This Side of Town

Triumph Comes

2010-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

Once in a while I come across extraordinary stories that are made even more special by retelling.

Florence is one of my nurses on night shift. She's from Uganda, and has been in the States for 20 years. She left to escape the political and civic unrest in her country. Truth to tell, I am glad to have met her because Uganda, when I was very young, meant only gory stories from the book The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin.

In 1986, at the height of war, Florence was on her ninth month of pregnancy, and one night, felt the first pangs of labor. Her family took her to the nearest clinic in their village, unable to brave the flying mortar and face the violent, bloody riots in the streets, to go to the hospital. Foremost on everybody's mind was to escape.

She was in labor for hours but the baby wouldn't come out. She was the only patient, and the doctors and nurses wanted to leave. The country was in a big chaos, and survival and self-preservation was the priority. Finally, after more than 12 hours, the baby was delivered, dead. Florence's water broke a long time ago, and for whatever reason, the amniotic fluid had continued to seep, and the baby died in her womb.

The baby was delivered, and the doctors and nurses left. They said the clinic was the safest place for Florence. If anybody happened to come by, they were unlikely to hurt a newly-delivered woman. So she lay there on the delivery table by herself, while all around her the war raged on, her baby gone. For how long, I forgot to ask.

She said she wasn't even able to name the baby, and because of the general chaos, somebody just offered a portion of their private property to bury it in. That place is now a gymnasium. I said to go to that place and just offer a prayer the next time she goes home.

This story is special for two reasons. First, she has never told anyone (at least, at work) about it except me (she said it's okay to write about it here), and she's been there years before I even got employed. Second, Florence never got pregnant again after that, and had just had a total hysterectomy last October, meaning, she will never be able to conceive anymore.

She likes to cook African food for the staff, and has a recipe for me, which I will share next time. She is a very good nurse, and said I inspire her (thank God for that).

I like to meet and work with people whose passion for life is deep and touching. Their experiences and outlook make my life all the more meaningful and purposeful. Sometimes, we don't fully appreciate what we have until we hear stories of survival and triumph.

______________

The recent earthquake in Haiti is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the survivors, and hope they get through this difficult time.

All my prayers for everybody. Let's be thankful for the gift of life.

Inspired to Live

2010-01-04T00:30:00.000-08:00

After the fall of Saigon, there was much oppression, alienation, and public outcry between the divided Vietnam. Many people lost their lands and property to the Communists. It was amid this chaos that able-bodied Vietnamese decided to flee their country, in hopes of a future (not even a BETTER one, just a future).

Many of them landed in the Philippines (as many more had perished in the sea). This story is about a couple who had managed to beat the odds. Before I continue though, please be warned that I am not sure if this was one story or two stories I'm melding into one, as I have read it/them a long time ago.

But read on. The gentleman belonged to a prominent family in North Vietnam, so much so that they owned maybe 2/3 of all North. When the Communists took over and they had lost all, he was among the people who fled. He sought refuge in the Philippines, along with his wife, and in time, had assimilated the culture. However, because they were deemed illegal immigrants, they couldn't be granted citizenship.

This gentleman, though, was educated, and helped improve the fishing industry of the country. In time, he was allowed to go to America with his wife. While on the boat, he felt a sudden wave of depression thinking about the life he left in Vietnam, the fortunes he had lost, the family members so long not seen nor heard from. He was filled with so much anguish that he wanted to jump overboard. He almost succeeded if not for his wife, who stopped him, and begged him to change his mind. She willed him to think not of what they had lost, but what they stood to gain, however hard it was to understand. In that moment of darkness, the couple looked to each other for hope and reason to live again.

They reached California, and started a life working in a bakery/grocery store. They helped bake the bread, and tended the store in the daytime. They slept on the kitchen floor at night. They used public bathrooms to clean and relieve themselves. For two years. And even after they had saved up enough to afford a decent apartment and a car, they chose to continue their disciplined if not odd existence, because they had a goal. In 3 more years, they would be able to buy the grocery from the owner. They reasoned that if they lived in an apartment, they would have to spend for everything that went with it. The same was true if they bought a car.

So for 3 more years, they slept on the kitchen floor. After 5 years, they had enough money to buy the place, and that was the beginning of their good life. Maybe they were able to send for the rest of their family in Vietnam. I don't remember. But somehow, their story found its way in the pages of a book, and I read it. It is a source of inspiration for me.

In a few months, my family and I will become American citizens. While we have not endured the hardships that the Vietnamese couple in my story did, we have our own story to tell. Every immigrant in a strange land always has a story to tell.

The moment we pledge allegiance to the American flag, my heart will weep a little because it is then that we have to renounce our loyalty to the Philippines. Or at least that's what the application forms say. In my heart and mind I will always be equally a Filipino and an American. In due time, we will make that possible by applying for a dual citizenship.

Meanwhile, life goes on. And we celebrate.

Happy Reunion

2009-12-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

That's Helen with me. She is a dear friend and classmate from Nursing school, and we had not seen each other for 19 years. So we decided to meet at the mall. I said, don't tell me where you're seated. Just tell me what color shirt you're wearing. She did just that, and of course, it was a BIG mall with an equally BIG food court. My eyes turned as round as saucers when I got there. But slowly I walked. From table to table. Scanning faces. On the look-out for a green shirt, thinking, what in the world did Helen look like now?

Then I spotted a bewildered-looking girl who probably thought she was as lost as the one looking for her. Ha! What a joyous reunion.

I thought I'd post it here because Sir Joey sent me a beautiful sentimental email (the one that has nostalgic music against a picturesque background), and it made me think of good friends, happy memories. You know how it is when you say good bye, and you just can't finish? That's the kind of friend Helen is. Well, I hope you remember one of yours this holiday season and catch up.

It's a good feeling.

Oh, yeah, bring it on!

2009-12-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's the 31st, so out with the old and in with the new.

Curtains, bed sheets, cushion covers, towels, rugs - we changed them all. The laundry room's busy, there is absolutely no piece of clothing to be left behind. Wash, wash, wash.

M put coins on the windowsills. Yup, attract the gods of the finances, to always keep them in order. Only round fruits on the table. "Mom, onions?" "No, dear, just fruits."

No broken anything. I have a vase in one of the bathrooms that I fixed with superglue a few weeks back. That has to go, too. My china and utensils have to be in perfect shape.

Only good thoughts now. That's right, bring it on! Let the tiger ROOOAAARRR!!!

What are you doing to usher the new year in?

Falling Leaves

2009-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

I watch the leaves fall to the ground

Before the wind rushes

To take possession of them.

The leaves are the reddest, fiery and golden.

They tease the senses

At their most transcendent.

I watch enticed

Only for so long.

In a whisper, they all glide away with time.

Cold

2009-12-29T22:58:00.000-08:00

picture source: ourhangout.net

The electric bill came up to $146.00 for last month. Whew. That alone makes me shiver even more. But we can't help it (or can we)? It's the winter break, and the kids are mostly at home, we've had some guests over the holidays, and it's REALLY just cold. It's 22 degrees outside right now as I type this. I crank the heater way over 70 almost everyday because despite sweaters and socks and quilts (thanks, Ms. Sandy, AJ takes his Thomas quilt everywhere around the house), it is still freezing.

I think I'm getting better, though. When I talk, my voice is raspy, booming, whispery, or not there at all. I am following everybody's advice, thank you so much, and since I'm off today and tomorrow, I hope to get the rest I need.

How do you all cope with this winter chill? Brrrr!!!

Understanding Jesus

2009-12-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

On December 9th at 11pm, Debbie was not to be seen. It wasn't like her to be late. She was one of the CNAs scheduled to work. But before I could find out what happened, someone blurted out the news. At 5:30 that afternoon, she was caught in traffic by the train tracks in her SUV with her two young sons aged 9 and 6 sleeping at the back, when the Amtrak train barrelled down on the car. The boys were instantly thrown off the vehicle and killed on the spot. Deborah was rushed to Duke, and survived. All that the witnesses could remember was an explosion and Debbie's screams.

My legs crumpled. A staff member fled to the bathroom and threw up.

Later that night, I gathered my staff in a circle and, holding hands, we offered individual prayers for the children's souls and for Deborah's peace of mind. Fourteen months ago, she had just lost her first-born son to a shooting incident, and before this recent event, was still visibly grieving.

I don't get it.

I don't get that we have to die in such a violent way, especially children - in which case, people are bound to point fingers. Why leave the living in anguish and pain? Debbie was heard to say later, "Somebody up there must really hate me."

I married late, and it took three years before I became pregnant. It was an ecstatic moment, more so knowing we were to have twins. But I miscarried at 13 weeks. They would have been the first grandkids on both sides, and the third generation of twins on my side, at least. We buried the placentas, but the memories lingered. I saw the pain in my mother's and my husband's eyes, which compounded my grief. I felt the burden of guilt and blamed myself for the longest time, even though I am a nurse, and knew better than to do so. My mind did, my heart didn't. Nobody blamed me, but I tormented myself.

Earlier this year, I was pregnant again, but lost the baby in June, at 6 weeks. Matthew wept and the memory of my 6-year-old clinging to my bosom wailing the loss of "my baby sister" (as he was sure it was a girl) continues to sting my heart. My husband cried a silent tear. "She" has a simple resting place by the tree behind the house.

I am comforted by the thought that we have three angels watching over us, and that the twins now have someone else to love, and they won't be so lonely. It takes a lot of explanation to Matthew, and I know I am not equipped. He is on a journey to knowing Jesus, while I keep on stumbling on my way to understanding Him.

Jesus died in the most violent of fashions. His disciples and the multitude of His followers were stricken. They felt horrified, and scared. And they also pointed fingers. They were guilt-ridden.

Debbie must feel the same wretchedness as the disciples, the same unworthiness, loneliness, and grief beyond all griefs at the untimely deaths of her sons, leaving her to bear the brunt of suffering. Fingers pointing her way must feel like a thousand daggers, even as her mind screams for mercy, and her heart wails for her loss.

I draw my analogies as I type, and so forgive my lame attempts.

One day, I hope to understand what I have written.

A Very Sore Throat

2009-12-28T03:13:00.000-08:00

Does anyone please know of any remedy?

I had the H1N1 mist about a week ago, and then, with FULL warning of course, started feeling an exodus of symptoms. First came the backache, then my finger joints just felt sore, my muscles hurt like crazy, everything was out of whack - I had to ask my husband to give me a good massage right away. My whole body was on fire, it was unbelievable. Eventually, Extra Strength Tylenol quickly got rid of all that. (I still take it PRN/as necessary.) But then came this awful, awful sore throat that I can't shake off.

It is so bad I've had to apply Vicks on my neck and wrap a short kind of scarf around it TO and AT work for two nights now. I've been drinking hot tea, eating nothing but soup, and pumping up on vitamins and pain killers, to no avail. A friend suggested ginger. I'll probably have to drink the water I boil it in, I forgot to ask.

My throat feels swollen, (though I don't believe it is), and swallowing is extremely painful.

What a nightmare and a half.

HELP!

'Tis indeed.

2009-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am all geared up to write if only to greet you all a blessed Christmas. I don't suppose anyone will have the time to sit down in front of the computer on Christmas day, though, what with all the hype and rush, but I am taking my chances.

I think of all the Christmases past, and how they compare with this year's. I think of the Philippines heated up not only by the Mayon volcano acting up in Albay, but also by the horrendous political goings-on there. I think of the thousands of Filipinos who are brilliant, capable of making names around the world, whose talents remian untapped because of lack of opportunity. I think of those to whom opportunity is given, but who happen to be wasteful, arrogant, deceitful, and greedy. I think of all the blessings laid out before me, and how I have used and (squandered) many. I think of the friends I made and kept, and those who have betrayed me for personal gain. I thnk of hearts I have broken, and those who have broken mine. But I push them all away, clear my mind of cobwebs, and look forward.

This is the Season of Nativity, when the Lord has shown us great mercy through the birth of His Son. I think and I think deep, of the times I had thought I was not worth redeeming, of my unworthiness in His eyes. But this Season, I think even more. Of hope and renewal, of acceptance and forgiveness. I think of all the hurts I caused because I judged people to be less than I. I think of my own weaknesses and how I can transcend them and perhaps improve myself. I think of ways to make this Christmas different from the others - beyond all the cooking and gift-giving, and trimmings and nice clothes. The smiles will hold. The hugs will not be mere politeness. Perhaps that way, I will continue to touch more lives.

This article is for all the family and friends I cherish and keep. I know we've all been busy one way or another. But I thank you for always remembering. Here's to you - for your loyalty, respect, and love. May your life continue to be full, may the Lord watch and keep you, may you be blessed this Holy Season and always.

'Tis indeed the time to embrace each other and give thanks.

Happy Christmas, one and all!

Trial Post

2009-10-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hi, friends, I don't know if this will be published, but I did some tweaking because it has been the longest time since I last accessed my blog: couldn't open the dashboard to post new articles. I could and can open the past posts and reply to your comments, but as far as posting a new one, no go.

So let's see.

I miss you, guys. I don't know if I can come back to this site, but we'll see. I can always start a new one. I had been really busy, too. My calendar's full, that without the boys' schedules yet. But I'm here. For now.

I hope you get this. Thanks! Take care!

Sorry

2009-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

I had been busy, and preoccupied lately. Still am. I have you all in mind, and will sit here and serve you coffee, truffles, and whatever you fancy.

But not right now, friends. Momma's a little busy.

So bear with me, please. Be good.

And don't forget to wash your hands.

Out of this World!

2009-10-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

At 3 o'clock this morning, after I had gruellingly 'fixed' a new site and told everyone about it, this comes right back!

Well, I am happy. But, I'll see you on the other site as well, okay, my friends?

I'm bushed. Good night!

(To those I hadn't informed yet, my other URL is http://uncoveringaculture.blogspot.com/)

Unbankable deliveries

2009-10-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Got a phone call from a bank today.

