Housewarming Gift Idea

Our good friend and her family moved to a bigger residential unit recently. We were there during the housewarming. My husband and I have realized that we have not given them any housewarming gift yet. I tried to recall what I have seen in her house. The place is furnished and I feel that none of the common things every house must have will appeal her.

I looked around and realized that there are other alternatives to just buying what we can find in the department store. I kind of like the idea of giving something very personal.

The internet is teeming with personalized housewarming gifts within my budget. There are sites which offer housewarming gifts under $20 and would even include free deliver. Unfortunately, we are here in Dubai so I think the shipping will be another matter to consider but I like the idea of giving something that will appeal to her and her family, something they can all share. I think a personalized photo frame which they can put on their console table near the entry way will be ideal. It can be a focal point on the table and a sure conversation piece.

Aircraft Split in Half in Guyana

Just when passengers thought the plane had safely landed, the weirdest thing happened. Caribbean Airlines flight 523 had just touched down in Guyana coming from New York when the plane slid off to the end of the runway and passed through a chain-link fence. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, broke in half and almost fell in a deep ravine.

All 163 people on board survived. Officials from Trinidad and Tobago where the airline is based will be in Guyana today, Sunday, to investigate the crash.

Guyana's Cheddi Jagan International Airport was temporarily closed due to the crash but reopened later on Saturday.

Placenta - Will You Ingest It For Health Reasons?

I have been hearing tales about how some mothers would ingest their "cooked" or dried and encapsulated placentas to keep postpartum depression at bay. I have seen handmade soaps infused with placenta and I dare not ask if the placenta used is of human or animal. My stomach turns just by thinking about it.

I may be one of those with the faint heart and stomach. I think I cannot eat my own placenta inspite of the health benefits a lot of people claim about it. My personal opinion about placentophagia or the practice of eating the placenta is leaning towards the Hannibal Lector kind. So pardon me. I don't wish to offend those who have found this practice really helpful and beneficial health-wise.

Here are some health benefits of ingesting placenta which I scoured in the internet:

It replenishes nutrients lost during pregnancy because placenta has a high content of vitamins such as B6.

It curbs postpartum depression.

It aids in the production of milk.

Well, the health benefits are quite few but a lot of young mothers these days are trying this placentophagia. People justify this practice to be helpful to women who have given birth since other mammals do it too. 

No matter what Science or Medicine or other experts say about this practice, I don't think I can ingest mine. So, how about you?   

Ramadan 2011

Most people in this part of the world will be observing the holy month of Ramadan in a few days time. After staying here for the past 11 years, I have become accustomed to respect and follow the muslim tradition of fasting for several hours a day for a month (approximately 29 to 30 days) to teach them about humility, patience and enhance their spirituality.

The fasting begins at dawn until sunset. When the fast is over, muslims gather around for a feast which they call "iftar." Expatriates are exempt to do this fasting but are expected to respect the custom and tradition of the Middle East region during this holy month.

Earthquake Hits Luzon

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Luzon (NW of Olongapo city) today, 25 July 2011 at 17:15 hours. No casualties have been reported so far.

Bombing and Shooting in Norway

Norway is known for its low crime rate and a placid country. But yesterday, 22 July 2011, Oslo was rocked with massive bombing of a high-rise building which housed the office of the Prime Minister. Hours after the bomb attack was the shooting spree of a man disguised as a police officer in Utoya, an island youth retreat camp where a large number of youth were attending a Labor Party youth wing summer camp.

Witness accounts claim that the gunman beckoned the victims closer before shooting them one by one.  The same gunmen is being suspected as connected to the bombing in Oslo.

The fatality count has reached 91 as of today. Police are still scouring the waters around the island for any victims.

Offices and government agencies in Norway have put their flags half-staff to mourn the victims of this tragic event.

For more information on this news, please check this link: video news.

My Karate's a Bust

Remember my conviction to do karate despite of my age and health issues? Well, 1 month later, I still don’t know the steps. I’m still getting very dizzy with the movements and my very young karatekas are already in yellow belt while I still cannot master the fundamental steps – not one! And this is without any exaggeration.

