Pages

Gratitude List -- Day Five and Six

I'm thankful for the sun yesterday and today because:

--nothing beats the fresh smell of newly washed sundried clothes
--I love the sunlight on my face when I wake up in the morning
--I'm sure it will rain tonight (as most evenings now)
--Teddy and I can go outside and walk

What are you thankful for today?

♥♥♥♥

30 DAYS of Gratitude - Day Four.



I'm thankful for:  my new transition glasses

 Today I got my new transition glasses (salary deduction, of course!).  These are photochromic lenses  that can  quickly adjust and adapt in changing light to help protect my eyes from computer glare and sun's rays.  These are a bit more expensive than normal prescription glasses but I guess it's worth to protect my eyes from harmful UV rays.




NaBloPoMo November

NaBloPoMo - Gratitude

This month's theme: Gratitude.

...and I lost TWO days already.

I'm sure I have a lot to be thankful for. I just have to look more closely.



I'm thankful for:  Len. She gave me a pretty shirt today.




Day#1 --(Nov 1) -- I was thankful for the rain. I think it has a kind of mellowing effect. I had a chance to do a movie marathon and relax in bed.

Day#2 --(Nov 2) -- My emergency loan was approved! Yay. Someone up there must have heard my prayers (remember, I ranted about this here).

30 Days of Truth -- Day Thirteen

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)



I guess I already stopped hero worshiping years ago so I can't think of any particular band or artist that has helped me "through tough times" but I love listening to James Taylor ( who sung  Fire and Rain)  and Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave your Lover and 21 Guns by Greenday during "bad hair days".



  • What about you, do you have a  band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge  is here


Next:
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

30 Days of Truth -- Day Twelve.



Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.


They never mention that I'm good at multi-tasking, like cooking while doing the laundry or doing my reports while handling people on the phone (and many other juggling acts  LOL). No one thanks me that I can keep my temper (at least for a while) if there are arguments or hot discussions.

We always want to be appreciated, don't we? We like to re-affirm ourselves with our loved ones, that what we are doing are right and has an impact on their lives. But what if we don't hear them?



  • What about you, Is there something you never get compliments on?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

30 Days of Truth -- Day Eleven

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.


Well, most people would compliment my cooking. In Tagalog, they would say "masarap magluto" or a good cook. Teddy loves my chicken pork adobo and anything stewed.  My beef stroganoff and inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) is always a bestseller during birthdays and holidays.

On the outside, people would compliment me for my good skin. I can still pass for 28 LOL!  I'm not too fair nor too dark, but I have fine pores so I'm not prone to acne. My skin regimen is simple: clean, moisturize and tone before sleep and lots of liquid during the day. Of course I would stay out of the sun most times and I try my best to use organic products like fresh honey and the native "kalamansi".


  • What about you, Is there something people seem to compliment you the most on?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

I grabbed the logo here :)


How bad is that?



My mother has chronic renal failure. Sigh.

I need a lot of money and I thought there is an option to apply for an EMERGENCY loan in the company where I work. All documents properly signed and all I get is : LOAN ALLOTMENT CLOSED, a shrug and an offhand "maybe next month".

Hey. this is an emergency!


But what can I do? Just another closed avenue. How bad is that?


Think, think. There must be other options. I just hope I'm not running out of it.

Update.


Does it ever happen to you when you thought everything's going well then out of nowhere something hits you at your blind side?

Supertyphoon "Juan" has made it's presence felt here in the metropolis by this endless rain and mud in the streets. Worse, vegetables and fruits are at skyrocket prices caused by the devastation  in Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos and in the many parts of the the northern Philippines (and thanks too to some devious merchants who profits as soon as there is a  whiff of food shortage ) As much as I love the rain, it is very inconvenient for the working me. I have the worst cold ever, I have headaches and muscle pains.


Then I received bad news back home. My mom's diabetes has affected her kidneys already and the doctor said we need to get ready and raise funds in case she will be needing dialysis sessions soon. Sigh.

And on top of that, there are minor irritants at work. Yeah, they are minor but boy, there are so many!

So that was my two weeks blog black out.

But life goes on. One can only stay in the dark for so long.

So here I am again.

