http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080107/od_nm/smoking_odd_dc;_ylt=AuSdlAxNWMtuFwRH9j8NeAOs0NUE
Tokyo taxis no longer a haven for smokers
Mon Jan 7, 9:25 AM ET
TOKYO (Reuters) - Once smoker-friendly Japan got less sympathetic to tobacco lovers on Monday when a ban on lighting up in Tokyo taxis went into effect, part of a nationwide trend.
Two Tokyo taxi groups instituted the ban out of concern over lawsuits from drivers suffering the effects of second-hand smoke and in response to demands from passengers.
"There were lots of complaints from passengers about the smell," said Tokyo Taxi Association spokesman Keiichi Sato.
Japan was once a haven for smokers but a growing number of municipalities and companies have banned smoking on the streets and at the workplace in recent years.
A Tokyo court in 2005 rejected drivers' demands for compensation for health damage from second-hand smoke, but ruled that taxi operators should consider ways to protect drivers.
Some Tokyo smokers said they opposed the latest move.
"As a matter of free competition, I think there should be taxis where it's OK to smoke," said Masayuki Oda, a 41-year-old insurance company employee.
"Sometimes I used to catch a cab just to have a cigarette," added the pack-a-day smoker.
Others, though, were resigned.
"It's getting harder to find a place to smoke, but it can't be helped. It's bad for your health," said Rie Owashi, 25, who works in a traditional "ryotei" Japanese restaurant, where she said once ubiquitous ashtrays are now supplied only on request.
For passengers who can't hold out, Tokyo drivers will carry tiny portable ashtrays and pull over at a safe place to let their customers have a smoke, the Tokyo Taxi Association's Sato said.
One 50-something taxi driver who confessed to a three-pack-a day habit said he'd cut late night riders a break.
"Late at night, many people have been drinking and want to smoke, so I'll let them," he said.
The proportion of Japanese adults who smoke has slipped to 26 percent from 34 percent a decade ago and a peak of 49 percent in 1966, Japan Tobacco said last October.
About half of Japan's taxis are now smoke-free, Kyodo news agency reported, adding similar steps were planned elsewhere but faced passenger opposition in some places including the western metropolis of Osaka.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?
I read this news article and I was really shocked. I mean, I know kids someone dislike going to school so much but to actually glue a part of his body just so he could stay home? When I read stories like this, I'm glad that I'm homeschooling my 2 boys...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080107/od_afp/mexicoschoolchildoffbeat;_ylt=Aj0PhQd2xUCqqGLMu2LI7P6s0NUE
Mexican boy glues self to bed to avoid school
Mon Jan 7, 5:23 PM ET
MONTERREY, Mexico (AFP) - A 10-year-old Mexican boy glued his hand to his bed to avoid going back to school after the Christmas break, authorities said Monday.
"I thought if I was glued to the bed, they couldn't make me go to school," the boy, Diego, told AFP. "I didn't want to go, the holidays were so much fun."
"I remembered my mom had bought a very strong glue," he said of the industrial strength shoe glue he used to stick his hand to the bed's metal headboard, where he stayed stuck for two hours.
His mother Sandra Palacios was unable to free him and called paramedics and police to help. Diego watched cartoons while they worked to unglue him, eventually using a spray to dissolve the chemical adhesive.
"I don't know why this happened. He is a very good boy," said his mother.
Diego eventually made it school a few hours late.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080107/od_afp/mexicoschoolchildoffbeat;_ylt=Aj0PhQd2xUCqqGLMu2LI7P6s0NUE
Mexican boy glues self to bed to avoid school
Mon Jan 7, 5:23 PM ET
MONTERREY, Mexico (AFP) - A 10-year-old Mexican boy glued his hand to his bed to avoid going back to school after the Christmas break, authorities said Monday.
"I thought if I was glued to the bed, they couldn't make me go to school," the boy, Diego, told AFP. "I didn't want to go, the holidays were so much fun."
"I remembered my mom had bought a very strong glue," he said of the industrial strength shoe glue he used to stick his hand to the bed's metal headboard, where he stayed stuck for two hours.
His mother Sandra Palacios was unable to free him and called paramedics and police to help. Diego watched cartoons while they worked to unglue him, eventually using a spray to dissolve the chemical adhesive.
"I don't know why this happened. He is a very good boy," said his mother.
Diego eventually made it school a few hours late.
LOOKING BACK
I guess it's about time I look back on the year past and review what transpired then. I think it's nice to see the past one more time before it completely disappears from mind and to reflect on the things that went wrong, the things that made us happy and the things that affected us wholly as a person.
