Nightingale

2008-01-02T13:10:00.000+08:00

2007-12-31T15:46:00.000+08:00

TO ALL MY BLOGGING FRIENDS...

2007-12-21T09:47:00.000+08:00

I truly miss blogging. Tried very hard to get back to it after my trips (US and Asia) and the many major projects we have in our hospital but I still am finding difficulty. I will try my best to find time in 2008. Well anyway, I pray that you all will have a peaceful and joyous celebration.

2007-12-05T09:34:00.000+08:00

2007-11-14T21:14:00.000+08:00

Call "TIME OUT" and Adjust Your Course!

2007-11-07T20:42:00.000+08:00

Photo taken by Chewy Chua

Have you ever in your life called a "time out" to reflect on what has been working for you and to put an end to what isn't? Maybe not recently. Don't you think it's time to do so because we have become so entrenched in habits which are not moving in the direction of our goals?

Have you observed patterns in your life? Most of us have a particular type of "luck" - good or bad - that is with us all the time. Take time to pay attention to these recurring events because it's telling us something.

There are actually no accidental patterns. There is something inside us that attracts certain people and events into our life. Just like an office colleague who told me yesterday that she constantly feels being put down by our co-workers. This I think reveals that, at some level, she believed she deserved to be treated in this manner.

One of the most destructive thing we can do according to Jeff Keller, author of the article "Full Life On Line" is to deny that we are responsible for creating the patterns in our own life. Blaming external factors such as other people or the economy of the country for our problems, will just make us frustrated and remain stuck to the situation.

So whether or not we notice any patterns, it is best that we call a time out on a regular basis. Examine what is wrong and what isn't then make the necessary adjustments.

2007-11-01T08:33:00.000+08:00

As I was going through my mail today, I read this article by Liz Curtis-Higgs and I couldn't help but share it with you.

WANNA BE A PUMPKIN?

A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you
from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then
He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside
of you to shine for all the world to see."

2007-06-19T21:01:00.000+08:00

2007-06-17T16:45:00.000+08:00

7 THINGS I THANK MY DAD FOR

... defining altruism, integrity, perseverance,
and loyalty by your example

... teaching me that life does not come with
money-back guarantees and warranties

... showing me how to march to the beat of a
different drummer on a road less traveled

... reminding me that a cluttered room equals
a cluttered mind

... showing me that Dads do housework as well
as moms - when the spirit moved you

... passing on to me our family's greatest
and most valuable asset - our reputation

... cultivating my sense of humor

2007-06-14T07:25:00.000+08:00

I'm back. After almost 2 months of absence from the blogging world, I can say I really missed all of you. I'm not sure what exactly happened. I just felt like life is just a routine. I do the same things over and over until I cannot help but feel bored and restless. Wake up in the morning, go to work, get home, blog, surf the net, sleep, and wake up again. To do what? To go to work again. The cycle continues. It may be enjoyable at first, doing what I do. But right in the middle of it, sometimes I cry out and say, "I need a break!"

When I reached this point of staleness, I just had to stop. I then decided to take a break. Breathe. Relax. Maybe the problem was I had taken everything so seriously, squeezing away all the fun and excitement life offers.

Last week I had the luxury of getting away from it all for a while- away from everything that gave me anxiety, fear and stress. It was not escaping from my responsibilities. It simply meant taking a much-needed temporary break.

And as I did this, I took time to reflect and look into myself. What had I been investing my life into? Evaluated present relationships. Thought of questions like, "What had I been pursuing in my life? Was I growing as a person" Had my character been strengthened lately? What had I been struggling with?"

I am very thankful that the break became a source of motivation - to inspire me to face the coming days with renewed strength and a fresh vision. It's like starting all over again. The break also made me look up, realign my life with God's direction and realizing that He has been watching me all along, waiting for that cry for help.

2007-04-15T08:58:00.000+08:00

THE SEVEN THINGS I DID THIS WEEK

...LESS ACQUIRING and pay more attention to what I already have.

...LESS COMPLAINING and pay more attention to giving.

...LESS CONTROLLING and pay more attention to letting go.

...LESS CRITICIZING and pay more attention to complimenting.

...LESS ARGUING and pay more attention to forgiveness.

...LESS RUNNING AROUND and pay more attention to stillness.

...LESS TALKING and pay more attention to silence.

2007-04-14T08:28:00.000+08:00

HOBBY...This week's Photo Hunter's Theme

These are two of my cross stitched projects which I had framed and hanged in my office. Cross stitching was my HOBBY more than 5 years ago and I was able to collect a few projects but I had to stop because I developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I enjoyed this HOBBY very much to the point that I made a lot of items which I gave away as birthday and Christmas gifts.

2007-04-12T16:25:00.000+08:00

I thank the Lord for the long holiday that just passed. It gave me the chance to enjoy my grandchildren. Their nanny had to go on a leave so hubby and I took turns to help their parents. During the process, I was able to experience the following joys of grandparenting that I am sure some of you can identify with like...

> Baby-sitting is a labor of love; the only compensations are hugs and kisses.
> Each grandchild is a surprise package-different from the one before.
> The best face-lift is the smile your grandchildren puts on your face.
> No TV show entertains the way a grandchild does.
> They help keep me flexible - in more ways than one.
> They make me look at life's cup as half full, not half empty.
> I need to keep up with the times when I am with them.
> I can enjoy with them the things I didn't get to do with my child.

2007-04-11T08:06:00.000+08:00

2007-03-28T08:30:00.000+08:00

2007-03-25T08:58:00.000+08:00

SEVEN LESSONS FOR LIVING
From: Grandma Sinclair

1.
Don't waste.

2.
Work hard.

3.
Don't cut corners.

4.
Have fun doing things.

5.
Be strict but caring.

6.
Tackle problems head-on.

7.
Pray.

2007-03-24T08:48:00.000+08:00

THIS WEEK'S THEME: EMPTY

This used to be where Fantasy Elephant Club was in the late 90's. My family and I had a chance to stay in this island for three days and we absolutely had a grand time. This is located in Marinduque Province, Philippines. To get there, we had to take a plane, then a car up to the shore then a motorized banca to the island. It's a pity that this island is now empty. The owners had to close it due to numerous reports haunting the place.

2007-03-21T07:25:00.000+08:00

2007-03-19T10:05:00.000+08:00

HAVE A COFFEE
~MountainWings~

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite-telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

He assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it was just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and then began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.