Me: Hello.
B: Hi, may I speak with Cherie De Castro?
Me: This is she.
B: Ma'am, this is (name) from (Very Prominent Bank). You have a problem with your account, and ....
Me: A problem with my account? What happened?
B: (chuckles) Well, we are about to send you a .... for .... You don't have to commit right now. Your account shows you have an excellent record...
Me: Wait a minute. First of all, you just said that my account shows I have an excellent record, which contradicts your introduction to me. (I could hear the poor girl sounding embarrassed on the other end of the line.) Second of all, I have already told somebody from (Very Prominent Bank) that I would contact you if ever I became interested. And I am not. Thank you for calling.

And I put the phone down.

Really.

And that's just one of those. Try this. It happened about a few months ago. Also from them.

B: Hello, is Aristotle De Castro there?
A: This is Aristotle.
B: My name is (name) from (Very Prominent Bank). Do you speak English?
A: Aren't we talking already?

And Aris continued to entertain. But reported the rudeness to someone higher up.

Now, I don't know if it's just me, but I think people-oriented jobs require a lot more refinement from the employees, especially so if the company they're working for has a reputation to protect. Whatever their reasons, the first scenario showed perfect incompetence, and the second one outright idiocy based, we suppose, on records of a not-so-English-sounding last name.

This Side Of Town

2009-10-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

turned a hundred posts today.

I truly didn't mean to celebrate.

But my neighbor Carol (of the tamales) chose this night to knock on my door again.

This time, she waved a plateful of delectable roast beef complete with garnishings in front of me. (I seriously MUST work on my Spanish - and quick.)

I took one look at my man. He took one look at me.

Then he went to the kitchen and reached for a bottle of red wine.

Come, let's clink glasses!

(photo source: Google Images bettyboop-a.doop.com)

Indomitable Spirit

2009-10-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

Catastrophes can either make or unmake us.

I was 18 when Super Typhoon Sisang (designated Nina) slammed into the southern part of the Philippines, most especially the Bicol Region, where I was studying. It sustained winds of 275 mph as compared to Ketsana's 105 mph. Sisang/Nina was (at that time) reportedly the worst typhoon to have hit the Philippines in 20 years. I was in the dormitory, in bed, on the second floor, with no clue as to what was to come. Suddenly, I heard and saw girls screaming, doors slamming so hard, beds flying outside the window - yes, from the second floor. All of us who could pry our doors open ran downstairs, and huddled close as the winds continued to lash against the windows. Then the building shook. The piano in the corner slid to the other end. Other furniture followed. Broken glasses. More screaming. Flooding in. I remember hugging two of my friends and praying out loud, "Jesus, save us."

We stacked chairs and furniture one on top of the other as high as we could and perched on top, my fellow dormers and I. I helped remove shards of glasses from the arms and legs of the other girls who were unfortunate enough to have been by the windows when the winds lashed their fury.

We waited out the 'eye of the storm.' It was past midnight when the stillness engulfed us. Nobody slept, to say the least. Morning greeted us waist-deep in water. No breakfast, of course (I was mildly amused despite the situation), but everybody talked of going home, which was 60 km away (1 1/2 hours) for me. I packed whatever I could and started off with my friends. As the dormitory was inside the university campus, we had to walk through the maze of corridors in order to get out.

There was no university in site. One building was ground to a pulp. The rest was a sight to behold. Flood and debris everywhere. Hugging my belongings to my chest, I gasped when, thigh-deep in water, I saw a rat, about a foot away from me, swimming for dear life. It was then that reality sank in.

No transportation (we took buses). Landslides everywhere, buried bridges. We walked. Not the whole way, but miles and miles and miles of it just the same.

Home meant overlooking the moon at night as part of the roof was ripped off from my room. One friend joked he had to enter their house by the window. It was the only one open. Many more were worse off, as they had no houses left.

The whole thing meant no electricity (I think in the whole province) for 3 months. None. I do not know when we resumed classes (I was in my second year of Nursing) but when we did, it was in a modified building. No fish on the table. All sorts of stories like finding fingers and rings inside fishes' bodies circulated. And plenty of dead. I heard a story about a body floating from one town to another. And not enough coffins. The local priest had to minister benediction to bodies rolled in mats. And at least one woman went crazy looking for her dead. I heard these stories. And there were many more.

Ketsana's damage was in the unceasing rains, causing the 20 feet flooding, a catastrophe unheard of in more than 20 years. I perched scared and cold on top of chairs many years ago, while many of the recent typhoon survivors ENDURED hopeless days and nights on rooftops, not knowing if they would live or die. There is no fear like the fear of the unknown, and certainly the fear of death.

I am almost ashamed to admit that I do not know how I would have survived Ketsana with only the clothes on my back, and my undying faith.

Especially since my sister says the pedicab driver across the street continues to mindlessly ferry people to and fro while playing Christmas songs.

***

I thank everybody who has joined me and millions of others in the crusade of helping the calamity victims not only in the Philippines but also in Vietnam, Indonesia and the American Samoa. As we sleep tonight, many of them are still hungry or in search of their loved ones, or sick and injured. Let's keep them in our prayers. Many, many thanks, and God bless us all. ~~~ To those who still want to donate or help spread links to relief centers, please check out my older posts. Thank you for your kind heart.

"Please give me back my smile."

2009-10-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

(photo source: nzherald.co.nz)

Skywatch and a still picture of the tsunami aftermath in American Samoa a few days ago.

(photo source: BBC News)

Skywatch over Indonesia after the killer quakes a few days ago.

(photo source: BBC News)

~~Watery Wednesday meme entry~~

Twenty feet of floodwaters swallowed these houses, and so much more in a month's worth of rain that poured non-stop for 12 hours in the Philippines over the weekend.

My dear friends, here are a few more links to our desperate brothers and sisters
in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the American Samoa. Let us help them get their smiles back:

1. The Catholic Relief Services. It is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It provides assistance to people in more than 100 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.

This week alone, it has responded to 4 emergencies, including those in the Philippines and Indonesia.

To donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS

To donate online: www.crs.org

To write a check: Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090

(source: Thomson Reuters Foundation AlertNet - Alerting Humanitarians to Agencies)

2. To donate to Samoa (as I am not sure that it is included in the countries CRS serves, maybe so): please contact the American Red Cross
ARC - 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Disaster Relief Fund:

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013 or your local ARC chapter

For a secure online donation: http://www.redcross.org/

(source: the American Red Cross. org.)

***

Thank you, everyone, for your patience. Would you link this up to your site (write a short article) so maybe we can gather more readership and touch more humanitarian hearts? We can't help these countries enough. Their needs are immediate. Many, many thanks from the bottom of my heart.

An Article on Southeast Asia Improving Its Response to Disasters

2009-10-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

(lifted from CTV news, Oct. 1, 2009)

About 60 per cent of the world's natural disasters happen in Southeast Asia, and in the last few years important measures have been taken to limit the impact of these tragedies in the world's most vulnerable region.

The region is fraught with environmental circumstances that challenge rescue and relief organizations, experts say.

The last few days bear witness to just how fragile the region is:

Two earthquakes have hit Indonesia, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands trapped under rubble.

A deadly Tsunami washed over the nation of Samoa, killing at least 150 people.

Residents of the Philippines are still trying to recover from devastating floods and Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are bracing for a dangerous typhoon.

These low-lying Southeast Asian countries are located on "extremely active" grounds, said Alison Bird, an earthquake seismologist with the Geological Survey of Canada.

There are several subduction zones in Southeast Asia that not only trigger earthquakes but spark volcanic eruptions and stir tsunamis.

Tsunamis are the most dangerous of natural disasters, Bird said in an interview with CTV.ca Thursday.

"Even the smallest wave can go quite far inland and cause quite the destruction," she said. "You can't outrun these -- they're too fast, too powerful."

Part of what makes the region so vulnerable is the land's topography. There's not a lot to protect residents who live close to the coast from a tsunami or even high winds.

Plus, poverty and dire circumstances has forced hundreds of people to live close to the water, putting them and their shelter in immediate danger of being destroyed.

Smart structures

A key element to helping people survive these disasters is better infrastructure and smarter engineering, said Bird.

"It doesn't take a lot to make structures earthquake resistant," she said. "It's been proven that there's an incredible increase in people's chance of survival."

Building better shelter and training Southeast Asian volunteers about survival has been a key mandate of the Red Cross, particularly since the calamity of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people.

The Red Cross has built 5,500 homes in Indonesia since the disaster and has trained 1,200 volunteers in first aid, emergency evacuation, shelter and community preparedness, said Christina Lopes, a spokesperson for the organization.

"Build back better is our policy," she said. "The homes were built with more earthquake-resistant materials and they are better located, further up from the shore."

She said the recent disasters have shown her how much better residents in the area are prepared than they were back in 2004.

People were quicker to evacuate and the impact -- though devastating -- was not quite as deep.

She said she wouldn't be surprised if the Red Cross relied less on international assistance this time around than it did when it dealt with previous disasters.

Tough to overcome

Despite the overwhelming response from disaster relief charities to Southeast Asia, there are some obstacles that simply can't be overcome with charity work.

The challenges of developing countries are always exacerbated during a crisis. Weak and aging infrastructure turns into washed out roadways and bridges that make it impossible for relief workers to deliver supplies in a timely fashion.

"Poverty makes difficult living conditions even more difficult when there's a disaster," said Wesley Normington, a spokesperson for GlobalMedic -- an organization that sends paramedics and police officers from the Greater Toronto Area overseas to help out during a catastrophe.

The organization has sent several people to Indonesia to help with rescue and relief efforts.
"Their sewage system gets backed up which makes flooding worse. People don't have funds to purchase new items for their homes that would help them survive or they can't get themselves to a hospital," he said. "In the third world, they can't afford transportation so they have to walk for days to get to the nearest health care."

However, because the region is so prone to natural disasters, relief agencies have learned from experience over the years and have begun to coordinate their efforts.

Best of all, Normington said, accountability of the charities have drastically improved.

"Accountability is probably the most important thing that has come out after the (2004) tsunami," he said. "Not only are people more aware now but steps have been taken by the international community to make sure charities are more accountable."
Bird agreed that things have certainly improved since the 2004 disaster and credited public education.

"The tsunami really woke a lot of people up and education goes a long way," she said.

***

I want to thank everyone who has extended most valuable and needed help to the Philippines. It seems as though there is no end to all the tragedies. With one out, another one comes in. It is very sad. But there is no devastation so immense that can break a faithful heart. Thank you for crossing the lines, for embracing brotherhood, and for giving LOVE a whole new meaning. I am a mere stranger to many of you but you have not been hesitant. Let us now help our brothers and sisters in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the American Samoa. I will post the international relief organizations here for said countries as soon as I can. Or if you have them, please forward them to me, too. God bless you, my precious, blogger friends, my brothers and sisters.

Thank you for helping us.

2009-09-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

My dear friends, this is the map of my country, with the darkened areas severely affected by the Typhoon Ketsana over the weekend. 12 hours of rain (a month's worth), 20 feet of sweeping, muddy floodwaters in Marikina, Pasig, and Antipolo, and over 300 thousand lives displaced.

This is an excerpt from the letter of my friend Melodie of Immateur Anthropologist, to me, and I forward it to you.

If anyone from abroad is planning to send donations in cash or in kind to any of the relief organizations in the Philippines, please be informed that at this point, the relief orgs prefer that assistance from abroad be sent in the form of cash/funds.
Help is needed ASAP and relief orgs do not have the time / personnel / resources right now to arrange for the release of any shipment of goods from customs. They need the funds to purchase food, medicines, drinking water, toiletries, blankets, mosquito nets, etc.

Click here for an updated list of verified relief orgs. (More organizations are setting up their own operations.) Some of them do not accept cash donations of course as they are government agencies. But maybe you can send help through your relatives here.

Here is the link to the Philippine National Red Cross.

We thank you for helping us help our countrymen. Please contact any Filipino in your neighborhood, and see if their church accepts help by any means. Thank you so much.

(photo lifted from Yahoo Pictures)

Litratong Pilipino: Palengke

2009-09-25T08:47:00.001-07:00

The title literally means Philippine Photo/s: (the) Marketplace

Since the holidays are coming up, I'm taking the opportunity to showcase some of the products that are very much part of the Philippine tradition: the Christmas parols or Christmas lanterns. These are usually made of bamboo, crepe paper, and a candle inside (I don't know how it's done without burning the lantern). More sophisticated ones are made of shells from Capiz, a region in the Philippines known for its mother-of-pearl shells.

Parol comes from the Spanish word farol, which means lantern. Our intricate tradition owes much of its roots to 400 years of Spanish influence. Seldom will you see a Filipino household without at least one hanging parol by the window at Christmastime. It symbolizes the star that led the Three Wise Men to the manger where Jesus was born.

This is an example of Capiz-shell-made Christmas parol, for export. You bet it is expensive. But go to the Philippines and even kids will make you export-quality ones! LOL!

The guitar shows the Philippine flag. That's all for now, folks. Hope you enjoyed this one!

(photo source: hubpages.com)

I swear

2009-09-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, Aris was running a fever, and had all the classic symptoms of a cold. That was all it had to take to set the stage.

I had done everything else from the medicines, the massage, the fixing and changing of the sheets. Even the tissues, small trash can just for him, the alcohol for his hands. And the remote. Everything except for one. He wanted to cuddle. I relented after he'd begged about three times. Locked in that firehot hold, I braced myself for the expected monologue. "You don't want to come here because you think I have swine flu? Well, at least if I die, this is the last thing you'll remember." I told him to can it. Did he? Oh no. "And then, when I die, you're free to marry again. You know." (Will you stop?) "Is it time for my medicine yet? I've probably overdosed myself, maybe I will really die soon." (Arrrghh! Eeeee! All this drama, I don't want to hear another word of it any more.)

Of course he was teasing me, but he was so corny and I finally managed to bite his arm and run for my life.

This house is full of it. Even the three year-old has the bug. When denied something he really likes at the moment, he goes "Mom, look at me. I'm sad." Eh?

