Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Beautiful Christmas (with a dash of wildness and a bit of craziness) with my girl friends!

My girl friends and I planned last October that we'll have a retro-themed Christmas party but it was not push through for some reasons . Last Christmas eve we met and noticed that we still have a theme for our party- sexy sleepwear theme...LOL! Here we are:

I'm just exaggerating on the sleepwear thing but I just came up with that idea because of the mattress we prepared . My girlfriends were planning to sleep over in the house and the event is closest to a pajama party. Whadyathink?


We spend our Christmas with so much glee as we played, chat and laugh around. We felt blessed amidst the meager food that we had (at least no one was slaved in the kitchen while everyone else enjoys a glass of red wine and cake). With so much joy in our heart the evening was celebrated like a festive feast . Even for a night we treasured the Christmas break from the usual chaos.

Can you believe that at that night we're brought back to our childhood years as we played luksong-tinik (Jump over Thorns) ? We felt so much younger as we played the crazy stunts of carrying a piece of straw between our pouted mouth and nose, inserting it into a small slot, taking it back and passing it to one another?


In Luksong Tinik (Jump over Thorns), the players are divided into two equal teams. Two players are chosen as mothers of the teams. The rest of the players are children. The mothers are supposed to be high jumpers, for the object of the game is for players to able to jump the height of the hands placed one on top of the other without touching them.

The first to jump will be decided by the mothers, who toss a slipper or wooden shoe. The mother who wins the toss will have the first jump, and the other team players will be the taya (on base).

Two players on the base will sit facing each other with their right feet touching. The jumpers jump over the feet. Then one hand is placed above the feet with palms and fingers open, then another, and so on until all the fingers are piled one on top of the other. Before an additional hand is placed all the players must have jumped over the file. Oftentimes, the hand of another player is placed at the gap to prevent the jumpers from jumping over it. Sometimes, five hands are used and a fourth player is called upon to fill the file of the hands.

When the jumpers jump over the hands without touching the hands with any part of their body, or dress, the game is repeated and they will be the jumpers again. If the mother's "children" (rest of the team) touch the hands while jumping over them, its is considered a "fault" (an error), and the mother will jump for them. But if it is the mother who fails, then the team will have to take the place of the team on base.

Can you see the straw? They said that even on carrying crazy stunts I could still remain demure...LOL! I was trying to take back the straw by inserting it between my upper lip and nose. What a wild ordeal!!!

Passing on the straw to another player just using the pouted mouth !

To my girl friends, thank you so much for your friendship. It isn't often that I say this, but I wanted to thank you all for being such good friends. You are always around when I need you, always willing to listen when I need to talk, and always ready to organize something fun when I need a break. You are one of the most important people in my life, and when I count my blessings I always think of you. You were always around to lend a hand and tell a joke. I appreciate that more than you know.

Thank you again for being such great persons and wonderful friends- Ren, Faith, Grace, Sugar, Belle, Ate Gigie and Ate Eng (the last 2 friends were not in the photos).

By the way, next Christmas can we wear dereon clothing? These clothes aren't expensive like alternative brands of garments that cater to hip hop wear. Celebrity singers like Beyonce Knowles and Tina Knowles have started this clothing line in 2006 solely for women. The Dereon clothing is female and trendy as it's created mainly for women. These garments are impressed with the road fashion also because the ramp fashion and hence are the mix of each these cultures.



Here are a few pieces from the House of Dereon line. What do you think?

Incidentally, I really loved the shoes featured.



Her and History

A happy and beautiful Christmas with Hyzyd

How's your Christmas? We don't have Christmas vacation in here that's why I took the liberty of having my offline vacation- giving myself a break from blogging and facebooking. I even don't allow myself to even check my email! I devoted my time with my family, my friends and with God. I'm even thankful that I don't have online tasks last week so that I won't be forced to work.

On December 24, our school allowed us to enjoy the day so we're off from duty but for my hubby's side, they're having classes because they had a break starting December 27 until January 3, 2011. So I decided to have a date with Hyzyd, my lovable tyke. I brought him to Carrefour (Hatyai's French international hypermarket chain) and let him play at their Skippy's Wonderland.