2007-03-18T15:44:00.000+08:00

Thomas The Tank Engine is my grandson's favorite. He has a huge collection
of Thomas and His Friends and since I'm dedicating my Sunday Seven to him
in honor of his 8th birthday tomorrow, I decided to use it.

MY SEVEN DAILY PRAYER GUIDE

MONDAY:
I ask God to place a protective, solid hedge around you.

TUESDAY:
I pray that you will use godly wisdom in selecting friends and
peers who will make a positive difference in your life.

WEDNESDAY:
I pray that you will stay pure in thoughts and deeds.

THURSDAY:
I pray that you will continue to be a very obedient and loving child.

FRIDAY:
I pray that you will be alert and think clearly as you attend school
and extracurricular activities, and as you take your exams.

SATURDAY:
I pray that you will have a healthy body.

SUNDAY:
I ask God to help you live your life for Him.

2007-03-16T08:11:00.000+08:00

I am looking forward to:

> join my office friends in a healing mass officiated by Fr. Joey Faller, a known
healing priest from Lukban, Quezon.

> the 8th birthday party of my grandson tomorrow. It will be held here in the house so the entire household has been busy preparing for this event.

> meet some friends this Sunday to welcome our former classmates who flew in from the USA.

2007-03-15T08:00:00.000+08:00

TO MY BELOVED HUBBY

... for saying "I love you" several times a day

... for telling me often that I am beautiful

... for the daily hugs and kisses

... for always being by my side when possible

... for rubbing my feet occasionally

... for giving me a backrub almost everynight

... for asking my opinion when making decisions

... for showing interest in what I do

... for showing me you are proud to be my husband

... for telling me I'm your "greatest claim to fame"

... for letting me hear you thank God for me

2007-03-14T08:05:00.000+08:00

34 years ago, we both gifted each other with the following and this became the foundation of a successful marriage:

1. The Gift of Sharing:
Talking about our hopes and fears and all that is in our hearts.

2. The Gift of Friendship:
Being the best of friends as we can be.

3. The Gift of Time:
Encouraging ourselves to spend time doing what we enjoy most.

4. The Gift of Commitment:
Standing beside each other through thick and thin, sickness and health, good times and bad.

5. The Gift of Respect:
Treating each other with courtesy in both word and deed.

6. The Gift of Humility:
Admitting that we are not always right and being willing to change where needed.

7. The Gift of Encouragement:
Looking for opportunities to compliment each other and build each other up.

8. The Gift of Care:
Doing our best to know and meet our emotional needs.

9. The Gift of Forgiveness:
Forgiving each other, getting over it, and not bringing it up again.

10. The Gift of Honesty:
Being totally open and honest and not keeping secrets.

11. The Gift of Laugther:
Playing and having fun together.

12. The Gift of Generosity:
Showing our love by giving time, words, tangible things, and memories.

13. The Gift of Dreams:
Planning the future together with the commitment that we will
spend the rest of our days side by side.

2007-03-12T14:07:00.000+08:00

This morning I woke up rather very early. Four o'clock is too early for me and as I got up, I I didn't feel good. I didn’t feel like going to work though I know that I had a lot of things lined up for the day at the office. I just didn't want to do anything that resembled responsible behavior. It was that kind of day.

As I ate my breakfast, I thought I felt a headache coming on. Yes, there it was a dull throb just behind my eyes. Maybe I should go back to bed until it subsided. I then felt my muscles ache as I stood up from the table. Or was the ache in my joints? That could mean I was still not well from the flu which hit me last week. I absolutely should be in bed.

I decided to go back to bed and stay under the covers and shut my eyes. I thought another couple of hours of sleep would be so nice. Tried to sleep only I was now completely awake. I ought to get up. But no, there was that headache. I reached out to the magazine I had bought yesterday but had no time to read. I opened it and settled against the pillows.

The sun was now up and I still was feeling the same. I had around ten pages more to read and I was stretching. I should at least get up and water the plants. What if I was contagious? I certainly didn't want to spread any germs. The watering could wait. The plants will not wither without water for just one day.

No, I no longer have the flu. I didn't really want to be sick. To be truthful, all I wanted was a little time off. I needed to be away from people, career and the outside world. Did I have to wait to be sick to do that? I remember that being sick was how as a child I would get a respite from school or family chores. But I wasn't a child any more. Did I have to manufacture symptoms to provide myself with an excuse? No, I decided, I didn't.

I talked to myself. Okay, I said, you need a day off. Admit it. Accept it. Toss out the guilt and enjoy a mini-vacation. What would you like to do? Read? You're already doing that. Pamper yourself? Take a hot bath. Be a hermit? Let the machine answer the phone.

I then went to the bathroom and poured half the bottle of bath gel into the streaming water and added a hearty handful of chamomile bath salts. Then I lit a vanilla-scented candle. With a grateful sigh, I had a homemade spa. I heard the phone ring somewhere off in the distance and smiled.

Funny how the aches subsided in the heat of the tub. They just slipped away with the last of the bubbles down the drain. My head felt just fine, the throb replaced by a sense of well-being.

It's 2 pm and I am at work. I feel refreshed physically, mentally and emotionally. And rather than feeling helpless, I now feel empowered. Maybe because I had given myself permission to listen and respond to my needs, to care for myself the way I tended to my family. I didn't need the crutch of illness to justify a rest. It was such a simple awareness, but then isn't it the simple things that set us free?

2007-03-11T09:05:00.000+08:00

Some Very Good and Very Bad Things
Part 2

The greatest problem to overcome - FEAR

The most effective sleeping pill - PEACE OF MIND

The most crippling failure disease - EXCUSES

The most powerful force in life - LOVE

The worst thing to be without - HOPE

The world's most incredible computer - THE BRAIN

The deadliest weapon - THE TONGUE

Myspace Graphics

2007-03-10T07:00:00.000+08:00

PHOTO HUNTER'S THEME FOR THE WEEK: ARCHITECTURE

This architectural structure is the University of Santo Tomas campus. It was established in 1611 under Spanish Friars after Dominican theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. It is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of population. It is located in Manila, Philippines.

2007-03-08T07:25:00.000+08:00

Went to bed early last night because I wasn't feeling well and I am very thankful that I woke up feeling very much better... joint pains are gone, head is no longer aching that much, nose is not stuffy and throat is not that sore any more.

It has been raining every morning for the past days and I am very thankful that it is very sunny this morning. We have an outdoor activity in the hospital today and the very beautiful weather will surely add to its success.

The second to the last shipment of our state-of-the-art medical equipment arrived the other day and I am very thankful that we will soon be able to put this pieces of equipment together so we can offer upgraded services to our paying and indigent customers.