So, much as to my family and friends’ dismay (including mine), I am withdrawing from the class. I don’t feel any regrets joining because it made me more flexible because of the stretches. I also have a new found great respect for the martial art. However, I have realized that my arms and legs (forget the mind!) coordination are way too bad. It struck me that I am not the sporty kind. I knew that then but this experience has cemented that fact.

I’ll just go back to jogging which I really enjoy but I am keeping my "Gi."

Borders to Close

I didn't know that Borders (one of my favorite bookstores in the world) is calling it quits. I read from Yahoo Finance that the 40-year old bookseller has filed bankruptcy last February. It will push through its liquidation plan up to September.

I am wondering if the Borders branches here in Dubai will also be affected since they are franchise of the beleaguered bookstore. I hope not because I love hanging out in that place. I really enjoy sitting in one of their couches and just reading stuff. I will be really sad if it closes down for good.

Living with Inconsiderate People

It is really difficult to enjoy a peaceful and stress-free life when you are surrounded by inconsiderate people 24/7. All I ever wish is go to work without any hassle and come home to a place where I can relax and enjoy the time away from work. However, these little "perks" I thought I will enjoy at home is ruined by others who are simply disrespectful and inconsiderate.

Inconsiderate people are those who make your smooth ride in life bumpy and chaotic.  They are those rocks along the street of life that you just want to kick on the side of the dirt road. If only you can do that in real life.

These are people who will really test your patience. They are the inconsiderate ones who are either rude in nature, simply ignorant and selfish, disrespectful and plain insensitive to others' right to a quiet, peaceful and private life. You meet them everywhere and if you're lucky, you may even live with one. 

I am fairly a patient and considerate person who will try to adjust and hold on my anger if I can. But sometimes, the calm waters are tested and your patience teetering to a snap. What do you do then?

There are ways to live your way around them if you have no choice like I do. Here are some tips I have employed to be able to go through life knowing that no matter what diplomacy and tactic I do to convey the message across, I will really still have to make an effort to work and live my way and life around them.

1. Ignore them.

This seems to be an easy thing to do but it's rather difficult especially if the person or people you find inconsiderate is or are actually living in the same place as you are. If you cannot afford to live solo then you might as well face the fact and try to live harmoniously with the person involved.

My principle in life is, anything that or anyone who causes me stress are simply wiped off my list of people I have to deal with. I just ignore them completely. It is the fair thing to do for yourself. Never mind them. 

2. Express your concerns to the person involved in a very diplomatic way.

I did this many times and the same inconsiderate person just keeps doing it over and over again. One reminder is fine, twice is okay but three times or more? It clearly shows the person involved is really mindless and does not care about you, let alone respect you. So practice rule # 1 now - ignore.

3. Put reminders everywhere to give consideration and respect to everyone.

It's like treating a small kid. You have to constantly remind them that they have an indirect obligation to other people too. If they are not dense and have a thin skull then they will get the message across. But if you're unlucky as I am, then go back to rule # 1 - ignore.

4. This is only for the brazen (like myself!). Confront with the intent to instill fear to the inconsiderate person. And be ready to face the consequences afterwards.

Since I have been dealing with the same riffraff at home for many years now, I have already lost track of the number of times I begged, pleaded, requested and reminded the inconsiderate person to practice respect and give consideration to others (And come to think of it, I am older than the person in question and respect is not given to me. Now you can imagine what type of person I am dealing with). None happened so I had to go to the mattress and fight the war. Yes, it will be an ugly scene at home and brace yourself because this act can actually ruin and sever the ties you have with the person involved. In my case, I could care less now. I can never associate myself with people who make my life a living hell. I deserve a peaceful day at home and if I have to fight for it, I will. Come on, I am the matriarch of the house and to be treated like this only shows that the person is truly hardcore inconsiderate and disrespectful person. Changing that person is like asking for snow in the Sahara.

