Loving Yourself

I used to believe that self-love is so narcissistic and egotistical. I realized not too long ago that loving yourself too is a healthy way to live a peaceful, positive and happy life.

I remember when I was still a kid, how I would allow people to berate and criticize me. Deep inside I knew they were wrong but I never stopped nor proved them otherwise. Then I noticed too how easily I could be pleased so when people hurt me, all they had to do was say they were sorry and everything would be okay.

I guess I was just timid and very trusting so people took advantage of me. Then I fell in love countless of times only to squeeze my love dry by people who didn't deserve the true me. I loved deeply but I was never loved back.

So, I ask myself, why do I let people hurt, criticize and berate me? They have to stop. One way of putting a dot on these hurts and pains is to love myself. Yes, it may sound so egotistical and arrogant too but you can do it in a modest way. I started believing in self-preservation. I don't spread my emotions thin anymore. I am well guarded knowing that I deserve to be loved and accepted for who I am without compromising my self-worth. I surrounded myself with positive people who would bring out the best in me. I started praying more and asking for God's grace and love because He has created me in His likeness. Anything and anyone created in His likeness is surely a beautiful creature. So am I.

I feel much better now because I love myself. If I don't...who else will?

Geocaching - The Modern Hide and Seek

Technology has really evolved much to my amazement. I was going through the internet to search for fun activities to do in the open and I stumbled upon geocaching. At the back of my mind ran thoughts of "what in the world is that?" kind of things. I only use cache word when I refer to the computer cache but cache in the activity world? This must be very interesting.

Well, to the layman like myself, geocaching is defined as an outdoor activity where participants use navigational tools like the GPS to hide and seek waterproof containers with logbook so the finder can sign it afterwards.

It is like a treasure-hunt in a way because you're using navigational tools to search for the cache. This is not confined to the USA only. It is also recognized in other countries and continent including Antarctica.

It seems like a very adventurous kind of activity. If you are interested to do this thing then you can search for geocaching websites. Be prepared to buy garmin chirp as one of the necessity to be able to effectively and successfully go through the elaborate high-tech hide and seek of the 21st century.

Hurricane Irene Hits Landfall

The much feared super hurricane Irene has set landfall today in the Eastern Seaboard of USA. More than 2 million people were advised to seek higher grounds and move to a safe place. New York City's subway station was shut down for the first time because of this natural disaster.

The angry storm is said to pack 100 mph of winds early today. North Carolina's coast has been affected already with power outages in some areas, some roofs ripped from warehouses and damaged buildings and trees. Witnesses report that a tornado might have been spawned by the super hurricane to cause the damages.

President Barak Obama has cut his vacation short and returned to Washington to address the people to act now before it is too late.

Hurricane Irene, so far, is the first to have caused this mass evacuation in New York, North Carolina, Martha's Vineyard in Mass., including New Jersey and Maryland's affected areas.

Fancy Things and the Eid Holiday

The rich and the richer are gearing their fancy cars again because the long holiday is upon us. Eid is just around the bend and a lot of people celebrate this in the Middle East region as a symbol of the end of Ramadan. The affluent people share their blessings and some drive around town with their new flamboyant toys, complete with high-end accessories like boss motorsports rims, interactive GPS, sunroof, high-tech keyless entry, and you name it. It is also during this time where they throw the old stuff or donate them to the less fortunate people and they change some of their belongings or upgrade them.

Eid is like Christmas for the people here in Middle East. They celebrate this with plenty of festivities. The locals share their blessings to the poor as well by putting up tent and hosting free meals to everyone. They donate to charitable institutions and support local fund drives in bazaars.

This is the season where the locals come out as a "renewed person" right after Ramadan where they observed fasting to know more about themselves and relieve their earthly connection with the material things and to restore their human composition to become a better person.

Eid Sale

I just came home from the mall. I went straight to the mall after work to pass away the time and the traffic during Ramadan.

I am a bit surprised to see major boutiques with price reduction and major sale. Normally, the sale happens during Eid or at least few days leading to the holiday. The sale is rather early this time so the malls can get more shoppers.

The sale signs are just everywhere, from shoes to perfumes to clothing to electronics and supermarket. The cigar and magazine shops also carried best cigar deals signs that I don't usually see.

