CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Thursday, February 28

Tagged: Movies, Movies

Lynn tagged me to do this meme - movies my family have enjoyed watching. The last movie we have watched was Alvin, the Chipmunk. My kids really enjoyed it. But nothing can compare to the movie Cars, which we have watched ten times over here at home. My only son loves Lightning McQueen so much and he never gets tired from watching it even eating his meals in our room while watching it for the nth time around.

Cars



Aspiring-champion race car Lightning McQueen is on the fast track to success, fame and everything he's ever hoped for until he takes an unexpected detour on dusty Route 66. His have-it-all now attitude is thrown into a tailspin when a small town community shows McQueen what he's been missing in his high-octane life.

I also enjoyed watching the Oceans' and Bourne series. I guess I'm a fan of Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and of course, George Clooney.

Ocean's Eleven



Dapper Danny Ocean is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the charismatic thief is already rolling out his next plan -- the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history. In one night, Danny's handpicked 11-man crew of specialists - including an ace card shark, a master pickpocket and a demolition genius - will attempt to steal over $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos owned by Terry Benedict, the elegant, ruthless entrepreneur who just happens to be dating Danny's ex-wife Tess. Coincidence or motive? Only Danny knows for sure. To score the cash, he'll have to risk his life and his chance of reconciling with Tess. But if it all goes according to Danny's intricate, nearly impossible plan, he won't have to choose between his stake in the heist and his high-stakes reunion with Tess... or will he?

The Bourne Identity



The spy thriller opens as an amnesiac is rescued at sea by the crew of an Italian fishing boat. Nearly dead, he carries nothing but the bullets in his back and the bank account number embedded in his hip. Although completely without identity or background, he possesses an array of extraordinary talents in fighting, linguistics and self-defense that speak of a dangerous past. In the present he is disoriented and wary as he is propelled into an urgent search to discover who he is and why his life has taken a perilous turn. A Zurich safe deposit box yields an assortment of passports, a hefty load of cash, an automatic weapon and a name--Jason Bourne--with a Paris address. What it means remains a mystery, but Bourne quickly realizes that although he knows no one, there are people who recognize him--and do not wish him well....

There I'm done...I love watching movies. In fact I've watched movies on a daily basis when I was working and still single (thrice a week way back in college), to unwind and to de-stress my overworked (underpaid) self. I would be posting here more movies I've watched and really enjoyed. Thanks Lynn for the tag, had fun doing it.

Tuesday, February 19

Tagged: Fun Magazine Cover

My dear Rachel tagged me to do this magazine cover meme. She even said this is fun. True enough, I enjoyed doing this tag. Thanks Rach.

Well, these are my magazines, hot off the press... :-)



the best PC gamer in town, he he


kids on the block

Try this at MagMyPic.com and have fun too...

Friday, February 15

Add up to the Love Train

Rachel and Gina tagged me to do this meme. Now I finally have the time to do it. Thanks guys for tagging me.

Cut and paste the following starting here.

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!

It's real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:

One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
- Increase your Google PageRank fast
- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
- Build your community
- Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook, Link Addiction, Ardour of the Heart, When Life Becomes a Book, The Malaysian Life, Yogatta.com, What goes under the sun, Roshidan's Cyber Station, Sasha says, Arts of Physics, And the legend lives, My View, My Life, A Simple Life, Juliana RW, The Callalily Space, Petra, Summer in Blue, Confessions of an Army Wife, Bless' Sanctuary, Happy Life, Living @ Evergreen State, La Place de Cherie, Chez Francine, Le bric a brac de Cherie, Little Peanut, Pea in a Pod, The Creative In Me, Me and Mine, Me and my Two Boys, My Life is Peachy, Chat, My Happy Place, Raising Sandy, I am Dzoi, Snapshots of Life, My BIG Picture, Welcome To My World, Hannah, Michellie, Lisa, Ris, Scotty's Princess, What Women REALLY Think, Not Much More Than This, Jayedee , Jenn, Beth, Christie , Marla, Cailin, Simone, FlipFlopMom, Katrina , Gill's Jottings , Work of the Poet, Wakela, Modern Day Goddess, Livin With Me, Writing in Faith , Maiylah's Snippets, Soulful Thoughts of Rachel, REPAH, My Little Moments, Missy Misyel, Mga Muni-muni, Gina, Rowena's The Sweet Life, you're next my dear...