And how so the first born? Last night, he showed me the letters he made for Santa. (Don't ask.) He wrote 4 letters, asking for 4 different items for each of us. I said, "Well, remove the apostrophe in like's." That was it. He threw into a fit because he said he used an inkpen, and erasing was hard. I said to rewrite, there was plenty of paper. Did he? No. He went to the room and wrote this:

and gave it to me. I said, "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings Matthew but I just want you to write well. What would Santa say?" It didn't work. He came back out with this:

Man above! What's with the testosterone level in this house? So I said, "Come here, let's talk." He came out and I gave him a lecture on how a seven-year-old who is in the advanced classes should be careful with his letters. I said, a smart boy listens to his mom and does not get frustrated so quickly. Blah-blah-blah. I guess that did it. Eventually, he got 3 letters done. Except for one. He said, "Mom, what does Dad want for Christmas?" The Dad, of course, heard, and was on cue, "If I live to see Christmas, son."

Really. Only in this family. In the end, he got his letters sealed. I don't know what he asked the bearded man to give his dad. I hope the boy had sense enough to ask him for FORTITUDE for his mother to bear with more of this onslaught in the coming years.

This Way Thurs-Way!

2009-09-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

I think we were on our way to Williamsburg, VA when I spotted this. I don't know what that means, really. Please enlighten me.

Thanks!

Wordless Wednesday - If Women Controlled the World

2009-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

These images were emailed to me by another friend. Aren't they funny?

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-09-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

Well.

Fall has fallen. It is 4:15 in the morning, Sept. 22nd. My son wants snow TODAY but I said we live in North Carolina, where it hardly ever snows even in the deadest of winters.

I am very sleepy. But I am at work. The floor is quiet, thank God. Some nights are just glorious. (But I prayed really hard for this from the HOUSE, not just from the CAR, on the way here.) Answered prayer, thank You, Jesus!!

Yesterday, my neighbor knocked on my door with a plateful of tamales. Now I DID not have the slightest idea what it was, but tasted one. Very flavorful. I brought some to work last night, and Zulma (remember Zulma of the Picadillo post?) said she could guess my neighbor was from El Salvador because the food was wrapped in banana leaves. She also said it was a killer. That means very good. She said nobody makes tamales better than her mom and that the one I brought last night was cooked well. I heated mine up quickly and ate it hot. With my hot cup of cocoa. Sumptuous. (Don't know what tamales is? I had to google it myself - it's made of corn husk, pork or chicken, and an assortment of vegetables. The meat and vegetables are inside the soft, flour-y mixture. Go figure.) But now I have to make it up to Senora Carolina and dream up some dish to return the favor. Ai-ai-ai, gotta brush up on my Spanish!

I am presently reading Sakharov Speaks. Sometimes.

I want to eat some PILI. Not the candy. The pulp. And dip 'em in soy sauce with pepper and a dash of lemon.

I'm wondering how long it takes to carve a pumpkin because Matthew wants us to do one.

That's the end of my random thoughts.

***

Good morning ~ hope this one is bright and sunny!

Macro Monday Entry

2009-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

We were at Farmer's Market a week ago, and had fun snapping pictures! The owners of these pumpkins had them in all sizes! Happy Fall!

Sunday Stills - The Purple Color

2009-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween is in the air, I guess. Can you tell?

Today's Flowers

2009-09-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

[One day, as a crowd milled around, jostling and elbowing Jesus,

a woman drew near

with faith in her heart and one thought in her mind:

"If only I can touch the tassel of His cloak,

I'll be healed!"

She did - and was healed.

Then Jesus stopped.

"Who touched Me?" He asked.

Dull-witted, as usual, the Apostles answered,

"Master, how can You ask such a question

when there are so many people

pressing about You on every side?"

But He ignored them and insisted,

"Someone touched Me.

I can tell My healing power's been at work."

By this time, everybody realized something serious'd happened.

They held their breath and backed away,

then blurted out:

"I didn't do anything."

"Don't look at me!"

"I didn't even come near Him!"

And the poor woman,

trembling and alone in the circle they'd cleared,

admitted, "The one who touched You - it was I."]

(Text source: That Man Is You by Louis Evely)

*****

I love that book, I read portions of it every once in a while. I thought the text goes well with the flowers I chose for today's meme. I hope you enjoyed both. Beautiful Sunday, my friends!

My Six-Word Saturday

2009-09-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

(picture source: Funny Pictures of Babies)

is MOM!

It is the most popular word in the house, and this being a Saturday, it reverberates around the walls, at maybe 100mph.

'Mom, look!....'

'Mom, I said milk.'

'Mom, how does meat feel in your hands?'

'Mom, where are the scissors?'

'Mom, c'mere!'

'Mom, the house is on fire!' ~~~okay, I made this one up.~~~

******

I haven't joined in a while. I hope this pretty much explains it. (grin) Have a good one, everybody!

Conflict

2009-09-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a sticky situation, where it called only for split seconds to make decisions? I often find myself doing that.

I once had to do a straight catheter on a man who had urinary retention. He'd been calling all shift for assistance to the bathroom, each time with zero output. Bladder scanning revealed 306ml of urine. I obtained an order for a straight catheter, which would immediately empty his bladder and offer relief. I was right INSIDE, about 4-5 inches, when a CNA slowly knocked on the door and whispered to my ear, "Sorry to interrupt, Cherie, but whenever you are done, Ms. X in Room So and So had died."

WHAT? The nearest nurse was a floor away. I told her to call the Supervisor. BUT at the same time, I had to do something, immediately. Pronouncing the dead was one thing. Making SURE that the person was truly deceased was another. To top it all, leaving the present procedure you are doing right in the middle of it just complicates everything else. What to do?

The urine by now was NOT flowing. (And to this day, I wonder why. Catheterization is a very easy procedure, and one I'd done countless of times prior to this incident.) I inserted a little more. Thirty seconds more. None. I decided to withdraw, and explain to my patient that there was an emergency. I said I was going to be back as soon as possible.

I rushed to the said room with my stethoscope, and did my assessment. The patient in Room So And So was really gone. I pronounced her dead by 1:45am. The Supervisor did not show up till after 20 minutes after that. I couldn't have waited that long.

In the meantime, no action from Mr. Catheter's room. Then, about 30 minutes after I left him, his call bell rang. The patient had GONE on his own, for some reason. My earlier poking must have stimulated his bladder, and as a result, he went and WENT, wetting his bed, and everything. By this time, he had also been waiting for me. But the CNA and I were busy with the body. And then I had to do the necessary notifications. It was all bad timing. The CNA rushed to him as soon as she was done. I was fortunate to have worked with a good one.

Needless to say, the gentleman was not very happy. To him, I would always be the nurse who left him, and from that day onwards, would not allow me to do any catheterization on him, although he would let me stick his arm for blood work.

Looking back, given the same unfortunate circumstance, I don't think I would have hesitated to do exactly the same thing. But it is instances like this that leave me bothered, wishing in my heart that things could have happened differently, but also knowing that just at that very moment, couldn't. And I am often left feeling bad about myself, sorry for the whole sick situation.

Litratong Pilipino: Karatula Blues

2009-09-18T18:16:00.001-07:00

(rough translation: pay before undressing - a sign by the poolside)
(eh???)
(uling, please, ULING - meaning charcoal)
(er, you get it, right?)

These were emailed to me by a friend a while back, which I thought to save for future 'use.' Well, here they are! (With all due respect.)

But, puh-leeesee forgive me for laughing myself off of my chair. Hahahahahaha!!!!

This is a first post for me for Litratong Pilipino (Philippine Photo/s), another meme. It is late, but I hope you still enjoy this post! Karatula, which was the theme I chose to join, means signboard.

Mommy Moments: Treasured Pictures

2009-09-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

I find looking at my son's baby pictures very relaxing after a tiring night at work. These are pictures of Matthew and AJ when they were 3, and a few months old, respectively. At 3, M already acted like a big brother, so protective of AJ. Now, AJ is 3, but still acts like a baby. LOL!

This is my first time to join the Mommy Moments meme. I hope you enjoyed the pictures.

The Lord's Commandments, Interpreted

2009-09-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Matthew writing ways on how to keep holy the Sabbath day

Our son is enjoying his Sunday school. When they first learned about the Commandments, it was most interesting how the kids interpreted them. They were even taught a song to help them remember all 10.

When we got home, M set to work. I was wondering what kept him up. He said he was writing house rules. He was writing rules on how to get closer to God. He put them up the kitchen wall for everybody to read. Here they are:

1. No pushing.
2. No punching.
3. No fighting.
4. No yelling or screaming when a person is sleeping.
5. No teasing.
6. No bad words.
7. No scaring.
8. No breaking.
9. No scratching.
10. No switching of lights on and off.
11. No panicking.
12. No worrying.

Now, I have no doubt he means his brother and himself. But isn't it amazing how little kids can actually translate the fears of the adults, too? Worrying, for instance, which Catholics (like our family) seem to have a monopoly on. But I guess no one is exempt.

We all know too well that the Commandments can be summed up in one word: LOVE. The sad part is, sometimes we need kids to remind us about it.

Skywatch

2009-09-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

The clouds looked like sharks fighting, at the break of dawn.

I think this is a better shot, taken just a split second later.
Closer now.
A few turns and moments later

Finally, at the beach.

******

We went to Wrightsville, NC, and enjoyed the beach two days ago, with friends. We've been to three different beaches this summer, and had a great time!! Thank God for good weather!!

LOL

2009-09-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

My friends, I have a thousand and one things on my plate right now, so I can't blog long. Instead, I'll leave you with another one of our family anecdotes:

We all brought Matthew to school today. And it just hit me! One surefire way to keep Aristotle awake in the car is:

NOT coffee
NOT Red Bull
NOT rolling the window down an inch when the aircon is on
NOR music, NOR plenty of talk:

JUST let Cherie drive. Wee-heeeee!!!

^-^

Hope everybody has a fabulous day ahead, and gets to finish his/her tasks!

Wordless Wednesday - Big Boy Joy

2009-09-08T23:54:00.001-07:00

paid for it himself with his own money
had himself harnessed
and up he went

~~~~~~

Sorry for the blurry images, guys. I wasn't EXACTLY thrilled.

THE GIRLS OF MY CHILDHOOD

2009-09-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we're women now. But these are the 'girls' from my hometown in the Philippines. Sisters, friends, schoolmates. Now fellow-bloggers! I am so proud of them!! Please visit their sites, here in no particular order:

Jesusa's Corner

Anna's Tasa

My Hodgepodge

Thinking Aloud

In time

The Immateur Anthropologist

Of Mirrors and Reflections

These are the girls I grew up with, and who are a big part of what I am today. Next time, I'll tell you all about our hometown.

P.S. Would you head on over to AT LEAST one of their sites and then come back afterwards? Don't click that COMMENT button yet...I want to know what you think of 'my girls!'

Pepper Surprise

2009-09-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't know until I saw this garden that we could use pepper to adorn our flower beds. Did you?

Before I continue,

2009-09-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

here's a CELTIC BLESSING I found while cleaning up some clutter today:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain refresh you on your way.
May you go with God for all your journey,
now and forever.

~~~~~~

This is dedicated to all of you who read my blogs, that the Lord may guide you in your decisions in the coming week. God bless, my friends.

My Weekend Memoirs

2009-09-06T02:46:00.001-07:00

We spent some time with friends over some traditional food. Below are two of my favorites. Please bear with me, if you don't like them.

Philippine rice cake, wrapped in banana leaves

Fish stew, with garden-fresh vegetables

US residents, let's enjoy our long Labor Day Weekend!

Nancy Saves a Feral Cat

2009-09-05T03:53:00.000-07:00

I just love Nancy because she is all-heart. She is one of our most devoted, hard-working clinical assistants. She works double shifts as much as she can so she can enjoy her time off with her animals, all of which she has acquired by adoption.

She moved to NC from New York about seven years ago, and settled in this old house by Jordan Lake. Soon after she moved in, she's noticed several dogs milling about her area. Those were hunting dogs. One day, she tracked them back to their owner, and, long story short, the owner didn't want them, and Nancy had her first pets. Not long after that, she found a goat and I think two horses in her property. Whatever happened, they are now hers and thriving. In time, she also became the instant owner of two stray cats, one of which I named Boots.

Well, about a week ago, she was telling me about this feral cat she saw by the side of the road. Two nights ago, she was saying, she's finally trapped it, and took it home. It wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink. But scratched her like the devil.

Yesterday, she had the poor thing spayed. The reason she took it she said, was, she noticed it was TINY, but that there was a litter of kittens beside it (wherever in the woods), and a few more older-looking ones. So Nancy thought, this cat may have been pregnant twice already. Well, guess what, she was pregnant again when the vet spayed her. Of course, she's lost this litter now, but, hey?

What's with all these pregnancies? Can we do something about feral cats? It just tears me up! Is there a way to catch all the tomcats and have them neutered?

I am not a cat person, but I care for animals just as much as I care about people. It is a very sad situation, just leaving all these animals at the mercy of the environment. It's sickening.

This Flu Season

2009-09-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

It is so funny - I wrote about us Filipinos heralding Christmas by the first of September. The weather starts getting cooler in the Philippines then. Well, guess what. It did over here, too. NC weather is so dreamy now. And I have started imagining the leaves turning into a mass of colors. Autumn is my favorite season of all, it is so pretty. But alas, autumn, too, brings with it a host of respiratory diseases. Many cold viruses thrive in low humidity, not the least of them H1N1.

Well, today, I received a letter from the county of Durham Health Department, and it goes thus:

Dear Licensed Nurse in Durham County:

Your name was made available to our health department by the NC Board of Nursing. We requested the information to assist us in developing a list of currently licensed county residents that will be available to help with a mass H1N1 immunization effort. Names of nurses were also provided to other health departments across the state.

At this time, it is projected that the H1N1 vaccine will be available between October 15, 2009 and January 31, 2010. As a community, we plan to inoculate up to 60,000 residents (depending on the guidelines), and we expect each person to require two vaccinations. It is during this time period that we will need many volunteers to help us staff mass immunization clinics.

If you are willing to volunteer, please fill out the enclosed survey and return it in to us. The survey can be folded and stamped for mailing. There will be no payment for your service, just a 'thank you' from many grateful citizens.

Sincerely.

**************

My friends, I encourage everyone to please have yourselves be vaccinated against H1N1 and the seasonal flu. They are different from each other, but are equally hazardous. Always wash your hands, and avoid touching your mucous membranes. Stock up on juices. Air out your house as often as possible. Keep warm.

