Don't Grow Up Too Fast!!!

eIt’s already June but the heat of the sun still feels like summer so today I just had a lazy day with my kids teasing each other ceaselessly. It was really fun though I remembered I still have something to do on my pc. In order not to be bothered, I enticed Kitty to be my secretary and pay her five pesos as a payment, which she apparently liked. Which ended to be a peaceful day for the three of us, of course.

Today, Rickie Mae, my best pal’s daughter celebrated her 10th birthday. Look how time flies, ten years back I was just carrying my best friend’s baby girl on my shoulders, changing her nappies and dress her like a little doll back in their old house when Abi and I were still neighbors. This little girl though is slowly turning into a fine young lady. Now, we lend each other’s sandals, check on new accessories we have got and even share the same clothes! Can you imagine that!

Last month, the man of my life, Ken also celebrated his 11th birthday. We didn’t threw a party just had a nice dinner together with my whole family. He enjoys it when I tell stories about him when he was still a baby or even before I gave birth to him. Like how he made me stay up until morning because he just won’t stop crying during the night, how I bathe him when he was small, that I still keep both his navel and his sister’s in my drawer etc.

I hate to admit it but eventually, my little ones will both grow up and won’t be playing with me like the way they used to. Makes me unhappy when I think of it. But that’s life! To me what’s important is I know that no matter what happens these kids love me regardless of my imperfection as a mother and their friend. And that bond cannot be shattered by just anyone. And I love them too genuinely with all my heart and soul. I know how time swiftly pass but please don’t grow too fast... selfish of me I know but not yet!

Me and Rickie after giving my opening prayer

Kitty joins the contest and said that Rickie is her 'cousin'. All these time, she thought Rickie is her cousin! I didn't know that, exhilirating!

Before I took this shot, she whispered to me something; "Mommy, howcome I never win all the contests that I joined?" I just told her that all the contestants were too big for her to win and she agreed and gave me this smile.

Ken can easily be amused with small stuff.. so do I!

Weekend at Subic... Olongapo, whatever!

These photos were taken in Olongapo City, just two hours drive away from my town. When I heard my friend say Subic Bay, there was a glow in my eyes and I suddenly packed my bags and go. :)

But then, it wasn't the Subic Bay that I thought because what was on my mind when we were texting about it was sort of an adventure and nature tripping like experience hiking in the jungle or bat cave or going to the zoo and mingle with the wandering monkeys of the entire Subic Bay Metropolitan Area but then we ended up at a beach. It's ok though since the kids love the beach but being myself, I just couldn't hide my nuisance during that time and still managed to fight my frustration.

The reason: aside from being accustomed at the beach the whole summer (my feet never even touched the sea water!), the backdrop at SBMA isn't what you will always see in my everyday life back at my town that's why I was kind of sulky.

Here are the pictures anyway:

We came across with a devastated house and all that is left is this stairs. Not a bad shot from a moving vehicle eh?

This is it after two grueling hours of dust and crater-like road!

Outside the church of St. Joseph Church Olongapo

First stop: Ocean View. Nice backdrop and hotel but too congested, definitely not my type of place!

But of course, after we've seen the place we would love to have a nice picture taken inside this resort! Say 'cheese'!

One of the things that is always present by the beach... a sand castle!

Our little ones enjoying themselves!

Our two girls and Judith, who pronounces overtake as 'ebertik':)

I just love flowers...

Resident of Blue Rock Bar and restaurantWhile watching the kids, we decided to wander and checked on the different water sports and stalls by the beach then Abi and I ended up playing with different sea shells owned by an old lady who does seem to have a boundless patience on us. That's me, inside the bones of shark's teeth. Lovely. That's just me and my friend Abi.

Pity this woman just can't help herself to be out of the picture that's why she ran quickly before I even click the shutter.

A picturesque without Abi in it ;)

Of course, after the sunset is the night life.

After drinking two glasses of draft beer, Abi just can't stop singing 'So Sick' at the bar and i'm just so sick of her voice ;)

After some time, I heard my name being called on the stage and requested to sing a song for everyone in the bar. At first I was hesitant but in the end found myself singing in front of both local and foreigner audiences. I was really shaking, tensed and even cursed Abi at the back of my mind while I was singing. However, the applause makes me feel somehow better after my performance as what they say (hehe, I wish!) Even better :)

Frustrations and Something New...