I tag the following if you haven't done this yet,

Cookie, Ann, Gen, Julie and Mary. Have fun...

Tuesday, February 12

FOR THE V- DAY



Happy Valentine....

Wishing you all more love to give and receive.....

Sunday, February 10

MIL JOKES

I was feeling kinda low and I don't one anyone to ruin my day so I surf the net and came across mother-in-law (MIL) stories so I decided to post these quotes, jokes, stories...to just amuse myself, he he...Check this out and have a good laugh.

CAUTION: THIS IS LONG....

My MIL is banned internationally from playing poker, as she keeps all the chips on her shoulders.

Last week my wife and I went car shopping, and the salesman asked if I wanted a car with an Airbag. I said, "No thanks. I already have a Mother-in-law."

Q: How are shotguns and mothers-in-law alike?
A: If there is one around, you just want to shoot it!

I find it interesting that if you rearrange the letters in the word "mother-in-law"
you get the words "woman Hitler".

Q: What's the definition of happiness?
A: Getting up in the morning and seeing your mother-in-law's picture on a milk carton!

"It was really cold outside today."
"HOW COLD WAS IT?"
"It was colder than a mother-in-law's kiss!"

"Hello. Your Mother-In-Law fell into my pool filled with crocodiles."
"The crocodiles are yours, so you save them."

A big-game hunter went on safari with his wife and mother-in-law. One evening, while still deep in the jungle, the Mrs. awoke to find her mother gone. Rushing to her husband, she insisted on them both trying to find her mother.

The hunter picked up his rifle, took a swig of whiskey, and started to look for her. In a clearing not far from the camp, they came upon a chilling sight: the mother-in-law was backed up against a thick, impenetrable bush, and a large male lion stood facing her.

The wife said, "What are we going to do?"

"Nothing," said the hunter husband, "The lion got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it."

Q: The difference between outlaws and in-laws?
A: Outlaws are Wanted!!

Then there is the joke about the guy who was told by his doctor that he has only 6 months to live. He decides to move in with his mother-in-law, because living with her for 6 months will seem like forever.

Or, the definition of mixed emotions - seeing your mother-in-law drive over the cliff in your new car.

Q: How many mothers-in-law does it take to ruin a marriage?
A: Just one ... mine!

Q: How many mothers-in-law does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: None ... she always gets the son-in-law to do it.

Q: What's the difference between a mother-in-law and a vulture?
A: The vulture waits till you are dead before it eats your heart out.

A man was on trial for bigamy, and after the judge passed sentence he asked the defendant if he'd learned what made having more than one wife a bad thing. "Yes, your honor, I have," he replied. "What is the reason?" the judge asked. "Having two wives means having two mothers-in-law, and that, in itself, should be grounds enough to support assisted suicide."

My mother-in-law is so stupid she actually asked me for money. The thing is, is that, according to her I'm a bum !!!!! How dumb is she?

I always know when it's the mother-in-law knocking at the door – the mice throw themselves in the traps.

The Argument:

A couple drove several miles down a country road, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the wife sarcastically asked, "relatives of yours?"

"Yep," the husband replied, "In-laws."

Q: What is the difference between George Washington, Richard Nixon, and your MIL?
A: Washington couldn't tell a lie, Nixon couldn't tell the truth, your MIL doesn't know the difference.

I never forget a face,
But in my MIL's case I'm willing to make an exception.

I have never made a fool of my MIL.
I just leave her to display her natural talents herself.

My MIL and I were happy for 20 years.
Then we met each other.

Sometimes you cannot tell if a man is trying so hard to be a success to please his wife or to spite his mother-in-law.

Does it really surprise anyone that Mother-in-law's Day occurs less than one week before Halloween?

"My Mother-In-Law was bitten by a dog yesterday."
"How is she now?"
"She's fine, but the dog died."

Behind every successful man stands a devoted wife and a surprised mother-in-law.

Olympic Track and Field: Watch as ordinary men and women set new world records for speed while running away from their MILs.

Martha Stewart Holiday Special: Learn to set a beautiful holiday table, without a place for your MIL. It's a good thing.

Judging MIL: Why not? She judges you.