Our day out won't be complete without him riding on his fave car

Hyzyd's checking out the colorful chipmunks

He's having a great time tapping the chipmunks that pop out the holes!

A happy child deserves a Happy Basket Ice-Cream from Swensens!


Mmmmmmm yummmyyyyyyyyy!!!


I am a working mom and my husband works too. We make sure that we give our baby a quality time as much as we can. I was glad that on that day, Hyzyd was entertained especially now that he's more curious and active. He's growing fast and learning a lot. His happiness is what matters to us.

It's indeed a happy and beautiful Christmas!
Her and History
Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Blessed night with the awe-inspiring family and friends

A week ago we hit the 33rd floor of Lee Garden's Plaza Hotel for their sumptuous sky buffet with our pastor and his wife. My latest photo in my FB account was about that wonderful night as you can view here (that is if we're friends there..he..he...). Last night, we bobbed up in this popular sky buffet for the second time this month to meet a dear family who has been a blessing to me in special ways. They seldom breeze in Thailand because of their hectic schedules but finally after three years since I met them, we find time to meet again. If it's not for FB (and my sneaking around it on my lunch break...he..he...) I would have missed this meeting.

Meeting Ate Janet is like meeting an older sister which I never had. She's always that friendly and accommodating that will make you feel at home in an instance. She's one of the reasons why I started blogging because she's a living proof that you'll earn thousands of dollars with it. Imagine earning about $3,000 in a year (just in her first year of getting paid to blog) ! When could I ever earn extra like that? I have high respect on how she managed her earnings online and was motivated to follow what she'd started- investing for family travel abroad like in Hong Kong Disneyland and purchasing Nikon D90 just to mention a few.



That night was more delightful because all of my girl friends were also there. It happens that most of them were Ate Janet's friends back in Philippines or had met them already.


Thanks Ate Mimi for this beauteous folding fan. You may think that it's not an appropriate gift this rainy season, but don't worry it will surely serve its purpose few months from now before we know it..he..he...


Truly time flies swiftly. Schenker was just a toddler and Samantha was just a baby the last time I saw them but look at them now! They're such sweet darlings. Their giggles that night remind me that we're in a happy place.

Ate Janet, Kuya Peter, Schenker and Sam, thank you so much for the blessed night we had with you. Your investment in time, money and presence are worth more than the silver bars that this world could offer. We hope we could see you again and that time it would be our opportunity to invest to a wonderful family like yours. Have a happy trip going back to Kuala Lumpur. Stay blessed!


Her and History
Saturday, December 18, 2010

Grab your FREE Christmas Printables HERE to save your Christmas and to keep your kids entertained!



My siblings in Philippines have already finished their Christmas party and all 10 of them are home for holidays! That's what we missed in Philippines- Christmas time is family time!

I wonder how my mom would entertain my siblings throughout the Christmas period. And YOU, how do you keep your children entertained throughout the Christmas period?

I have a perfect solution for you- Christmas Printables! All you need to have is a printer and a paper. Your children will look forward to each activity that you have printed out especially for them.

I just received in my email Python's printable Christmas Games MEGA-Pack with over 70 games-party games, crafts and coloring, Trivia Games and Word Games! Let me share to you some funny and clever games they could offer:

  • Christian Christmas Shop-a-thon. This Christmas gift exchange game involves Bible verses that lets participants interpret Bible quotations in choosing their special something to buy. You simply draw names, then draw from the Christian Christmas Shop-a-thon's stack of Bible verses cards. Whatever verse you pick dictates what gift you buy to the person whose name you drew. For instance, "I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck " (Ezekiel 16:11). You could take this literally and buy jewelry - a bracelet or a necklace. Isn't it a unique way to exchange gift? Plus, it's fun!

