Daily Happy Thoughts

Right.

That was the title of the post that immediately entered my mind (talk about being a blogging addict LOL) when I heard of the funny story recounted to me about our brother Andrew just this morning.

You see, Andrew has been on a mission to lose weight and he has been regularly working out as well as watching his diet in order to achieve it. Now, in the gym where he works out, an officemate of mine, Danny, also regularly works out there too. Danny’s is about 160lbs, and his build is nowhere close to the size of Andrew, who weighs around 210lbs. We have been teasing Andrew because his regular bench press load is just around 80lbs while that of Danny is around 120lbs.

Now here is where the funny part comes in. Continue Reading »

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Did you know that asbestos exposure can cause cancer? Furthermore, did you know that you can be exposed to asbestos right in your very own home?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then became lodged in the body. Because asbestos fibers are essentially indestructible, the body’s immune system is powerless to break them down. Mesothelioma, like all asbestos-related diseases, is a progressive disorder that, once it takes hold, severely compromises the body’s immune system as well as the particular areas where the malignancy originates from.

Continue Reading »

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A tribute to all the mothers:

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you’ve had a baby…somebody doesn’t know that once you’re a mother, “normal” is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct…somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring…somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver’s permit.

Somebody said if you’re a “good” mother, your child will “turn out good”…somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said “good” mothers never raise their voices…somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball (or any ball) through the neighbor’s kitchen window.

Somebody said you don’t need an education to be a mother…somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can’t love the second child as much as you love the first…somebody doesn’t have two children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books…somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labour and delivery…somebody never watched her “baby” get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten or on a plane headed for military “boot camp.”

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back…somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married…somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother’s heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home…somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don’t need to tell her…somebody isn’t a mother.

Today, as I did, hug your mother, tell her “I love you” and “Thank you”. Treat her with a meal she likes or call her if you’re not anywhere near her geographically. Greet all the “mothers” in your life (whether you call her “Mommy”, “Mom”, “Eomeoni”, “Mama”, “Imma”, “Mamang”, “Inang”) and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn’t just about being a mother; it’s about appreciating the people in your life while you have them….no matter who that person is.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Another one captured off of the lawn at home. Happy weekend everyone!

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After 20 years of taking good care of me and 8 years (and counting) of real-life guidance, I wanted to return back the favor and let them experience their fruit of hard labor my own way.

My parents, who are residing in Davao for 13 years now, never failed to make a side trip to Dumaguete and visit me whenever they are headed to Siquijor or Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte (mom’s and dad’s hometown, respectively). Even with the demands of my work, I make it a point that I can spend quality time with them when they’re here. Hence, I made an itinerary for them during the most recent visit.

Thursday: Dinner at Le Chalet (Dad was amazed at how big their servings were)
Friday: Bank transaction
Saturday: Shopping at Lee Plaza (1700-1900 [their own choice of products; payment assumed by me) then dinner at one of my favorite after-badminton hangouts, Qyosko (19:30 [Mom loves the way they serve their Kitang fish here])

For the duration of the shopping spree, mom chose only a pajama, a clear bra strap (“for my blue blouse,” she said) and a coin purse. Had I not known my mom, I would have gotten vexed by her actions but I did not. My mother is the type of woman who is not comfortable with being spent upon because she is not used to it. This may be also due to the fact that it was she who used to have to buy things for us when we were small. On the other hand, Dad was busy looking for an outdoor sandal that would fit him and looked like he doesn’t need help; so I went after Mom and acted as her assistant. I insisted that she had to select more items, which she did with much prodding from me (picked 3 more blouses with colors and design that go well with her skin tone and body type). Yey!

My next project is to buy down comforters for them, which will give them better insulation at night, lightweight comfort, allergy-free (for mom) and one that’s just right for Philippines’ mild to moderate climates. I want to buy one for them like the one shown at the left. This one costs $129.99, which is OK for my budget.

For me, nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time and love they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”

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