Microfiction Monday #52


Welcome to Microfiction Monday,
where a picture paints 140 characters, or even fewer.

Here's this week's picture


photo courtesy of Stony River

She hurried to the station platform as she saw the train going to Paris with only hope in her suitcase and two dollars left in her pocket.

♥♥♥♥

Joy.

When you laugh, I see
not the yellows, reds or blues
but joy of life, free

my godson Gyan Andrei





You got to love him! Happy Monday! A perfect day to start the week.

See more yellows here, and a bit (or a lot) of blue here. Do you want red, it's here!

Oh, how I love Mondays! (And you have to forgive me for the exclamation marks! Hugs!)

A lot of Wordless here, too!

Friday Fill-In #194







So...here we go!

1. My favorite month is January because the climate is rather cold in the usually warm weather.

2. Here in the city, there is no (a) fresh breeze anymore.

3. I love to sniff newly cut grass, coffee, Teddy's shirt, a new book.

4. Chow Fan and brewed coffee is what I like to have as a treat for breakfast.

5. The hobby I enjoy most is reading.

6. My oh my!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleep, sleep, tomorrow my plans include cooking my favorite ulam (viand) CHICKEN PORK ADOBO and Sunday, I want to just laze aroundt he house, catch up on my reading!


More Friday Fill Ins here:

FFF 55 -- A bad case of ugly.

"I've got a bad case of ugly.", my sister mumbled over the phone.

"I'm ugly and I won't go to work.", she insisted with finality.

Has my sister gone mad?

So I rushed home only to see a very mottled, red-spotted sister, "It's lobster, ok?"

I wanted to sock her

♥♥♥♥




Do you have Flash Fiction 55? Then come and tell the G-Man.

30 Days of Truth - Day Ten.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Once or twice, I needed to let go of someone, but I never regretted knowing them. When I was younger, I have a couple of friends who led me into the wrong crowd. For a while it was fun. But when some things reveal its ugliness by itself, then it is time to walk away. I did and never looked back. Also, there was someone a few years ago who I really loved that I thought the world of. I almost gave up my sense of self for this person by trying to be someone I am not. But that person betrayed me by cheating and lying. I was so hurt that even forgiveness could not return the respect back.

I'm glad I'm over these people. At some point, I mourned for my loss.  I'm not perfect, but I try to be a good person and if they hurt me, I realized, it's their loss after all. I believe people come to our lives to teach us something, and every lesson learned add color and depth to our character.





  • What about you, Is there someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I grabbed the logo here :)

butterfly



Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Nathaniel Hawthorne



---
Today's Flowers
Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally here.
Wordless? Then, Wordless Wednesday is for you!
My entry for Ruby Tuesday, too! 



NaBloPoMo -Play 

Fickleinpink votes for Legazpi City


Fickleinpink votes for Legazpi City





Filipino Christmas or "Pasko"  is one of the longest celebration in the world, starting as early as September and ends on the Feast of the Epiphany (The Three Kings) on the first Sunday of January.


In commemoration of this Pinoy most celebrated festivity, Kraft Foods (Philippines), Inc will feature 100 towns in a Town Voting Contest  wherein the most number of votes will get to win TWO MILLION PESOS!

Being a a true Bicolana, I VOTE for Legazpi City. The Queen City of South Luzon, home of the Ibalong Festival, the folk epic story of Bicol's ancient heroes.

You can find here also the most beautiful volcano almost perfect in symmetry, the Mayon Volcano.

See how peaceful and perfect it is.


http://kwentongpinas.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/mayon1.jpg
image source




Showing her might in anger.
Mayan Volcano, Legaspi City, Philippines
photo courtesy





Other places to go to : Albay Park and Wildlife, Liberty Bronze Bell, Japanese Tunnel, Magayon Art Gallery, Legazpi City Museum, Bicol Heritage Park, and the hills of Liñon and Kapuntukan (also known as the Sleeping Lion Hill) and the Embarcadero




To vote for your favorite town:

1. Buy one Eden 35g, 180g or 500g pack at any supermarkets, public market stalls, groceries, convenience stores or sari sari stores nationwide.