  • Christmas Printable Paper Dolls- This winter-themed paper dolls will surely bring a smile to your little girls and... mine too! It made me feel a yearning for the simpler childhood that I used to have. Can you believe that my golden age of 29 doesn't stop me to print the seven pages of different clothes and accessories to color, cut out and try on the doll. I LOVE this set and so your girls! Print this and you'll have contented happy girls at the end of the day.

  • Camel Race Bible Trivia Questions Game. How to make Bible trivia more fun for the kids this Christmas? Teach by stealth with this UNIQUE giant printable board game! The kids become the Wise Men's camels in a race for the finish line at Bethlehem. Along the way, they answer simple Christmas Bible trivia quizzes. Fun for players and anybody watching! Watch the smile on your child's face as they accomplish each activity and game. This game is designed to entertain kids aged six-eleven years who study the Bible. It's a great way to encourage our kids to read the Bible.
These three Christmas printable games were just few of the offerings that has been heaven sent to parents through Python's Printable Games.

By playing their games and completing daily activities aimed at keeping your child's interest will continue to develop your child's education and social characteristics throughout the Christmas holidays.

You can be assured that the activities and games provided have targeted your child's attention span and will peak their interest while performing each activity.

Printable online activities and games for children has been a welcome addition to this Christmas season for parents and their children. They will help us having Christmas Quality Time. Imagine your whole family getting together and having fun together playing the printable games.
You can get kids away from the TV and computer because you're having fun in a good old fashioned way. When the kids say "I'm bored what can I do?" You'll have the perfect solution. These games are all that you'll need to entertain kids at your Christmas Party. Kids will think they are just having fun but these are quality, educational activities that will have them learning, thinking and creating while they have fun.

I assure you that even the adults will enjoy these children's Christmas games. Grab now your FREE Fun Printables (just click the link) to save your Christmas and to keep the kids entertained. They will thank you for it.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Her and History
Sunday, December 12, 2010

Show Appreciation

When you show appreciation, you're doing God's work! We think wonderful things about people but we don't tell them. Appreciation only works when you express it! A psychologist interviewed the son of a successful business tycoon. The boy had refused to take over the family business after his dad's death, even though it would have made him very rich. The boy explained: 'You don't understand the relationship I had with my father. He was a driven man who came up the hard way. His objective was to teach me self-reliance, and he thought the best way to do it was never to encourage or praise me. Every day we played ball in the yard. The idea was for me to catch the ball ten straight times. I'd catch it eight or nine times, but always on the tenth throw he'd do everything possible to make me miss it. He'd throw it on the ground or over my head so I'd no chance of catching it.' Then he paused tearfully and said, 'That's why I have to get away; I want to catch that tenth ball!' This young man grew up feeling he could never be good enough to please his father. Sound familiar?

The Bible says, 'Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad' (Proverbs 12:25 NKJV). So, show appreciation.

Happy Sunday to all!

Her and History

Are you into online dating?

I got friends who lead busy and hectic lives that finding the time to meet people to date is very hard. It's the reason why they turn to online dating . Online dating services offer a convenient way to meet potential dating partners (like Fort Wayne singles) at their own pace and comfort level. I haven't tried it so I asked some of them to give me few benefits of online dating. Here's what I got:

1. Online dating services offer you the chance to meet potential dating partners at your own pace and schedule. You have control over how fast you want the relationship to develop and you can make your own decision when you are ready for a face-to-face meeting.

2. When you sign up for an online dating service you will be part of a group of like-minded people. You know you are in a group of people who are looking to date, and that is not always so easy to tell when you are going about your every day life.

3. Online dating services provide you with a profile. When you fill out your profile you have the ability to express who you are and showcase your qualities. This isn't as easy to do in person sometimes, so this is another great benefit of online dating.

4. Another great benefit to online dating is it gives you the opportunity to really specify the exact type of person you are looking for. You can indicate this in your profile and should help to attract people with whom you share common interests, goals and preferences.

Online dating services offer a lot of advantages to the busy person trying to date. Online dating gives you a lot of control and choice and you can go at your own pace. Online dating really is convenient and can be quite enjoyable.

Her and History

Caregivers need cares and appreciation too!