Long Life

2009-09-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

All right. I was heating my food up one night, and one of the staff saw me. And stopped. Because I was using a microwavable bowl. I said I was trying to be more healthy. I said, it was bad enough that I was 'nuking' my food without using plastic. So....

She was fascinated.

Well, another co-worker who overheard us joined in and said, I have something that you might like, Cherie. And I did like it, so here I am sharing it with you.

This is taken from wikiHow, the how-to manual that anyone can write or edit:

How to Live a Long Life

1. Eat healthy.
2. Introduce regular exercise into your life.
3. Develop a sleep schedule.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Think first. (all about safety, protective gear, looking before you leap)
6. Reduce causes of stress and depression in your life.
7. Give up smoking.
8. Be safe. (all about avoiding potentially dangerous activities like skydiving, bullfighting, or marriage heheheh)
9. Stock up on antioxidants. (fruits and veggies)
10. Avoid overindulgence.
11. Have yearly physicals.
12. Wear sunblock.
13. Try not to be afraid. (don't be afraid, be aware.)
14. Drink lots of tea.
15. Eat dark chocolate.
16. Drink one glass of red wine a day. (or consider eating red grapes instead)

******

I have a patient who told me his wife is still living and they've been married 59 years. I said, wow, that's a long, solid time! He said with a chuckle, Well, I've learned how to take orders. LOL!

Well, maybe we should, too! Here's to a long, healthy life, my dear friends! Cheers!

Today

2009-09-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

I received a call from one of my closest friends in college, which is eons ago. It was so good to hear from her. We fell into good-natured reminiscing.

I received an email from one of my schoolmates in high school (er, double eons ago) about helping someone from our hometown (in the Philippines) write an essay.

I also received a message in my Facebook inbox from a co-worker, apologizing for her crass behavior the day before, and thanking me for pointing it out to her in private. (Her attitude affected the team.)

A few minutes ago, a friend had popped up in my yahoo messenger, and we played catch up.

And last but not least, you've all written comments on the dangling legs/feet picture, so I am writing this to divert your attention. Hahahaha!!

YOU ARE ALL AS 'DEER' TO ME AS CUPCAKES! THAT'S WHY I CARE ABOUT YOU! KEEP ON CALLING! KEEP ON WRITING! BE SAFE!

May God bless us all.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T04:12:00.001-07:00

We were enjoying the ocean view from the balcony of our hotel room, when upon looking up, we saw these. While we sat on chairs, these kids sat right on the floor and dangled their legs. Fun is just spelled in so many different ways.

A Job Description for Parents

2009-09-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Some of you may probably have already read this before. This is hilarious! I got this from my son's Sunday school teacher, who said she received this one day in her email. Longish, but loads of fun! Enjoy reading, everyone!

POSITION:

Mommy

Daddy

Or preferred title

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not from someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required unfortunately. On-the-job-training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunites for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Try this, Mommies...

2009-09-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

I noticed that AJ had a little cough this morning, and thought I'd try a remedy I'd read about a while back: I applied VICKS all over his feet and put socks on 'em. Before noon, and throughtout the day, the cough was gone.

Feature Friday

2009-08-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

I promised Ms. Trudy I would join the movie meme, so here's my list of old movies, in no particular order:

1. Gone With the Wind
2. Mary Poppins
3. The Sound of Music
4. Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head
5. April Love

and so many more I have to dig from my 'childhood archives!' I have already watched 4 more 'classics' on Ms. Trudy's list, so I won't add them here anymore. It's fun remembering.

Come and join! Post your favorite movies new or old, or movies that mean something or nothing to you, movies that were worth your time and money, and movies that weren't worth a cent, but you didn't find out till too late! I know it is Saturday now, but maybe it's not too late?

Happy weekend to you all!

Friday Reflections

2009-08-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, Matthew asked me, "Mom, which do you prefer, Death or Glory?" I said, Death. He said, why. And I said, so many people want glory. Glory is fame. Glory is popularity. Sometimes, in order to be famous or popular, people fight. They betray their friends. They become proud and act irresponsibly. For fame and glory, many will sell their souls to the devil. It is not worth it.

Whereas everybody dies. And God does not care whether you are famous or not. What He cares about is if you have betrayed a friend or were proud and irresponsible or if you have sold your soul to the devil. He is the Eternal Glory, and in dying without the pursuit of fame or glory on earth, we glorify ourselves in Him.

It took a lot more words to expand on all the concepts but I think my son pretty much understood. After our discussion, I asked him, which do you prefer? He said, Death.

Matthew is also very much concerned about where he and AJ will go if Aris and I died at the same time. Those were his exact words. I said that we had already taken care of that, and told him the plan. He was most serious, after which he covered his face with his blanket (for we were in bed) and sobbed that "if that happens, I will miss you."

I consoled him with the fact (in so many words) that we all will be together again in heaven.

Little children have the purest thoughts, and in their most vulnerable, need to see that we are sad along with them, but at the same time, have firm convictions, to assure them that all is (and will be) well.

******************************************************************

Today's news highlights on Ted Kennedy alongside that of the Dugard girl have affected me so much, for various reasons. There was much discussion in the family afterwards about love, and unity, and education, and safety, and trust, one no more important than the other. And it didn't matter that the children are young. Our sons are always a big part of everything that we do.

"United Nations"

2009-08-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

Aris and I brought AJ to the mall so he could enjoy some time at the play area. It was most interesting to look at the people - so many different features that in my mind I had fun 'tagging' them as I watched my child. Among others, there was a middle-aged man, probably a grandpa who was wearing dark glasses, and looked Italian. There were three chinky-eyed moms who were probably Chinese, Korean or both. There was a Caucasian young man who, by his army shorts and haircut, looked very domesticated indeed with a diaper bag slung on his shoulder as he followed his toddling daughter around. There were two grim faced gentlemen who looked like Greeks. There was a funny black teenage girl who made us laugh by making his little brother dance. And then there were us. Oh, the children all looked beautiful in that little paradise.

We all looked different. We spoke different languages. But we all watched our young. And along with kissing boo-boos away, we shared smiles and laughter and small talk. That little play area yesterday held one of God's most fascinating artwork.

Honest Scrap

2009-08-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

That is the name of one of the awesome awards Icy recently gave me. And the rules include:

- writing 10 honest things about you
- passing it on to 7 other people

So here are my 10 Things (funny that I'd just been posting 10 things on other people as well ^^):

1. I count the hours my sons sleep, and give them Benadryl when they NEED to sleep and they struggle NOT TO.

2. I heat canned food before eating it (ravioli, tuna, pork and beans - you get the idea).

3. I like to encourage people to write.

4. I find as I grow older that it's true what they say - there's no winning an argument with fools (for lack of a more fitting word).

5. I'm a night owl.

6. I like to sing (I'm no diva) when I'm stressed at work.

7. Bad manners appall me - I feel terribly embarrassed FOR the person who has no qualms about showing it.

8. I find that people who argue about faith a lot are the ones most confused about it.

9. I have found real friendships in people who have no titles, no money, and no fame.

10. I think 10 is not enough, but my tenth is I find humor in my own mistakes!

Thank you heaps again, Icy! Now for the seven people on my list. Please make room for:

Manoy Doro of Mga Sulating Pilipino
Ladyviral of In My World
Ricardo of Unloaded
Ms. Monique of Middle Ditch
Rainfield of My Journey
Karinann of Blessings For The Day
Kaydee of Teardrops and Rainbows

I will be posting the recipients of the other awards later! Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Second Version of The 10 Scandalous Facts about Historical Figures

2009-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

My dear friends, I sincerely apologize for the previous post of the same title. I hope this one is a much better version. Very, very interesting read! I am glad I found LISTVERSE which is the source of all these data and more! Please let me know if this is readable, I decided not to change fonts anymore. For those of you who are eyesight-impaired like me (waaaah!!), please click on the zoom on the bottom right (with the number and per cent sign, and just increase the zoom per cent and the letters will jump out of the page). Get ready to be shocked, and be glued for at least 3 minutes without interruption!

History tends to hide the unfortunate and unmentionable facts relating to people that become heroic or famous. Fortunately, it is usually possible to find the odd bit here and there – and that is what this list is about. Below are ten people who are either famous or infamous with obscure or scandalous facts about them. This is our ten little known (and often scandalous) facts about historic figures.

10
Adolf Hitler

Fact: Hitler was a tax evader
Recent research into papers relating to Hitler has uncovered the fact that when he became chancellor of Germany in 1934 he had evaded paying 405,500 million Reichsmarks in tax (6.3 million USD in today’s currency). Fortunately for Hitler, he was forgiven his tax debts when he was elected. It is believed that he earned 1.2 million Reichsmarks for sales of Mein Kampf alone, and avoided paying 600,000 Reichsmarks in tax on it. The official who forgave Hitler’s tax debt was “rewarded” with a 2,000 Reichsmarks per month tax free allowance (a huge amount considering teachers at the time were paid 4,800 per annum).

9
Winston Churchill

Fact: Churchill was racist
Sir Winston Churchill is so highly regarded for his skills as an orator and statesman that he was voted Britain’s greatest individual by the BBC in 2002. There is no doubt that his speech writing is a class above virtually every other modern writer of English speeches, and we are all familiar with at least one or two of his famous quotations, but what many people don’t know is that he also had a dark side. The best way to illustrate that is to let the man speak for himself:
“I do not admit… that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America, or the black people of Australia… by the fact that a stronger race, a higher grade race… has come in and taken its place.” -Churchill to Palestine Royal Commission, 1937
“I do not understand the squeamishness about the use of gas. I am strongly in favour of using poisonous gas against uncivilised tribes” – Writing as president of the Air Council.
“First there are the Jews who, dwelling in every country throughout the world, identify themselves with that country, enter into its national life, and, while adhering faithfully to their own religion, regard themselves as citizens in the fullest sense of the State which has received them…In violent opposition to all this sphere of Jewish effort rise the schemes of the International Jews. The adherents of this sinister confederacy are mostly men reared up among the unhappy populations of countries where Jews are persecuted on account of their race. Most, if not all, of them have forsaken the faith of their fathers…This worldwide conspiracy for the overthrow of civilisation…has steadily growing” — Writing on ‘Zionism versus Bolshevism’ in the Illustrated Sunday Herald, February 1920

8
Gandhi

Fact: Gandhi was a dirty old man
At the age of 36, whilst married, Gandhi decided to become celibate in order to achieve a state of enlightenment (through the Hindu religion). As he got older, he became more and more fascinated with sex to the point that, second only to non-violence, it was the subject he most talked about. In order to “perfect” his celibate state, Gandhi would sleep naked with young naked women. One of the women was the 16 year old wife of his grand-nephew Kanu Gandhi. When he wanted to share his bed with his 19 year old grandniece Manu Gandhi, he wrote to her father and told him that they were sharing a bed so that he could “correct her sleeping posture”. When his stenographer R. P. Parasuram found him sleeping naked with Manu, he resigned in disgust.

7
George Washington

Fact: Washington cleverly tricked congress into paying him obscene amounts of money
First of all, this is what elementary schools teach about Washington: “Later, in 1775, at age 43, Washington was appointed military advisor for New York, defending it from British attack. A few weeks later he was appointed Commander-and-Chief of the entire American army. He did not ask for this position, and did not even ask to be paid for it. [...] The most important reason George was asked to be president was that he was very honest, and people both trusted and admired him. He was the most trusted, admired, and respected man in the whole country.”
Unfortunately what they miss entirely is the fact that he turned down a salary of what would have amounted to a little over 1,000 per month, but said: “Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this arduous employment, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.”
And then the shopping began:
- To cash paid for Sadlery, a Letter Case, Maps, Glasses, &c &c &c. for the use of my Command… $831.45- To sundry Exp.’s paid by myself at different times and places… on the Retreat of the Army thro’ the Jerseys into Pennsylvania & while there… $3,776- From September 1775 to March 1776, Washington spent over six thousand dollars on liquor
In eight years, by turning down a salary and taking an expense account, instead of being paid around $12,000, he was paid $449,261.51 in 1780 dollars (around $4,250,000.00 in today’s money).
Washington, being a clever man, tried the same ploy when he was elected President but he was turned down and given a set salary of $25,000 per year. You can view scans of Washington’s expense account at the Library of Congress.

6
Martin Luther

Fact: Martin Luther was an anti-semite
Martin Luther, the famous Monk who started the protestant reformation, is often touted as a hero for standing up against excesses in the Catholic Church at the time, but what most people don’t know is that he was violently anti-Jewish and he made no secret of it. In 1543, he wrote “On The Jews And Their Lies”, in which he recommends that Jews be deprived of money, civil rights, religious teaching, and education, and that they be forced to labor on the land, or else be expelled from Germany and possibly killed (sound like someone familiar from more recent times?) He referred to the Jews as a “base, whoring people, that is, no people of God, and their boast of lineage, circumcision, and law must be accounted as filth.” He said that Jews were “full of the devil’s feces … which they wallow in like swine,” and the synagogue is an “incorrigible whore and an evil slut …” [Source]
He also put together an eight point plan to get rid of the Jews:
- “First to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them. …”- “Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed. …”- “Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them. …”- “Fourth, I advise that their rabbis be forbidden to teach henceforth on pain of loss of life and limb. …”- “Fifth, I advise that safe-conduct on the highways be abolished completely for the Jews. …”- “Sixth, I advise that usury be prohibited to them, and that all cash and treasure of silver and gold be taken from them. … Such money should now be used in … the following [way]… Whenever a Jew is sincerely converted, he should be handed [a certain amount]…”- “Seventh, I commend putting a flail, an ax, a hoe, a spade, a distaff, or a spindle into the hands of young, strong Jews and Jewesses and letting them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow… For it is not fitting that they should let us accursed Goyim toil in the sweat of our faces while they, the holy people, idle away their time behind the stove, feasting and farting, and on top of all, boasting blasphemously of their lordship over the Christians by means of our sweat. No, one should toss out these lazy rogues by the seat of their pants.”- “If we wish to wash our hands of the Jews’ blasphemy and not share in their guilt, we have to part company with them. They must be driven from our country” and “we must drive them out like mad dogs.” [Source: Luther, On the Jews, 47:268-288, 292.]