Huge Marilyn Monroe Sculpture in Chicago

Photo credit: Yahoo.com - Getty Images

I saw the jellybeans portrait tribute to the great Marilyn Monroe in one of my friend's photos taken in the wax museum in London and now this - a huge sculpture! The famous grate stance where Marilyn's skirt (underpants and all!) was blown up by the steam is now a famous blown up sculpture standing at 26 feet tall. It is currently on display next to the Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I can't help but say, "I see London, I see France, I see one, big, giant Underpants!"

The statue was created by J. Seward Johnson in depiction of the famous scene of the screen goddess in the movie "Seven Year Itch."   A lot of comments about how creepy the sculpture is, are already circulating around the world wide web and media.

I don't know what to call the over-sized statue - sexist, tacky, tourist attraction, a tribute, iconic or you tell me.

Real Estate Leads in time of Recession

The economic doldrums must have been very difficult for the real estate industry and the real estate agents. Even the banks and property owners with house mortgages are not exempted from the bitter reality of the great recession of the 21st century.

While a lot of home owners, real estate builders and real estate agents suffered a big blow in this negative occasion, others thrived because of the money they have saved. This gives the thriving public purchasing power. Moreover, some real estate business still managed to perform as top producer 8i. Their listings of properties available for sale increased because of foreclosures and voluntary revocation in the part of the home owners.

Real estate companies have become very robust and creative with their marketing to attract buyers and real estate agent to sell on their behalf. Their goal is to stay afloat and dispose as many properties in their lists to the public. Despite the economic situation, it has brought about a window of opportunity for others to acquire these properties in a much lesser and affordable price.

The situation in the real estate industry is still very volatile. Real estate companies are still cautious with their future projects and keeping their business thriving in this harsh time.

Hollywood Stars' Downfall

A lot of Hollywood actors and actresses have been in the rehab at one point in their lives due to alcohol and substance abuse. The fast life and their money's easy access to illegal substance and superfluous alcohol are great contributors to some of the Hollywood stars' disgrace or worse, demise.

Tabloids published accounts of famous actors and actresses' out-of-control partying and drug abuse streaks. Internet searches on los angeles detox rehab spiked because of those bad publicity.

Young actors and actresses of today must set a good example and try to avoid the crooked paths their predecessors have taken. They must be wise and know that they cannot be on the top forever. Instead of doing drugs or partying like crazy or even drowning themselves in booze, they can sponsor worthy activities. They can support worthy causes, be young ambassadors of goodwill and save their hard-earned money too.

A Hollywood star's downfall is very certain if he or she does not have a strong moral stand on what is right and wrong. These actors and actresses are human beings too. They can make mistakes like all of us but they can certainly say "no" to bad vices just like anyone of us.

Picnik.com

My daughter discovered another photo editing site where we can tweak photos and enhance them too with doodles, artistic effects, frames, texts and other fun stuff.

Picnik.com is a free photo editing site. It also has lost of features if you want to become a premium member. Although the basic free features are enough to apply fun art on your photos.

Try it and have fun putting fancy stickers or arts on your photos.

High Tech Terminologies

All the high-tech terminology makes me one very perplexed person. I am not a very tech-savvy folk but I basically understand most part of what is being discussed in computers and other technology in general. However, there are still terminologies and acronyms which make me scratch my head. For example, wireless beacon, SSID, broadband, DHCP, ping, P2P, packet, meta data/file/tag, and many more.

The younger generation is more flexible and fast to pick up terminologies and acronyms and their meanings. I have to research in the internet to look for their meanings and to better understand where they are used in the tech world.

Non-practicing Nurse

I have a friend who is a registered nurse. I was a bit surprised to learn that she actually pursued the course because she was and still is afflicted with a heart ailment and asthma. I have seen her bouts with asthma and those were horrible. I felt so sad and sorry for her then.

So, I was really happy and surprised that she actually became a nurse. Albeit, she is a non-practicing professional who does not wear a nurse uniform as often as she would love.

I told her she can either continue her nursing degree by being a professor or a private nurse on call. At least that way, she can still practice what she learned from nursing school.

Why I Love Tulips

Photo credit: from a forwarded email

Tulips have a certain charm that I cannot shake off. I instantly fell in love with the flower the first time I saw a bouquet of tulips in a flower shop many years ago. I love the way the petals look like, broad and upward and forming a cup. The flower does not look very complicated at all. When you see one, you know it's a tulip because of the flower head, the tubular stem and the long narrow leaves.