I have friends who took up caregiving courses because they wanted to go to London or Canada as caregivers. More gainful employment opportunities await Filipino caregiver as the demand for their services continues to rise abroad. Am I tempted to be a caregiver? I'm not. The job of the caregiver can be challenging and exhausting. Burnout can easily result.

I've watched the movie "Caregiver" - movie's focus is on a woman who leaves her country to work in London as a Caregiver and shows the realities of caregiving.The job of the caregiver is overwhelming-trying to balance their workload loads leads to stress and exhaustion. No wonder my caregivers friends seem to be tired all the time. They said some of their friends even shows possible signs of depression! Who won't? Some works so hard but never heard any appreciation.Some feel very used and put upon. It is important for them to protect their own well being and not let anger get out of control. Depression treatment like dual diagnosis can be extensive with professional care. Or may be addressed with simple common sense measures. Other than just words of appreciation, here are some ways that may provide help for depression:

1. Admit that you are struggling and can not carry the load. Set pride aside. Set guilt aside
2. Stay in communication with the family. Find others to talk about your feelings and fears.
3. Stay socially involved. Don't become socially isolated.
4. Make rest a priority. Schedule time off. Insist on replacements.
5. Do not add low priority complications to your life.

Just living with depression is not the answer. When the caregiver does not take care of themselves, health and mental attitude may start to slip. Depression can sneak up and cause significant damage. If you have caregivers in your house taking care of your elderlies, don't forget to show them that you are grateful for all they do. They're human too and need care and appreciation as much as we need .


Her and History

What Causes Cancer?

The following are ordinary household items that have come under scrutiny for they've been linked to cancer at some point during the past several decades:

1. Artificial sweeteners
2. Mouthwash
3. Statins- cholesterol-lowering drugs
4. cell phones
5. Antiperspirant and Deodorant
6. Bras
7. Hair Dye

These 7 strange cancer claims were thoroughly explained here.


Her and History
Saturday, December 11, 2010

You're welcome to our apartment!

If you plan to have your holiday here in Thailand specifically here in Hatyai City please don't hesitate to ask me where you could find cheap apartments, self catering apartments, or luxurious apartments as well.

If you don't mind I could offer you our place. Our place could be considered self catering apartment. You have the option of eating out or cooking your own meal. In Hatyai City, you'll literally find nice and cheap restaurants on every corner, and that'll give you great opportunities to taste the local cuisine. But should you fancy an even cheaper meal, you can prepare it in the privacy of our self catering apartment...he..he... And maybe try out some local recipe by buying locally grown produce at the nearest super market - which by the way is cheap as well.

If you don't want to cook yourself but simply want to relax and enjoy your holiday, our humble kitchen facilities could serve you anytime you need a cold or hot drink. You can keep a small stock of delicious snacks, should you feel peckish late at night or between meals coz we have cupboards.

To all my marces, our apartment is open for you to lay your hat while enjoying and exploring the beautiful city of Hatyai.

Her and History

10 Reasons why I love our place

After the flood, my co-teachers asked me if I had plans to move since our place is one of the areas that is badly damaged and where water is so high. My answer is no. Why? Because of the following reasons:

1. the rental fee is cheaper compared to other apartments. WE couldn't find another apartment with two rooms and two bathrooms , spacious backyard and garage that cost as cheap as ours.
2. kind landladies. They treat us like their children.
3. free cable TV connection (though its service is inferior compared to Bell Télé - Canada's leading digital TV provider with the best HD service, the most HD channels and the latest blockbusters On Demand)
4. quiet neighborhood
5. we got Filipino friends nearby
6. it's near to Hyzyd's babysitter's place
7. we got a wet market nearby
8. flood doesn't hit this place every year
8. we got space for hubby's plants and orchids
10. we felt at home


Her and History
Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tiecoon's Giveaway by Kero's Celebration

It's Christmas time already and blogosphere is celebrating this jolly season with lots and lots of giveaways! One of them is the Tiecoon's Neckties giveaway hosted by Kero's Celebration.