January - Our year started with a bang as we celebrated New Year's Day in Japan. The boys and I also got to see snow for the first time. It was just a bit but still enough to make us excited. It was falling from the sky for goodness' sake! =D
We also visited Sanrio Puroland and I had so much fun! Of course, Ruther was very nice to take me there because it really wasn't his thing so I loved him for it! =D
February - Ruther turned 32. Some people hate revealing their ages. Ru
ther and I take it as it comes. We both feel the same way about turning 30: happy about this new milestone, but cautious about likely health problems. We cannot really deny that aging will have its disadvatages but we want to have a good quality of life and live as long as we can. Anyway, February was bittersweet because even if we spent this time in Japan we went home to the Philippines at the end of the month. =(
March, April and May - We spent almost three months in Zamboanga, my home province. My dad insisted that we go home because he and my mom missed the boys a lot. And although I love spending time with my mom and dad and love that the boys bonded with them as well, I was almost bored to death there. There is just so much you can do in a small laidback city. Plus the fact that Ruther was still in Japan and so far away really depressed me.
June - We went back to Manila with my mom because she wanted us to have a
family trip. So we went to Pangasinan where the famous Hundred Islands are. It was our first time there and we had a blast! After Hundred Islands we went to the City of Pines to revisit it. Baguio changed so much since the last time we were there but I still love the scenery.
Also during this month, Ethan turned 4!! My baby is growing so fast! Many people still mistake the 2 for twins which really leaves me and Ruther baffled.
July - I turned 31. The only sad thing about this auspicious day was the fact that Ruther was not with me. That's it and that's all. Oh yeah, Ruther's relatives from Australia were here as well. And I got to read the last Harry Potter book...
August - Nothing much happened this month aside from a few family outings. =D
September - The UP Pep squad finally became the champions in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition. All I can say is: It's about darn time!! =D
Also, I spent most of this month fixing our room for Ruther's homecoming. It was a slow process but we're okay with the results. =D
Ruther's sis-in-law, Christine, came home from the US for a 3-week vacation. =D
October - Tasha and Tita Nicki goes home to Australia. I really miss them. I also learned so much from Tita Nicki during her stay here. She is just very insightful and inspirational. I hope to see her soon again hopefully this year...
November - A happy month because Ruther is finally home again!! Really really wonderful. We revisited Sun City, took the boys to SM Mall of Asia and the Science Discovery Center, and did a lot of family bonding. It was just all so overwhelming but so much fun.
Nikki turned 6!! I really am having mixed feelings about my boys' birthdays. It really is so bittersweet to see them grow and yet are no longer babies.
December - A wonderful end to the year because we are all together as a family. And for me, that's all that matters.
We have had very few illnesses during the past year and we hope it will be like that or lesser this year. A few fevers, coughs and colds is all right with me as long as it's nothing serious. This month, Ruther will have his physical exam and I'll also have one next month so hopefully, we will have a healthy year this 2008.
All in all, it was a good year for us but hopefully, this year will be even better. All I am hoping for is that my family stay healthy, happy and together. Here's a great year to you all as well! =D
January - Our year started with a bang as we celebrated New Year's Day in Japan. The boys and I also got to see snow for the first time. It was just a bit but still enough to make us excited. It was falling from the sky for goodness' sake! =D
We also visited Sanrio Puroland and I had so much fun! Of course, Ruther was very nice to take me there because it really wasn't his thing so I loved him for it! =D
February - Ruther turned 32. Some people hate revealing their ages. Ru
ther and I take it as it comes. We both feel the same way about turning 30: happy about this new milestone, but cautious about likely health problems. We cannot really deny that aging will have its disadvatages but we want to have a good quality of life and live as long as we can. Anyway, February was bittersweet because even if we spent this time in Japan we went home to the Philippines at the end of the month. =(March, April and May - We spent almost three months in Zamboanga, my home province. My dad insisted that we go home because he and my mom missed the boys a lot. And although I love spending time with my mom and dad and love that the boys bonded with them as well, I was almost bored to death there. There is just so much you can do in a small laidback city. Plus the fact that Ruther was still in Japan and so far away really depressed me.
June - We went back to Manila with my mom because she wanted us to have a
family trip. So we went to Pangasinan where the famous Hundred Islands are. It was our first time there and we had a blast! After Hundred Islands we went to the City of Pines to revisit it. Baguio changed so much since the last time we were there but I still love the scenery.Also during this month, Ethan turned 4!! My baby is growing so fast! Many people still mistake the 2 for twins which really leaves me and Ruther baffled.
July - I turned 31. The only sad thing about this auspicious day was the fact that Ruther was not with me. That's it and that's all. Oh yeah, Ruther's relatives from Australia were here as well. And I got to read the last Harry Potter book...