My life isn't as okay as it was before... my photography training and workshop has been put off since I can't buy a camera at the moment and it really is absolutely frustrating and disheartening, I must say :(

I admit that I am still a bit upset up to now though I'm trying to restrain myself from that desire instead focused myself on improving my laid-back lifestyle somehow, at least. Nonetheless, I managed to be more 'useful' and make each day a challenging one for me. Woke up early in the morning to set off our shop and make business with others,check on the kids after a few hours after minding the shop, feed the birds, bathe my dogs, Jaya and Tam. Mind you, no watching tv the whole day anymore, na-ah! not in this life time. I would say, making something productive everyday even when you're jobless is indeed a lot of help literally, physically, socially and figuratively.

At the end of the day, I have my kids to talk, play, and sleep beside with... so it's really not that bad afterall indeed a life still full of blessing. It's just a matter of waiting for the right time and being patient. (I'm just not sure if I still can endure the waiting but hey I am trying me best here)

These photos though sure brightens my day, my little princess. Once again, she fits her gown she wore about four years ago. Imagine that??!! Sure noticed how she outgrow the gown and a bit snugly, just a bit. :) No matter what, she is still the prettiest for me. Not to mention that she was wearing my shoes here.

The Benefits of Water Therapy.. Try It!

A friend of mine (Nilda) emailed this to me so I thought it would be wonderful if I could share this stuff to those who want to learn something about practicing a healthier lifestyle... If you ask me, I would love and try this one but the idea of drinking 6 full glasses would probably make me feel nauseous. Maybe if I should practice drinking 2 glasses everyday and add one each day so then eventually I would be able to drink 1.5 liters of water everyday.;) .

Please use this for good health. Very simple to use & excellent results.

Introduction

Drink six (6) glasses of water (1.5 liters) everyday and avoid medicine, tablets, injections, diagnosis,doctor fees, etc.

You can never believe before practicing.

List of Diseases That Can Be Cured By Water Therapy
1 Blood Pressure / Hypertension
2 Anemia (Blood Shortage)
3 Rheumatism (Pain in joints / muscles)
4 General Paralysis
5 Obesity
6 Arthritis
7 Sinusitis
8 Tachycardia
9 Giddiness
10 Cough
11 Leukemia
12 Asthma
13 Bronchitis
14 Pulmonary Tuberculosis
15 Meningitis
16 Kidney Stones 17 Hyper Acidity
18 Dysentery
19 Gastroenteritis
20 Uterus Cancer
21 Rectal Piodapse
22 Constipation
23 Hostorthobics
24 Diabetes
25 Eye Diseases
26 Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Opthalmia(Reddisheye)
27 Irregular Menstruation
28 Breast Cancer
29 Laryngitis
30 Headache
31 Leukemia
32 Urogenital Diseases

Therapy Procedure

1 Early morning, after you get up from bed,(without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.5 liters ofwater i.e., 5 to 6 glasses. Let us all know thatancient Indians termed this therapy as "Usha PaanaChikitsa" . You may wash your face thereafter.
2 Here it is very essential to note that nothing else, neither drinks nor solid food of any sort shouldbe taken within 1 hour before and after drinking these1.5 liters of water.
3 It is also to be strictly observed that non-alcoholic drinks should be taken the previous night.
4 If required, boiled and filtered water may beused for this purpose.
5 It is difficult to drink 1.5 liters of waterat one time, but you will get used to it gradually.
6 Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first and to balance two glasses after a gap of two minutes.
7 You may find the necessity to urinate 2 to 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal afterquite some time.

By Research and Experience

1 The following diseases are observed to becured with this therapy within the indicated days asbelow:
a) Constipation - 1 day
b) Acidity - 2 days
c) Diabetes - 7 days
d) Cancer - 4 weeks
e) Pulmonary TB - 3 months
f) BP & Hypertension - 4 weeks

Note:
It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis orRheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day,i.e. morning, midday and night, 1 hour before mealsfor one week; and twice a day subsequently until thedisease disappears.