Why do I get interested with neckties? My partner is a government high school ESL teacher and they're required to wear long sleeves with neckties. Since two years ago, ties became my hubby's staple accessories. He's already accustomed to wearing neckties everyday and it seems that his suit would not be perfect without neckties. If ever I would be one of the lucky winners for this giveaway, I'm already eyeing for these three sets of Jon vanDyk Neckties from Tiecoons.com:

This solid black tie with repeating geometric woven pattern would be perfect for his patterned shirts.

Gold herringbone striped necktie with sky blue, royal blue and orange detailed stripes



Pink herringbone striped necktie with sky blue and royal blue detailed stripes


The two patterned ties would be excellent to adorn my hubby's white shirts. Why golden/yellow and pink shades? These colors has significant meaning. Yellow is HM King Bhumibol's favorite color. On the King’s birthday (last December 5) most people will try and wear yellow during the day and of course, they will have the yellow flag flying wherever they can.

Pink became popular when the king left hospital about two years ago after his illness, looking frail in a bright pink blazer. Within hours, pink shirts were on sale across the country and were being worn in their thousands to show solidarity and to help the king's recovery. Wearing pink, the Thais said, would bring the king good fortune and good health, a sentiment that still seems to rule as there are still days when the streets are a sea of pink.

What are you waiting for? Join the Tiecoon's necktie giveaway and head over to Kero's Celebration site for more details and mechanics of the giveaway.


Her and History
Sunday, December 5, 2010

Who needs rapid detox?

WE like it or not, we're getting older. When we get old our inner organs can't perform that much . That's why we need to detox our body with a natural and in home remedies-natural cleanser like fruits and vegetables. But for those people who wanted to free themselves from the clutches of drug and/or alcohol addiction, simply quitting isn’t enough, because the body craves the substance. All they need to do is rapid detox.

Rapid detox is not for all cases, but it is particularly helpful in opiate withdrawal. Quick detox is intended for patients who are fighting the clutches of dependence on opiate drugs, such as heroin, opium, methadone and Oxycontin. The symptoms of drug withdrawal are sometimes worse than the disease itself, so the reason why treatment centers may opt for rapid detox is to lessen the withdrawal, or in some cases eliminate the symptoms altogether. The detox process would otherwise take five to seven days, in some cases, and the patient would suffer through physical discomfort. Those who have experienced opiate withdrawal will testify that the experience is very unpleasant. Patients are given anesthesia to help them tolerate the procedure.

Rapid detoxification can be a blessing, because patients can avoid the discomfort and torture of withdrawal from opiates, but it is only a small part of the total program to help patients walk down the path to wholeness. Call it an “extreme makeover” or a lifestyle transformation, but the focus of any treatment and recovery program has to be the return to well-being and the ability to manage the disease of addiction to avoid relapse.

Her and History

Is your life insured?

I'm working full-time as a teacher and a mom to a two-year-old boy . I've been working here in Thailand for over 4 years and I deemed it necessary for me to buy life insurance because I have already a child who depends on me. Life insurance is surely a protection from disasters and financial burdens. If we're well-off financially, my family may not need an influx of cash when I die so I don't need life insurance but that's not the case.

I've got a friend who introduced me to various forms of savings programs, packaged as life insurance, that will allow me to build up cash for financial needs in 10 or 20 years, at age 65, for my child's college education, etc. This form of life insurance is actually a "savings endowment. It protects the saver's savings program by continuing it if the saver gets disabled and can't continue the monthly "deposits" or, if the saver dies, completes the savings program and pays the money to a designated loved-one.

This concept of life insurance conquers my heart and see it as best for expats like us whose living in Thailand indefinitely. I've read from ajarn.com that if you are purchasing life insurance for the financial protection of loved ones, they recommend to spread the premium payment period out for as long as possible (to age 90 in Thailand). This way I can get more coverage for less cost until the kids are grown and on their own. Then, I can convert the policy to paid-up coverage or convert the policy to cash for my needs.

The problem now is I haven't seen that friend anymore for quite some time and I lost her contact number! She once discussed to me something about life insurance quotes before and now that I'm interested, she's nowhere to be seen..*sigh*...I better look for someone else or search online.


