Daily Happy Thoughts

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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The text messages sent to each other go back to as far as 5 months from today, still Janice and I were not able to successfully see each other face to face. Lo and behold! After 12 long years, I have finally seen my childhood bestfriend and on her most memorable day — her wedding day.

The wedding was the first of its kind that I’ve attended. First because it’s the first time I’ve attended a morning wedding (06:30 AM). Second, since my Dad and Mom are here in Dumaguete (they just arrived from Siquijor Island [one of their destinations of their summer break from Davao] last Thursday morning), I brought them along with me to Sibulan Church. Nothing compares to seeing the surprised facial expression of Auntie Nita, Janice’s mother and close as a real Aunt to me, when she saw us. “Nanimbaot ako balhibo” (My hairs are standing), she exclaimed while hugging me. She did not expect to see me, my mom and my dad on the occassion of her daughter’s wedding to Marlou Cuevas. But the most indescribable sensation was seeing Janice’s smile when she saw me there on her wedding; this topped with the the hugs and kisses for them and of course the inevitable handshakes to their guests as well.

Within an hour, I’ve learned two new things about her: she already has 2 lovely children (a boy and a girl) and is now teaching HRM at St. Paul University of Dumaguete. Even with the additions to her life and all those catch-me-up news about her, knowing that my best friend is still the same and has remained the same as before (albeit an improved one) is a welcome breather. This morning’s event was a much-needed reconnecting with my loved ones, even with myself. True, I can say a lot with words but seeing or being with someone makes the difference.

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After I posted the previous FF and updated the site, Viola! The new questions were already posted..so I am doing this again, for the second twice.

Appetizer

When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?

.: Yup. Sometimes, I even do the first smile. After all, a smile doesn’t cost anything right?

Soup

Describe the flooring in your home.  Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?

.: It’s a combo of wood tiles in the bedrooms, and ceramic tiles in the living room and everywhere else.

Salad

Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.

.: An alligator ate an apple. LOL!

Main Course

Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?

.: Yup. I have known of this story of a family who had a youngest child who was adopted. She grew up all spoiled. When she was of age, she discovered that she was adopted and made a 180 degree turn after she learned of this bit. I guess she was touched by being so loved even though she was just adopted. And to think no one in the family told her of this bit even though she was behaving so badly.

Dessert

Name 2 blue things.

.: This blue logbook in our control room, and the blue jeans that I have on.

TGIF!! Later allegheyter!

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Uhurm…seems like we haven’t been quite consistent with the memes that we have been doing..blame it on busyness at work, and at play. LOL. Didnt’t have much to do today so I checked out today’s Qs for Friday’s Feast but there weren’t any new ones yet, so I decided to do this one instead..belatedly. Then again, better late than nevah.
 

Appetizer

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?

  .: Tom and Jerry. Never quite gotten enough of the troublesome pair. I still watch it now when I chance upon it on the TV.

 Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?

 .: I think I’d get another doggie. A big St. Bernard, and I’d name him Jordan.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?

.: I am not much of a dresser, but for really really special occasions, like when I need to be in formal attire, I’d say I enjoy it so much I would say 10.

Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?

.: Depends on my mood. Metallica works for me on long trips. I just try to avoid the real mellow ones or else I’d doze off. However, if I have someone along with whom I can sing with, then I guess mellow tones are nice too. 

Dessert

When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?

.: It was after we transferred to our current house in Bacolod and it was in preparation for the housewarming, around June last year. It is in the living room, and it is a wall clock with the Phoenix Suns logo as the background.

I hope to be more consistent on our WW, WS, and QOTW posts as well. So, there ya’ go. Happy Friday guys! 

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What is a good posture?

Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. In a way, it involves carrying yourself well.

A proper posture:

• Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
• Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
• Prevents strain or overuse problems.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain.
• Contributes to a good appearance.

In our family, we have been quite fortunate and have been blessed with good posture and without any abnormality in our back anatomy. I remember having a classmate in high school that had scoliosis, and he had to wear these very cumbersome back braces, which really looked quite uncomfortable. I have learned since that there already are new technologies to deal with posture correction. These technological advancements have helped a lot in improving the quality of living of those with abnormalities on their posture.

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