August - Nothing much happened this month aside from a few family outings. =D
September - The UP Pep squad finally became the champions in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition. All I can say is: It's about darn time!! =D
Also, I spent most of this month fixing our room for Ruther's homecoming. It was a slow process but we're okay with the results. =D
Ruther's sis-in-law, Christine, came home from the US for a 3-week vacation. =D
October - Tasha and Tita Nicki goes home to Australia. I really miss them. I also learned so much from Tita Nicki during her stay here. She is just very insightful and inspirational. I hope to see her soon again hopefully this year...
November - A happy month because Ruther is finally home again!! Really really wonderful. We revisited Sun City, took the boys to SM Mall of Asia and the Science Discovery Center, and did a lot of family bonding. It was just all so overwhelming but so much fun.
Nikki turned 6!! I really am having mixed feelings about my boys' birthdays. It really is so bittersweet to see them grow and yet are no longer babies.
December - A wonderful end to the year because we are all together as a family. And for me, that's all that matters.
We have had very few illnesses during the past year and we hope it will be like that or lesser this year. A few fevers, coughs and colds is all right with me as long as it's nothing serious. This month, Ruther will have his physical exam and I'll also have one next month so hopefully, we will have a healthy year this 2008.
All in all, it was a good year for us but hopefully, this year will be even better. All I am hoping for is that my family stay healthy, happy and together. Here's a great year to you all as well! =D
Monday, January 07, 2008
A BIT OF SHOPPING
Yesterday, we pushed through with our plan to buy some clothes for Ruther. He needs suits for Japan so we decided to look at Robinson's Place Manila because we checked SM Southmall a few weeks before and we did not see nice ones there. Anyway, when we got there, we first dropped the boys at Playbox for some fun time. While there, Ruther and I grabbed a bite at Sbarro and my sis joined us. We first headed to G2000 because they had a sale and we found this dark blue pin-striped suit that looked really nice on Ruther. It only cost P4200 (discounted) so I think it was a great buy. We of course, got it and then went back to get the boys from Playbox. Then we had some ice cream and then headed for the department store to check on other suits. While the boys napped, we searched through the suits. We found one (Wharton) and this one was all black. It was also nice and Ruther even bought an extra pair of pants (the pants cost around P1000) because he always complains that after several months, the suit and the pants no longer have the same shade. So yeah, I think that was a good idea. We also found a nice pale pink polo and a black tie that had a subtle print on it (you can only wear an all-black tie at funerals in Japan). After that, we just had to pay a bill then headed home.
Ruther was quite glad with his purchases. I was glad too but then again, this means that he will be leaving us again soon and somehow I got really melancholy last night. Of course, Ruther noticed and assured me that it wouldn't take long and we'll be together once more by mid-year. I wasn't quite reassured because whether it's a week or a month apart, I would still feel the same way and miss him a lot. So yeah, I think my depression is starting again and I just absolutely hate this feeling... =(
Ruther was quite glad with his purchases. I was glad too but then again, this means that he will be leaving us again soon and somehow I got really melancholy last night. Of course, Ruther noticed and assured me that it wouldn't take long and we'll be together once more by mid-year. I wasn't quite reassured because whether it's a week or a month apart, I would still feel the same way and miss him a lot. So yeah, I think my depression is starting again and I just absolutely hate this feeling... =(
ORANGE FOUNTAIN
I took this photo last New Year's. Love the bright colors. =D
Here's hoping 2008 will be a great year!
FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS AS CELEBRATED IN THE PHILIPPINES
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/three_kings.htm
For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills together with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by their homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the camels must have been terribly hungry.
The Feast of the Three Kings (Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is celebrated on the First Sunday of January. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day specially honors senior citizens. The feast is also called "The Epiphany" which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.
They were called Melchor, meaning "king of light", Gaspar, "the white one", and Balthazar, "the lord of treasure". In the Middle Ages, Gaspar was depicted young, Mechor as middle-aged, and Balhtazar as ancient. They came bearing gifts or gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In the city of Manila, it has been a tradition for dacades for the prestigious club Casino Español to organize a Three Kings' parade on January 6 or the first Sunday of January. Dressed in royal robes, the Three Kings ride on stately horses as there are no camels in the Philippines. They parade down the block, and end at the clubhouse where children of the Spanish community await them to receive more Christmas gifts. There are gifts prepared for the poor children and orphans, too.
In the town of Gapan in Marinduque, a religious folk play is presented in which the Three Kings follow a star and meet Herod who later "runs amok" by chopping off the heads of infants, as well as demolishing his own palace. The Kings eventually find the holy manger with the Infant Jesus.
This feast of the Three Kings marks the official end of the litrurgical Christmas of the Philippines.
Source: Pasko by Alejandro and Chorengel
For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills together with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by their homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the camels must have been terribly hungry.