How Does Pure Water Act?
1) Consuming ordinary drinking water by the rightmethod purifies human body. It renders the colon moreeffective by forming new fresh blood, known in medicalterms as " Haematopaises". That the mucous folds ofthe colon and intestines are activated by this methodis an undisputed fact, just as the theory that themucous fold produces new fresh blood.
2) If the colon is cleansed then the nutrientsof the food taken several times a day will be absorbedand by the action of the mucous folds they are turnedinto fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curingailments and restoring health and for this watershould be consumed in a regular pattern.

Life is Short, Just go for it

Please spread this message to your friends, relativesand neighbors. It is a great service to the cause of humanity.

Why Can't Dogs Eat Chocolate?

Section: Chocolate is Toxic to Dogs

The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts – can make a dog or cat very sick. Make no mistake: For them, chocolate is poison.

In addition to a high fat content, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two different types of stimulants that affect the central nervous system and the heart muscle, as well as increasing the frequency of urination.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If your 50-pound dog gets his paws on a single chocolate-chip cookie, it probably won’t cause him serious problems. However, if he gobbles up more – a pan of brownies, say – he may develop vomiting or diarrhea.

Once toxic levels are reached, the stimulants kick in, and this is when you really have to worry. Symptoms include: restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination and/or excessive panting. If your pet isn’t treated, he could go into a seizure – possibly even die.


How Much Is Toxic?

The amount of chocolate that it takes to poison your pet depends on the type of chocolate he’s eaten and his weight. White chocolate has the least amount of stimulants and baking chocolate or cocoa beans have the highest. Here is a list of the most common sources of chocolate and the amount that leads to toxicity:


White Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 45 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe toxicity occurs when 90 ounces per pound of body weight in ingested. This means that a 20-pound dog would need to ingest at least 55 pounds of white chocolate to cause nervous system signs. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 27 pounds. Yes, that is twenty seven pounds! White chocolate has very little real chocolate in it. Therefore, the levels of caffeine and theobromine are very low. Tremendous amounts of white chocolate need to be ingested in order to cause toxic signs from chocolate. It is highly unlikely that white chocolate ingestion will result in the toxic neurologic signs but, the severe gastrointestinal effects from a high fat food develop with much less white chocolate ingestion.

Milk Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 2 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that a little less than one pound of milk chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 1/2 pound.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 3 ounces.

Instant Cocoa. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 3 ounces.

Baking Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Two small one-ounce squares of baking chocolate can be toxic to a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 1 ounce of baking chocolate. This type of chocolate has the highest concentration of caffeine and theobromine and very little needs to be ingested before signs of illness become apparent.

Even if your pet doesn’t eat enough chocolate to induce toxicity, the candy’s high fat content may cause him to vomit or have diarrhea at much smaller amounts than those shown. If that happens, watch him carefully. If his symptoms don’t clear up within eight hours, call your veterinarian (if your pet is very small or young, call within four hours); aside from toxicity issues, you don’t want the animal to dehydrate. Try to be as precise as you can about the type of chocolate the animal ate, how much he took and approximately when he ate it.

The sooner you get help, the better off your pet will be. If the animal is showing signs of toxicity, he has a good prognosis if he’s treated within four to six hours of ingestion. The effects of the chocolate can linger for 12 to 36 hours, though, so your pet may require hospitalization

The Nikon D50

This is the new baby that I just can't get off my head these days.. the Nikon D50. I have read quiet some articles and reviews about it, with the price, I must say, Nikon is fairly generous enough to offer truly affordable digital SLR with this six point one effective megapixel pro snapper, it has a 1.8 inch LCD and powers up instantly, so you won't miss the action.