I didn't come home empty-handed. I bought some grocery stuff, dog food, gym ball, skipping rope and an office wear. I wanted to buy clothes for my daughter but I held the thought because next week is the announcement of Eid so more shops will eventually mark their prices down. I will probably wait for that.

Health Benefits of Eating Cherry

www.riablahgs.com

The red and tart cherry has a number of health benefits. Cherries are natural source of the hormone melatonin which is a strong antioxidant. It also contains phenolic compounds that helps protect neurodegeneration.

Cherries have high contents of anthocynanins which help reduces inflammation. Daily consumption of cherries reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. These succulent fruits are also great in aiding sleep and preventing memory loss.  It is also high in fiber so it reduces the risk of colon and rectal cancer and other diseases relative to the digestive tract.

Weight Loss Goal

I am not sure what happened to my weight loss goal this year but it's already the 3rd quarter of 2011 and I am heavier than ever.

I cannot pinpoint the exact reason why I cannot lose weight like I used to. I am thinking whether something is wrong with my thyroid. I know someone who was bigger than me and lost weight without even trying because she had hyperthyroidism. I may have the hypo kind.

I am still exercising regularly although not as intense like my prior workouts because it is terribly hot here and I am getting light-headed. 

My intention to shed the fats this year is still a primary goal. I may need the best weight loss pills in the market if I want to do this fast. However, I am considering my hypertension too. I cannot take medication of any supplement just like that without consulting the physician.

Why is weight such a troublesome issue to tackle? I keep wondering why we were not made with a different setting so when we want to go fuller size, we just press a button and we get a bit chubby. Press another button if you want to be svelte and voila! I hope we were all made like that.

Quake Hits U.S. East Coast

A magnitude of 5.9 quake rattled the east coast side of U.S. today at 1.51 p.m. EDT. The earthquake was centered Northwest of Richmond, Va. It shook Washington D.C as well and evacuation was conducted on the White House, Capitol and part of the Pentagon.

The rambling was felt as far as Rhode Island, New York City and Martha's Vineyard in Mass. where the US president is vacationing.

No casualties has been reported.

To be or not to be, that is the question

I cannot believe I have been feeling (and actually prolonging the agony) like this towards my career for more than 3 years. I posted this last February 29, 2008. I was just searching for some interesting articles I have written in the past and I stumbled upon this post. Weird!

I am re-posting this for old time's sake. Nothing has changed though. I am still feeling restless but cannot do anything about how I feel because of the recession and the fear of not being able to put food on the table when I actually resign.

~oOo~

8.5 hours each day multiply to 5 days in a week, multiply to the number of days I need to go to work is equals to a big number, a number which represent how I feel about work in general. I have been working for the last 16 years and still have not amassed a fortune. I managed to save some dough and invested some here and there. We’ve been to places we never thought we would see. We live a rather comfortable life much to my amazement. Yet, 16 years seem to be a very long time for someone like me who is getting very antsy sitting on a day job for 8.5 hours, 5 days in a week.

I want to get out of this routine desk job and try other things like learning a new language, enrolling in computer classes, travel more and shop less (if in case I do get my chance of freedom from bondage, I will then become a penny-pincher), spend more time with my family, read more books, rest and relax more often and just simply be a wanderlust.

I know work gives me the power to do and buy the things I want. Lately, it’s not the case anymore. Some things in life are absolutely free only if I have the time to do those things. I thought money is the be all and end all of everything. Yes it does bring good opportunities to have the power to buy stuff but it doesn’t buy the time and happiness one person want actually.

I have thought about this million of times. I still end up wondering if I need to change my career or not. The company is not the problem. As a matter of fact, I am employed by one of the most prestigious companies in the world and somehow the desire to be there has diminished. I “like” the company but the work I do is no longer giving me the level of satisfaction I require to keep the “spark” alive. I tried to psych myself everyday and say a lot of affirmation but the feeling is nagging intensely and I should heed.

This leaves me in a dilemma on whether to stay in the workforce or do something else. I am caught in the middle right now. I just pray that the time comes and the sign which I asked from Above will present itself to me in due course. I bet even Hamlet had a hard time figuring things out as he quipped “To be or not to be, that is the question.” And so, I am asking the same thing…

(Image courtesy of www.cepr.org)

Health Nut - Avoid The Bad Snacks

Two of the worst snacks in the world are chips and soda or those fizzy drinks. They are very high in sodium and sugar which are bad for one's health and weight.