5
Thomas Jefferson

Fact: Jefferson preached against whites having children with blacks, whilst doing that very thing and denying his offspring
Jefferson said “the amalgamation of whites with blacks produces a degradation to which no lover of his country, no lover of the excellence in the human character, can innocently consent.” Whilst preaching this rubbish, he had several children with his slave Sally Hemings who happened to be the illegitimate half-sister sister of his wife. While the rumours were around during their lifetime (which Jefferson implicitly denied), it was not until recent times that DNA testing proved that at least one of Hemings’ children was indeed fathered by Jefferson. In a letter to Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith dated July 1, 1805, Jefferson also admitted to having tried to seduce his married neighbor Betsey Walker.

4
Albert Einstein

Fact: Einstein was a philanderer
Einstein is perhaps the greatest mind of the 20th century and he and his most famous formular E=MC^2 are known by virtually everyone. Most people know he had a passion for the violin and that he started out life as a clerk in a patent office; but what most people don’t know, is that he cheated on both of his wives repeatedly. After splitting up with his first wife (because of his infidelity), he married his cousin Elsa. Shortly after that he had an affair with his secretary Betty Neumann. In a new volume of letters held by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Einstein described about six women with whom he spent time and from whom he received gifts while being married to Elsa. [Source]

3
Elvis Presley

Fact: Elvis was unhealthily obsessed with James Dean
Elvis exhibited many compulsive/obsessive qualities throughout his life which both helped and hindered his personal and public life. One of the areas that Elvis wanted to excel in was acting. He wanted to be the next James Dean and as a result was obsessed with Dean. He anguished over the fact that the roles he was given in movies were not (in his mind) substantial. Elvis knew all the words to “Rebel Without A Cause” that featured James Dean and Natalie Wood. Elvis sought out Wood because of her connection to James Dean. That relationship ended when Natalie came to visit Graceland and Elvis’ mother Gladys (who was domineering and jealous) drove Natalie away. Natalie confided to her sister Lana that “he can sing, but he can’t do much else”. The obsession with Dean led Elvis to intentionally befriend Nick Adams – a very close friend of Dean’s before he died and since his death rumors abound that Adams had a sexual relationship with both Dean and Elvis. [Source]

2
Andrew Johnson

Fact: Vice-President Andrew Johnson took his presidential oath whilst completely drunk
Andrew Johnson was the Vice-President during Lincoln’s reign. He had a strong disliking for the aristocracy whom he thought were there by the labor of the poor such as his own family. “Glassy-eyed and smelling of whiskey, he reminded Congress, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, and pretty much everyone within hearing distance that they owed their positions to “plebeians” such as himself, then kissed the Bible and staggered away”. In response, the New York Times said “To think that one frail life stands between this insolent, clownish creature and the presidency! May God bless and spare Abraham Lincoln!” History shows us that God didn’t spare Lincoln and Johnson eventually became president. His presidency was such a disaster that congress tried to impeach him twice – successfully on the second attempt! He avoided being fired by just one vote.

1
Pope Pius IX

Fact: Pope Pius IX Kidnapped a Jewish child and had him raised as a Catholic
On the evening of 23 June 1858, in Bologna, then part of the Papal States, police arrived at the home of a Jewish couple, Salomone (”Momolo”) and Marianna Padovani Mortara, to seize one of their eight children, six-year-old Edgardo, and transport him to Rome to be raised as a ward of the state. The police had orders from Holy Office authorities in Rome, authorized by Pope Pius IX. Church officials had been told that a 14-year-old Catholic servant girl of the Mortaras, Anna Morisi, had baptized Edgardo while he was ill because she feared that he would otherwise die and go to Hell. Acorrding to Catholic Church doctrine, Edgardo’s baptism, even if illegal under canon law, was valid and made him a Christian. Under the canon law, non-Christians could not raise a Christian child, even their own. Edgardo was taken to a house for Catholic converts in Rome, maintained at state expense. His parents were not allowed to see him for several weeks, and then not alone. Pius IX took a personal interest in the case, and all appeals to the Church were rebuffed. Church authorities told the Mortaras that they could have Edgardo back if they abandoned their faith and converted to Catholicism, but they refused.
Despite international protests (including those from the United States government), Pope Pius IX did not relinquish Edgardo who eventually went on to become a priest. He was also a vehement supporter of the Vatican taking the first steps towards making Pius IX a saint. You can read his testimony here and you can see the incorrupt corpse of Blessed Pius IX here (his face has a protective mask of silver on which is removed for veneration).

Celebrity Smarts

2009-08-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Source of data: LISTVERSE

15 Surprisingly Super Smart CelebritiesShare This- Published January 18, 2009

When you think of Mensa, the high IQ society, you probably think of Steven Hawking or Marilyn vos Savant. There are, however, some unlikely celebrity names associated with Mensa – a group which requires that members have an IQ within the top two per cent of the population. I have compiled a list of some famous smarties, some more surprising than others. I did my best to verify in more than one source that these were in fact members of Mensa. Sharon Stone, for example, is listed as a Mensa member on many websites, however, she confirmed she is not and has never been a member, as is commonly believed. This list is in no particular order, as not all IQ’s were available.

15
Scott Levy

Probably better known as WCW wrestler Raven, Levy studied criminal justice at the University of Delaware and originally wanted to be a lawyer. He has a reported IQ of 143.

14
Asia Carrera

Star of over 250 hardcore adult movies, Carrera has an IQ of 156. Before her successful porn career, at the age of 13 she played piano at Carnegie Hall and later attended Rutgers University.

13
Myles Jeffrey

Jeffrey is a young actor who does a lot of voiceover work. At age 6, he was given an IQ test and tested within the 99th percentile, making him a certified genius.

12
Glenne Headly

Actress, and wife of John Malkovich, Headly studied drama in NYC and attended the American College of Switzerland on a scholarship.

11
Quentin Tarantino

Violence-loving high school dropout Quentin Tarantino has an IQ of 160.

10
Steve Martin

Martin majored in Philosophy at Cal State and even considered becoming a professor at one time. His IQ is estimated to be about 142.

9
Geena Davis

Davis went to Sweden on a student exchange program and is now fluent in Swedish. Studied drama at Boston University, plays piano, flute, drums and organ and has an IQ of 140.

8
Laura Shields

An English model and actress, she earned an honors degree in chemical engineering from Leeds University. Her reported IQ is 158.

7
Alan Rachins

Rachins played a lawyer on the TV show L.A. Law and Dharma’s hippy father on Dharma and Greg. He enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, ultimately dropping out, but graduated from Empire State College in 1974.

6
Joey Beauchamp

Beauchamp is a footballer for the Oxford United, and is listed on British Mensa’s fact sheet under “famous members,” however they did not list his IQ.

5
Natalie Portman

Fluent in five languages with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard, Portman pursued graduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

4
Jimmy Savile

A British DJ, actor and television personality, he is best known for his BBC television show Jim’ll Fix It where he made the wishes of members of the public (mainly children) come true and as both the first and last presenter of Top of the Pops. Savile holds an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Leeds University and is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Radiology (FRCR.) In the Mensa entry tests, his IQ was assessed as 149.

3
Jodie Foster

Foster graduated as valedictorian from the French-speaking Lycee Francais de Los Angeles, after which she attended Yale and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in literature. Her reported IQ is 132.

2
Dolph Lundgren

Lundgren attended the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He received a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1982, and the next year was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT. IQ score: 160.

1
James Woods

Woods aced his SATs, got into MIT (but dropped out to pursue acting) and has a reported IQ of 180.

Bonus
Lisa Simpson

Lisa has an IQ of 156 and has been a member of Mensa Springfield since 1999.

///

Dear friends, every word of this is from LISTVERSE.

Looked Like Jesus

2009-08-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

When I was very new working in the States, and we were still living in Pittsburgh, PA, a member of the staff told me one morning, "We have a new patient in Room ___. He looks like Jesus." Eventually, that man was assigned to me. I knocked and entered the room. I looked. True enough, lying there in bed was "Jesus." He was white, gaunt, with shoulder-length sandy brown hair, and a bushy face. He looked very handsome in his sleep.

I remember feeling scared because whenever he was awake, he had that serious demeanor and a look in his eyes that told you he was thinking. He was as curious about this "Asian girl" as I was of him. He was soft-spoken when he talked of his family growing up, hippie days, a broken marriage, about brushes with the law.

He had Hepatitis C. Incurable. And he was always bleeding from somewhere. As I said, I was very new so it made me nervous going inside his room. He liked to follow me around, too, not only with his eyes, but physically. So I was always afraid he might slam the door one day and attack me. Really. Such thoughts on "Jesus." But I was always firm though kind, and he was compliant. At one point he said, I was becoming more and more Pittsburghian, and I didn't need to do that. He said to keep being Asian. What he didn't know was I was truly scared so I think I may have upped my act a little bit to gain some confidence.

He was homeless. I guess he found solace in that little room, and the consistency of the staff that cared for him. But one day they moved him to another floor. That day, I was assigned to other patients. But he requested that I transport him. I did. He looked very sad.

Within one week, "Jesus" died.

**************************

The kindness that we do today goes a long, long way. (I'd credit the person but I don't even know who said this.)

Wordless Wednesday - Love ya, Little Brother!

2009-08-26T02:38:00.001-07:00

(picture also featured on other blog)

Matthew blowing to cool down the hot piece of pizza AJ bit off

The First Day

2009-08-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

It was Matthew's first day of school. I was in much anticipation, and wanted to get off work quickly.

I fed him his breakfast.
Aris fixed his snack.
We reminded him to be kind to new classmates, be respectful and helpful.
He said he wanted cafeteria food, and I said not to use catsup (okay, only a very little bit).
I told him (for the millionth time) about the importance of handwashing (which he is good at - NO WONDER, did you say? ;o).
I asked him not to forget to pray at mealtime.
We all walked him to the room, where a few kids and parents already milled about.
We knew some of them and said hello.
I met Ms. Willingham again, his soft-spoken, smiling young teacher, and wished her all the best in my heart.
I also met the assistant teacher who was much older, Mrs. Richardson, who lived in the Philippines with her missionary parents when she was three years old and stayed there until she finished high school.
Mrs. Richardson blurted about Pancit right away, which was kind of fun.
Aris came in after parking the car, lugging all the materials asked of second-graders: several big black binders, crayolas, bottles of glue, clorox wipes and boxes of tissue, notebooks, among others.
We were only asked to have a few notebooks, one writing pad, one box of crayons, a ruler, a set of pencils, when I was in second grade back in 1977.
Aris and Mrs. Richardson fell into animated conversation about Filipino food.
The boy plopped on a seat next to his best friend, another Filipino boy who LOOKS like him.
They both started working on the paper which was laid out on the table in front of them, amid excited chatter.
AJ got busy introducing himself around the room.
He then settled on a chair in front of his kuya (big brother), AND 'worked' on the paper meant for the kid assigned to that table.
It was our cue.
We all gave Matthew an extra squeeze and kiss, and bid everyone good bye.
He was going to have a wonderful first day.

This 'ber Season

2009-08-23T21:05:00.001-07:00

Whenever I mention to non-Filipino friends that Filipinos herald the coming of Christmas by the 1st of September, I am always met by a huge amount of curiosity, wide eyes and a barrage of questions. Well, my dear friends, it is true! Haha! We have the longest celebration of Christmas that I know of all over the world!

By the 1st of September, Christmas songs will start peppering the airwaves, people start saving up for gifts, or buying them. The weather is noticeably cooler, and gets cooler still, until February. Even strangers are more convivial to each other. We love the 'ber season!

Except for the All Saints' and All Souls' Days on Nov. 1 and 2, there's nothing else between September and Christmas. No Christmas songs on those days, but there's a resounding comeback by the next! Christmas trees are up right after Nov. 2, some before.

Many also enjoy the traditional manito-manita (secret Santa) at home, in offices, schools, wherever there's a willing crowd. How you do it is you all write a fictitious name on a piece of paper, roll it up and put them all together in a container. Each gets to pick a piece of paper and that's the person you give a gift to depending on the rules. Rules may be weekly or daily (or whenever) gift-giving (not necessarily expensive), each week (or day, or whenever) corresponds to a certain gift that is simply described, and up for the giver (secret santa) to interpret. Say, this week, something long and slimy. It runs up till Christmas Day where each one reveals his true identity. Fun? You can say that again!

We also have our traditional Misa De Aguinaldo (misa - mass, aguinaldo - gift), which is a series of masses celebrated at dawn (around 4 at the earliest). It starts on Dec. 16th, and ends on the 24th, at midnight, a nine-day gift of the faithful to the Lord Jesus and Mother Mary. It is a very sacred devotion (novena), and I used to pine when there were times that I wasn't able to complete it. Then there's the noche buena (midnight meal) after the midnight masses On Dec. 24th (Christmas eve) and Dec. 31st (New Year's eve). And then there are the fireworks.

There are lanterns everywhere, of different sizes and colors. There are lantern parades. There's puto-bumbong (traditional rice cake, very famous at Christmastime), and lots of other traditional goodies awaiting church-goers after each dawn mass. There is just so much happiness unfelt at any other time.

And the holiday doesn't end on Jan. 1st. There's the celebration of the Three Kings on the 6th of January. Many Christmas trees stay up till February. Some decors stay all year long!

Sigh. It will be September in a week. I'm pining - again. I'm sorely missing all that.

*******************

The Philippines is more than 80% Catholic, and strong traditions are what bind people together.

What's Cookin'?

2009-08-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Pancit!

Aris makes the best in town! Whenever we are both off work, we go to the Asian store, which is more than 30 minutes' drive. But when we get home, we enjoy cooking to our hearts' content! Come join us!

Today's Flowers: Alstroemeria

2009-08-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Also called Lily of the Incas or the Peruvian Lily, some are winter-growing and some summer-growing. All of them are long-lived perennials. I find them in my patients' rooms all the time, fresh and colorful - white, purple, orange. Very, very attractive and soothing to the eyes. I hope you like them.

