Post Mortem: Cory Aquino, Last Icon of Democracy

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009

She was big in life, she is bigger in death as once again she unites the nation in grieving the loss of a great and gentle lady. Cory Aquino, the mover of the peaceful people power at EDSA, died peacefully at 3:18am at the Makati Medical Center.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Let us pause for a moment and offer a prayer to President Aquino that her final journey will be one of ease and light as she is reunited with Our Maker.

Preparations are underway for a public viewing of the remains of President Cory Aquino at the La Salle Greenhills starting 4:00pm today for all those who want pay their last respects to the departed icon of democracy.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Related Posts:
Cory Aquino 1933 - 2009
Corazon C. Aquino
Adysthanasia for Cory Aquino
The Woman in Yellow

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Health and Wellness

Good health begins with good information.- B.B. Martin

A new section I will add to this blog is one that tackles health and feeling well generally. I get tons of information from varied sources on the benefits of some products, services, methods, techniques, and even a way of living that promote health and overall well-being. Like anyone, I like to feel good about myself. I am not necessarily in search of the eternal fountain of youth but I would want to get the most out of life by having good health. Everyone can relate to this goal.

Very simply, "wellness" means a state that combines health and happiness. It usually includes physical, mental and spiritual health.

The opposite of wellness is illness. So the definition of wellness would include the condition of no or little illness and there are different degrees of this.

Besides, health would be a better topic than say religion or politics, as I notice that people tend to discuss health issues more vibrantly without losing their cool. Everyone has at one time or another tried healthier living. Many times we fail. There might have been small victories. Some may be more successful than others. Some would start and stop a program and start another one and this cycle goes on and on. One program may be successful initially but over time results would become less dramatic. Some may claim not to need any lifestyle change that would restrict free choice of food, activities, and life patterns until it is too late......

Whatever your experience is, it is most certain that we all desire a life free from disease, pains, and other medical problems at a certain point in time. These days, kids are even much more discriminating in what they eat and consume; in their habits; and in their lifestyle in general. I see this in my own kids and my students. Gone are the days when smoking and drinking were considered chic. My kids shrieked as soon as they learned I was a one-time smoker. MD mocked me saying, "ewwwwwwwwww!". Just for the record, I was not a heavy smoker. The 'bad' habit was formed out of peer pressure. It was dropped even before I could enjoy it as I developed a lung problem.

I have been reformed since my days of wild abandon and invincibility. Just for purposes of profiling this blogger, I am 5'5" tall and more or less fall within my normal weight range. I don't diet conciously to be model 'thin'. I eat just about anything but would lose appetite on certain food at particular times. I used to easily lose the weight gained in a short time. This would explain why I stay at a certain weight for a long time until recent years when I slowly packed the pounds. I don't weigh myself regularly which would probably explain why I didn't notice that undesirable portions are already added to my once lean frame. At my heaviest, I was nearing 130 lbs and I don't feel good at this weight. I am not obese or anything like that. It's just that I am used to being under my normal weight most of my life. I feel and look better when I feel lighter. It is for this reason that I want to lose some of these unwanted pounds. My target is to go back to within the 115 - 120 lbs range. I am currently between 125 - 128 lbs.

In recent years, I would have pains in different parts of the body notably my back that are perhaps brought about by poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle. I subscribe to an annual physical examination and have thus far been conferred a 'normal and healthy' individual certificate for all tests conducted including those added for persons reaching a certain age (yeah, I reached it.... no need to rub it in!) Aside from this, I don't have any serious ailments thus far.

I have slowed down in my activities because of various preoccupation and a general feeling of lethargy making me want to spend any little idle time that I have just lying down. I gave up playing badminton with friends because of lack of opponents and time (even my friends do not have much time anymore). Walking whenever possible is my only physical activity. I do this on an almost daily basis because I walk home after disembarking from my shuttle service in the evening. In addition, running up and down my three-storey home can be considered another exercise.

I still maintain a fair amount of social life tete-a-teteing with friends while having coffee or sipping wine. I am mostly on the internet at work and still does this at home at times. My family would occassionally eat out to celebrate or just to do something different. I have become a homebody eversince I had kids. I love shopping and travelling and would do this more if I have the means.

I take life as it is....... tread through both potholes and expressway of life. I ask for His Guidance whenever I feel that I couldn't take on some more......

So where am I on the "health and wellness scale"?

Where are you on this scale? We definitely change position from day-to-day, but take a good look and see where you feel you are overall on the "health and wellness scale."

Are you sick, tired or almost dead most of the time? Jumping up and down with vitality, aliveness and energy often? Or somewhere in between?