And lastly, thank you dear God for immensely blessing my family with good health, good job/project, togetherness, and peace.

2007-03-04T15:00:00.000+08:00

7 SOME VERY GOOD and VERY BAD THINGS
Part 1

The most destructive habit .................... Worry

The greatest joy ................................. Giving
The greatest loss ................................. Loss of respect
The most satisfying work ....................... Helping others
The ugliest personality trait .................... Selfishness
The most endangered species .................. Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource ................... Our youth

2007-03-03T07:20:00.000+08:00

Theme of this week's Photo Hunter is SALTY

Here are my entries:

RED eggs are commonplace in Filipino meals, especially breakfast. This Filipino delicacy, popularly called itlog na maalat (salty egg), are cured in a brine solution or mixture of clay and salt for a couple of weeks to give them that salty-flavor, and finally hard boiled. Their shells are often dyed with red food coloring to distinguish them from chicken eggs.

Red eggs are usually paired with steamed rice, slices of tomatoes and salty dried fish.

2007-02-28T07:08:00.000+08:00

Love The Job You Have

2007-02-26T07:25:00.000+08:00

God's gift to us through work is a sense of satisfaction because
he knows the value of honest labor...Luci Swindoll

Sometime last week, I was in the canteen doing my regular rounds of the different departments of the hospital and I noticed how this canteen aide who spent much of his life in a kitchen washing pots and pans was very cheerful and in high spirits. I couldn't help but ask what made him feel this way and he replied that despite his ordinary job, he made it a point of focusing on the Lord. That very moment I felt guilty of complaining lately about everything in my workplace.

It reminded me of an article that says...work is a healthy part of a productive life whether it's paid or unpaid, something you like or dislike. Even so, you may dream that working less, taking a vacation - or taking off, period - would simplify things. But changing your perspective is even more helpful than changing your schedule. A fresh viewpoint invites you to discover moments of simplicity amid your workday. You may discover, for an example, an awareness of God's presence that fills you with tranquility. You may enjoy a friendship that nourishes your spirit. Or, you may revel in a job well done that stimulates feelings of well-being. Whatever your work, you can find moments of simplicity awaiting you - just open your heart to receive them.

Have you ever thought about what does your work teach you about the simple life?

2007-02-25T09:28:00.000+08:00

1. Count your troubles, name them one by one - at the breakfast
table, if anybody will listen, or as soon as possible thereafter.

2. Worry every day about something. Don't let yourself get out of practice.

3. Pity yourself. If you do enough of this, nobody else will have to do it for you.

4. Make it your business to find out what the Joneses are buying this year and where they're going. Try to do them at least one
better even if you have to take out another loan.

5. Stay away from absolutes. It's what's right for you that matters.
Be your own person and don't allow yourself to get hung up on
what others expect of you.

6. Make sure you get your rights. Never mind other people's.
You have your life to live, they have theirs.

7. Don't fall into any compassion traps - the sort of situation
where people can walk all over you. if you get too involved in other people's troubles, you may neglect your own.

2007-02-24T07:42:00.000+08:00

This week's theme is SOFT. Here is my 4 month old granddaughter lying on a soft bed surrounded by soft pillows and her soft toys. Among them, she likes Barney the most.

2007-02-22T21:15:00.000+08:00

What can I tell you??? What can I say??? I'm filled with thanks...and also
dismay... because I'm so late. The whole week I was lost in a muddled maze.
There were a lot of things I meant to do but were left undone and unfinished.

The stressful work I had to go through knocked me low! All I can say is thank
you so much to all who sent me flowers, cards, gifts and who came to visit me
at the office last Valentine's Day. You surely added once more your cheerful touch.

Hugs and kisses!

2007-02-21T06:55:00.000+08:00

2007-02-19T09:00:00.000+08:00

2007-02-18T11:48:00.000+08:00

1.
Happiness is not a when or a where, but a here and a now!

2.
When you associate with winners, your chances of winning go up!

3.
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.

4.
If you aren't on fire, then your wood is wet.

5.
I'm not going to ease up, slow up, or give up until I'm taken up.

6.
You don't drown by falling into water. You only drown if you stay there.

7.
You can have everything you want if you help
enough other people get what they want.

2007-02-17T00:01:00.000+08:00

THEME FOR THE WEEK: ANTIQUE

This ANTIQUE instrument is called The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, the only bamboo organ in the world. Most of its pipes are made of bamboo. The total number of pipes is 1,031. 902 are made of bamboo and the remaining pipes are made of metal. It took Fr. Diego Cera 8 years to finish the organ (1816 - 1824 ). It is found in Las Piñas City, Philippines.

2007-02-15T08:10:00.000+08:00

As I was walking in the garden this morning, thoughts of what transpired these past days made me sit down to reflect on life. Three of my friends are in turmoil. One who has been in remission for colon cancer is experiencing a lot of pain now. Another, my secretary who resigned months ago to work on her travel papers so she could work overseas lost the opportunity to do so when she failed to show up on the day of her departure because her mom was rushed to the hospital for leukemia. Another friend just separated from her husband leaving her with a huge financial obligation. I too am in turmoil. My job has started to become very complicated with the son of my boss joining our team. The staff is now getting confused because they are receiving orders from two heads now. Since he is the son of the owner, they can’t refuse his instructions which are most of the time in conflict with mine.

As I was reflecting, I was reminded of the gift of hope. With hope I can be eternally optimistic. When I get sick, I have hope that I’ll get better. When I’m separated from a loved one, the gift of hope keeps me moving forward, one step at a time, toward a new life. When I don’t get the job I have longed for, the gift of hope buoys me through the hunt for the next one.

Like the circle of life, the gift of hopes returns again and again to carry me like a boat on the water to safer territory. Hope is the cushion that keeps me sane when the waves crash down upon me. What a marvelous treasure, this gift of hope!

LORD, thank you for the gift of hope that carries me through the rough times and spurs me on the action of problem-solving.

HAPPY THURSDAY TO ALL!

2007-02-12T08:00:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day is not just for lovers...

...it's also for blogfriends I have enjoyed exchanging stories
and photos with for a year and 2 months

2007-02-10T08:10:00.000+08:00

THEME FOR THE WEEK: BROKEN

For almost 12 years, hubby and I had been members of our city's tenpin bowling association. Three times a week we would join tournaments and we would always qualify for the monthly finals for the associate and masters divisions. For 3 consecutive years, hubby and I started breaking our average score of 200 and 180 respectively thus making us unbeatable champions . We were having a lot of fun representing our city in many out of town competitions. The photo below which was taken in 1994 shows some of our trophies. These are our souvenirs of the many records we have BROKEN. It's sad that in 1995, I developed carpal tunnel syndrome while hubby injured his left knee which made both of us stop playing. Nowadays, we are just spectators in bowling competitions and our hearts are BROKEN everytime we see our colleagues still playing.

