I called my sister to check how was the Endoscopy and Colonoscopy procedures which she undergo this morning and we felt relieved that there is nothing to worry about.   Of course, she was a bit tensed and apprehensive on what is going to happen but according to her she was sedated and in few minutes, the test results were out.

So she was advised to change her eating habits, develop a healthy lifestyle and continue with the meds prescribed to her.   That’s about it and she definitely will be back to her blogging!

See!  If we always believe that if we storm heavens with prayers, nothing is impossible!  So, let us forever keep the faith!

Let me share this beautiful lyrics of the song Give Thanks.

GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS BECAUSE HE’S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY “I AM STRONG”
LET THE POOR SAY “I AM RICH”
BECAUSE OF WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE FOR US
AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY “I AM STRONG”
LET THE POOR SAY “I AM RICH”
BECAUSE OF WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE FOR US
GIVE THANKS

My cousin was too proud to show how lovely her tan was  after  5 days of frolicking in the white sand beach of  Puerto Princesa, Palawan, south of the Philippine Islands.   She and her husband spent their early summer holiday get away in what she claimed a paradise.  The serene place, pristine blue water, white sand beach resort is where they spent their honeymoon.   It is believed to be a haven for lovers and she won’t stop recounting their adventures (and misadventures) as they explored the place.   Well, she was almost sun drenched but couldn’t care less, even her hubby would lovingly refer to her as his “black beauty” queen.  It was pretty obvious, they had a grand time and would even go back to the place next summer.

Deep in my heart, I also wanted to go and see for myself the place that this cousin of mine has been raving about. I also heard a lot of exciting stories from friends during their stay in Palawan.   I am too keen to find promo tours to the south of the Philippines usually offered by a popular airline company. Yes, I prefer the promo tour so that I can take along my whole family (plus the extended ones) so it will be as enjoyable as ever like what we did when we went on a group tour to HongKong 2 Christmasess ago.   We were 14 in all and though it was really hard to travel and sight see in group, nevertheless,  it was really fun!  My children had a nice bonding moment with their cousins and you bet, the picture taking was endless.

Surely, this planned beach experience will be doubly fun for them because they  are all water lovers!   The problem with me is that I don’t fancy the beach and I will not dare swim or bask in the sun knowing that I get burn easily and I hate it  because it always take several weeks before I get back to my true color.    However, I will not allow myself to be the “kill joy” of the trip.    Nevertheless, I am always prepared for the beach scene, ever  ready with my wide brimmed hat, pair of sunglasses, bottles of sunblock lotion.   Of course, I will use my beach wear (for photo opportunity) but I will not swim, promise!   Never mind the youths, I know that they care no less as long as they are happy!

white sand beach…breathtaking view….

A paradise!

I tagged this ad picture posted by my cousin and really, as plan progresses, there is increased excitement with the thought of an all  new experience and adventure.   Actually, we are always like that, we always look forward to trips with the whole family.  So, even it is still on the planning stage, I am already going to book my annual vacation this early so that my colleagues will give way to the summer fun awaiting us.

Now, it is their turn to go for a Christmas vacation… give and take….

Everytime, I see my cousin Jade, in her eyes, I can see the emptiness of  life.  The last time I saw her, I can’t exactly describe how I perceived how her life is going!  She was always in deep thought and her pretty smile and infectious laughter were gone.   A relative told me that she decided to hibernate in a place to “soul search”.  I felt sorry for I did  not even had the chance bond with her and know the true story behind that gloomy face.

Amazing!  One time, Jane popped out of the blue and would you believe in a social networking site when she joined our Family group page?   Jade is undeniably bubbly and happy in her post.   Her shout out in her profile was  ” I found my peace with ilchi lee!    Momentarily, I froze in amazement when I checked on all her pictures and I felt so happy for her.  Not even knowing who ilchi lee is, I presumed that she already found the man of her dreams. When I had the chance to chat with her, I did not hesitate to ask her (what cousins are for) about that newly found joy in her life.   She was all ecstatic, happy and proud about how her life turned 180 degrees from being helpless to being hopeful and she kept mentioning how ilchi lee brought the sunshine back into her empty life.  Very briefly, she recounted that her endless quest for serenity of life, wellness of life and health was discovered in a place she’s been to (she would not disclose).  I wonder which place she was referring to because there were several pictures of places with majestic and serene view posted,  t’was a sight to see!   I also saw her in several yoga poses and her face was very calm and peaceful….. I bet that was her tight guarded secret, ilchi lee!