2. Write the following information on a piece of paper attached to one (1) empty pack Eden pack size:
a. Name of Favorite Featured Town
b. Name of Eden Dish for that Town
c. Name
d. Age
e. Complete Address
f. Contact Numbers
g. Signature

3. Submit entries at Drop Boxes within participating Towns or mail entries to

Prime Cast Event Concepts Plus, Inc.
Lower Ground Level, Grayline Ventures Building,
14 Arayat St. Boni, Mandaluyong City

OR:

ABS CBN Foundation Inc.
ELJ Communications Building
Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City

Deadline for Submission of Entries is on December 2, 2010.
Contest for Philippine Residents only

Inspiration from the rain

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.
Frank Howard Clark  

I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will.
Clint Eastwood 

Into each life some rain must fall.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 


No person has the right to rain on your dreams.
Marian Wright Edelman

  


My Life in 6 words - 02Oct2010



Domestic issue - to meddle or not?

Rain, rain, go away

Rain, rain, go away...Today is a rainy day but I don't think it's the weather. Several people close to me are weathering their own storms, too. My friend R, who is having domestic issues. I would like to help, but I'm not sure if I should "meddle" at this time. My mother, too, who has diabetes which is too far gone already all we could do is make her comfortable. Teddy and I, we have our problems, too but I know in my heart that everything happens for a reason in it's own time and pace. God designed it way. We only have  to pray and be resolute.

Below is a favorite poem of mine, by Shel Silvertein. I dedicate this to everyone who feels that the burden they carry is too much. I believe there  is always a happy place


Where the Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

Shel Silverstein




Arrrgh! I could use some coffee!

It's raining when I woke up and I have to drag myself to the bathroom to get ready for work. We've been staying up late since last week to finish our project. Here's an excerpt of our boss' email yesterday.



Subject: RE: Audited FS


Team Finance,

We still need your all out support to finish this by next week. No let up. No excuse.

I will get involve in the discussion if there will be any peer’s show stopper that will prevent your group from accomplishing your task collectively.

You have proven in the 2008 FS that you can do it. Why not do it again for the second time?

Sweeter the second time around.

Thanks


Team,

Let's finish this audit one and for all so we can all take a rest and relax. Thanks for your support and cooperation.




-Alex

And to think it's Saturday.

Coffee, anyone?

Make mine black, cream, no sugar.

30 Days of Truth - Day Nine.


Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted


People change. People come and go.That's what I found in the many and various relationships in my life. Some people doesn't want exchanging goodbyes and I respect that (because I'm like that, too).


  • What about you, Is there someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

I grabbed the logo here :)

Play.




Escape

"Open the goddamn door!"

It was the most terrifying whisper she has ever heard.  The small window -- her freedom -- is too small.

"N-n-no! Please stop..." , as she curled herself into the far corner of the bathroom.

When the door latch turned slowly, all she can do is close her eyes and whimpered, "please..."

*************




This is a Friday Flash Fiction 55 hosted by Mr. Knowitall.

SWF and Friday Fill-In!

It's a very rainy day TODAY, so I'm posting something sunny and bright! This was taken by my cuz Cy when she went to Bataan. I hope Mr. Sun shines tomorrow! Visit the home of  Skywatch Friday to find beautiful skies all over the world.


My cousin Cy went here last summer : Anvaya Cove, Bataan, Philippines (Lucky her!)




Friday Fill-In #193


1. My back is killing me and screaming for a massage.

2. Born to be wild.

3. Leaves are falling all around, and the grass smell sweet today.

4. Stress results forgetfulness.

5. Healing is God's design.

6. Slaving at the office and cutting my lunch time in half to blogging time is what I've been up to lately!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a little quality time at home, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the pending audit  items at the office  and Sunday, I want to catch up on my sleep (and laundry, too LOL)!

To see more Friday Fill Ins, visit Janet and the home of FFI here.



...and then HOP over Fun Follow Friday and Follow Me Friday to meet new friends!






Happy Friday!



30 Days of Truth -- Day Eight


Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.


I could name a few who ATTEMPTED to treat me like shit and one or two almost succeeded. The most felt was by the person described in day four.  I know he was not treating me the way I deserved to be treated but I ignored the signs,  hoping tomorrow would be better. It went on for years. But a person can only take so much, we are like balloons slowly filling with water. We expand and take in as much as we can and then we explode.