2007-02-08T07:25:00.000+08:00

Lord, today let me thank You for what you have already done. I am not
going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you
right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they
are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right
now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am
thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial
situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going
to wait until I understand every experience In my life that has caused
me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait
until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am
thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am
thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am
thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles... I am
thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do
more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven’t given up on me.

2007-02-07T07:20:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to feature this in Photo Hunters for the theme GROSS last Saturday but was unable to do so because I was busy taking care of my mom who just got out of the hospital so I decided to post it today.

This is what we call Balut. This is a fertilized duck egg. The duck embryos(feathered or not) in different stages of maturity are boiled and eaten with salt. This has been a food attraction for many tourists in the Philippines and many of them have difficulty chewing on half formed ducklings.

2007-02-05T09:40:00.000+08:00

Can you think of a time when something you've attempted to do just wouldn't work out, no matter how hard you tried?

Last year I received an invitation to attend a conference in Singapore. I was to be accompanied by one of the directors of our medical department. This is something every hospital administrator looks forward to every year and since it was going to be my first time, I was very excited. I started working on my passport months before the actual date but I was encountering problems with my documents. Despite the help of a lot of people , I still didn't get the approval. I stopped following it up when my sister-in-law who was dying with leukemia was brought to the hospital. It was during this time that I stayed at her bedside until she passed away. A week after her cremation, it was only then that I realized that the date she was brought to the hospital was the date that I was supposed to leave for Singapore.

Sometimes when a situation doesn't feel right, we have to learn to redefine our goals, or back-off for a while, or to look for a more natural direction to flow. We are also to listen to our intuition a lot. We should not try to push the issue at all. It must be a sign it's wrong for us.

2007-01-29T11:01:00.000+08:00

Food and Mood: Is There a Connection?

I have lately been craving for some particular food when I am feeling stressed out or when I am feeling low about something and when I do eat them, my feelings change. In the beginning I attributed it to being part of menopause. I started asking my friends and they said eating certain food affects a person’s mood or there’s a psychological basis for cravings. So I looked it up and here’s what Robin Brett Parnes, MS, MPH has to say:

Carbohydrates (like bread and pasta) and proteins which contain the amino acid tryptophan (like milk and turkey) are thought to have a calming effect because they stimulate the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in a large number of body functions, including sleep, appetite, learning, hormonal secretions, and immune activity. But, experts argue, the effect these foods have is small, particularly in comparison to the potent drugs that enhance serotonin function in the brain. What science does indicate is that a carbohydrate meal in its simplest form, such as a baked potato or a piece of bread, can have a mild sedative effect on people.

The amino acid tyrosine, on the other hand, may in fact alter mood by improving cognition and performance. Tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, and nuts, as well as meat, fish, and dairy products. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline), which affect brain cells by making you alert and getting you going.

As for why you feel drowsy after Thanksgiving dinner or other such meals, it’s because consuming a lot of calories (of any kind) has a hypnotic effect. Less blood (and therefore, less oxygen) reaches the brain as more blood flows to your stomach and intestines (to aid in digestion).

And, what about fat? Some experts think eating fat releases morphine-like chemicals called endorphins that induce a sense of euphoria. However, the extent to which any differences in behavior or cognition occur with different types of fat from your diet remains a topic of debate.

Food cravings, or the strong desire to eat certain foods, are both normal and common. While they vary by culture and individual, generally women tend to crave chocolate, cookies, ice cream, and other sweets, while men prefer salty or meat treats like chips, burgers, french fries, or pizza.

According to some studies, there is a physiologic (versus psychological) basis for cravings. Scientists aren’t sure why, but the fact that women report intense cravings during pre-menstruation suggests that hormones may play a role. Negative feelings, researchers also say, may be relieved by certain foods. Still others argue that having low blood sugar or a nutritional deficiency explains cravings. In addition, some researchers suggest that we are hardwired to seek calorie-dense foods as a survival mechanism (that is, our affinity for high calorie foods comes from an instinct inherited from our ancestors, who needed to store fat so that when food became scarce, they had their bodily stores to live off of).

But, as mentioned above, it is not clear that eating certain foods will improve mood. Also, thoughts and attitudes related to food are influenced not just by the urge to eat certain foods but by many other factors, such as feelings about relationships or work. And, it doesn’t follow that cravings stem from nutritional deficiencies. For example, while chocolate may be a good source of magnesium (a mineral of which many Americans do not consume the recommended daily amounts), other foods like avocados and spinach are better sources and you don’t tend to hear about people craving these foods. Moreover, some self-reported chocolate addicts feel not just pleasure, but guilt after eating chocolate. And of course, some people experience no cravings as all.

To control cravings, don’t deny yourself the foods you wish to eat. Remember, all foods eaten in moderation can fit into a healthful diet.

Foods can affect the way we feel, but many factors beyond nutrition play a role in mood. Thus, there’s no need to focus on one type of food versus another. In fact, at most meals, you probably eat a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and fat anyway. And, regardless of how one type of food can affect your mood, chances are if you eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising, you’ll feel better.

2007-01-27T09:05:00.000+08:00

THEME: SILVER

These are photos of my class when we celebrated our silver jubilee in July 16, 1996. All my classmates who are now residing in different parts of the country came home to celebrate this homecoming. Our mentors including the nuns joined us in this very memorable occasion. It was a whole week affair and we were able to touch base and keep in touch with those whom we never had the chance to communicate with since we parted on graduation day. A website was then created by our class so we could continue keeping the Paulinian Nurses' Spirit aglow.

The SILVER JUBILARIANS during the Dinner Dance Night

The SILVER JUBILARIANS in front of the school's chapel

2007-01-25T08:10:00.000+08:00

I am truly blessed to see God in the ordinary. Living in the city for almost 41 years has made me miss the small wonders of nature that are everywhere. The pace of life speeds along so fast that the time for noticing nature’s beauty slips away.

My recent trip to the province which took 10 hours by land gave me this chance to pause and pay attention to what a blessing the simple life provides. As our bus went through mountains, valleys, hills, plateaus and rivers, I was awakened to the presence of God himself. The awareness moved me gently and naturally towards the simpler life I desired.