Her and History

Help Save Baby Ric Andrei

For us parents, our babies are a lovely gift for us. They are delicate, fragile and need to be taken care of. For us parents, our baby is the most important person in life. We give birth to a little one and love to see them growing in front of our eyes. We will do everything to make our children safe and happy all the time.

This Christmas time, let's help the parents of Baby Ric Andrei cover all the expenses which may be up to 1 million in pesos or more (roughly $25,000). He was born prematurely because her mom suffered from Pre Eclampsia. Thanks be to God that his mom is already safe. What they need now is our prayers for the baby's fast recuperation and provision to pay the hospital bills. Any amount will do.



Please visit Marce Jade's blog for more details.

Link

Her and History
Friday, December 3, 2010

My journey to a healthy ME!




Since we're young, we've been told that fruits and vegetables are sources of many vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that may help protect us from chronic diseases.

Busy lives can benefit from food that's nutritious, yet easy to eat on-the-go, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of energy and give the body many nutrients you need to keep going.

I'm so glad that here in Hat Yai, fresh fruits are available all the time. We're truly rich in fruits! Like the picture above, the fruit vendor always stationed in front of our school during lunch time. I always buy fresh fruits from him. The price ranges only from 10-15 baht per slice/piece. He sells watermelon, pineapple, guava, kiwi, papaya, rose apple, mango, apple and sweet tamarind. The tamarind that I know in the Philippines is soooooo sour that when it was first introduced to me I couldn't believe that it's sweet. They said that sweet tamarind is an exotic fruit grown and culitvated only here in Thailand (correct me if I'm wrong).

I love eating fruits for healthy skin and a healthy me!

In addition to fruits, I'm taking one a day vitamins . I know that intense physical stress after working causes free radicals to form and can weaken my natural defense system. One a day vitamins help me prevent this from happening. One a day vitamins are extremely important in improving overall health.

One a day vitamins contain special antioxidant formula, with vitamins A, C, E, and selenium that can help you increase and maintain your natural defense and immunity. They also contain chromium and the whole set of B vitamins which will help you convert food into physical and mental energy. With their 31 important vitamins and minerals, they will help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

The price of one a day vitamins is not so high so it is a great investment. After consuming one a day vitamins, you will get a chance to maximize your day. It is for your own health.


Her and History
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Have you started your Christmas shopping?

Christmas is definitely a time for joy and lots of shopping! The malls are now decorated with trees and streamers fill the air. It is really a difficult thing to make a choice considering the variety of products which you could find both in online and offline market. To make these easy, I take into account the following points:

1. Keep a list to be a reminder to whom gifts are given. Do an early shopping. Malls aren’t crowded yet. In addition, if the recipient is in a far place you have sufficient time to mail the gifts for them.

2. Consider the likes and dislikes of the recipients. Generally, men are sports lover. Hence, their likes include sports equipments. There are those men who also love electronic gadgets, wallets, handyman tools, men's clothing and perfumes. Women love jewelries, flowers, clothes, lingerie , perfumes, cooking and sports stuff. So, when you buy gifts for them you buy something related to this.

I go online, and see what the popular fashion stores have to offer. Online stores offer a complete range of fashions including: casual wear, formal wear, outerwear, petites, tall, nightwear, special occasion ranges, lingerie and footwear. Online shopping is so easy. I just type in the search engine the names of the gifts I want to buy and the internet will do it for me. Comparing the prices really helps me in my decision of buying the particular item within my minimal budget.


Her and History

Handling Family Problems

If you're going to enjoy God's blessing as a family you must learn to cope with difficulties. So:

(1) Try to remember that you're all on the same team. Don't take your frustrations out on your loved ones. Too often, home is where we go when we're tired of being 'nice'.

(2) Before you speak, get the facts. Nothing's more damaging than jumping to conclusions. 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything' (Proverbs 13:3 NLT).

(3) Handle it with wisdom. List all your options and you'll be more objective. That's how you'd handle a problem at work; why not do the same with your family?