The Feast of the Three Kings (Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is celebrated on the First Sunday of January. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day specially honors senior citizens. The feast is also called "The Epiphany" which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.
They were called Melchor, meaning "king of light", Gaspar, "the white one", and Balthazar, "the lord of treasure". In the Middle Ages, Gaspar was depicted young, Mechor as middle-aged, and Balhtazar as ancient. They came bearing gifts or gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In the city of Manila, it has been a tradition for dacades for the prestigious club Casino Español to organize a Three Kings' parade on January 6 or the first Sunday of January. Dressed in royal robes, the Three Kings ride on stately horses as there are no camels in the Philippines. They parade down the block, and end at the clubhouse where children of the Spanish community await them to receive more Christmas gifts. There are gifts prepared for the poor children and orphans, too.
In the town of Gapan in Marinduque, a religious folk play is presented in which the Three Kings follow a star and meet Herod who later "runs amok" by chopping off the heads of infants, as well as demolishing his own palace. The Kings eventually find the holy manger with the Infant Jesus.
This feast of the Three Kings marks the official end of the litrurgical Christmas of the Philippines.
Source: Pasko by Alejandro and Chorengel
Sunday, January 06, 2008
FOUR HEADS
Just sharing this funny photo of ours. From top to bottom: Russell, Ruther, me, Ron. We had a LOT of fun taking this photo. As you can obviously see... =D
Photo taken Christmas 2007.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
A PARTY AND BOOKS
Today, my family and I attended a baptismal party for the baby of Ruther's cousin. It was held at Friday's at Alabang Town Center. It was another great opportunity to meet up with relatives. We did not attend the ceremony any more because it was at 11am and the party was at 130. Since Nikki was still recovering from his illness yesterday, I did not want to overstrain him and cause him to be more sick. So, we decided to just go to the party instead. Anyw
ay, when we got there, we were a few minutes early so we let the boys have their fun in the play/activity center there. While they were busy at play, I checked a bookstore that was nearby and I found some books for me and the boys. I thought that this book will be great for our homeschooling lessons. Even if it says "after school activities", I found them to be so informative and stimulating and fun so I decided to buy the book. Besides, it only cost P140 (approx US$3) so why should I hesitate right? I think it's a wonderful buy. I also found some books for the boys. These were priced at only P35 each!! I was so happy with my purchases. I love books and I want my boys to love books so when I see really nice and inexpensive ones, I buy them immediately. 
All in all it was a swell day. Tomorrow, we're going out again because Ruther wants to buy his suit for when he goes back to Japan. I know, it's starting. Getting ready for his departure. As much as I hate thinking about it, I know I'll only be more hurt if I don't accept it. So tomorrow, we're going to do some more shopping and hopefully it will be another great bonding day for me and my family.
ay, when we got there, we were a few minutes early so we let the boys have their fun in the play/activity center there. While they were busy at play, I checked a bookstore that was nearby and I found some books for me and the boys. I thought that this book will be great for our homeschooling lessons. Even if it says "after school activities", I found them to be so informative and stimulating and fun so I decided to buy the book. Besides, it only cost P140 (approx US$3) so why should I hesitate right? I think it's a wonderful buy. I also found some books for the boys. These were priced at only P35 each!! I was so happy with my purchases. I love books and I want my boys to love books so when I see really nice and inexpensive ones, I buy them immediately. 
Anyway, when it was 130pm, we headed for Friday's and most of Ruther's relatives were there already. I greeted Lot, Ruther's cousin who had her baby baptized and we settled into our seats. We then had a really sumptious meal and I thoroughly enjoyed it which was obvious when my pants suddenly became unco
mfortably tight around my waist. =D After some chatting and exchanges of pleasantries, we separated ways and Ruther and I did a bit of shopping. We got some household stuff and when we saw the sale sign at Levi's, we just could not resist. We got a pair of pants each but since we needed to have the length altered, Ruther said he'll just pick it up on Monday. We then went to Powerbooks and we found this table of secondhand books that were on sale. They were only P99 each!! They were also hardbound 
and were in good condition. But of course even so, I could not very well hoard those books so I just picked 5 to take home with me. But I was quite happy with those. We also got another Baby Blues to add to our growing collection. Yay! I love Baby Blues. Then Ruther got some books for him to read as well because he lamented that all the books I picked were for me anyway. So we got three more: Tikman ang Langit An Anthology on the Eraserheads, Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants and Nine Supernatural Stories. I think these books will keep us pretty preoccupied for the next few days. =D
mfortably tight around my waist. =D After some chatting and exchanges of pleasantries, we separated ways and Ruther and I did a bit of shopping. We got some household stuff and when we saw the sale sign at Levi's, we just could not resist. We got a pair of pants each but since we needed to have the length altered, Ruther said he'll just pick it up on Monday. We then went to Powerbooks and we found this table of secondhand books that were on sale. They were only P99 each!! They were also hardbound 
and were in good condition. But of course even so, I could not very well hoard those books so I just picked 5 to take home with me. But I was quite happy with those. We also got another Baby Blues to add to our growing collection. Yay! I love Baby Blues. Then Ruther got some books for him to read as well because he lamented that all the books I picked were for me anyway. So we got three more: Tikman ang Langit An Anthology on the Eraserheads, Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants and Nine Supernatural Stories. I think these books will keep us pretty preoccupied for the next few days. =D
For supper, we decided to get some Subway sandwiches just to be on the healthy side and Ruther got the Subway Club sandwich and I chose the Steak and Cheese. Both were quite yummy and I really enjoyed the crunchy and tasty vegetables. Mmmmmm... More Subway sandwiches for me in the future...