As I toured the different beautiful sites of Tuguegarao, I was able to feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf, the rough shaggy bark of an old old tree and the velvety texture of flowers that do not grow in my area. It allowed me to smell too the fragrance of peonies and the clean scent of grass.

Thank you again God. The experience has indeed nourished my soul and has made nearer to You. I will try to do this more often.

2007-01-24T07:35:00.000+08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Sorry, but I can't help putting words in my wordless post this week. I just have to share the breathtaking experience I had while I was on an out of town trip last weekend. Photo above is just one of them. This is one of the hundred caves of Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley-Philippines called Callao. This area has a chapel. In front of the benches is the altar and above it is an opening to the cave which serves as the source of light. To get to this part of the cave, we had to go up 164 steps. The tiring climb was really worth it.

2007-01-18T15:00:00.000+08:00

I am thankful that my management team was able to achieve the goals that we have set in 2006 without much difficulty due to good teamwork. I look forward to achieving at the same rate or even at a better rate the goals we are setting for 2007.

I am thankful that all the major equipment we have purchased in October 2006 have all been delivered with minimal problem encountered with the Customs Office. They too have been calibrated by their respective companies and all have passed the radiation safety requirements set by the Department of Health. We can now better service our patients with these state-of-the-art machines.

I am very thankful that I was able to arrange my very busy schedule this week so I could attend the centennial celebration of my alma mater. I will be going on an out-of-town trip until Monday. I am very excited because I haven't been able to get this chance to take this number of days break from work in a long long time.

And lastly, I'd like to thank God for all of the above and for making everyone in the family healthy and happy.

2007-01-17T08:20:00.000+08:00

2007-01-15T08:14:00.000+08:00

Are you a coffee drinker? If you are, then do you remember the days when you could order a cup of coffee in four syllables? A cup of coffee was a "cup of coffee." That's it. These days, coffee has been accessorized to triple its original syllablage. Or even more.

I am amazed at many of my friends for being the accessory overachiever when it comes to taking their coffee. They are pretty excited about coffees that can be accessorized and enhanced until they're hardly coffee anymore. Just like a Grande Espresso Mocha or Caramel Macchiato with extra foam and chocolate sprinkles! They love a shot of this flavor and a dollop of that topping. Sprinkles?

They are not even bothered about how much it costs because for them it can be a great life-thing. As for me, I still prefer not to accessorize my coffee. How about you?

2007-01-13T08:20:00.000+08:00

TECHNOLOGY is this week's theme

This is my mobile unit. It is a Sony Ericsson K610i. It is one of the smallest 3G phones available and it’s packed with powerful features. This third generation of mobile networks brings the convenience of broadband internet to my mobile phone. It gives me quick, easy access to a world of video calls, audio and video streaming, web surfing, multimedia messaging and email wherever I go.

I have been used to a Nokia unit for years now so I found it difficult to adjust to this one in the beginning. But after using it for a week, I am truly amazed at how technology has advanced. With this phone, I just don’t call them, I can see them too! While talking, I can download or share videos, games and music. I chose this phone because I can use it while I am at work in the hospital because it has a flight mode feature which inactivates radio transmitters and receivers so that some functions can be used.

2007-01-10T07:33:00.000+08:00

Memory

2007-01-06T09:07:00.000+08:00

This Week's Theme - MEMORY

This is my dad. He is of Irish and Japanese descent and was born here in the Philippines in 1910. His father was assigned to head the English shipyard in Cavite and on his way to the Philippines, he passed by Japan and this is where he met my grandmother. Daddy was an architect by profession and he was the head of a construction department of the biggest sugar mill in our country. He worked for this company from 1945 up to 1998. He was forced to stopped working because he figured in an accident wherein he broked his femur. He underwent surgery but because he was 88 years old at that time, healing was not that very good. He did not respond to therapy as well as we expected so he moved around with a walker and cane for almost 2 years. At age 90, he stopped walking. He could only move down from bed to his bedside chair but other than that he was very healthy. In January 7, 2002, he woke up bothered by a phlegm in his throat that he was finding difficult to clear so I sent him medicines to take. A few minutes after taking the pill, he coughed and just leaned on my mom's shoulder and that moment he stopped breathing. By the time the ambulance and I got to him he was already dead. He will be celebrating his 5th death anniversary tomorrow and just like the past years, the entire family will be around to commemorate it by gathering together and praying.

To Daddy, you are missed a lot especially when there are projects that my grandson need in school. I used to remember how you would stay up late doing it for me and my siblings and later on for my daughter. We were always getting awards in school for the work you have done for us. I am happy to let you know that my daughter has taken after you. She has been able to do the same for her son now and just like you, he too has been winning awards for her work.

Daddy we love you dearly!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-03T12:36:00.000+08:00

2007-01-01T10:47:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

To kind people, to meaningful relationships, to simplier lifestyles, to more time for loved ones, to laughter, to contentment, to tasty food, to gentle rains, to lovely sunsets, to fine coffee, to cooler nights, to traffic-free journeys, to good books and movies, to God, to country, to family, to friends, to peace in our hearts. May we all have a great year ahead. God Bless us always.

From My Family To Yours

2006-12-30T10:03:00.000+08:00

THIS WEEK'S THEME: NEW

Had a difficult time with blogger for a day now so I hope I am not late. Here is my entry to this week's theme "NEW". She is Keira a new addition to our family. She's now 3 months old and has since brought more joy to all of us especially to her older brother who is now 7 years old.

2006-12-26T15:13:00.000+08:00

2006-12-24T19:14:00.000+08:00

From my home to yours!

2006-12-12T21:48:00.000+08:00

2006-12-11T06:42:00.000+08:00

FAMILY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

PART TWO

1. We always take a holiday family photograph each year in the same spot,
such as by a favorite corner of our yard. I now have a wonderful record
of the growth of my family.

2. We usually adopt a needy family for the holidays. Each member of my family
buys a present for the person closest to their own age.

3. We eat our dinner illuminated only by the Christmas tree.

4. I see to it that as soon as I wake up in the morning, I play Christmas music
until I leave for work.

5. Some time during the holidays, we go through our closets and box up
clothing we haven't worn in two years and we give away items that are
still in good condition to an orphanage or to the charity ward of our hospital.

2006-12-09T16:51:00.000+08:00

THIS WEEK'S THEME: R E D

The only red thing that first came to mind was the Christmas decorations I have on my tree but I already featured it last week so I thought of posting this red journal which is owned by my late father. I came across this when I was going through his filing cabinet which he brought home when he retired from work in 1995. He recorded almost everything that happened to us his family, at work and his friends. It made me feel sad as I went through each page and at the same time happy because I now have something to remind me of events that happened in the past.