Adam and Eve were the happiest, and the luckiest, couple in the world, because neither of them had a mother-in-law.

My MIL asked me, "If you hate me so much, why is my photo on the mantelpiece (the shelf above the open fireplace)?" I told her, "So as to keep the kids away from the fire."

My MIL said to me, "I'll dance on your grave." I said, "I hope you do. I'm being buried at sea."

My Mother-in-law's other car is a Broom!

Doctor: I'm sorry to say that your MIL had a heart attack.
SIL/DIL: That's impossible!
Doctor: What do mean that's impossible?
SIL/DIL: She can't have a heart attack! She doesn't have a heart!

Q: Why would you rather deal with a vicious dog than your mother-in-law?
A: A vicious dog eventually lets go!

Two men were in a pub. One says to his mate, "My MIL is an angel." His friend replies, "You're lucky. Mine is still alive."

George went on a vacation to the Middle East with most of his family, including his mother-in-law. During their vacation, and while they were visiting Jerusalem, George's mother-in-law died. With the death certificate in hand, George went to the American Consulate Office to make arrangements to send the body back to the States for proper burial. The Consul, after hearing of the death of the mother-in-law, told George, "My friend, the sending of a body back to the States for burial is very, very expensive. It could cost as much as $5,000 dollars." The Consul continued, "In most of these cases, the person responsible for the remains normally decides to bury the body here. This would only cost $150 dollars". George thinks for some time, and answers the Consul, "I don't care how much it will cost to send the body back. That's what I want to do." The Consul, after hearing this says, "You must have loved your mother-in-law very much, considering the difference in price between $5,000 and $150 dollars." "No, it's not that," says George. "You see, I know of a case many, many years ago of a person that was buried here in Jerusalem, and on the third day he was resurrected. Consequently, I do not want to take that chance!"

Source: www.motherinlawstories.com

Saturday, February 9

Heavy



To join, check it out here.


heavy-duty dryer (this is the unit we're using in our laundry shop)


heavy washers (the reliable washers)


heavy cub for Gabbie

Tuesday, February 5

Weekend Snapshot



I was going to post for the weekend snapshot when my kid called me and asked for help on her homework. I thought my entry was posted but it remained on my draft folder. So here it is, my choice of pics eventhough it's late again, am posting just the same.

OUR FARM "PETS"

the older ones


newly-hatched ducklings


the protective mother


bonding time

Saturday, February 2

Learning Self-Defense



I've seen on the tv news so many crimes happening daily, so many bad elements around. And sometimes, it worries me. Call me paranoid but we all want to be safe for ourselves and our families. I was surfing the net on learning self-defense while hubby is scouting for new "things" to buy for security measures. I decided to post what I've learned to share in this blog. Hope this helps.

Many people think of self-defense as a karate kick to the groin or jab in the eyes of an attacker. But self-defense actually means doing everything possible to avoid fighting someone who threatens or attacks you. Self-defense is all about using your smarts — not your fists.

Use Your Head

People (guys as well as girls) who are threatened and fight back "in self-defense" actually risk making a situation worse. The attacker, who is already edgy and pumped up on adrenaline — and who knows what else — may become even more angry and violent. The best way to handle any attack or threat of attack is to try to get away. This way, you're least likely to be injured.

One way to avoid a potential attack before it happens is to trust your instincts. Your intuition, combined with your common sense, can help get you out of trouble. For example, if you're running alone on the school track and you suddenly feel like you're being watched, that could be your intuition telling you something. Your common sense would then tell you that it's a good idea to get back to where there are more people around.

Attackers aren't always strangers who jump out of dark alleys. Sadly, teens can be attacked by people they know. That's where another important self-defense skill comes into play. This skill is something self-defense experts and negotiators call de-escalation.

De-escalating a situation means speaking or acting in a way that can prevent things from getting worse. The classic example of de-escalation is giving a robber your money rather than trying to fight or run. But de-escalation can work in other ways, too. For example, if someone harasses you when there's no one else around, you can de-escalate things by agreeing with him or her. You don't have to actually believe the taunts, of course, you're just using words to get you out of a tight spot. Then you can redirect the bully's focus ("Oops, I just heard the bell for third period"), and calmly walk away from the situation.

Something as simple as not losing your temper can de-escalate a situation. Learn how to manage your own anger effectively so that you can talk or walk away without using your fists or weapons.

