I need to do a lot more to let time fly by. Sometimes I have so much in my mind I feel I need a personal secretary so I could just dictate my thoughts and have it written down. I don't like recording my voice because I don't like the way it sounds. I wish I could organize my mind and my thoughts like a perfectly-labeled planner. I wish I could shelve some of my emotions and distance myself from those that affect and hurt me on a daily basis. I wish I had the tenacity to be strong and hard and callous when the situation calls for it. I don't know why I was created with a sensitive soul and I don't know if that'll be the death of me. Sometimes I look into the mirror and I once more don't recognize the girl in there. Sometimes, she's lost, sometimes she's drowning. And I'm not sure if anyone is paying attention and willing to save her.

BEING PREPARED

The super typhoon Pepeng is expected to hit Manila today. As of this minute (514pm), it's really dark outside and it's starting to shower. According to news reports, this typhoon is almost as strong as Hurricane Katrina, will hit Manila around 9pm tonight and will probably last til Saturday morning. I do hope that people will be more prepared this time. We cannot stop typhoons and storms from happening but we surely can prepare for disaster.

I've already stocked on food and necessities here at home. I've prepared batteries, made sure everything that needs to be charged has been charged, and I've somehow done something to minimize the leaks in the boys' room (although I have yet to see tonight how effective my makeshift receptacle will be). I am still hoping that the super typhoon will not be as devastating as everyone believes it to be...

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My mom and sis watched the So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Concert Tour in Canada!!!! Oh I am SOOO jealous!! They were seated quite close to the stage and it was wonderful to see the Top 10 dancers do their well-loved numbers. I just saw the photos and they were wonderful. According to my sister, that was the best experience she had in Canada so far. Well, yeah!!! I would too if I watched the tour!!

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I feel so bad for the kids who are suffering from the recent Typhoon Ondoy. I watched the news last night and a boy was crying because he lost all his books and supplies for school. He then proceeded to say that he can't go to school anytime soon because they lost their home and needs to help his parents earn money. Imagine that?!? A little boy thinking about things like that?!? It was so sad. He said that he helps his parents by pumping water for people who need it and gets paid P20 (approx. US$.43). He also sold his rubber band collection just so they would have extra money. Isn't that absolutely sad? Anyway, the news story goes on with a foundation giving him new school supplies and books and some food and money for him and his family. I hope that good souls will help the poor people here in the Philippines who have been affected by the typhoon. I know very well that we cannot rely on our goverment anymore so I'm hoping that other people with kind hearts and a good lives could give a little to help them.

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Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in the Philippines... Earthquake in Indonesia... Tsunami in Samoa... Is Mother Earth trying to tell us something??

Think about it.

OUR BUNNIES

These are our new bunnies! The white one is Taro and he’s a boy. The other colored one is Aiko and she’s a girl. We gave them Japanese names, obviously. Aren’t they cute? We’ve been researching the ‘net on the proper way of taking care of bunnies and we’re learning all the time. This is our third time to own a rabbit. The first one, Sushi, died because it was too weak. The second, White Paw died when we were away I think we were in Japan then and we suspected that it was because he was overweight and lacked exercise (it was because we constantly gave him rabbit pellets which is discouraged, we found out recently). Now that we have a pair, I we are more careful with the care and diet. They are quite a handful though and very naughty but we love them. Nikki is learning to be more responsible in watching and feeding them although I have to admit that he still hates sweeping their poop up. Still it’s wonderful to see him have this affection for animals. More bunny photos soon!