All in all it was a swell day. Tomorrow, we're going out again because Ruther wants to buy his suit for when he goes back to Japan. I know, it's starting. Getting ready for his departure. As much as I hate thinking about it, I know I'll only be more hurt if I don't accept it. So tomorrow, we're going to do some more shopping and hopefully it will be another great bonding day for me and my family.Friday, January 04, 2008
NEW YEAR IN THE PHILIPPINES
http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-customs/new-year-customs-philippines.html
New Year Customs In Philippines
In Philippines the families gather together at midnight on New Year and eat a midnight meal. This is believed by Filipinos that it would ensure plenty of food in the coming year. The children follow a custom of jumping up and down 10 times to grow tall in the coming year.
Fireworks are an important part of the New Year celebrations. The Filipinos set off fireworks as a symbol of happiness on New Year. The fireworks are seen as a traditional way to greet the New Year with joy.
The preparations for the New Year begin a few days ahead. Although the customs of celebrating New Year in Philippines may have changed a little but the spirit of the New Year celebrations remains the same.
The custom of wishing everyone luck and happiness and seeing off the old year and welcoming the New Year is still prevalent in Philippines. Dance music and other amusements are the other customs that Filipinos follow on New Year.
Media Noche or midnight is an important custom that is followed. On New Year's Eve families gather to have this midnight mass. This midnight mass is believed by the people in Philippines to symbolize their hopes for a prosperous New Year. The custom of making noise and merrymaking is not only meant to have all the fun on New Year but also to drive away evil spirits.
The Filipinos believe banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns to be the safer methods of merrymaking on New Year.
The wide populaces in Philippines believe displaying colorful fruit and wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs would be lucky as they symbolize money. Just like the New Year custom of other countries Filipinos believe in following the custom of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year. This would bring them good luck for the coming year. Opening the doors during the first day of the New Year is a custom that is followed to bring good luck for the New Year.
New Year Customs In Philippines
In Philippines the families gather together at midnight on New Year and eat a midnight meal. This is believed by Filipinos that it would ensure plenty of food in the coming year. The children follow a custom of jumping up and down 10 times to grow tall in the coming year.
Fireworks are an important part of the New Year celebrations. The Filipinos set off fireworks as a symbol of happiness on New Year. The fireworks are seen as a traditional way to greet the New Year with joy.
The preparations for the New Year begin a few days ahead. Although the customs of celebrating New Year in Philippines may have changed a little but the spirit of the New Year celebrations remains the same.
The custom of wishing everyone luck and happiness and seeing off the old year and welcoming the New Year is still prevalent in Philippines. Dance music and other amusements are the other customs that Filipinos follow on New Year.
Media Noche or midnight is an important custom that is followed. On New Year's Eve families gather to have this midnight mass. This midnight mass is believed by the people in Philippines to symbolize their hopes for a prosperous New Year. The custom of making noise and merrymaking is not only meant to have all the fun on New Year but also to drive away evil spirits.
The Filipinos believe banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns to be the safer methods of merrymaking on New Year.
The wide populaces in Philippines believe displaying colorful fruit and wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs would be lucky as they symbolize money. Just like the New Year custom of other countries Filipinos believe in following the custom of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year. This would bring them good luck for the coming year. Opening the doors during the first day of the New Year is a custom that is followed to bring good luck for the New Year.
BRRR...
It was so cold this morning when I woke up at around 645. I had a bit of difficulty getting out of bed which is my usual thing when it's chilly at dawn. Anyway, I managed somehow and got Ruther's bathwater ready and he got to the office (hopefully) on time.