Sunday Catch-Up

2009-08-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well, among other things, I got this done today. How about you?

Awards From Me To You

2009-08-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, they're up for grabs! One is called the Your Blog Is As Deer To Me As Cupcakes Award! It's for everyone on my blogroll! Check your blogsite out on my sidebar! Email me if you need help putting the button up on your sidebar! Dear friends, I read your blogs almost everyday, without fail! I leave my comments on your posts all the time! That shows how dear your blogs are to me! So don't be shy and let me see the cupcake award up there next time I'm on your sites! Hugs! And pass it on to any one whose blog you are following!! It's for all of them!

Now for the One Lovely Blog Award. I had to choose only 15, even though your blogs all qualify! The rule to this is you have to choose 15 more blogs to pass this on to. So, without further ado, here's my list:

Australia:Quadrat in Focus
Rundpinne
Third Time's A Chance
The Legacy of Home
Kitchen With Kids
My Hodgepodge
The Joys of Simple Life
Jesusa's Corner
The Immateur Anthropologist
Reach Beyond Limits
Joyful Reflections
Thistle Cove Farm
Simple Beauty
Seeds4Thoughts
The Main Ingredient

Pass the love on! Happy Sunday, everyone!

Saturday Sibling Frolic

2009-08-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

My kids love to play, waddle, walk, run, dive, name whatever it is, into anything, well, let's just say, unconventional. For example, instead of walking calmly on the sidewalk, they would rather tramp on the grass. Instead of leaving a good pile of autumn leaves alone, they would plunge onto it complete with Indian whoops, things like that.

Well, today, it rained.

Aris DOES NOT like them doing this on account of WORMS. And he said dog-owners sometimes let their dogs pee over them. But these puddles were NEW and FRESH. Not THE ONE (we all know it) where the worms were.

So when the little boy jumped in (see how happy he was, he even removed his slippers!) the kuya (big brother) joined in. Was I gonna say no? Not this momma. So they went from puddle to puddle and splashed with gusto. Daddy STILL said something. And of course, since mom is Ms. Sanitation, it was straight from the puddles
to the bubbles!

You bet I scrubbed them good, especially the little toes!

Clunker Blues

2009-08-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

We were at Crown Honda yesterday, said our last good byes to Old Reliable,
and said hello to shiny, sleek youngster up there.

There was much mourning all the way home.

Friday Funnies

2009-08-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! How about some laughs? Please sit back, this is quite a list. I got this from The News and Observer, and it's called Complaints About Co-workers. It says, what's your biggest beef about co-workers?

Employee:

- is too sun-tanned.
- has big hair.
- eats all the good cookies.
- is so polite, it's infuriating.
- suspected co-worker is a pimp.
- is trying to poison me.
- 's body is magnetic and keeps deactivating my magnetic access card.
- is personally responsible for a federally mandated tax increase.
- was annoyed the company didn't provide a place for naps during break time.
- wears only slippers or socks at work.
- 's aura is wrong.
- smells like road ramps.
- breathes too loudly.
- wants to check a co-worker for ticks.
- thinks 8:00 am is too early to get up for work.
- wore pajamas to work.
- has bells on her shoes, and it's not the holidays.
- reminded co-worker too much of Bambi.
- spends too much time caring for stray cats around the building.
- (male) keeps using the ladies room because the men's room is not as tidy.

Harhar!

And would you believe, these are all true!

Thoughtful Thursday

2009-08-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

Today, Aug. 21st in the Philippines, marks the death anniversary of Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, a Philippine national hero. It remains an 'unsolved' murder, thanks to political arm-bendings. My country, as far as my 'adult' mind can remember, has weathered political storm after storm after that. Within two years of his death, his widow (who also just recently passed), became the First Woman President of the country. And among many young idealists born into and caught in the nation's passionate political strife, I was right there, rah-rah-ing, wearing yellow, the color of freedom.

On the very night that the ONLY president I had ever known in all of my 16 years was ousted, and flown outside the country, I was in Iloilo City, a Region you fly to from where I lived, or travelled by ship to reach (as the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands). I was one of over a thousand high school students competing in a National Writing Competition. I won second place, amidst all the drama outside of that dark auditorium, and the topic we were asked to develop impromptu, my winning piece, was aptly titled 'The Youth of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.' My winning was not extraordinary. Half the kid in my class could have done it, just give them a pen, tell them to read and focus, and be upbeat about the country as much as possible, and you'd have a winner. We were an intense young generation. If I had lost, I would still have been a winner from having competed alone.

Holding my trophy was little compensation for the general reason for the jubilation outside in the streets. I thought of Ninoy that night. He was also a writer when he was young, 17 years old when he was sent to Korea as a war correspondent. He had died when I was 14.

I was not sad when I thought of him. I luxuriated in the company of fellow young writers celebrating the death of 'Yesterday's' youth, which included myself.

Little did I think on that night that I would be saying that my children are 'Tomorrow's' youth. And yet I am. Many, many years later, my husband and I left the country when Matthew was 1. The boy speaks and understands the Pilipino language, and calls himself Filipino. He excels in school and is included in the Advanced Classes program.

I do not want him to have to march on the streets like his father and mother did before him, to clamor for change. But I will respect his decisions, when the time comes, to determine the form of government he wants his country to have, and to choose the country he wants to live in.

For now, I will rest my pen. He sleeps. And I'm sure somewhere, Ninoy is proud.

The Dino Experience

2009-08-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! This was taken on Aug. 6th, after the trail opened and Matthew wanted to go back to the Museum. So, let's go and take a peek at the earth's inhabitants pre-humans about 65 million years ago!

All done! Whew! It was muggy that day, so we stopped by the ice cream bar. Then we headed to the Library (one-stop shop, can't be going out everyday for every single thing in this heat, ugh!). And on that note, summer's officially gone. I'll miss it, and all the timeless no-rush family fun. See you all! Keep safe!

Gotta Love Our Heart

2009-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

( photo source: my Friendster account)

A fellow nurse was reading the chart and droned on about a patient who was rushed to the hospital for chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion. When she got to 'indigestion,' I said "Sounds like a heart attack to me." She said, "You're right! But how did you know, Cherie?"

It's simple, really. A heart attack's pain is usually on the chest, and in many people, it is found on the upper abdomen. Sometimes the pain is 'referred,' in that it is felt anywhere else but the 'heart' - like pain in the arm, neck or back gets referred to the upper abdomen, causing nausea and vomiting.

Whether we work in a hospital or a nursing home, HEART ATTACK is always one of the leading menaces the staff are on the constant look-out for. It, in fact, is the number one cause of death in the US. So here are the warning signs to help you think and act fast, when you are put in a situation where you or someone else might need help, where the heart is concerned.

Heart Attack:

Chest pain, or discomfort, which may be described as heaviness, pressure, tightness, fullness or acute pain ( One funny incident: I once asked a patient if it felt like an elephant sitting on her chest, and she answered no, that it felt more like a kitten sitting on her chest.)

Shortness of breath (either with or without chest pain)

Other symptoms (may or may not follow quickly): Nausea with or without vomiting (amazing thing is, some can still walk to and from the bathroom and clean themselves, and tell you about it!), cold sweats, lightheadedness, jaw or back pain, pain in one or both arms

In women, note also a persistent feeling of fatigue unrelieved by sleep, and anxious, nervous feelings.

What to do?

Don't joke around, it's not heartburn! Seek help immediately! If the person has a prescribed nitrogycerin tablet, capsule or spray, use as directed! Otherwise, call 911 if you're in the States. Or scream at the top of your lungs if you don't know what to do, to get somebody's attention.

Stroke, on the other hand, is the second leading cause of death in the US, so I'd like to write down the symptoms as well. Most Filipino men by the age of 60, suffer from this, too.

Stroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness
Sudden confusion with trouble speaking
Visual disturbances or changes in seeing
Sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden onset of severe headache without cause

Same thing, don't tell the person to rest, or drink a glass of water or anything else, but call for help! Call your doctor, if you don't have 911.

More importantly, PREVENT these things from happening by: living a healthy lifestyle - quit smoking, eat right, get more HDL (good cholesterol), exercise and maintain your weight, manage stress, and keep your diabetes in check. Some things we can't help if we inherited them.

For nurses and families who deal with these, be patient, no blaming, and include the patients in their care. Some nurses leave televisions droning on and on. Please. Ever heard of sensory overload? And I'm talking about healthy individuals. How much more people who can hardly breathe or have clots in their brains?

Gotta love our heart because there's so much to live for. Just a little reminder from your friendly neighborhood catwoman. Meow.

Life In A Petri Dish

2009-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

These are friends from grade and high school. Where has life gone? We grew from losing our first teeth, to marrying or breaking up with our first loves, to getting or chunking our first jobs, to attending or missing our first school reunion, to talking about our first surgeries, to swapping stories about children, to living our dreams, fighting our battles, winning our distance runs.

Wow. Life is like cells in a petri dish. Our dreams, goals, aspirations, hopes grow, divide, at some point maybe atrophy, or die. But we keep plodding on, dreaming, hoping. It's a long ride.

Wordless Wednesday:The Cost of A Whistle

2009-08-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

Can anyone please explain to me how a tooth fairy acquired a bank account? I guess the boy has TWO reasons for whistling (he says losing a tooth is one), but it's this money thing that's leaving me wordless.

Why Books

2009-08-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

returning books previously borrowed

only to check out more

having fun with another kid, while waiting for us

putting together the wooden parts, also while waiting (we were also checking out books)

a train of names of Summer Readers glued all over the ceiling

of the County Library...

some shelved books at home

crying to be shelved (and a great many more in boxes, under the beds - gulp - and everywhere else, in the house)

It had not all been play and fun trips for the boys this summer. They're registered at the Durham County Library, and we've had countless trips there, checking out books and educational DVDs, with the boys using their own library cards. Matthew was also in the Summer Reading Program which offered incentives (prizes) after every 10 days of reading. Between M and AJ alone, we had brought home and returned at least 48 kiddie books in the last month alone. Here's the last list of those we toted back to the Library:

Matthew's:

Frankenstein

We Three Kings

William Tell

Trust Me, Mom!

Hello Ocean - Hola Mar

Chickens, chickens

Animals Are Sleeping

Piglet and Mama

You're Too Small

Winners Never Quit

Hungry Hyena

AJ's:

Yuck! A Toad

Country Animals

Favorite Mother Goose Rhymes

The Colors of My Jewish Year

Sarah's Shovel

My First Nursery Rhymes

My First Songs

Thomas and the Animals

Oh Davey

As you can see, they didn't need to be impressive, they just had to be FUN.

With the advent of all this hi-tech stuff these days, so many children (some as young as three) are already prolific PSP handlers, owners of ipods, and strongly compete with adults in the use of computers. Our sons are no exceptions, but the house restrictions apply. The computer has a password (Aris is setting up the other one now, and M has gotten it into his head to put in HIS own password, to protect it against US), and has played with his PSP only twice (last Christmas, and last month, for his birthday). He WAS big on his ipod but the honeymoon feeling lasted only for about a week. Now he'd rather follow the song and dance moves of his favorite teeny-boppers as they pop up on tv. And then again, when they are on the internet or watching tv, we are there to screen the shows.

Otherwise, it's hit the books instead. Not that they are excuses for the lack of better shows. They're just always there.

Books occupied my summers when I was a little girl. They kept me away from silly gossip and boy talk when I was growing up. These days, they provide inspiration for my blogs.

We had no Summer Reading Programs when I was seven. Nor did we need one. The nuns drilled us on Reading and Phonics, and this Catholic magazine whose name escapes me. Kids were made to stand in the corner in front of the class if they didn't know how to pronounce (I was spared that, thank goodness). And at home, our mothers and fathers (mothers more than fathers) made sure we spoke and wrote English as it should be spoken and written. I cannot remember a household without a complete set of encyclopedia, or a giant Webster's dictionary, alongside stacks of Reader's Digest magazines, and a Bible. All my childhood friends had and probably still have theirs in their homes.

It was such an ordinary thing not only for myself but for families like mine, at least in the town where I grew up, to live with books. We thumbed through countless card catalogues for researches and book reports in libraries FROM GRADE SCHOOL ALL THROUGH COLLEGE and didn't mind it. From that we learned organization and patience. In contrast, all that the librarians do now is punch in a few buttons, and ta-dah, we know which aisle to go. We didn't get voicemails from librarians saying our deadlines were up - we made sure to make that trip back to the library on time precisely BECAUSE we avoided the wrath of the mighty guardian of the books. We viewed librarians as fearsome creatures in those days, I think, which, for me, just reinforced the belief that books were sacred.

Which is why I am all for continuing the tradition of reading, and encourage everyone to do the same. Books, unquestionably, are.

Cents and Sensibility

2009-08-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

It was the Pinata at a kid's party they attended. And that kid Alex who had cancer and sold lemonade.

Anyway.

My son, Matthew, seven, sold candies yesterday.

To neighbors.

He hitched up his skateboard, and made 'containers' out of paper and glue, and positioned himself outside the door.

He made his own signs, made up his own prices. I was MORTIFIED by the prices.

So imagine my surprise when, at the end of half an hour, he entered the house and showed me his earnings.

It may have been pity. Or just neighborly love.

But, am I convinced that this boy will never be hungry!

Mellow Yellow Monday

2009-08-17T05:01:00.001-07:00

Fried eggs for breakfast! Come join us!

Macro Monday: Big Helpings

2009-08-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

Have a fantastic Monday! Heaps of blessings to all!

No Nose for News

2009-08-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here's another one from the newspaper: the installation of gender non-specific bathrooms.

I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Today's Flowers

2009-08-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know what they are called, but I love the gentle purple against the green...

Zulma's Oh-So-Homemade Picadillo

2009-08-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing elaborate to this, my friends. Zulma said you can use as many/much or as few/little of the ingredients, to your taste. And then she added, she'd have to kill me if I pressed for the family secret. So please make do, and see where you can add or remove, because I value my life, and I want another helping of this good stuff.

This here is transcribed as she wrote it in a piece of paper.