Unlike other flowers out there, the tulips are simple and they don't possess any crinkly part in their botanical structure. It's a very stream-lined flower and that's why I love it so much. It's very easy and pleasing to look at.

Here are some information on tulips:

• Although it is widely associated to The Netherlands, tulips had been commercially cultivated in the Ottoman Empire and some vast arid areas of Africa, Asia and Europe.
• It belongs to the Liliacaea family in the botanical kingdom.
• It grows one flower per stem but some variations can have several flowers in one stem.
• It is a perennial plant which normally blooms during spring.

Gifts of Gratitude

My friends and I are throwing a farewell fete to our good friend Marie. I have mentioned in my previous post that she will be heading back to the Philippines to start a new life as an entrepreneur. We, her friends, are all excited for her because this is what she always wanted. There will be no more stress and reporting to authorities. Her life, her business, her time. That's the good part of her new endeavor.

We cannot let her go without giving her our thanks gifts. She wanted something to remember the UAE so we decided to get her a coffee table book about the country and a blow-up 30 x 40 picture of the five of us. Those are our token of appreciation for the gift of friendship she has given us.

c. riablahgs.com    Our gifts to Marie. We hope she will like them including the card I made.

Movie - Horrible Bosses

I haven't watched this movie yet. I actually haven't checked the cinema listings lately because I am too preoccupied with many other things than movies. But the title is a bit catchy and I am sure, a lot of people can relate to that!

Has anyone seen this movie already? Was it good? I heard it's a black comedy meaning, it employs sinister plots like death, warfare or even illnesses delivered in a comedic way.

The movie is directed by Seth Gordon (of Four Christmases) and stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston (who amazingly accepted the role of a maneater boss), Kevin Spacey, Collin Farrel and Jamie Foxx. Collin in a dark comedy? I better watch this!

New iPhone 5 Coming Soon!

My husband just gave me his old 3G iPhone because he bought an iPhone 4 only to realize that there will be a release of the iPhone 5 this fall.

I am a bit sad because my husband hasn't gotten used to his new iPhone 4 and a new one will come out very soon. I even haven't synched the old iPhone he gave me to customize it according to my preferences.

I instantly checked the veracity of the new iPhone 5 release and true enough, I read some articles already circulating in the world wide web that the new iPhone will be sleeker and lighter than the iPhone 4 release. Sources also indicate that the camera will be upgraded to 8 megapixels! That will be a superb smart phone which makes the other digital cameras pale in comparison.

So, with bated breath I will wait for the new iPhone 5. I won't buy it but will be curious of the design and features as opposed to the earlier releases.

Fostering Relationships and Partnerships

The present time where technology has bridged the gap of people has also paved way to making everyone's circle smaller. With the introduction of various social media and networking site in the world wide web, many single or seeking partners have more options and access to meeting new people who may become their lifetime partner in the future.

Location is no longer an issue when searching for a possible partner. The internet has given many people the decision to choose where they can meet their prospective partner. The person seeking for a partner can simply type information on search fields to get a result. For example, a single person from the UK prefers to meet singles in Los Angeles, then he or she can input matchmakers Los Angeles in the search field to yield some results. Some matchmaking sites offer free services and most sites offer tight security for members. The tight security measures is a way to ensure that people who are looking for partner will not end up with a felon or an offender.

Matchmaking sites are burgeoning communities for singles and other people who are looking for a long-term relationship or even for marriage proposals. It is a good avenue to meet people with similar interests as the one who seeks partners. The matchmaking sites foster relationships and partnerships for singles who prefer to meet other people through this medium. I think it is a good option to get to know more and not being limited to the circle of people one has. It gives one the opportunity to know the person already by checking the profile of the member. It eliminates the feeling of being stuck on a blind date that is not enjoyable or the date is not the person's preference. Single people can give this a try and see for themselves. 