This is the one of the first things you can do to improve your health and energy – find out where you are now. Even if you don't think you’re a “spring chicken” or you have a chronic illness, you can always improve your condition, even a little.

So take time and look at where you are right now on the scale of wellness. Don't worry about where you'd like to be for the time being. We start on the road to improvement by taking the next realistic step from where we are today.

Most people only look at where they want to be and tend to give up easily when they don't get there tomorrow. When you identify where you are now, then you'll be in a position to take the next realistic step towards improvement.

One of the things that we should keep in mind is that I need to focus on the little improvements and pat ourselves on the back for achieving those "little" goals - and then go on to the next step.

Well, I guess, I am not that bad in this scale but I could use some help to make the most out of life.........

This site mainly focuses on the physical aspect of improving health, but the mental and spiritual factors are key to total wellness and a feeling of well-being as well. In my desire to improve my health and energy level, my attitude has been a vital aspect in achieving my goals.

This space is open to all who wants to share their own experiences in healthy living. By sharing information, a better life can be achieved.

Related Posts:
Improving Health and Energy
Health and Wellness

N.B. Posts in this section are not scientifically and empirically tested solutions to health problems but are means personally tried or being contemplated on being tried by this blogger. Caution should be exercised when trying any of the methods discussed.

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Prayers for Cory Aquino

Let us offer a prayer for Cory Aquino, the last remaining bastion of democracy.

By the way, my mother bears a striking resemblance to Tita Cory. She succumbed to cancer after a long and painful battle (fortunately or unfortunate, I don't look a bit like Kris). It's not really because of the similarity in circumtances or physique that made me link my own mom with Tita Cory. I just recall vividly how she and my dad encouraged us, their children, to join the throngs at EDSA in fighting for our democracy. While some would cower in fear and shield their kids from imminent danger, my parents were probably thinking if democracy would be restored, we would have to seize the moment right there and then for us and our future children and grandchildren and all of the future generation (The first grandchildren were not allowed to join us at EDSA, however. My nephew and niece were toddlers around that time.). After four days, democracy was won.... led by a woman in yellow.

We may feel that democracy may fall at times but let's give it to this wonderful woman who made possible the restoration of democratic and peaceful means after the dark years of the Marcos dictatorship. I believe that God knows what is best for Tita Cory and her family.



My fellow bloggers, I invite you to Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino! Very simply:

Create an entry entitled: Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!. A link to this original entry will be appreciated, but is not required.
Post a yellow ribbon in your blog for President Cory Aquino. Whatever form of yellow ribbon that your creative imagination can come up with.
Invite other bloggers to tie a yellow ribbon for Cory.
President Cory Aquino has done a lot for us Filipinos. She’s suffered more than enough. I might not agree with some of the things that she has done but that is beside the point. My respect is unconditional and I will thank this great woman for the biggest and most valuable gift that she has given us Filipinos – giving back our freedom and liberty. And as a blogger, there is not much that I can do, other than offer prayers for Cory Aquino.

With this, let’s show our love and respect for Cory through our blogs and I invite all the writers of Barrio Siete, readers and commenters to Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!

Thank you!

~La Kapitana~ Barriosiete.com

Thanks to Mahalia of Chocolateword for the tag.

Please join the prayer brigade.

Writing to Exhale

Musings of an Earth Rooster

Psyche Analyze

Dear Bloggery

earthlinggorgeous.com

Related Post:
President Tita Cory Aquino

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July 20 - 26, 2009: Eclipsed

The weekend respite gave me the much needed break from what I perceive as life's inequities. The extra day made it even more soothing to frayed nerves. By the start of the workweek, I was up and running like a well-oiled engine.

I committed to go to work early starting this week as the new guideline on the flexitime came out last week. The actual implementation starts next month to give time for the employees to adjust. That means relegating chores I previously did to all the helpers. It's good that they are cooperative. An additional helper would be hired for MIL, who is actually my boy helper's beloved. There was initial apprehension on getting the extra help for MIL. A talk with my boy helper revealed that the girl has some family problems which makes it best to keep her away from home. After initially rejecting the would-be helper, a talk with MIL would make her change her mind. The additional hands would be helpful around the house. I am just hoping that the effort will be sustained for the long haul.

By midweek, millions of Asians turned their eyes skyward Wednesday as dawn suddenly turned to darkness across the continent in the longest total solar eclipse of this century. Millions of others, seeing the rare event as a bad omen, shuttered themselves indoors. I remember my mother telling me about their own experience with a solar eclipse in her youth..... she said it felt like the end of the world as the roosters crow when darkness envelop the entire area. Back then, the phenomenon cannot be dismissed. In my time, I was oblivious to the occurence of the rare event since I was preparing to go to work. For busy bees who can hardly stop to notice and smell the flowers, it was just one of those things.......... sad but true.....