Although de-escalation won't always work, it can only help matters if you remain calm and don't give the would-be attacker any extra ammunition. Whether it's a stranger or someone you thought you could trust, saying and doing things that don't threaten your attacker can give you some control.

Reduce Your Risks

Another part of self-defense is doing things that can help you stay safe. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council and other experts:

• Understand your surroundings. Walk or hang out in areas that are open, well lit, and well traveled. Become familiar with the buildings, parking lots, parks, and other places you walk. Pay particular attention to places where someone could hide — such as stairways and bushes.

• Avoid shortcuts that take you through isolated areas.

• If you're going out at night, travel in a group.

• Make sure your friends and parents know your daily schedule (classes, sports practice, club meetings, etc.). If you go on a date or with friends for an after-game snack, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.

• Check out hangouts. Do they look safe? Are you comfortable being there? Ask yourself if the people around you seem to share your views on fun activities — if you think they're being reckless, move on.

• Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence. Look like you know where you're going and act alert.

• When riding on public transportation, sit near the driver and stay awake. Attackers are looking for vulnerable targets.

• Carry a cell phone if possible. Make sure it's programmed with your parents'/ hubby's phone number.

• Be willing to report crimes in your neighborhood and school to the police.

Take a Self-Defense Class

The best way — in fact the only way — to prepare yourself to fight off an attacker is to take a self-defense class. We'd love to give you all the right moves in an article, but some things you just have to learn in person.

A good self-defense class can teach you how to size up a situation and decide what you should do. Self-defense classes can also teach special techniques for breaking an attacker's grasp and other things you can do to get away. For example, attackers usually anticipate how their victim might react — that kick to the groin or jab to the eyes, for instance. A good self-defense class can teach you ways to surprise your attacker and catch him or her off guard.

One of the best things people take away from self-defense classes is self-confidence. The last thing you want to be thinking about during an attack is, "Can I really pull this self-defense tactic off?" It's much easier to take action in an emergency if you've already had a few dry runs.

A self-defense class should give you a chance to practice your moves. If you take a class with a friend, you can continue practicing on each other to keep the moves fresh in your mind long after the class is over.

Source: kidshealth.org

Wednesday, January 30

10 Random Things About Pio Miguel

I was tagged by Rachel to do this meme, a tag for my son Pio. We enjoyed doing this tag together. Here's what we've got:



Pio is an only son.


celebrated his first birthday (October 18, 2003) at home


the narra tree Pio planted on our farm.


Pio rides his bike every morning as his exercise.


likes to bum around bookstores


likes carbonara so much


He would like to be a professional car racer and a lawyer when he grows up.


Pio is homeschooling, currently enrolled at the Catholic Filipino Academy.


likes to pose for pictures



Pio is fond of riding cars at Timezone arcade

Tuesday, January 29

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Wenchie Means

You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts.
You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it.
You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator!

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

Monday, January 28

Mommies Nite Out

Last Friday, we, mommy-bloggers went to another dinner get-together. This time, we tried the newly opened Italian restaurant named Bellissimo (which means very beautiful). The restaurant, which is managed by Cesar Montano's daughter Angela, takes up two apartment units along Scout Castor street corner Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. The food was great, staff are friendly, the place is cozy which just perfect for endless chats. By 10 p.m. we have to leave the resto because my bodyguard (my only son, Pio) is sleepy already. Anyway, we all had fun.


the wine cellar


the pizzas, which are baked in a brick and wood-fired oven, thus preserving the authentic Italian flavor


the resto


with Bellissimo owner, Cesar Montano


mommies posing by the wine cellar


mommies nite out (Cookie, Chats, moi, Julie and Lynn)



mommies chats and cookie



my son busy with his food



Pio's choice- seafood pasta



four seasons' pizza



cookie's pick - seafood pasta


chat's choice- pasta montano


julie's pick - carbonara (with chicken)

Wednesday, January 23

MD 101





The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say
"I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have wings of an angel.



It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.

Share this with all the married folks you know!!
and those thinking about it too!!