Ingredients:

Pinto beans

Potatoes (if you want to add)

Black beans

Onions

Radish

Green pepper

Bell pepper

Jalapenos

Chili powder

Garlic

Knorr chicken Powder

4-6 cups of water

Tabasco sauce

Carrots

Black Pepper

Ground turkey

Dice the vegetables.

Cook in pan. (She didn't say saute. And look again, NO OIL.)

Add meat.

Add condiments and water.

Boil.

Add beans. Boil to cook.

This is my Spanish friend's post script:

Use teaspoons for measuring the condiments.

And finally, she wrote, Enjoy!

Please cook at your own pace. (This is mine.)

Six-Word Saturday

2009-08-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Vacation's over!!!

So my six-word mantra is:

It's back to the grind again!

Whaaa?

2009-08-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading the newspaper, and this glaring thing is staring back at me like a boil: "New research finds kids as young as 3 can experience depression."

What is this world coming to?

Saturday with Ms. Sandy

2009-08-15T13:07:00.001-07:00

What a blessed week this is! Yesterday in the mail, Ms. Sandy of Thistle Cove Farm told me she and her husband were in town for a business meeting. Well, Raleigh, really, which is a few minutes' ride from where I live. So my enterprising self said could we meet, and how about she said YES!

So this morning, Aris and I packed the boys up and drove to Crabtree Mall, across the street (oh, let me go ahead tell all, Ms. Sandy) of which was Marshall's where Ms. Sandy was finishing up her shopping. She IS such a bubbly, lively, very warm person! Every single minute was a cross between funny, deep, and just sincere down-to-earth exchange of thoughts! We went inside Crabtree for some iced coffee and who do we see but my boys enjoying Subway sandwiches at a table! So we all stayed together, and got introduced. Aris and Matthew were particularly charmed by her life in the valley where she cares for 8 horses, 30 sheep, 4 dogs (two of which are puppies), and a garden.

In the end, the boys left us so that M and AJ could play, and we fell to really good, heartfelt conversation. I AM amazed at the things I learned from her travels, and hopefully, in return, I was able to share some things of worth. Ms. Sandy is a well of knowledge, and is very perceptive, her eyes moving around, and observing things and people around us. I am very pleased to have met her, and to belong to her blogroll. Indeed, the week has not run out of blessings!

Enjoy your pillow tonight, Ms. Sandy! ;) We'll take you up on your offer to visit Thistle Cove Farm one day!

Watchful Keeper

2009-08-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

"God is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; He is never weary; He not only does not sleep, but He does not so much as slumber...He is always near His people for protection...He will take care that His people shall not fall...The Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest...He will preserve the soul...He will keep thee in life and death."

Psalm 121 1:8

Summer Fun Together

2009-08-14T08:46:00.001-07:00

Some good things never last. Two days ago, our friends and we went out of town to Virginia Beach. It took more than three hours' drive. We started at 5:30 in the morning.

There were four families, and we led the convoy. The last family (seen here before the sunrise picture) didn't make it till about 11 at night because Michelle came off work at 3 (and you know how it goes - a nurse never gets to go out the door till AT LEAST an hour afterwards). Anyway, we were all nurse women, and our families have met here and become friends over the years. Some of our children were born here, and we have come to learn and accept the realities of life in America, our home away from home. We've all seen each other through joys and tragedies, and have that bond that can last a lifetime.

We had good fun, just goofing around and being silly, for two days and a night. Joseph and Michelle's family almost didn't make it because the tunnel was closed due to some flooding - my, my, the rains in Virginia! Aris had to navigate them by map from our hotel room.

It was a wonder we had some sun at all - well, that's not very kind. The first three families all headed to the beach right away - around noon - and it was HOT! I neglected to put sunscreen on my back because I'd been kept busy chasing the boys who were literally riding the waves, which, by the way, happened to be VERY STRONG. Matthew admitted to having 'drowned' - he might have gotten swept, and fought it back, so he stayed awhile on the shore making sand castles. I didn't like that part of the beach, the strong waves. Plus, it was much too crowded for my taste. No shells. And the sand was brown, though fine. (No, I am NOT complaining.)

Well, I think I may have lost a good two pounds from the heat alone. We were there for a solid 5 hours. Our tans are amazing, but my shoulders hurt. I'm sure the skin will peel off in a few days. That's not good, and not right to ignore the sunscreen. Don't do that. Skin cancer is a nasty business. It crusts, it hurts, it weeps. Of course, it harbors nasty microorganisms, including MRSA. And when you have it, you have it for life. Don't be like me, I make a very bad patient sometimes.

Where was I? Oh. The heat. Well, it started drizzling around 5 and the lifeguards started shooing all swimmers and beachcombers away. It was funny listening to their frantic whistles. We went back to our hotel rooms and watched the dolphins bobbing up and down from afar, and also the lifeguards combing the shore in their truck, back and forth, to make sure that the beach stayed empty.

There were plans to jog and boogey board and swim some more and take shots of the sunrise and with the sunrise, but I was too bushed. Only Aris represented our family. And I wasn't going to wake a 3-year-old to watch the sunrise anyhow when all Mommy wanted was more and more sleep. So Aris enjoyed the daybreak with our friends. I like that shot of the sun with a seagull in the distance.

After checking out, we all headed to Williamsburg Outlet to check out some clothes and stuff. But it was raining so hard so we were running in the rain, and getting all soaked, going from one shop to another. It was hilarious. Some shoppers crossed the road with shopping bags over their heads. The babies with us? No problem. I had Tylenol in the car, and I am sure my friends did, too.

We got home around 8 last night.

Summer's slipping by. As I type this, I'm trying to think of the open house on the 20th where we will meet Matthew's second grade teacher for the first time. Where has all the summer gone? I was so worried we wouldn't be able to keep the boys busy enough, but in truth, I have not even written enough of what we had done. I had even cancelled some of my son's activities because of time constraints. Summer's been fun but too short.

Oh well. Time for everything. Let's see what the next season brings. Hope you enjoyed the pictures! I have so much more, saved for next time, okay? Hope you all have a good weekend! I'm going to nurse my sunburn!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T01:14:00.001-07:00

Just when we think it's empty,

it's not.

Awards, Awards

2009-08-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hello, my friends! I'm up and refreshed now and my thoughts are swirling! First, my thanks to the fabulous bloggers I've met who sent the following awards my way! A Target Give-away gift card from Ashley of Kansas! Whew! Find out all about this, and how I won this card - my VERY FIRST BLOGGING WIN - in a most extraordinary way, here.

Ashley, I am privileged to meet you, and call you my friend, you and your precious little girl, are in my prayers. Thank you so much!

Ashley's letter - I'm tickled pink! My little boy opened this himself.

My next thoughts are of SunnyMama of England! Many thanks, Sunny, for my awards! I encourage everyone to go visit her fabulous blogsite and just immerse yourself in its warmth! My prayers are with you and your little boy, SunnyMama!

I don't have much time to sit here now, for the moment, so I cannot do some fast typing of URLs to pass the One Lovely Award to (wait for that, there'll be 15 of you), but the Your Blog Is As Deer To Me As Cupcakes I pass on to all of you on my blogroll - yeah, start grabbing and posting on your sidebars! Don't be shy now!! That's the rule!

Later on in the night,

the celebration continuedwith Zulma's homemade picadillo (chili), full of fresh garden vegetables, 3 kinds of spices, and a whole lot of other condiments. She also used ground turkey for meat.

These tostadas went with the chili - yum!

That's Zulma, in black, trying to pull this run-away golf cart. Too much picadillo for Blanda, eh? Both of them are most dedicated Nurse's Assistants, never complaining, never failing, always there. We three have a special bond, and bring food whenever we're working together. It was Zulma's first time to bring something last night - and she certainly made it worth the wait.

Finally, you are all MY AWARDS in this never-ending game called LIFE. No gems like friends anywhere. Take care, Tuesday's almost gone. I'll see you later!

This Bittersweet Life

2009-08-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's 2:38 in the morning EST. Quiet on the floor. I can think of 10 things.

I received an email today that said one of my credit cards may be compromised, and that distressed me. Aris checked with the bank, explained to me what it was about, and I was reassured. Thank God for husbands.

We had a power failure an hour before I left home for work. Ugh. I called home after rounds at 10:40. My three boys had been home from the mall, clean, full, teeth brushed, AWAKE.

I received my Target Give-away Card that I won from a new blogging friend, Ashley of SimpleBeauty. Thank you, Ashley.

I read posts and found out I was given an award called One Lovely Blog by another new blogging friend, Sunny Mama. And, for following my blog, she also gave me a Your Blog Is As Deer To Me as Cupcakes Award. Thank you, Sunny.

I have a patient on the floor who might not last the night.

Zulma made picadillo (chili) and brought tostadas. Blanda, she and I had a fantastic dinner at midnight. We like to bring food whenever we three are working together.

My heart is aching for two heart-broken friends.

We're going to Virginia Beach on the 12th.

I'm having a girls' day out with some special friends, again, on the 13th.

Today is my mother's birthday.

************

I'm thinking about love and life and moments and you, guys. I truly, truly thank you, new friends and old, for all the things I'm learning from you, everyday. Your posts strengthen me, and affirm my belief in a God who always sees us through this bittersweet life. May you have a blessed Tuesday.

Macro Monday Entry

2009-08-09T22:55:00.001-07:00

Somebody drew a huge smiley on our other car last February. We saw it coming home from a party and immediately took a shot.

(Picture previously posted on Friendster)

Scenic Sunday

2009-08-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

North Carolina has some idyllic scenic spots, very nice to look at if you enjoy country driving. These pictures were taken in the Spring of 2008. The red barn standing in contrast to the leafless trees reminds me of the red barns of my storybooks as a child. The horses are steadily grazing, safe inside the fenced yard. And we share the roads with farm machinery. We even have road signs with cattle. It is very peaceful to live here.

(Pictures previously posted on Friendster)

The Birds Finally Fledged!

2009-08-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Checked on them two days ago, had these eyes as big as saucers.
Yesterday, they edged out of the nest! There were FOUR of them - they all hatched!

Early this morning, Aris saw and took the rest of these shots.WHERE ARE YOU, MOM?LOOK AT ME! I'M CLIMBING DOWN!!

WELL, I AM!!!

ME, TOO!! WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

I'M NOT SURE ANYBODY'S NOTICING - A BIRDIE OVER HERE!!

Sorry, guys, I was asleep. Aris was coming home from work, saw all this drama unfold, and PURPOSELY let me be because he was worried (again!) that I would scare the birds away. He said the Dad and Mom were perched or hovering up somewhere in the tall branches of the trees, calling out to the babies. We don't have shots of them, I feel bad about that! Now all I have is an empty nest - literally. I wasn't even able to say good bye.

Quotable Sunday

2009-08-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

From the Desiderata:

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace within your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

From 10 Sterling Tips for a Happy Marriage:

Listen objectively to each other as you would to a friend. Give each other the right to disagree. You don't want anyone to control your feelings, so don't try to own the feelings of the one you love.

From For My Child, a poem:

Just for this evening, I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children,
the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms,
and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children
suffer senselessly and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.
It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing,
except one more day...

Sunday Stills - Elements Through The Seasons

2009-08-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

How do we explain the elements of nature?

Ever seen horses wearing blankets? In Winter-Spring, they do.

They say Winter is synonymous with Earth. Check out the dry Potomac bed, the dead branches, the thick clothing.

Even Santa's appearance is dictated by the change in elements! :)

There is stillness as the cold peters down, settling in as snow.

In Spring, there is coolness in the Air, harvest is a-plenty for strawberries, a favorite spring fruit!

Farmers till their land for more planting!

In Summer, Fire is strong. Some fruit rot!

Some transform into a ripe, luscious eating! Love guavas!

The butterflies are a-flutter, alight with passion!

People, plants, and animals go through a lot throughout all the seasons. Our Spirit transcends everything and nothing. There are births and deaths.

The elements of nature have their own order. Fall is synonymous with Water, where intuition is strong.

We affect all these elements with our attitude. We must take care of Nature before Nature can take care of us!

*********

Hope you enjoyed this!

(All the pictures are mine, although some were first posted in my Friendster account and are still there.)

Soothing Sunday

2009-08-08T21:54:00.001-07:00

Many attest to God's Omnipresence in times of difficulty. I am one of them.

The following is culled from TheCatholicSpirit.com - Daily Scriptures. It is my Scripture reading for the day.

Sunday, Aug. 9
19th Sunday in ordinary time
1 Kings 19:4-8
Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2
John 6:41-51
"The angel of the Lord came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, 'Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!'" - 1 Kings 19:7

Discouraged and weary, Elijah was near total despair when an encounter with a straightforward angel made it possible for him to continue on his journey. The story reminds us all of the importance of being honest as well as supportive with ourselves as well as those around us who lose heart. In times of difficulty, we need people who will not deny the pain of our predicament but encourage us to take advantage of the things that will sustain us.

*********

Have a soulful, faithful Sunday, my friends, whatever you do today. Keep safe.

Six-Word Saturday

2009-08-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

"Just One More For The Road!"

Twenty minutes before coming off work this morning, one of the staff approached me to say that Mr. P (not his real name) couldn't breathe. I rushed to the room with the vitals equipment, and counted a full minute of respirations - 12. Not good. But the resident is on Morphine (with specifics), has end-stage Congestive Heart Failure, and is basically on hospice. Long story short, I got him straightened out.

Snags like this RIGHT when you're ready to leave ONE part of yourself to morph into quite another, and reverse and change roles for the day just makes me sigh "Just one more for the road!"

Sorry, I am very new to this LINK and am not quite sure if I had to explain my six words, but I did anyway.

Just one more for the road for you guys, haha! Blessings to you, and do come share yours!!

Flower Ponder

2009-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

" Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them..." " Only children know what they are looking for."

" It is such a secret place, the land of tears."

"The meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them..." " One only understands the things that one tames."

"Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy things all ready made at the shop...." " If we love something, sometimes just knowing it exists is enough to make us happy."

"But there is no shop anywhere where one can buy friendship, and so men have no friends any more."

"If you want a friend, tame me."