On the last day of the week, I was to be surprised another time. The owner of the dam mated by my dog came to the house with the dog whelping a pup that seem to be stuck halfway through. I am tempted to say I am just a dog lover, not a vet. My compassionate side prevailed and as soon as he laid her on our doorstep, I stepped in and tried to assist the dam. She was in pain and was snapping at us. I told the owner it is better to bring her to the vet. He said he has no vehicle. I thought for a sec and told him to stay with the dog while I dressed up. We drove through early morning traffic on the way to the vet. Upon reaching it, the vet's assistant would help carry the dog inside. By this time, it was too late for the first puppy.... she had been stuck for so long. The dam was relieved while in the vet's clinic. Since it looks like it will be a long day before all the pups come out, we decided to leave the dog in the vet's clinic. There, she is in good hands. We went home and since I was too late to go to the office, I took the day off. Like last week, I am on a three-day holiday! ya'y

Assisting in procreation would perhaps eclipsed all other things that happened this week. To further wash off all traces of whatever ails me this week, I moved up what was supposed to be a weekend affair to the last day of the workweek. I met up with friends who give me a real good laugh that make me cry for dinner. Friends are truly one of those things that refreshes one's soul and enable us to cope with life better.

The end of the week was a bonding time for the family. I intentionally cut down on weekend recreational activities to stay home. Being a homebody is the most inexpensive form of relaxation..... and I kinda like it. There's nothing like being home.........

Related Posts:
Solar Eclipse Shrouds Asia in Daytime Darkness
Total Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse 2009: Totality Crosses Eastern Asia

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July 13 - 19, 2009: Unconquerable Soul

I was expecting surprises for the week but not the kind I got. I was taken aback by deductions from my salary for the past months due to undertimes. I had to miss work at times .... because of my other work. I am reaping the consequences of my past sins..... It was a huge cut and put a drain on my finances. I worry about paying my bills which fall due this month.

In the office, the new boss has not done much to change the situation. She appears bent on pushing for changes but would dilly-dally on reforming a very bad situation claiming the strong resistance. The leeches are still having their heyday even when everyone knows what's going on. I often wonder what the top dispensation would do. Are they too preoccupied that the status quo is allowed to persist? Or are they afraid to rock the boat fearful of the backlash they can get from those affected by any real change. Some actions to uproot bad managers from other offices resulted in ongoing legal battles. I guess they do not want to earn more enemies and would rather let the meek suffer.

Life goes on even as setbacks appear to douse cold water on my best efforts.....
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always.... Mahatma Gandhi

Towards the end of the workweek, rains raged causing suspension of school and work. The announcement came just a little too late. I was on the last leg of my trip to the office and would meet people from my building along the way telling me about the rather belated news. I still went on and sought temporary refuge from the rains in the office that has been hurting my soul.

I waited for ED whose classes were suspended as well. She and her dormates were trapped in their dorm due to floodwaters. After the water subsided, ED and I went home together for our real refuge. The rains hollered for two days and cleared up only in the weekend with some intermittent showers.......

I want to leave this week with a poem that my HS English teacher asked each and every student to memorize and recite before the class. I did memorize the poem after spending hours and hours repeatedly mouthing the words without really understanding it. Fortunately, I was called sometime midway through the oral recitation. I gave it my best effort but still fumbled at some points. I wasn't much of an orator....... nor a poet..... I was just glad when it was over.....

Invictus
William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Funny but among the HS stuff I remember is this poem in its entirety....... the words would often reverberate in my mind. Not sure if dementia could erase it from my memory later on. Now, I fully understand what the words mean. I have been spending my life living the words since I found its meaning........

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Mga Opisyal na Salitong

The luck of an ignoramus is this: He doesn't know that he doesn't know. (Yiddish Proverb)

Ang Salitong ay mga salitang pinaikli at pinagdugtong-dugtong para bumuo ng panibagong salita na iba ang kahulugan . Sa wikang ingles, compound words ang tawag dito. Opisyal ang mga salitong na ito dahil ang gamit nito ay sa aming tanggapan lamang. Kung ano man ang pagkakahawig sa tunay na buhay ay di sinasadya. Pramis....