If you are craving for sugary food and empty-nutrient chips, instead, snack on crunchy baby carrots, cucumber slices or throw in some celery sticks for good measure.

Drink green tea instead and enjoy it hot or cold. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to your beverage, just add a teaspoon of honey.

Term Life Insurance for the Future

I am not getting any younger. I told myself that by the end of this year or at least by the first quarter of 2012, I have already acquired a term life insurance for my family.

I have been postponing this plan due to circumstances beyond my control. I already allocated my budget for the purchase of an insurance this year but my brother became unemployed. After that, my mother got ill so I had to send money back home. I closed some of my cards and the cost of living here in Dubai tripled!

I am scrimping again so I can save enough money to buy the insurance that will secure our future. I just hope that the premium will not be exorbitant considering the age factor.

Some Me Time

I used to enjoy my "me time" whenever my family is in Manila for a vacation. Today is different. I managed to accomplish a lot in my to-do list today while my husband is back in Manila to fetch our daughter. I noticed that it's very quiet at home.

I think I am coming out of my shell now. I am a loner but I think I don't like to be one anymore. I just miss the squabbles and bickering I have with my daughter. I miss picking after my husband and daughter's mess (add our dog Millie too!). There's no one to talk to. I just stare at Millie, watch some boring re-runs and watch the fish swim.  Honestly, I thought I would become an hermit one day but deep inside I just realized, it's not fun being alone. While I enjoy some "me time" on shopping and beauty and spa sessions, I still want the company of my family and friends. I miss the fun, the loud noise which drives me up the wall, the mess here and there. I miss the "normal" life I have.

So, I guess I will have to bear this quiet time for few weeks until the "riot" (read:  father and daughter tandem = mess and a lot of noise at home = NORMAL LIFE) comes back.

Poor Mobile Reception

There are 2 communication provider in this country. I have been a user of provider number 1 for 11 years. So far, the only complaint I have with that service provider is their poor customer service.

I recently bought a sim card from provider number 2 because of their low international call rate promos. I took the bait, hook, line and sinker. I thought, it would be okay because I didn't want to use the landline at home to call my family in the Philippines.

I am quite upset with the reception. I think they need to install more cell booster antenna around the city and the nearby residential areas. I had to stand close to a window or go out of our veranda just to get a decent signal. I am not sure if the reception is really bad or they need more boosters. What ever the case is, I hope they upgrade their service fast so I don't end up looking for a good spot to make a decent call.

Information on Thyroid Imbalance

Thyroid imbalance is a type of a thyroid problem. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the two types of thyroid imbalance.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much hormones and the opposite of that is the hypothyroidism.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the following:
shakiness
weight loss
feeling hot all the time
depression
hair loss
rapid heartbeat

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are the following:
forgetfulness
weight gain
inability to lose weight
overeating
brittle hair
hair loss
depression
cold extremities
high cholesterol
sleep apnea

Planning a European Trip

It's still early to decide what to do on my 40th birthday but I am considering a European trip with my family for a week in April. Although my birthday is in March, my daughter's spring break will be in April.

I am thinking of themes to do for my 40th birthday trip. One recurring thought comes to mind - seeing the beautiful tulips in full bloom in Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. I have been imagining the colorful vista in my head already. My decision is leaning towards the trip than a party bash or a birthday Louis Vuitton bag.

My travel bug is biting me again and I have always dreamed of seeing the wonderful Keukenhof, the windmills, the beautiful canals of Amsterdam, the Edam cheese factory and the tiny village of Madurodam. I may throw in a side trip to Belgium since it is close by and is also a part of the Schengen.

I am already looking for budget hotels and transportation available in Netherlands should I decide to take the Belgium side-trip. My husband has a relative in Denmark so we may also squeeze a day or two there before flying back to Dubai.

My 40th birthday will probably be a trip to Europe. I'll narrow down the options before the year ends and once I have my daughter's school time table for 2011-2012.

Europe, here we come!!!

Stamp for My Handmade Card Logo

One of my favorite pastime is creating cards for my family and friends. I have been doing this for sometime now. I also created a special logo for my creation but printed it on labels with adhesives.