2006-12-06T07:27:00.000+08:00

2006-12-05T06:48:00.000+08:00

Wystful 1 is inviting all of us to join the HOLIDAY DECORATIONS PARADE. Why don't you check it out here. I enjoyed going through the entries and I couldn't help but join. So here is mine...

This lantern hanging in front of the house is made out of capiz shells - a beautiful, thin, translucent shell abundant in deep Philippine waters. Because of its opaque quality, Capiz has a centuries-old tradition of being used as windows in elegant Philippine homes. Now, in the hands of gifted and skilled artisans, Capiz shells are painstakingly transformed into exquisite, handmade pieces of art for your enjoyment.

I made both the garland and the wreath out of old christmas decorations that I have been keeping for years.

These images of Mother Mary carrying Baby Jesus, St. Joseph and an angel which I placed in a corner of our living room are made of rattan-a local material which is used in making furnitures and baskets. This belonged to my mother who has had this set for more than 30 years before she handed it down to me.

This tree has 3000 lightbulbs in it. It took me more than a week to complete it. Thank God I didn't experience any busted line while I was in the process.

2006-12-04T06:40:00.000+08:00

I joined my friends to the Christmas Bazaar this weekend and as we were driving along one of the major thoroughfares of the city, I noticed the many lanterns, trees and other Christmas decorations lined up in the entire stretch of the long road. This made me reminisce the cherished Christmas traditions my family had maintained other than the usual Filipino ways and the new ones we had lovingly created as years went by. I marvel at the power of holiday traditions and the comfort and continuity they bring to us each year. So I will be sharing them with you every Monday starting this week. This is my way of reminding you too of some old traditions you need to revive or some fresh new ideas you might want to try. Here is my first list….

1. While we are together for Thanksgiving, we try to find out what's on
everyone's Christmas list.

2. We ask each family member to write down their activities for the holidays in
a big wall calendar so there won't be any mix-ups.

3. I put a basket with photos from past Christmases and put it in a prominent
spot of our living room.

4. I buy a big red candle and I light it every night at dinner during the holidays.

5. We drive through the neighborhood looking at Christmas decorations while
we are listening to our favorite Christmas CD.

2006-12-02T06:31:00.000+08:00

This Week's Theme - LIGHTS

At last I was able to finish decorating our tree. There are 3000 lights with red and gold trimmings in it. I also wanted to take shots of the garden and our front yard because my hubby filled it up with christmas lights but there was a strong typhoon today. In my country, these lights stay lit until the first week of January after we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany.

2006-11-18T20:46:00.000+08:00

THEME FOR THE WEEK: P L U S H

Couldn't find any photo from among my albums that fits the theme for the week so I decided to post an aerial view of the island where one of the luxurious resorts in the Philippines is found.

2006-11-15T08:29:00.000+08:00

These are just two of the many beautiful lanterns we have
in the Philippines. They are now displayed in many of the
homes as early as this month. The Christmas spirit starts
very early over here.

2006-11-08T07:25:00.000+08:00

2006-11-04T14:10:00.000+08:00

This Week's Theme: WINDOW

Behind my mom and me is the window of the hotel room where we traditionally spend our New Year's Eve. We are able to escape from the smog and accidents by doing this. We really enjoy watching through this window the fantastic fireworks display of the different neighboring towns.

2006-10-31T21:54:00.000+08:00

2006-10-26T16:28:00.000+08:00

What is thankful for this week

> Last Friday was the culminating activity of our hospital's 30th anniversary and we had a fun night. The school's auditorium which could accommodate more than a 1000 guests was filled up. Decorations, sound system and food were all excellently prepared. I thank very much the organizing committee for everything.

> Also the same evening , the Chairman and CEO of the hospital handed to me the "Leadership Award". I was truly surprised because this is the first time an award of this kind was given in the 30 years of existence of the hospital. As I was reflecting later, I realized that my success as a leader is strengthened by changing old destructive behaviors and sustaining my positive moral nature. I tried very much through the years to incorporate positive thoughts and actions into my daily behavior. I began to achieve true happiness and content in my heart when I started to inventory my life, noting every attribute that I possess and every detrimental fault that I am aware of. I cleansed my soul of its past and put into action a plan for a new life. By acknowledging my weakness as well as my strengths, I was able to map out a strategy that brought me the serenity I have been serarching for. To all the hospital staff thank you for the support you have been extending to all my programs and projects.

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2006-10-25T07:21:00.000+08:00

2006-10-18T07:12:00.000+08:00

This image of Elvis Presley is
made out of post-it-notes

2006-10-16T08:19:00.000+08:00

It's the 8th Wedding Anniversary of my daughter and her hubby today. Since, I never had an experience in preparing for a wedding, I was very well assisted by my friends at work. Things which my daughter and her boyfriend then could not personally handle, we took care of and they were the reception venue (it was supposed to be a garden reception but there was an impending typhoon so a week before the wedding date, we had to look for an alternative place), the choir, the music (from the wedding march to the reception), the doves, the floral arrangements in the church and the reception hall and the money well (instead of gifts some guests preferred to give cash). Almost all of the guests they invited came so it was one memorable occasion.

Now on their 8th year, the marriage is blessed with two beautiful children and flourishing careers. I can see that this blending of lives is a strong one because their personal relationship with God has become the cornerstone of their marriage...they have invited Him to "walk out front" before them.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
and May God continue to write
His love story through you!

2006-10-14T16:40:00.000+08:00

Theme For The Week: LOST

This tree LOST all its beauty after all its leaves fell off during the
recent typhoon that hit our country. There are around 5 of them in this street
and I used to admire it every morning on my way to work because I can see
a lot of birds on its branches and at the same time, it added to the beauty of
the surroundings. I am now not sure if all 5 of them will ever recover from the
damage of the typhoon.

2006-10-11T08:21:00.000+08:00

2006-10-09T07:28:00.001+08:00

When we are not busy studying, going on ward duty in the hospital as student nurses and when we don't have dates, my best friends and I spend time with each other. This photo below was taken in our dormitory room. Aside from sharing stories of our experiences in the hospital, we fill up our free time playing gameboards and cards, singing, watching movies (in moviehouses because at that time we didn't have DVDs) or going shopping. Now 30 plus years later, we try to see each other whenever they are in town. They were just simple things we did but they are truly treasured by each one of us.

2006-10-07T09:31:00.000+08:00

Theme For the Week: SLEEPING

I am posting photos of my daughter and her two kids
when all three were only a few days old.