Gifts for Guys

I admit, it's rather difficult to buy gifts for my husband and male relatives and friends because I find the choices very limited. Unlike gift-giving for girls, there are a myriad of items and themes to choose that buying women gifts make it a strenuous task. There are items out there to choose when presenting something to someone special in your life. The gift will vary according to the taste of the recipient and the budget of the giver.

When buying gifts for the male species, one must consider the person's favorites and preferences. For example, if you are giving a gift to your husband who is a football fanatic then the suitable things to consider are pertaining to football gifts like jersey shirts or signed/autographed football or even football paraphernalia.

If the person is the fashionable kind then a nice shirt or a matching tie or cuff links are good bets. I don't think shoes are good gift options because he may not like the style you will choose. A gift voucher will be more apt so he can choose what he likes.

If budget is not an issue for the gift-giver and the recipient is a tech savvy person then the latest iPad craze will be a good gift or smart phones or for the directional-challenged person, the GPS navigation system is a good choice.

What is Creatinine?

I brought this topic up because my mother underwent a blood work and the result was not very favorable on her creatinine level. The doctor said that we need to cut her meat intake especially the red ones and focus on foods like vegetables, fresh fruits and water.

So, as soon as I came back from my vacation, I researched what creatinine was all about and other measures to keep it on a normal and acceptable level.

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule from muscle metabolism. This is produced from creatine which is  imperative in energy production in muscles. Creatinine is transported to the bloodstream to the kidneys and the latter filters it out and release it as a by-product known as urine.

Beautiful Kitchen Sink

I have been looking around, snapping and collecting pictures of beautiful kitchens and the fixtures and appliances that will go with the plan. I saw this beautiful triple undermount sink and I knew that it would be the right kitchen sink for me.

I like the triple undermount sink because of its compartmentalized feature and the way I can organize my washing. I also don't like spills on the kitchen top so this kind of sink is the best for me. The price is a bit on the high end but given the clean cut and functionality, I think the amount of money paid for the sink is worth the investment.

Until We Meet Again

I will never get used to saying good byes nor farewells. It's not a happy feeling when you know someone so dear will leave you here. Although a part of me is sincerely happy for my friend's decision to go back home, I feel a tug in my heart because I will miss her company so much.

My good friend Marie of 8 years is finally saying good bye to us this 15th of July to pursue her dream of opening a business in the Philippines. We have talked about our dreams many times already and finally, she will be living her dream and seeing it fulfilled.

I am very happy that she will be free from the corporate bondage and do as she wishes without the authority of someone higher than her except our Almighty. I am equally excited because she always wanted to be a businesswoman and in few days, she will be one.

I know it's not good bye or farewell for us because we will see each other again soon. She lives near my place and we are in the same province in Bulacan. Although she will be away, I know the communication line will never sever.

I will miss you Marie. I will miss your hearty laugh and funny jokes. I will miss the words of wisdom and spiritual guidance you always impart but most of all, I will miss the sisterhood and friendship you unselfishly gave me, Glecy, Lizette and Grape.

So, I guess it is more apt to say... until we meet again. Take care and live your dreams!

Selling Gold

Times are hard and money is scarce. The market is still volatile so everyone must heed and take extra caution in investing and spending their hard-earned money.

There are other investors who still take their money to the gold and other precious stones industry. I noticed that here in the Middle East. Despite the recession, people are still packing inside the jewelry shop to buy gold and other precious stones. Others are going to the Buy and Sell Gold business to keep the money going especially those who have a big collection of gold jewelries.

I think it is a good investment to have gold and other precious stones in one's jewelry collection because you can sell or pawn them in case of dire financial need.

Back to Reality Again

I can't get used to the fact that vacations, no matter how good or bad they are, always have to come to an end. I barely felt the vacation leave I have because I attended to my mom's care. All my plans were derailed but I couldn't complain because I had to be there for my mom. 

The weather in the Philippines was not very cooperative. 5-days straight of torrential rain so as soon as the sun shone, my in-laws grabbed the only opportunity to take me around for a treat. I truly appreciate that gesture.

Well, tomorrow is another working day for me. It's what I call "reality bites and it bites me on my tushy!"