There are few stamp makers here in Dubai which can customize your order. I once asked for a quote and was a bit disappointed because for my 2cms x 2cms stamp design, the price was quite exorbitant. I am still scouting for Self-inking Stamps that can be customized to accommodate my design in a more reasonable price. I am willing to pay 50$ below but more that that is a rip-off.

Low Salt Intake and a Healthy Heart

Photo credit: examiner.com

The body can only take so much sodium in the system. Too much of the salty, processed and sodium-laden food is very detrimental to one's health.

A human can only consume around 1,500 mg of sodium to be in the normal level. When the consumption is beyond that, there will be health risks involve like hypertension. Hypertension, when not treated and controlled, will lead to heart diseases and stroke.

One way of regulating the intake of sodium is to read labels when buying food in the grocery. Avoid putting too much salt while cooking. Use herbs to spice up your food instead. Avoid processed and canned goods because they are high in sodium. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in fibre and potassium.

Recycling Your Magazines and Newspapers

I have the bad habit of buying magazines and newspapers every chance I get. I just keep them stacked in my bookshelves. Even my magazine display rack is not enough to hold the number of magazines and newspapers I have collected over the years.

So, I decided to leave some magazines by putting them on the coffee table for our guests to read. The newspapers came very handy too in terms of using them as glass cleaners and counter top wiper. In all fairness, the newspapers did a good job making my sliding doors clean and shiny and I didn't have to buy any glass cleaner. Just a bit of soap and water and the good old newspaper trick.

The rest of my magazine collection is under my bed to add more support on the pillars. And I have already made up my mind that come I will be giving them to the recycling experts.

Autumn is Coming

The hot season will soon come to a halt as we welcome with open arms the coming of autumn. Though, not weather-wise yet.

I am feeling some changes on the weather where it is normally hot becomes a bit breezy. I find that bizarre because late July up to August is the peak of the summer heat here in the UAE. Last week, it was cloudy on some days and you could actually feel the welcoming breeze we all missed. Some plants in the Dubai municipality areas have been replaced with a the kind that thrives on colder season. The dates are well-riped. Humidity is still bad but becoming bearable. And this is my favorite part, the shops or boutiques have already changed their collections from summer to autumn. Most of the summer collection have been put on major sale.

I reckon it won't be long and we will be feeling the nice, cool breeze of fall. My warm clothes are just within reach :)

Jewelry for Masons

If college alumni have their college rings, the same goes with Masons. They are a fraternal organization which helps foster communal unity and provides charitable services and donations to some organizations whether they are Masonic in nature or not.

Members of the Freemasons wear their masonic jewelry which shows the various signs and emblems of the group. Although it is not a mandatory requirement to wear their masonic jewelry, many Masons prefer to show their allegiance to the group by sporting the various masonic jewelry they can purchase or have custom-made.

Book Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

The title of the book is very captivating. So, I ordered a paper-back copy of this wonderful book of and I am amazed by how beautiful and effortlessly funny the author delivered his story from the eyes of a young boy until his adult years. 

The author’s rendition of his life with an alcoholic father and the discoveries he had about him and his very own spirituality is very poignant. I was deeply moved by the drama of his life that I felt his sadness when he related his yearning for his father’s affection and approval. I felt his confusion about the emotional detachment he got from his own father and for a young boy. That was a breaking point in his growing years. I cried with him in all his miseries and emotional turmoil only to know that in the end, he never knew how his father felt about him. I was moved by how his relationship with Christ went to oblivion because of his own fears and hurts. And I am elated to know that in the end, his life came in full circle – filling the huge gap in his heart with the love of Christ.

Ian has captured my heart with his honest and vulnerable emotions coping with an alcoholic father and fighting his own destructive self. I like how he puts his feelings in every word written on this book to share to his readers. I definitely recommend this to everyone. It is a great enlightenment to one’s inner spirituality and beliefs.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GSIS Anomaly in the Local Government

The Government Service Insurance System or GSIS is the government body in the Philippines which provides and administer the insurance benefits of the government employees.

My mother was an government employee-retiree. She retired after almost 40 years in service last 2007. However, up until now, she still has not received her retirement benefits nor any social security disability entitlements.

I saw in the news a while ago that the local municipality where she used to work is being investigated for anomalies regarding the GSIS contributions of the staff. It was about the Caloocan City Mayor Recom Echeverri's failure to remit more than 37 million pesos worth of employees' contributions.