Claudia
born by normal spontaneous delivery
at 10:18 PM on February 19, 1974

6 lbs and 13 oz - 48 cms

Nicholas Keith
born by normal spontaneous delivery
at 12:20 AM on March 19, 1999
6 lbs 1 oz - 50 cms

Kirsten Soleil
born by caesarean section
at 3:53 AM on Sept. 28, 2006

7 lbs and 10 oz - 53 cms

2006-10-04T07:54:00.000+08:00

Viamarie is thankful

...that the family is back home after 5 days of stay in the hospital. We could have gone home after 3 days but because of power blackout in the entire Luzon province due to a typhoon, we were forced to stay longer. It was early morning of Wednesday-Sept 28, 2006 while my daughter was undergoing a C-section, we were experiencing strong rains and winds due to a typhoon named MILENYO, strongest to hit Manila in 11 years. The typhoon was expected to arrive that afternoon. At 7:00 AM after my daughter was wheeled back to her room, hubby and I decided to leave for home to freshen up and to get some things that she, her husband and baby will be needing while in the hospital. Wow, the streets on our way home looked like a war zone with fallen trees, poles and rising floodwaters. As we reached home, there were a lot of leaves and plants scattered in our front yard. During this time the electricity had already been cut. Shortly after 10 AM, the winds became stronger so we decided to go back to the hospital. At 2 PM, the eye of the typhoon directly hit us and for more than an hour there was so much rain and winds causing many objects from roofing materials, wood materials , etc to fly in all directions causing a lot of damage to buildings and homes all over our place. Since the hospital had its own generator, we had power but NO INTERNET. NO TV. We then decided to remain holed up in our hospital room for the next days enjoying the company of each other and our new bundle of joy. We left our house in the care of our two maids and my mom. They were without electricity but we were lucky to have been able to fill up our water tank so they had water while the rest of the neighbors didn't. Although there was no power, we still had a gas range that would enable them to cook for a candle-lit dinner and my mom still had her good old reliable radio which became their only source of information and link to the outside world. Now, after a week, there are still many areas without power and reports have shown that this typhoon claimed many lives and have caused damage to millions of pesos worth of crops and infrastructures but I am still very grateful to God for the safety of our family, a strongly built home, ample food, fuel and water.

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2006-10-02T23:22:00.000+08:00

This candle I lit in honor of the 40th day
of my sister-in-law's death.

2006-09-28T13:48:00.000+08:00

What VIAMARIE is thankful for

... that our little angel has finally arrived and for that I am deeply grateful to our dearly beloved Father for making my daughter undergo a safe delivery through caesarean section. I of course would have preferred a normal delivery but after almost two hours of being fully dilated, her obstetrician decided to a C-section because baby was showing signs of distress.

...that my daughter was able to go through the whole pregnancy and delivery process without any complications considering that she has a thyroid problem and at the same time a heart condition (mitral valve prolapse).

...that my granddaughter who is 7.10 lbs gave out a very loud cry which gave her a perfect apgar scroe of 10.

...that my son-in-law was at my daughter's side all throughout the process to lend his undying support and taking pictures of every step of the process.

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2006-09-27T06:46:00.000+08:00

2006-09-25T18:57:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered where all the time went? Just this Monday, as my 7 year old grandson was readying himself for school, I suddenly felt like... didn't this same scene happen many years ago? Flashback of those days when my daughter started schooling came rushing through my mind...they were the difficult times when we had to wake up very early from Monday to Friday so she could be in school before 7:15 AM, the stressful time when the schoolbus and a lot of kids in it had to wait for her in front of our gate all because she was not through with her breakfast, the worrisome times when the schoolbus would pass by the house to let us know that they had to leave school without her because she didn't show up and they had a hard time looking for her after school only for us to find out later that she was in the library, the happy times when we would attend school activities because she was either given awards for winning in the many contests she joined or she was participating in a program and many more memorable happenings. Well, these same things are now happening again with my grandson who is now studying in the same school where his mom went. What's nostalgic about all of these is that the school nurses and almost all her teachers are still in that school and one of them is now the principal and the others are officers of the different year levels.

Below are photos taken when they were about to leave for school at age 4 years old. Both were taken in the same spot in front of our house. It's a pity the photo of my daughter didn't come out well. Just shows how old it is.

2006-09-23T06:30:00.000+08:00

EYES: THIS WEEK's THEME

This pair of big eyes belong to another nephew of mine who is now 14 years old. This young intelligent boy has become a very active figure in school. Aside from this, he too has very good humor. In this picture, he was trying to amuse the father who was trying to go through his cellphone for pictures of his wife who recently passed away. It is through these eyes that he has learned many things in life especially the art of dealing with people which he now applies as an officer of the supreme student council of their school. I can more or less already see how he will be in the next years to come so cheers to all he has accomplished so far and may God Bless his future endeavors.

2006-09-21T07:35:00.000+08:00

What I am thankful for this week...


...for the small voice that guides my life.

I know all of us have in one way or another experience extremely difficult and trying periods in our lives.  For me, it is my worklife and it has made me sometimes feel helpless and lost. The very big responsibility on my shoulder has started to take its toll on me especially so because I am in my post menopausal stage. There were days that my entire waking hours were spent searching for the "perfect answer" to my dilemmas.  So much effort was expended on "what to do" that my feelings get lost in the midst of my intellect. It's good that I have this gratitude journal because when I experience trials and tribulations, writing on this journal, without a doubt, stops me so abruptly in my tracks that I am more able to focus on the present instead of the past or future. When I stop worrying and start thanking and praying, the "perfect answer" appears. It is then that I realize that the answer to my problems is not found when I chaotically search for it.  Instead, it comes when I am quiet long enough to hear in the stillness that follows, the whisper.

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2006-09-20T06:09:00.000+08:00

# 26

2006-09-18T07:15:00.000+08:00

# 11

My hubby and I were going through our storage room so we could throw away things we didn't need or to give some to charity when I came across a bunch of long playing records. One of them is this record album of THE VENTURES. They were during my time one of the hottest group next to the Beatles and Elvis Presley as far as billboard charts were concerned. They played instrumental music with their electric guitars.

There were no disco houses then so parties were held in private homes. Almost every weekend, my boardmates and I were invited to jam sessions ( that's how it was called then) that had live bands providing the music all night. Everytime the local bands would play the music of The Ventures, the guys would right away rush to the girls and grabbed their partners and dance the twist or the jerk ( the dance craze at that time). I had many favorites from this album but I remember WALK DON'T RUN as the number hit tune. I don't know what happened to this group. Many of the singing groups from the 60s and 70s have been visiting our country the past year and I hope they will be one of them visiting soon.