But I'm better now. I realized, it's not living the life we chose BUT choosing the life we live.

  • What about you, who has made your life hell, or treated you like shit?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

I grabbed the logo here :)

a long distance call.

My mother called the other night telling me the results of her blood tests came through already and all was well and not to worry. She was diagnosed with Type II diabetes last year. For someone who has this debilitating disease, she was fairly amicable  (which is not often) and went on to talk about the doctors and nurses of Dr. Sofronio Garcia Memorial Hospital. She even said she doesn't like the word "Memorial" in the hospital's name, sounds like death she said. I laughed at her comment, I guess she was just trying to be funny.

According to her, the hospital ambiance is light,  and exclaimed that nurses seems to be wearing colored uniforms, unlike in her younger days. I mentioned that they are called scrub clothes now. "OK, like the T.V. show", she said. Well, boring white nurse uniforms has already lost its popularity and was replaced by patterned or solid colored uniforms in blue, pink or teal green scrubs and paired with surgical scrub hats in various designs to add color to a rather drab -- and stressful hospital scene. Nurse uniforms and supplies  has evolved into fun, fashionable yet efficient wear for health care professionals around the world. I hear her saying, yeah, yeah. And she went on for another 10 minutes ordering my life around long distance talking, and I realized that I love her. I hope we have still a lot of time together.

Wobble Over Wednesday


Yeah, I know. It's Thursday. I woke up, and it's Thursday! Just be sure to go over My life with Rats and more... and check out Wobble over Wednesday -- a great place to meet and greet new bloggy friends and maybe a few followers!

You can TWEET about this, too! Feel free to use:

( : Join in Wobble Over Wednesday and get lots of new friends and blog followers. @Smile7891 http://mylifewithratsandmore.blogspot.com/ : )

I love y'all! Hugs!

Sensational Haiku -- Stress

Welcome to “Sensational Haiku Wednesday!”
Click here for info and background on this weekly event!

The basics:

Haiku is simple! It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively (a great way to use your fingers!)

This week’s theme is: Stress


Join the fun!


irritable, restless
achy, hungry and hopeless
all because of stress!

-----------

Next week’s theme: Waves



3WW -- gait, nudge, ripen

My godson Gyan at one of the bazaars in MY


a child's clumsy gait
can nudge a withered garden
to bloom and ripen.




 
gait (n) - manner of walking or running; bearing
nudge (tr. v) - To push against gently, especially in order to gain attention or give a signal.
ripen (vb) - to make or become ripe

30 Days of Truth -- Day Seven


Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for


Family and friends. I may not admit it, but for so long I  lived for the approval of my loved ones. I always strived to act according to the standards set by them. Through them, I find purpose to better myself.

Love relationships.Teddy. He is my friend.  He is "the one". I know so.  :) But he can make me really, really crazy sometimes and that keeps me on my toes.

Enemies.  Some people -- they can't move on. They try to take me on guilt-trips and if I let them, will do their  best to suck me in their misery. Sometimes Most of the time, I am  not completely blameless for the the things that happen to me. Enemies  make me look inward to contemplate and re-assess myself.
.
This is a hard one because the follow up question would be: Is it? So  I mulled over this  for days and I realized, people who come and go can love us, hate us, leave us, and they always leave a mark in our lives.


  • What about you, who has made your life worth living for?
Tell me via the comment section the link to your post so I can check them out, too!

The list for the 30 Days of Truth Challenge is here




Next:

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.














I grabbed the logo here :)

Light. Dark.


a church in Caluruega, Batangas




colored glass, is it
Stained to let the light in or
to keep the dark out?




Happy Mellow Yellow Monday!
Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally here.
Wordless? Then, Wordless Wednesday is for you!



Update 28Sept2010:

My entry for Ruby Tuesday, too! 

Difference in timezones :)

Microfiction Monday #50

Welcome to Microfiction Monday,
where a picture paints 140 characters, or even fewer.





May is thinking of her husband, now laid to rest and wondered, "How many shades of blue could there be?" as she sat pondering by the sea.     (137 char)





Every Monday, Susan at Stony River hosts Microfiction Monday. She posts a picture and you add a caption in 140 characters or less. Come and join in!