I hope this gets resolved fast because my mom needs her money and so are the others who rendered their service for many years. They deserve to be paid for all their labor.

iPhone Applications

The iPhone is such a versatile mobile/smart phone. You can do so many things and download plenty of applications which suit your lifestyle and preference.

I have recently discovered so many functional applications I can use in line with my work and other personal requirements. Those applications are under productivity category. There are more in the Apple App store than just the productivity category. 

You can browse through the various categories in your iPhone's app store and search for free apps if you prefer to not pay. Not only that, some apps have trial offer so you can try them first before you decide to purchase them.

I am fond of the games and other lifestyle apps you can find in the iPhone app store. Although my iPhone is a second hand from my hubby, I try to weigh things first before I download an app. Not all these applications will be used regularly so I only download and use the ones I think will make my life more fun.

So, if you have an iPhone, iPad or even an iPod, check the myriad of choices in your app store and see what you can download for your personal and professional use.

Child Fashion Muse - Is it Bad or Good for Fashion?

I don't know what to think or say when I saw a picture of a 10-year old girl, dressed up way beyond her years with full make-up on in high-killer heels. While I admire the artistry of the photography but the theme was a bit disturbing. It's like making a Lolita out of the 10-year old French kid named Thylane Lena Rose Blondeau.

I am not a prude or righteous but this is why kids these days act and think funny. The fashion industry is playing with the very vulnerable minds of the youth because of what they splash on the covers of their fashion magazines. Vogue is an example. Not only that, the photo which is now circulating all-over is an easy access to the sick people of the world.

Plenty of people are justifying the photos, saying it is done for fashion purposes. But a lot of people feel and think otherwise. Let's use our common sense, shall we? I am a woman and seeing those pictures will not make me buy those clothes, shoes and make-up especially if they are worn by a 10-year old kid. What was the aim of that? Fashion pushing the boundaries or the industry just lacks the moral obligation to send correct signals?

I personally feel and think that this is tad disturbing and downright scary in a sense that Vogue has just sexualized the youth. The 10-year old model looked very adult in a pose that I cannot describe whether it is being "suggestive" or something. I certainly don't want to entertain other thoughts than to feel bad for this kid and how her parents let her pose like this. Not only that, I scoured the internet too for other articles about this kid and I even saw her in a half-naked picture. What is going on there? I wonder!

Now, the big debate is how young is too young to become a model? Is the fashion scene taking this lightly or the industry have no regards to a young person's well-being, speaking in a "normal" context. Shouldn't we be protecting the kids and their welfare and realize that there are psychos out there? This cover-shoot has just ignited some flames and I don't think it's good.

It frightens me to pick up the magazines these days. What will I see next? Babies in their birthday suits on the covers of famous fashion magazines? Now, that's crossing the line!

Favoritism at Work

If you are not in the receiving end of this vicious practice, then it must be so painful and frustrating to be in the place where you are. I am in that boat right now where I try so hard to ignore the signs of favoritism even when it is manifesting itself in several ways right under my nose. Sometimes, I still justify the situation and the favored person but after today, I will not have any of those lame excuses.

Favoritism can be both positive and negative practice. It is positive when you are the favored one but it is a harrowing experience if you're the least liked person in the office especially by the honchos. Being the favored one means you get special treatment, can get off-the-hook when you mess up work, recognize for your work and effort (or even the lack of those), get the edge in promotions, be heard and improve your self worth. If you're in the same category as I am then you might as well kiss your career aspirations good bye!

It is hard to prove yourself to people who don't like you much as you try to swim upwards in that languid place. I have tried that plenty of times that I lost count already. All I have been doing is try and try but I can't get their nod. It is like a heavy burden on my shoulder to carry around. If you're not the favorite one, chances are, you are not treated fairly and properly, you don't get the thumbs of approval from the bosses and you will never go anywhere vertically. It's just sad and painful too.

I pray that the people who are seating in those positions will be intelligent and professional enough to restrain showing their favoritism. I wish managers are sensitive enough to distinguish what is proper and not when it comes to showing their favoritism. I do understand that sometimes it gets so overwhelming that their cup runs over but hard-working people like myself deserve the recognition and respect just as any other individuals in the office. And just because I don't belong to the rubbing-elbow league of the company, doesn't mean I cannot be treated with a little respect. Sometimes I wonder if managers really know their roles and the meaning of "managing" by heart and virtue?