2006-09-16T08:19:00.000+08:00

This Week's Theme: LOOKING UP

This is a painting of my nephew which my daughter did of
him when he was 2 years old. He was looking up to his mom
while she was giving him instructions on how to play with a
new toy he got as a gift for his birthday.

This is how he looks now 15 years later. He was in a pensive
mood when this was taken a week ago because the mom
he so dearly loves passed away last August 23.

2006-09-15T07:26:00.000+08:00

THE FACE IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that face has to say
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a great gal or guy
But the face in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look it straight in the eye
That's the one you must please, never mind all the rest,
That's the one with you clear to the end,
And you know you have passed your most dangerous test
If the face in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the face in the glass.

2006-09-14T06:59:00.000+08:00

Thankful Thursday: What VIAMARIE is thankful for this week
I was feeling very low this week after discovering that one of my trusted department head did something that made me feel betrayed. It bothered me a lot these past days that's why when I went through my GRATITUDE JOURNAL last night looking for what to thank for this Thursday, I saw my thank-you list that made me feel that what happened should stop me from hurting since there many other things I should be happy about and too important to take for granted: ... friends who love me, ... 24 years at the same job (and loving it more than the first day I started), ... a chance to share my vision for a better life, ... staying centered It's not easy being grateful all the time. But it's when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: PERSPECTIVE. Just knowing you have that daily list to complete allows you to look at your day differently, with an awareness of every sweet gesture and kind thought passed your way. I realized that when you learn to say thank you, you see the world anew. And as Meister Eckhart so eloquently stated: "If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is 'Thank you', that would suffice."

2006-09-13T06:11:00.000+08:00

# 25

2006-09-11T12:00:00.000+08:00

MONDAY MEMORIES # 9

It was shortly after 9 pm (Philippine time) September 11, 2001 and my eyes were tired from doing my cross stitching project so I tried closing my eyes to rest it for a while. I fell asleep for a few minutes and when I awakened, I saw this picture on tv. I thought it was movie so I closed my eyes again. After a few minutes later, when I stood up to go to the bathroom, I saw this same picture again being featured on tv. It was only then that I realized that it was a live coverage of CNN. I froze upon hearing the newscaster explaining what happened. Hubby was on an out of town asignment so I had nobody then to share my shock. When news of Pentagon and the other areas were also flashed on tv, I got out of the room to awaken my parents who were staying with me at that time then I proceeded to the living room where my daughter was. We stayed glued to the tv and we started a prayer vigil which our friends organized through phone brigade. Now 5 years later, this unforgettable scene still brings me the same pain in my heart.

2006-09-09T07:17:00.000+08:00

These nuts are a part of our monthly management committee meetings.
Without them, the group feels incomplete. We enjoy munching on them
while discussing departmental concerns which usually lasts for two hours.
No need to ask...yes, many of us have high uric acid in our blood levels now.
Time to look for alternatives.

2006-09-07T18:03:00.000+08:00

Thankful Thursday: What VIAMARIE is thankful for this week

1. We were able to complete the photo shoot for our 30th Anniversary Book without much hassle. The hospital staff around 600 of them were all present at their designated time schedule.

2. My brother's family is coping well with the recent loss of his wife.

3. My daughter is doing very well with her pregnancy inspite of her very hectic schedule.

4. The entire family is healthy.

Links to other Thankful Thursdays (If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below; or, you can post in the comments)

Click here for the Thankful Thursday code

Click here for Chrixean's blog

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2006-09-06T19:39:00.000+08:00

# 24

2006-09-04T06:33:00.000+08:00

Do you remember this? It's one of the models of a BEEPER that I used to own in the late 80's. This small device which was either hooked to my belt, my pocket or my bag was considered a very important gadget in my life. I remember the many times when I would go crazy looking for a telephone when I get messages that says...please call home or the office ASAP or URGENT. For many years it made my life very easy but when the cell phones came into being in the early 90's, this handy device slowly faded away.

2006-08-27T20:05:00.000+08:00

My sister-in-law was diagnosed to have cancer of the breast in 2002 and she had to undergo treatments (chemotherapy and radiation therapy). Both made her experience a lot of discomforts and physical changes but she succesfully completed them with no complications at all. Then last May, she called to tell me she had mild nose bleeding and her blood pressure was up. Thought she was going to have a stroke so she went to the Emergency Room of our hospital and there the doctor ordered a CT Scan of her brain and blood tests. Scan result turned out negative and we were all very happy. The following day results of the blood test revealed highly elevated white blood cells so she was subjected to a bone marrow test. Results after a few days showed she had acute myelogenous leukemia. Her oncologist and hematologist told her that this is a very fast acting type and prognosis is very bad. After discussing the matter with her family and her priest counsellor, she decided not to go through any treatments or any medications anymore. She just prayed to God to take care of everything. During this time, the family went through a painful process of accepting her decision.

When she got out of the hospital last May 8, she developed high fever and lost her vision for almost two weeks. When she regained it, her sense of hearing followed. The laptop became our only means of communication since then. In the months that followed, God really answered her prayer because she never experienced any pain nor bleeding. The only thing that saddened us was that she was never able to get up from bed or even sit up because she was too weak. Because of her very strong relationship with God and the strong support of her family and friends, she bravely faced the dreaded disease that led to her peaceful passage to the afterlife at age 49 last August 23 at 12:25 am.

2006-08-21T15:57:00.000+08:00

Thank you to those who visited my blog and shared their thoughts about my posts these past days. Didn't find time to visit any of you because I have been in the hospital all this time taking care of my sis-in-law who has leukemia. That day the ambulance came to pick her up I thought she was going but with all her friends bombarding heaven with their prayers, she was able to overcome the crisis. I was able to finally get her consent that I go home to catch some sleep so before I do, allow me to request for more prayers. Thanks and I hope you...

2006-08-19T08:59:00.000+08:00

This was taken during the World Youth Day in the Philippines in 1995 with Pope John Paul II presiding over the event, marking his second trip to the country. The youth gathered from different parts of the world to be with each other, know each other's culture and talk to each other as brothers and sisters. The event was celebrated with different activities like Barrio Fiesta where every assigned group gather and have fun. Mass was also celebrated almost everyday in every Catholic Church in the Philippines. The closing mass, held at the Luneta Park was estimated to be attended by more than 5 million people and was considered to be the largest papal gathering in Roman Catholic history.