Oh well, whatever… as long as she is happy and contented.. I am more than happy!

Good morning!

Such a refreshing picture of juicy, sweet oranges!  Hubby bought these fruits last night and when I woke up, I thought of capturing its freshness and giving  somewhat an artistic touch with flowers.  I need to preserve this shot because in a while I will  make orange juice and extract the juicy pulp out of it and it will be gone.

My research in the web about orange led me to these very useful information and orange is one of the best fruit that help promote optimal health like:

• Arteriosclerosis: Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
• Cancer prevention: A compound in oranges called liminoid, has been found to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.  The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.
• Cholesterol: The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol.  Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.
• Constipation: Even though the orange “tastes acidic”, it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.
• Damaged sperm, repair: An orange a day is sufficient for a man to keep his sperm healthy.  Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, protects sperm from genetic damage that may cause a birth defect.
• Heart disease: A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.
• High blood pressure: Studies have shown that a flavonoid called hesperidin in oranges can lower high blood pressure.
• Immune system: The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
• Kidney stones, prevent: Drinking orange juice daily can significantly drop the risk of formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.
• Skin: The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
• Stomach ulcer: Consuming vitamin C rich foods helps to lower the incidence of peptic ulcers and in turn, reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
• Viral infections, protection against: The abundance of polyphenols have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.

This little girl named Mara invited us yesterday to share the joy as she celebrate her 5th Birthday.   From the gate, you will never miss her presence because she was sitting atop a table besides her cake and tarpaulin b-day greeting at the backdrop.  She was wide eyed waiting for her guests and was very quick to reach for the gifts you have for her.  As I have observed from afar, she was very alert each time the door bell buzzed and she will ran to the doorstep to greet every visitors of her and you will notice that she would check if they brought gifts for her.   If nothing is handed to her (maybe the guests did not have the time to shop), she would quickly ran back to her little corner and anxiously wait again for more guests.   Besides, I’ve seen that almost all of her gifts were already unwrapped out of her excitement to see what was inside.   Such a darling little girl!

As  the night progresses, she was already busy mingling with other children while the adults continue to chit-chats in circles.  I prodded her to show us a dance number and she obliged (aha.. maybe she really had prepared for it) without any hesitation.  She danced her own choreography of the song, “Nobody, nobody but you”…. According to her mom Mara is not shy at all, very active and inquisitive (I think so too), unlike her older sister.

We love you Mara, Happy Birthday!

It is only during special occasions that I wear my gold jewelries and the last time was during the  Couples night party we had.   I rarely use it because it is reserved for special gatherings but I do have some pieces for everyday wear.  My jewelry somehow give glamour and sparkle to the very simple gown or boring attire that I wear to any gathering.  I know that the ladies in my circle of friends have also conversation pieces of jewelry much better than I have.  I remember, I have attended one social function which was well attended by socialites and the rich ones with enviable chandelier earrings and diamond encrusted bracelets and necklaces.   I felt inferior that time because diamonds were all over the place.  I have a set of diamond earrings given by my hubby but I know it is of lesser carats than what they were wearing.   Since then, I have not attended such social function, not my lifestyle..  I was OP (Out of Place) I guess….

I took pride in posting my treasures (only a few)  because I penny pinched for sometime just so I will be able to buy my set of choice.   Luckily  for us who bought 10 years back because the prices of gold were very cheap then compared these days that you will think twice before buying a piece or two.  It is a good investment!  Since I have a daughter, it will be her heirloom.

Just to show you how intricate designs of golds here.  It is genuine and pure 21K gold.  It is a treasure for simple woman like me!

Yes!  We partied 2 weeks ago… It was only today that I was able to download all the pictures taken that night.   Rarely, that we socialize formally  (you bet the ladies wore gowns and the gentlemen were in their best suits). We veered from the usual casual get together and we had  a blast partying with couple friends.   Well, as I had posted, I decided to wear my old gown because nothing seemed to fit me anymore.   After few quick alteration, a stitch here and there, the gown is as good as new!   My aunt used to tell us that it  is how you carry yourself that will make you standout from the rest.  So that night I wore my old gown, my 2 1/2 inches heeled shoes and my best smiles ever!   Well, I did not bagged the Queen of the Night because I was with the panel of judges… lol… I don’t have any expectations…

It was amusing to see my lady friends who really prepared for that party… all made up and be- jewelled in their gowns.  During the planning stage, I’ve heard that they were having qualms about wearing gowns, according to them they are not used to it, but surprise! They all showed up wearing it….. Although, they claimed that don’t really have the body , but who cares??? … Anyway, all ladies have bulges and flabby arms to show…except for some few ladies who are still in shape (good for them!)   While the gentlemen dazzled in their suits… though some tummies were evidently bulging.  No matter what the shape we are in, (Isn’t it that we should love unconditionally????)   We enjoyed and partied the night away!  It was a respite from the hectic and busy days we have.