Mornings like this remind me of the wintry days at Yokohama. Of course, it was a lot cooler there but it gives me the same nostalgic feeling: difficulty getting out of bed, snuggling under the blankets, a desire to have steamy coffee or hot chocolate inside me. When we were in Japan last year and got to experience the seasons for the first time (a bit of summer, the whole of autumn and a bit of winter), I realized only then that I am an autumn person. It's just so perfect for me. In the Philippines, (having only 2 seasons, it was not much of a choice deciding whether I was a summer or monsoon personality. I like the rains more though and like I said before, maybe it's because I was born on a rainy month.
Ruther and the boys love the cold. I can only tolerate so much. Among the 4 of us, I would be the first to grab the blanket despite having, uhm, a bit of insulation in my body. Also, once I'm freezing cold, it would take forever for me to thaw despite wearing layers or drinking something hot or staying near a heater. I'm just not really used to the cold. But like any person who loves nature and appreciates life and enjoys fresh experiences, I revel at the newness of everyday. I relish the wonderful events that tingle my senses whether they are good or bad for me. I savor what life has to offer everyday for me and my family. Even if I say, "I am an autumn person" or even if I complain about the cold, I still appreciate every moment of everyday. I still am thankful that I wake up to a new day everyday to be with my family and to live in God's beautiful Earth.
It is such a beautiful morning. The sun is shining through the window, the leaves of the mango tree a bright yellow green from the bright sun is a vibrant color in my eyes, the smell of the cool air so fresh and clean, the wind chimes outside my window clink softly in the gentle breeze and a taho vendor loudly calls to sleepy residents to entice them to buy his yummy morning soybean custard. Yes, it is another beautiful day to look forward to.
Mornings like this remind me of the wintry days at Yokohama. Of course, it was a lot cooler there but it gives me the same nostalgic feeling: difficulty getting out of bed, snuggling under the blankets, a desire to have steamy coffee or hot chocolate inside me. When we were in Japan last year and got to experience the seasons for the first time (a bit of summer, the whole of autumn and a bit of winter), I realized only then that I am an autumn person. It's just so perfect for me. In the Philippines, (having only 2 seasons, it was not much of a choice deciding whether I was a summer or monsoon personality. I like the rains more though and like I said before, maybe it's because I was born on a rainy month.
Ruther and the boys love the cold. I can only tolerate so much. Among the 4 of us, I would be the first to grab the blanket despite having, uhm, a bit of insulation in my body. Also, once I'm freezing cold, it would take forever for me to thaw despite wearing layers or drinking something hot or staying near a heater. I'm just not really used to the cold. But like any person who loves nature and appreciates life and enjoys fresh experiences, I revel at the newness of everyday. I relish the wonderful events that tingle my senses whether they are good or bad for me. I savor what life has to offer everyday for me and my family. Even if I say, "I am an autumn person" or even if I complain about the cold, I still appreciate every moment of everyday. I still am thankful that I wake up to a new day everyday to be with my family and to live in God's beautiful Earth.
It is such a beautiful morning. The sun is shining through the window, the leaves of the mango tree a bright yellow green from the bright sun is a vibrant color in my eyes, the smell of the cool air so fresh and clean, the wind chimes outside my window clink softly in the gentle breeze and a taho vendor loudly calls to sleepy residents to entice them to buy his yummy morning soybean custard. Yes, it is another beautiful day to look forward to.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
2008
Just in case you wanted to know... (from Wikipedia)
2008 has been designated as:
International Year of Planet Earth;
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;
Australian Year of the Scout;
International Year of the Potato;
International Year of Sanitation.
In Chinese astrology, most of 2008, starting with February 7 will overlap with the Year of the Rat (Dates before February 7 are Year of the Pig). The next Year of the Rat will be in 2020.
United Nations proclaims 2008 International Year of Planet Earth The United Nations General Assembly, meeting in New York, has proclaimed the year 2008 to be the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth. The Year's activities will span the three years 2007-2009.
The International Year of Planet Earth was approved by general acclamation of the General Assembly, and no vote was taken. The Year's purpose, encapsulated in it strapline Earth sciences for society, is to:
Reduce risks for society caused by natural and human-induced hazards
Reduce health problems by improving understanding of the medical aspects of Earth science Discover new natural resources and make them available in a sustainable manner
Build safer structures and expand urban areas, utilizing natural subsurface conditions Determine the non-human factor in climatic change
Enhance understanding of the occurrence of natural resources so as to contribute to efforts to reduce political tension
Detect deep and poorly accessible groundwater resources
Improve understanding of the evolution of life
Increase interest in the Earth sciences in society at large
Encourage more young people to study Earth science in university
(http://info.see.leeds.ac.uk/news-items/localnewsitem.2006-05-11.1757975817)
2008 has been designated as:
International Year of Planet Earth;
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;
Australian Year of the Scout;
International Year of the Potato;
International Year of Sanitation.