Here are the main features:

6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor

Seven automated Digital Vari-Program selections, including new "Child" mode for capturing memorable pictures of the little ones with ease

Advanced autofocus that features speed, precision, broad frame coverage, and an automatic AF illuminator that maximizes performance and shooting ease in low light

3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control and white balance

High-performance digital image processor employs exclusive technology to quickly render vivid color and clear details that are ready to print without the fuss of later adjustments at the computer

Fast 2.5 frames per second in bursts of up to 137 frames, (when using JPEG Normal, Large settings, and a 256MB SanDisk Ultra II SD Card)

0.2 sec. power-up and short shutter release time lag for near-instant response

Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/4,000 sec. for full creative control

Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. available for great fill-effects under brighter light and difficult back-lighted conditions

Fast data transfer and recording to SD memory cards

Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG data for the same shot helps optimize and accelerate workflow

Large 2.0" LCD monitor with intuitive menus and help display

Built-in Speedlight with flash coverage for 18mm lenses

Light-weight, compact body designed for operational ease and comfort

Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 pictures on a single charge (Battery life figure determined by in-house test parameters)

USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface for fast data transfer

-- now, how can I settle for anything less?

Guimaras Island Summer Holiday ;)

Three days after the school year has ended, my bestfriend (Abi) and I packed our bags and went to Guimaras Island, Iloilo with our kids on a six-day summer holiday. There are no direct flights from Manila to Guimaras Island. You can fly to Iloilo, which is the main stepping stone to get you to Guimaras. And since we're on a tight budget, we travel via seafare which took us 24 hours to get there. Or From Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo, ferries or banccas will take you across to the provincial capital of Guimaras, Jordan.Once on the island you can et around by jeepney or tricycle of which there are plenty. And from where we stayed (Raymen Resort and Villa Igang Resort) will take you almost thirty minute drive and will cost you around 300Php to be able to get there. I'll cut to the chase so here's what we did in the island of Guimaras for five days;

Perfect day to get a tan by the beach, eh?

The kids obviously loved the place and enjoyed the water on our first day That's me and Rickiemae
Kitty and me overlooking the Raymen Resort Sunset at Raymen's.. fantastic! It won't be fun letting the first night in a strange place pass without drinking Red Horse beer! Hehe. Abi and I was soo drunk, I sang my heart out in a videoke bar near our cottage and broadcasted the guys there it was my theme song. As if they care!;) Abi tripped on the beach's stairs and lost her clamps. I slept first and left Abi with an upset stomach. It has been a long day! Second day: Island hopping with our new-found-Canadian couple- friends, Greg and Julie, it's always nice to make friends wherever you go. Ooh beach babes!

One of the island that you will come across when island hopping is this beautiful and tranquil beach, I forgot the name of the island actually. You can take pictures for as long as you like but swimming is absolutely prohibited... awww! But there are some island beaches, as well, where you can swim for free or snorkle to see the enormous and wonderful creatures under the sea, I'll warn you it's very invigorating and ADDICTING! ;)

Hiking after island hopping is always fun and exciting!

From Raymen's to Villa Igang Resort is just 30 minutes away or so when you walk and the good thing is, you can explore the woods on your way there. Here's what you don't wanna miss at the top of the hill-- shrine of Jesus and his two guards (tuko's). Honestly, there's no possible way we could get there if it weren't from Julie, too scared to go to the bushes stuff like that. ;) It's fun though and it's like an accomplishment.Third day: we decided to move to Villa Igang Resort which, I must say, is more placid and also there are lots of activities you can do other than swimming like paddling/rowing, rock climbing, island hopping, bird watching, or even play with their two housemate monkeys. They will indeed take care of you and assist all your needs for the rest of you stay andI can attest to that.
We chose a beach-front cottage where there is a cave and in the morning, you will see dozens of starfish of different colors, amazing! These are just few of what we saw on took pictures of.. This is soo majestic! Fantastic sunset at Villa Igang's Resort. Just a few steps away from our cottage, this is one of the best things in life which is free. Abi, making the most out of the backdrop
Me inside the cave at Villa Igang's Resort

Look, we even managed to bring our own flashlights (part of being a girl scout, that is)! Unfortunately, the cottage we chose was too far from where the crowd is... so I was hiding to myself how creepy I felt at that moment until we went to bed. Boo! Ate Nening (Resort's supervisor) prepared us sumptous Ilonggo's fish sinigang paired with grilled pork over candle-light dinner, yummy!Fourth day: I'm ready for snorkeling... yayyy!!! Guess it's not a good idea, I've been bitten by the jellyfish.. too many times!
How can anyone not like this thing?If you're looking at a cheap but cozy hotel in Iloilo, try Chito's Hotel

Here's our ride Ayos!!!!