The camera flashed endlessly, the girls posed without let up….the men are our papparazzis!  Chance to be photographed in their best and for Facebook posting… And true enough, the next day… all postings are pictures… pictures…. taken that night.   I was tagged countless times,  some pictures for keeps and some I would rather not post at all, like pictures which did not captured my best angle….  (*wink).

It was a night to remember… you see, they were asking for the next party! party!

Lol… my socks do not come in pairs. What a sight!   This was taken last night.. exhausted of finding a matched pair, I decided to use it anyway.  I was exasperated looking for a pair to match the white, black, brown socks that I’ve found mismatched in my drawer.   What a topsy turvy cabinet I have these days, that I still need to dig deeper just to look for another pair.  That somehow irritating occurrence  prompted me to ask  hubby to accompany me to a home depot that very minute to look  for an organizer.   I must admit that I recently have neglected that part of organizing things due to my busy work in the office, at home and in the community.   After the clothes has been laundered and dried,  I will just toss it in the drawer and put off the task for the next day until I’ve forgotten to do it.   Lazy me…

So this morning as he promised, we woke up early and went to Ikea and there I found useful organizers that would definitely make my life easier.  Can you imagine the frustrations I just had only with that very simple task of finding pair of socks?  Well, I had a good time doing rounds of the store mostly in the bedroom and bathroom section.  I fancied bright colored towels and pretty shower curtain on display and end up buying not only organizers but some stuff not on my “to buy” list.

Never mind.. hubby paid for it…. and I know that he also wanted me to organize our closets…

Ewwww.  !  This officemate of mine would not let go of any photo opportunity.   Photo addict !!!  However, I admire her for letting herself photographed in her unguarded (?) moment while on the dentist chair.  There are some stolen shots taken by her hubby but she chose to share this photo while gamely posing before the camera..  She won’t mind photographed like this… but I know that you will agree that she still look pretty despite having a mouthful of those dental plastic gadgets used to keep her mouth widely opened.   She visited her favorite dentist for braces adjustment.

We had a good laugh….

The whole neighborhood had their tongues wagging with the evident fortune that our neighbor Lloyd is enjoying these days.  Fresh from his gallivanting in the nearby city, he came home in a brand new sports car.  You know, it made people here wondered how he became that rich!  The mean and suspicious ones believed that he is a drug dealer or a carnapper.   But those who know him can’t help but shook their head in disbelief because of too many suspicions and accusations hurled against the guy.

Few days ago, Llyod’s worried mom revealed the truth that his go lucky son made huge fortune in online sports betting.   His first million was from a Manny Pacquio – Antonio Margarito boxing fight and he really hit it bullseye when he favored the Filipino boxer called “Pacman”  more than his Mexican opponent and placed his wise bet on him.  According to the mom, he is very clever on how he bet on sports.   There are tactics and strategies he learned from his Uncle Vic which he took by heart and it brought him unexpected fortune.  He also dwell so much in Basketball games and would do extra miles piling up statistics from previous games  and would do lengthy calculation and analyze the odds and all those things.  Whew… seems hard but it is always a sure win for him!

Now, that the secret has been revealed in his neighborhood, people believed  that he is lucky in sports betting.   Even Lloyd himself would not encourage or discourage people to try it.  He always give sound advice to friends (in case they try sports betting) that on line gaming needs a lot of knowledge and preparation.  They were told that it has some real risks so, one should be responsible.   Make sure too that only spare money are used and do not gamble personal savings.   That way there will be no financial pressures .   And most of all, his one simple but well meaning advice is that when you reached your loss limit, stop playing and try again next time.  There should be discipline….

Well, the neighbors tongue are still wagging…. that Lloyd is not only clever but very lucky….he always hit the jackpot….