In Chinese astrology, most of 2008, starting with February 7 will overlap with the Year of the Rat (Dates before February 7 are Year of the Pig). The next Year of the Rat will be in 2020.
United Nations proclaims 2008 International Year of Planet Earth The United Nations General Assembly, meeting in New York, has proclaimed the year 2008 to be the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth. The Year's activities will span the three years 2007-2009.
The International Year of Planet Earth was approved by general acclamation of the General Assembly, and no vote was taken. The Year's purpose, encapsulated in it strapline Earth sciences for society, is to:
Reduce risks for society caused by natural and human-induced hazards
Reduce health problems by improving understanding of the medical aspects of Earth science Discover new natural resources and make them available in a sustainable manner
Build safer structures and expand urban areas, utilizing natural subsurface conditions Determine the non-human factor in climatic change
Enhance understanding of the occurrence of natural resources so as to contribute to efforts to reduce political tension
Detect deep and poorly accessible groundwater resources
Improve understanding of the evolution of life
Increase interest in the Earth sciences in society at large
Encourage more young people to study Earth science in university
(http://info.see.leeds.ac.uk/news-items/localnewsitem.2006-05-11.1757975817)
MOVIES
My brother-in-law Ron and I watched this movie yesterday while Ruther was at work. And it's good thing that he was with me because that movie was scary. It stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson and it's really creepy. There were several times when I could not help myself and shrieked my head off which irked Ron a bit. But anyway, I did not force myself to watch the creepy parts. I did not want them to stay in my head and scare me in my sleep. Watching the movie once is enough for a scaredy cat like me. =D
.....
Last night, Ruther and I watched Nancy Drew. I was so disappointed. I mean, I've read almost all of the (classic) Carolyn Keene books and the movie was really not what I expected. I feel so bad just thinking about it. Maybe I already had these expectations in my head based on years of knowing the character in the book and when I saw this teeny bopper playing the role of Nancy Drew and the movie so obviously different from the mysteries that I've read and loved, it just baffled and disapppointed me tremendously. I don't even want to write about the movie. It's just not what I expected at all. Ruther kind of found my frustration funny and told me that the movie was "loosely based" on the books. But that doesn't make me feel better still...
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
THE NEW YEAR BEGINS
And so the new year begins.
Yesterday Ruther and I rearranged some of the things in our room. Just to spruce things up a bit. I figured, it's the new year so hey, why not give the room a new look? Anyway, Ruther likes the arrangement better now. He said that he slept a whole lot better last night. Now, I believe in feng shui and before we moved our bed, there was a hanging shelf above it. Not too wide though but still I thought that having the bed under it would not matter. I read before that it's not wise to have a shelf or even a beam over the bed because this is not healthy. It said that these things will "weigh heavily" on you while you doze therefore you will not have sound sleep. Anyway, I don't know if it's coincidence or if it really works but I too, slept pretty soundly last night. But I'm not jumping into any conclusions yet. I'll give it a few more weeks before I can decidedly say that sleeping without a shelf or beam above the bed works.
Today, Ruther went back to work and I'm back doing my chores and stuff. It's not that bad though. The year opens with the possibilities of more family time, more fun, more experiences for everyone. Our year is basically planned out but not to the letter. We do have ideas on what's gonna happen on certain months but I'm sure we'll be discovering wondrous things and making memories together and doing it our own way. I'm quite sure that it will be wonderful. And I am so looking forward to all those. For this month, we are thinking of going away as a family on a trip to a nice resort. I think it will be a nice way of bonding as a family before Ruther once again leaves for Japan next month. Hopefully it will push through. =D
Yesterday Ruther and I rearranged some of the things in our room. Just to spruce things up a bit. I figured, it's the new year so hey, why not give the room a new look? Anyway, Ruther likes the arrangement better now. He said that he slept a whole lot better last night. Now, I believe in feng shui and before we moved our bed, there was a hanging shelf above it. Not too wide though but still I thought that having the bed under it would not matter. I read before that it's not wise to have a shelf or even a beam over the bed because this is not healthy. It said that these things will "weigh heavily" on you while you doze therefore you will not have sound sleep. Anyway, I don't know if it's coincidence or if it really works but I too, slept pretty soundly last night. But I'm not jumping into any conclusions yet. I'll give it a few more weeks before I can decidedly say that sleeping without a shelf or beam above the bed works.