(4) Find something good in the situation. 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...' (Romans 8:28 NKJV). No matter how bad things seem, every situation holds something positive–look for it.

(5) Make sure they know you love them. It's okay to express how you feel so long as you do it graciously. But make sure your family knows you love them. When people feel loved they can weather almost any crisis. Think: when do you need God's love most? When you deserve it least! Try to follow suit.


Her and History
Sunday, November 28, 2010

How do we deal with emotional issues after flood?

It's already 26 days since flood swept over our city and damaged around 7 billion baht ($234 million)worth of properties! Coping with a flood can be challenging. We're dealing with not only the flood itself but also emotional issues. Waves of depression set in when the survivors experience fully the losses they have incurred- destruction of their houses, shops, businesses and lands in all their terrible physicality.

After the flood, we deemed it important not to be overwhelmed. It is prudent that we rest and eat well.We tried to keep a manageable schedule and tackle only one task at a time. That's the reason why it took almost 2 weeks for us to thoroughly clean our living room and our surroundings.

Last Sunday as we went to church, our minister tackle some helpful tips as treatment for depression that I would love to share to you:

  • Avoid being alone. Force yourself to be with people.
  • Seek help from others.
  • Sing. Music can uplift your spirit as it did for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
  • Praise and give thanks. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
  • Lean heavily on the power of God's Word.
  • Rest confidently in the presence of God's Spirit. “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).

Yes, we're depressed after the flood but God called us to maintain faith and keep our focus on HIS love and the hope He has given us for eternity. In doing so, we can weather the storms of life. It can be done. It's done!

Her and History
Saturday, November 27, 2010

These food wait for us!

I'm already excited to go home and eat the food I missed for 3 years already!!! Here's a smorgasbord of food photo I saw from Placernon Surigao facebook account . For those who don't know yet, I came from one of the barangays of Placer. Placer is a 4th class municipality in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 21,542 people in 4,237 households. Placer is just a little coastal town but rich in mineral and marine resources.

First and foremost, my parents will welcome us with Lechon, or litson in Filipino (or, I suppose, in any Philippine dialect). It's basically a roasted pig.

I can't wait to taste the crispy skin of a perfect lechon that melts in your mouth after the initial bite. Then I'll attack the belly next, it's where the secret herbs and spices come in close contact with the meat.Just looking at the photo makes me drool to the bones!

Next comes the Dinuguan ( pork blood stew, blood pudding stew). It's a Filipino savory stew of blood and meat (typically stomach, intestines, ears, heart and snout) simmered in a rich, spicy dark gravy of pig blood, garlic, chili (most often siling mahaba), and vinegar. I only eat dinuguan prepared by my very own Papa Ben.


Oh , I remembered Humba (sugar-braised pork). I want to taste its tangy and sweet together. I could eat loads of rice with it.

Placer has fresh fish all day long and fresh danggit (rabbitfish or spinefoot) is really good to be fried, as paksiw or even for tinola except for the painful fact that cleaning them is a hellish experience!

Placer is rich with Fresh Bulinaw (anchovy) in the market. It' s great for kinilaw with cassava as side dish!

The ginamos (fish paste) in Placer is the best! I love eating it with rice, cooked or ripe banana and raw mango. You have to add vinegar or lemon so it will not be too salty. I like adding chili on it mmmmm yummy! Thinking of it makes me drool!

Once again we could visit my hubby's grandma's farm and harvest fresh coconut. We could eat all we can!

Placer is rich of cheap and fresh seafood. One can choose from a varieties of shells and clamps, prawns, fishes, crabs, lobsters and the list goes on. And the restaurants in PLacer offer varieties of tastes and serving methods like deep fry, stir fry, steam and so on. One only needs to ask the recommendations from restaurant owners and they will be happy to recommend to you what is nice. After that, all you need to do is to wait for the dishes to be served and enjoy.



I promise myself that I will not deprived it with the good food our town could offer. All I need to do now is to compile fast weight loss tips to be used after I will satisfy my tummy cravings!

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