Tuesday, January 22

How to Give a Great Kiddie Party

Can your child’s party be a success without having to spend the money that should go to his tuition? It is possible to set up an old-fashioned, homemade party – with games, prizes, cake, ice cream and hats – without finding yourself wrung out at the end, as long as you design a party that matches your child’s level of development and encourages children’s active participation. What’s more, a home-made party will certainly cost less and have a more personal touch.

Limit the number of guests
. The younger the child, the fewer the guests. Large groups of children tend to over stimulate one another in a party situation.

Plan a series of activities
. To assure the smooth flow of the celebration, don’t leave chunks of unfilled time. That’s when children run amok. For instance, play few games, do an easy project, eat, and then end with something quiet-like a song or a story. Older children enjoy a special outing before heading back for the cake and ice cream, such as bowling or biking in the park.

Involve your child in planning
. Let your child have some say about the flavor of the ice cream and the cake, color of the icing and what to “say’ on top. Children enjoy choosing napkin, plates, and flavors. A two-year old can help fill the party basket. A four- or five-year old may enjoy making invitations. A six- to ten-year old can choose games and help select a special outing.

Prepare one simple project. Pre-schoolers enjoy making things to wear. Why not consider making crowns or party hats?

SOURCE: NESTLE CLUB WEBSITE

Sunday, January 20

21 Things to Remember....

Here are 21 things to remember.... ...


1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.

3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

5. Success stops when you do.

6. When your ship comes in... Make sure you are willing to unload it.

7. You will never "have it all together."

8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want, I will be Happy."

10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

11. I've learned that ultimately, 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.

13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

14. We often fear the thing we want the most.

15. He or she who laughs...... lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

17. Look for opportunities... not guarantees.

18. Life is what's coming....not what was.

19. Success is getting up one more time.

20. Now is the most interesting time of all.

21. When things go wrong.....don't go with them.

Thursday, January 17

Happenings Last Year (2007)

Just posted some pics from last year, showing my kids bumming in our newly-opened laundry shop, posing with the giant tree at the Shang mall, eating their fave carbonara at home, opening gifts on Christmas day, family reunion at a Calamba resort on New Year's day and the very enjoyable pre-Christmas mommy-bloggers' dinner get together (with Myrna a.k.a Anna Manila (Ode to Old), Chats (imomonline), Cookie (SchroochChronicles), Cess (Occupation: SAHM) and Chesca (Skindiving) plus special thanks to Toe (KUROKUROATBP) for her handmade soaps. The year 2007 was really a good year and I'm very thankful for all the blessings we have received and wonderful friends gained. Cheers to that!

Saturday, January 12

My 2008 Horoscope

I saw this tag from Rachel's blog and excitedly did the same. You can visit the LINK to check it out too. Here's what my 2008 horoscope says:



Pisces Horoscope 2008

brings only good news, success and better luck in all phases of life for people born under this sun sign. The best period of the year would be the time after the month of July. Before that, small hurdles or problems may occur for the Pisces people. As per the horoscope, commitment is the main theme of the year for the Pisces people. The horoscope 2008 advices Pisces people to avoid any kind of distraction in life, as these may lead to unnecessary problems and hurdles.

The year 2008 would witness a steady rise in income for the entire period. As for the career, the stars have only positive to say about this aspect. The Pisces people are said to not only have a stable but also an upward moving career.

Thursday, January 10

Dealing with Aging

5 Essential Strategies to Combat Aging
By: Gary Small

Most of us protest against the idea of aging in the way our parents did and vow to fight the process as long as possible. We are looking for a safe, convenient, medically sound way to live longer, empower ourselves, and remain healthy and fulfilled throughout that long life — what I refer to as "quality longevity."

To achieve quality longevity, we have more control than we think. Genetics accounts for only one-third of what determines our health as we age. That means that simple everyday lifestyle choices have a major impact on how well and how long we live.

Empowering ourselves for the future requires learning new skills as well as honing the ones we already have. Try some of these strategies to live longer and feel and look younger.

Strategy 1: Sharpen your mind
With a sharp mind, we're more inclined to stay fit, have good relationships, eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Doing mental aerobics can improve memory and lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease. A recent UCLA study found that when we keep our minds active, brain efficiency increases dramatically, even after just a few weeks.
Consider these tips to sharpen your mind:

• Try different approaches to expanding your mental horizons, whether it's traveling to new destinations, learning a musical instrument, taking up ballroom dancing or going back to school.