Today, Ruther went back to work and I'm back doing my chores and stuff. It's not that bad though. The year opens with the possibilities of more family time, more fun, more experiences for everyone. Our year is basically planned out but not to the letter. We do have ideas on what's gonna happen on certain months but I'm sure we'll be discovering wondrous things and making memories together and doing it our own way. I'm quite sure that it will be wonderful. And I am so looking forward to all those. For this month, we are thinking of going away as a family on a trip to a nice resort. I think it will be a nice way of bonding as a family before Ruther once again leaves for Japan next month. Hopefully it will push through. =D
SMALL STEPS TO A BETTER WORLD
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080101/ts_afp/germanyautopollutionenvironment;_ylt=Am2h7Rj7D3Ur8a6nqgCy6oKs0NUE
Germany begins ban on polluting cars in city centres
BERLIN (AFP) - Three German cities, including the capital Berlin, began implementing a new air pollution system on Tuesday that bans the dirtiest vehicles from their centres.
Drivers in Berlin, Cologne and Hanover are now required to display a coloured badge showing the level of pollution caused by their vehicle, with a scale of red, yellow and green.
Some vehicles, notably an estimated 1.7 million old diesel cars and vans, will not qualify for even the most polluting red badge and will be prohibited from driving in central areas.
Drivers without a badge caught in the city centre will face a 40-euro (60-dollar) fine and will be docked a point on their driving license.
The system is to be extended to about 20 German cities in the course of the year, including Stuttgart and Munich.
It applies to all vehicles, including those registered outside Germany, but some officials have indicated that foreign cars will be treated with leniency.
In Berlin, city authorities have decided not to punish errant drivers until the end of January.
The reform "is the most serious attempt until now to get to grips with the most serious source of air pollution, which causes 75,000 premature deaths per year," said German green group Deutsche Umwelthilfe.
Germany begins ban on polluting cars in city centres
BERLIN (AFP) - Three German cities, including the capital Berlin, began implementing a new air pollution system on Tuesday that bans the dirtiest vehicles from their centres.
Drivers in Berlin, Cologne and Hanover are now required to display a coloured badge showing the level of pollution caused by their vehicle, with a scale of red, yellow and green.
Some vehicles, notably an estimated 1.7 million old diesel cars and vans, will not qualify for even the most polluting red badge and will be prohibited from driving in central areas.
Drivers without a badge caught in the city centre will face a 40-euro (60-dollar) fine and will be docked a point on their driving license.
The system is to be extended to about 20 German cities in the course of the year, including Stuttgart and Munich.
It applies to all vehicles, including those registered outside Germany, but some officials have indicated that foreign cars will be treated with leniency.
In Berlin, city authorities have decided not to punish errant drivers until the end of January.
The reform "is the most serious attempt until now to get to grips with the most serious source of air pollution, which causes 75,000 premature deaths per year," said German green group Deutsche Umwelthilfe.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD SAID...
"Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
CHEERS!
Ruther and me, toasting the New Year... May everyone have a wonderful year ahead! God bless!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2008!!
Today was another busy day for us. We spent most of the morning at the beauty salon because Ruther wanted to have his hair rebonded. We were of course, shocked to know that rebonding (even for short hair) lasts around FOUR hours! I was already feeling stressed just thinking about spending four hours at the salon with the boys. But thankfully, I managed (barely) and I even got a foot spa and pedicure along with Ruther. It was nice but I didn't get to enjoy it fully because I had to keep a constant eye on the boys and really, just being so alert the whole time made me really tense. We also went to buy some groceries, and I bought lunch for the boys, and the they asked for some ice cream so that kept them busy during the four hours. Also, seeing Ruther so pleased with his no longer wavy hair took away my frustration over the day and I was able to nap in the afternoon and recharge myself. Come evening, I had to prepare our "Happy New Year" banner and the 2008 sign for the pictorial. This is another tradition I am starting with my family. I want us to mark every year this way so it will be special for us. We had fun taking photos although Ethan was not in a cooperative mood and was so pesky which irked me a bit. But we managed somehow and came up with nice photos. At around 11pm, we started lighting our sparklers and fountains and watched some of the firecrakers from the neighbors. Ethan was cautious at first but he enjoyed the fireworks and kept on yelling with glee. Nikki watched but he had ear muffs on and was not too happy with the noise. But they still had fun with the sparklers and the fountains. I have yet to see the photos that we took. Hopefully, they turned out okay. Will post nice ones here next time.
I cannot believe that another year has ended just like that. I feel so unprepared for the new year. I feel like I just closed my eyes and now, 2007 is over. I don't know what 2008 has in store for me and my family but I hope and pray that it will be a memorable, wonderful and fun year for us. A Happy New Year to all! =D
I cannot believe that another year has ended just like that. I feel so unprepared for the new year. I feel like I just closed my eyes and now, 2007 is over. I don't know what 2008 has in store for me and my family but I hope and pray that it will be a memorable, wonderful and fun year for us. A Happy New Year to all! =D
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