What I love about Antoine De Saint-Exupery is that he is a timeless writer. I pieced together some of my favorite quotes of his from The Little Prince. I hope you let my flowers cast their enchantment on you. Like the little child in the book, I am also on a quest to learn something, so that someday, maybe, I might understand.

A blessed weekend, everyone!

Felicitous Friday

2009-08-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

A swallow tail butterfly on Matthew's hand

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence. Og Mandino

Why I Sanitize

2009-08-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

I always apply what I learned in OR Nursing back in school - whenever in doubt, consider the thing unsterile. I have practiced Nursing for the longest time now, and I have not changed.

Can you imagine the plight of germs, in let's say, a pen? A co-worker forgets his pen and borrows yours to jot down the vital signs. She has not washed her hands yet, and has just come out of a room of someone with MRSA of the sputum. Then she returns the pen, not to you, but puts it on a desk, where an enterprising doctor who has just sneezed suddenly grabs it to read the brand.

Eeeeww. Poor pen!

What about the shoes? The housekeepers make sure the floors are vacuumed, sanitized, mopped, sparkling to a T! But how many pairs of shoes walk and run in the halls? How many EMTs wheel in stretchers, how many wheelchairs roll past? You walk in a room where a resident has recently vomited on the floor, although the vomitus has already been cleaned out. But what was used to clean it out? What if it was done in haste it being a weekend and the supplies just ran out? Ugh!

What about spectacles and sweaters, and uniforms? Perfect hosts for all sorts of bodily fluids! Take the tiny amount of blood as you did the labs in the morning, accidentally dripping over your sleeve as you slide the plastic tube over the butterfly. Or the urine that splashes on your pants as you undo the catheter? Or even the feeding tube you're trying to unclog but which decides to spew undigested food back to God knows what part of your anatomy? Let's not even mention what conditions/diagnoses the patients have.

For twelve hours.

Let's stop there.

Nursing is a good job, it is a fulfilling happy, gooey job. Stinky, pleasant, funny job. Hair-raising, gut-spilling, faithful job. And I love it, love it, love it. That's why I wash my hands in between patients, before and after a task.

And I sanitize before I leave. My glasses, badge and rosary are treated to warm running water and soap. My pens and similar accoutrement, with Cavicide, including the pencil case. My shoes I remove before entering the car, and go straight to a shoebox where they are sprayed with Lysol. I wear slippers in the car. The car gets Lysol treatment after I get off, and I go straight to the laundry room, AFTER I enter the house with the hems of my pants rolled up. My duty bag and lunchbag have their special place, and my scrubs go straight to the washer. Then I run to the shower before I kiss all my boys. P.S. Nothing wrong with jewelry, but for obvious reasons, I don't wear any to work.

I am not alone, I can already tell you that. I have friends who strip right in their garages. Another one keeps her laundry (scrubs) in a bag outside the house. (I also keep a separate bag just for scrubs when I can't wash right away.)

No telling what virus or bacterium or fungus is on the loose, and can't take risks!

What about you? What do you do, and do you feel the need to sanitize like I do? Come share!

(Photo source: Public Domain Pictures.net)

Thoughtful Thursday

2009-08-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

I just made that title up. I want to share some thoughts this morning as I awake.

First, I have a new blog friend, Bonnie Bonsai, who specifically requested that I type in bigger fonts so I am doing it for her, and for everyone else who may benefit from not squinting too much from reading, myself included. Ms. Sandra of Thistle Cove, has fast become a good blogging friend, too, and is the funniest, and yesterday, she said to do something unexpected. Well, this is it, writing in big fonts! I'm enjoying it, and hope you are, too! :)

Second, to all my married friends and anyone else with a partner, I read this today from my mail, on Secrets All Men Keep: Give us an inch and we'll give you a lifetime. That's all about the benefits of giving them breathing spaces, personal spaces, whatever you call them. Shall we exchange stories? That should be fun!

On work: "If God is satisfied with the work, the work may be satisfied with itself." C.S. Lewis

Finally, somebody once said, "Everybody wants happiness, no one wants pain, but you can't make a rainbow without a little rain."

Beautiful day to all!

(The picture comes from Public Domain Pictures.net.)

Wordless Wednesday - Smarting Up

2009-08-04T22:54:00.001-07:00

Until Aris sets up the other computer for the boys, we will be taking turns using this one. A few days ago, I stayed way too long for the taste of my three-year-old, so when his turn came and he felt like a little snooze, he did it right there in the computer chair to make sure nobody interfered with his watching of Transformers on youtube.

Just Gotta

2009-08-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

The journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee are back! I mean, well, there are things going on around the world like the passing of Former President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino two days ago, a most gracious lady and benevolent woman. Other things not too glamorous in magnitude perhaps like the death of one of my favorite writers Frank McCourt a few weeks back. My never-ending rashes.

And this. The lady journalists are back, thank You, Lord Jesus!

I taught (South) Korean students the English Grammar for more than 10 years on and off from 1991 till 2003, shortly before immigrating to the US with my family. They ARE a studious lot, fiercely loyal to their roots and history, and always I would say wishful, desirous, of unification with the North. I had never heard them say a word against their counterparts behind the Demilitarized Zone. I never egged, it was impolite. As a result, I have kept friendships with them, up to now. Some of my Filipino friends are married to some of them. Some of my students have married each other. They are good, respectable people.

And so I read. I read about Kim Il-Sung. And Kim Jong-Il. And now his son, Kim Jong-Un. I know about the defections, the prisons and brutal punishments and tortures, the kidnappings, the starving of the citizens and the fattening of the soldiers, forgive my language. I read a story about a kid who wandered close to the Chinese border, was amazed at how free the Chinese were to move around, and got imprisoned for his experience. Kids in prison. Atrocious. I know of the eating of rats and cockroaches in prison. Their missile gigs are beyond me, and the expensive public operatic presentations AND expansive displays of affection for the Dearly Beloved make me gag. I am sorry.

I am beyond happy. These journalists are here, alive, and with their families. I think even the ordinary reader will understand where I'm coming from. I think a great moment has just come for all of us.

Thank you all for reading.

Last Night

2009-08-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Please let me DRONE on, yup, you read it right - I won't bore you, though, I promise, but there's little else to do.

Clothes Talk
I was at work, yeah, yeah, wearing another one of my pretty scrub tops and my patients were going oooh, and my co-workers were like, "Really, Cherie, you wear a size 0? Wow, I've never worn anything UNDER 14." We were not talking about my scrubs - just ordinary clothes, this time. I said, do you know that store called Petite over at Smithfield's? It's MY store, guys, nothing else. Everywhere else, I'll have to try the BIG GIRLS section first - that's MILD for Kid's Section. Well. I like to look good, and every woman SHOULD like to look good. It need not be expensive, but it's almost like the eleventh commandment for me. Come on, now.

Well, one of my favorite patients said to me, "Cherie I don't always admire what people wear around here, but I like your blouse." It was a nice compliment while I checked her pulse.

Rashes
Before going to work, though, we picked up a refill for my Prednisone (remember the poison ivy episode some posts back?) Well, my arms, yes, it's the arms this time, started itching yesterday afternoon, pretty much controlled by Hydrocortisone (Matthew even applied salt, encouraged by tales of my childhood post-caterpillar run-ins). I was fine. Until about 9:30. Boy, the itching! Aaron was kind enough to relieve me from 11:30 till 7 this morning. I said he could have the Hardee's chicken I brought for the staff. (Blanda, the black lady in my post SCRUBBED, made a coconut pie - yum - which I ate a slice of first before leaving.)

I am so tired of these rashes. I am allergic to Penicillin and Aspirin, and was wary of crustaceans growing up. I was found allergic to one brand of lipstick, and another of shampoo. God knows plenty of people irritate the skin out of me, but i'd never been allergic to plants. Aris said I should go for a patch test to see what this is this time. He's beginning to think something from work is doing it. Hah.

Back Home
The boys were bushed but after I showered, I stayed up and a friend came up on my Yahoo Messenger. Imagine my surprise when he said he has Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma of the Right Lung. We are both nurses. My instinct wanted to know how long - you know what I mean, because stage 4 lung cancer is incurable. Surgery is out of the question because this type metastasizes to the other organs (brain, liver, bones, etc.). Chemotherapy will offer palliative relief, but nothing more. So I offerred intercessory prayers. Please include him in yours, too, so at least when it's time to go, it won't be painful.

At 5:57 am
I woke up with an intense itch on my arms and ran to the bathroom to wash them with soap and water. I didn't bother with the cream this time but downed 3 pills of Prednisone. I've never encountered as bitter pills as these in my life, so I always take P with orange juice, and if there's none, I keep a spoonful of sugar ready (Mary Poppins is right about it making the medicine go down, no doubt about that.)

I started reading Mr. Fleckenstein's blogs YESTERDAY so I'll be doing more of that today. I am very interested in how Americans view the Healthcare Reform Bill (with a thousand other names).

We'll go walking when it's not so hot. There was a nice fog over here, too, yesterday morning, we were on the lookout for deer crossing the roads.

Family: Matthew is playing with his friend Mario outside.

AJ is here: he is saying with doleful eyes: "Mom, look at me. I'm sad. I don't want Daddy going out." He is the dramatic actor of all time, and the sweetest, I tell him not to be sad, and give them the biggest hug.

The Daddy: is cleaning the Isuzu, our clunker car. He wants to get a truck if we eventually decide to cash in our old ride. It's good for short distance driving, though, and has served us well all these years, even in the harsh winters of Pittsburgh before we got our Pilot. I guess the bigger the families, the more diverse the needs, the more the priorities change no matter how attached we are to our properties. Well, a good converation piece over lunch between us later, that's for sure as we love all our stuff even the old ones.

I'm still miffed that I didn't get to see Robert Frost's House or maybe Daniel Webster's (gotta check this one out) while we were up in New Hampshire, and it does not help that my brother is ribbing me about going all the way to Connecticut in BAD weather to see Mark Twain's when RF's was right around the corner. Aaaaahhh!! I'll never live this out, but there's always something.

By the way, Mrs. Robin's NOT gone. She's been really busy feeding those big mouths - I am so wondering if the food is WORMS. Aris warns me (he is terribly protective and clearly the worrywart between us two) to keep a good distance because the mother bird he says is just hovering around but is wary of people and strangers, and the birds need to eat. So I am keeping away, and hoping they all get big and fat.

I'm really going now. Please don't say I bored you. Have a blessed Tuesday!

My Little Pretties

2009-08-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, look at those mouths! Three of them! They should be feeding every 15-20 minutes by now. They say when they fledge, and drop on the ground, we really shouldn't interfere. I guess we'll all find out in a few days. More to come, folks!

Such A Stage

2009-08-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

The world is such a stage:
all of us think we know our roles by heart.

Once the lights are on, we get puffed up
with false pride, strutting away silly

Forgetting there's a Director
right there focused on us.

We don't hear Him say 'Action!'
Too distracted by our own folly.

But the stage has no second takes:
we act until the end.

Sometimes we recognize His presence
before the last act,

And get it together.
But sometimes we never know

When the fat lady sings.
How unfortunate

That we beat our drums too loud
causing us to miss the Signs,

And lose our cue.
Oh, the world is such a stage...

Our Trip to New Hampshire

2009-08-02T09:06:00.001-07:00

Hello, friends! Sorry, I was out for a while - we went on a trip to New Hampshire! See, I followed your advice and had a marvelous RandR! A very long ride indeed, but it was a most wonderful vacation! I missed blogging while we were there, and there are still a thousand and one things to attend to before I go to work tonight, but I thought I'd say a quick hello to you all because I've missed you, guys! Thank you for all the wonderful comments and visits to my blogsite. I shall visit your blogsites soon! Please enjoy the pictures! Recharged a bit in Virginia with the kids' Grandpapa and Grandmere (my father's sister), and cousins in the next house.

At a rest area in Massachusetts

AJ and I chased some robins here (Mass.)

We drove all the way from NC to NH for M's 7th birthday!

Three doctors, a college professor, an engineer, and three as of yet unchartered courses, hahaha! (The kiddos make me feel like I've already outlived my prime, sigh.)

Fun time at Weirs Beach, NH - there were plenty of lifeguards here so they didn't allow floaters for kids. Plenty of seagulls. A train (not noisy at all) passing across the street, and a drive-thru threater (at that time playing Harry Potter), and beautiful views of wharfs and boats and houses and pine trees along the way to here. Only about 30 minutes from my brother's house. The breeze was terrific for Baby Nathan!

With Grandma, Tito Bong, and Baby Nathan

We saw a sort of raging river and I asked Aris to find a parking area so M and I could take shots!

Something to remember from New Hampshire!

We threw pine cones to make up for sailboats, we dipped our feet, and hunted for mushrooms! This area was a lot of fun! AJ missed it because he was asleep in the car!

Enjoying the complimentary breakfast at the Hampton Inn and Suites - that's hot cocoa he's drinking, haha!

Wee Willie Winkie said it was time for bed

Jacuzzi time!

Heavy, heavy downpour followed us from New Hampshire to Connecticut! That's from the window on my side of the car.

Passed so many toll booths, ugh!

Stopped by Hartford, CT, to see Mark Twain's house

Touched it! And see that famous fence?

Very strange-looking indeed, AJ said it was a ghost house!
It was drizzling when we got there, but nevertheless, my Huck and Tom had a ball!
Uh, that's Sid, Tom's little brother, Tom, and Injun Joe - all right, Jim, hahaha!

A view from the side

Oh my God, over 2 hours at the New York Turnpike!
(A view of some NY buildings- we wanted to go inside the city so bad but the traffic was dreadful, Aris said next time, we fly, couldn't blame him, hahaha)

Screaming their heads off while we were passing through the Maryland tunnel

It had been a wonderful experience for the boys, we wanted them to see as much of the East Coast as possible. We passed about 6 or 7 states to and from NC, and it was a toss between the Empire State Building and the Mark Twain House and Museum, the latter winning thumbs down as M is an avid fan of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. All the states we passed and stayed in were awesome! We had a most fun adventure! Thank you for taking the time to read and see the pictures. Next post, our little birdies by the ledge! Have a blessed Sunday from our family to yours!