• Learn and use the three basic memory techniques:
o Look — focus attention on what you want to remember
o Snap — imagine a mental snapshot of the information
o Connect — link the snapshots together in your mind's eye

• Stay mentally active through puzzles, games, reading and other stimulating hobbies, but be sure to train and not strain your brain — find the level of challenge that keeps you interested without frustrating or exhausting you.

Strategy 2: Cultivate healthy relationships

Socially connected people have longer life expectancies than isolated individuals. Cultivate intimacy with your partner since good sex makes for a longer life. Not only does it bring people closer together, it lowers blood pressure, reduces pain, promotes restful sleep and boosts the immune system so we are better able to fight off infections.

Empathy — our ability to understand another person's emotional viewpoint and to express that understanding — is the social glue that keeps us together. Although not everyone is an empathy expert, we can improve our skills through simple exercises that teach us to express our empathic responses.
Try this attentive listening exercise: Ask your mate or friend to talk about a feeling or issue important to him and just listen without interrupting or interpreting. Maintain eye contact and stay focused. After five minutes, talk to each other about how it felt.

Strategy 3: Reduce stress

We can't completely eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn healthier responses to it. Here are some steps we all can take to minimize stress to live longer and better.

• Control clutter in your home and in your life. Sometimes we have people cluttering our lives that we need to cut loose so we have more time for those we really care about.

• Get more realistic about how much you take on each day. Try eliminating just a few items from your to-do list.

• Watch for multitasking. Slow down and take one thing at a time.

• Learn to meditate. Regular meditation not only reduces stress but boosts the immune system and promotes healing of various medical conditions, from arthritis to chronic pain.

• Empower yourself with the word no. When we don't say no enough, we take on too many responsibilities and feel anxious, resentful and trapped. When you say no to a request, you are saying yes to something else that is more important to you.

Strategy 4: Think positive

Optimists have a greater life expectancy than pessimists.

• Make an effort to see the cup half full. Recent studies show that we can learn optimism when we set our minds to it.

• Discover your spiritual life. Attending a house of worship once a week is associated with a seven-year-longer survival compared with never attending.

• Take care of your needs. Satisfied people are twice as likely to survive compared with dissatisfied individuals.

Strategy 5: Manage your environment

Our environment has a big influence on how we feel and how long we live. Whether it's traffic, noise, smog or other aspects of the environment at large, or more personal environmental issues such as aesthetics or bedroom temperature, our quality longevity requires that we not only adapt to these influences but learn to shape them to meet our individual tastes and needs. Consider the following personal solutions for environmental issues.

• Bear in mind function and aesthetics when designing your home and work space. Control clutter and noise and arrange the bedroom in a way that enhances sleep and restfulness.

• Minimize your exposure to sun, smoke, mold, smog and other airborne toxins.

• Stay safe on the road — let someone else drive if you can't handle it.

• Make your workplace safe and comfortable: Consider ergonomic designs for comfort and safety.

• Manage your technology to avoid information overload.

Source: iVillage Total Health

Thursday, January 3

Christmas and New Year's Wish

I was so, so late with the tag from Ipanema. I promised her I would do this before I sleep (that was 2 weeks ago)...I would like to do this tag anyway.

My Christmas and New Year's wish:

good health for my family esp. to hubby (who has diabetes)

peace in our country, in my community and in our home

success in my new business venture

less poverty in the community and the country as well

spiritual healing for all our leaders


I am so thankful for all the blessings I've received last year and all the wonderful people I've met through the blogosphere. I hope this year would be another fruitful and blessed year for all of us. Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 15

Last Hurrah for the Year

Last December 8 (our wedding anniversary), we opened our laundry shop and beer store. It's a 24-hour services for laundry, beer sales and we also added a reloading station for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Sun Cellular prepaid loads. Since there's so much space in the shop, I decided to trade Milk & Company clothes and bags. Lastly, to complete the business, we also sell Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer (outside the shop). The shop is located at Marlboro Street corner Commonwealth, Fairview, Quezon City. Hope to see you guys at the shop....


Milk & Company endorser, Mikee Cojuangco


more clothes


Milk & Company clothes


the manager


reloading station for smart, globe and sun cellular


the signboard


the shop at night time


the opening's streamer


the shop


beer prices


San Miguel beers