Ang mga sumusunod ay mga salitong na magagamit sa aming tanggapan:

bossabos (bos-uh-bos) - Luma na ito subalit mabuti rin na bigyan ng puwang dito. Ito ang mga boss na nangbubusabos. Marami rin ganito sa iba't ibang opis..... iba't ibang hugis, uri, at kasarian. Kung di man makapagbitiw sa trabaho ang kanilang tausan kahit punong puno na, siguruhin na hindi nagdadala ng mga deadly weapon sa opis at baka kung ano magawa nila. Basta mag-ingat sa mga ganito.

tausan (ta-oo-san) - mga tauhan na utusan ng mga bossabos. Mahigpit ang kwalipikasyon na susunod ng walang pag-iimbot at buong katapatan ang mga taong ganito. Di sila pwedeng magtanong o sumuri o magbigay ng sariling opinyon o kuro-kuro. Para sa mga bossabos, isa lamang silang tagasunod at di dapat lumampas sa hangganan na itinalaga sa kanila.

Amag (uh-mag) - Yun mga akala magaling sila. Maraming ganyan sa opis namin na pinipilit paniwalaan na matatalino sila dahil sila ay marunong bumasa at sumulat kahit karaniwang di nila naiintindihan ang binabasa o sinusulat. Napapalawig ang pakiramdam na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaligid ng mga tausan na mas hindi nakakaintindi kesa sa isang amag. Ang tausan at bossabos ay parehong pwedeng maging amag. Kailangan lang magbigay ang tausan sa mga bossabos at palabasin na mas amag ang mga ito kapag me matataas na boss.

Puma (poo-mah) - Piling at umaastang magaling. Ginagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpaparinig sa lahat ng abot ng kanilang boses ng mga bagong kaalaman na sa isip nila ay orihinal na konsepto kahit ito ay isa ng lumang konsepto na mas malamang ay alam na ng lahat. Mahilig din silang manguha ng konsepto ng iba na iaayos lang ng konti at presto..... kanila na ang konseptong ito. Para maging puma, daanin sa lakas ng boses at pag-iipon ng mga tausan tuwing magkwekwento o magpapapuripres. Pag naglipana ang mga totoong bossing, kakikitaan ng matinding pagpupuma ang mga amag.

Hilabo (hee-la-bo) - Hindi halatang bobo. Kapag ganito ang isang tao, umarte lamang na puma para hindi mahalata at amag na rin siya. Ito ang kaganapan ng pagpapanggap para hindi mahalatang nagpupuma lamang ang isang tao. Dahil karamihan sa mga tao dito ay hilabo na puma, mahirap nilang malaman kung sino talaga ang ang pinakamatinik sa kanila. May halong pagkainis at pagkahilo ang mararamdaman pag pinakinggan ang usapang-hilabo.

Artekulet (Ar-te-kool-et) - Ito yun mga nangangalap ng mga report o impormasyon sa ibang opis. Nangungulet ito pero ang ginagamit na pamamaraan ay ang pag-iinarte.... nagpapacute sa pamamagitan ng pagboboses bata o pagiging sobrang galang. Maaring ginagamit ang pamamaraan na ito dahil sa hindi pagkaintindi hinihinging impormasyon o sa dapat gawin. Sa pag-iinarte, nakakalusot sila para matakpan ang pagkahilabo.

Cornikeua (kor-nee-ke-wa) - Kawawa ang mga taong kailangan gumawa nito. Yun bang kahit corny ang joke ng nagpapatawang bossabos eh kelangan tumawa pa rin ang mga nakakarinig. Kundi, tigbak sila sa trabaho. Sensitibo ang tenga ng mga taong ganito dahil kailangan handa silang tumawa lagi. Nakakaawa ang itsura ng isang taong nagpipilit tumawa para lang mapasaya ang mga bossabos nila. Madalas din mangyari na biglang me hahalakhak na tausan kahit wala siya sa usapan ng mga nagpapatawang bossabos o amag.

Tinusi (ti-noo-see) - Sila yun mga tinuturo kapag me nagawang mali ang mga amag. Kasi nga hindi naman talaga magaling ang mga amag kaya me mga pagkakataon na nahuhuli sila na nitong mga huling araw ay dumadalas.. Para maisalba ang reputasyon, hahanap sila ng ituturo at sisisihin para hindi sila mapapagalitan ng mas mataas at magagaling sa kanila. Kadalasan na wala sa pagtitipon ang mga tinusi kung saan lalabas ang palpak ng mga amag. Kung nandon man, sila yun mga tipong tatanggapin na lang ang sisi.

Babong (buh-bong) - Bagong bago pero bibong bibo na ang mga taong ganito. Gustong gusto ng mga amag ang mga taong ganito dahil sa kanilang malaking potensyal. Sila ang mga ihuhugis para maging mga tausan kalaunan. Mapagmasid at madaling maging comportable sa kapaliguran ang ganitong mga tao.... para bang isda na nilagay sa aquarium. Dahil parang isadang aquarium nga sila, mapapansin ang kakaibang sigla sa mga ganitong tao tuwing nasa piling ng mga amag at bossabos at pag alam nilang me nagmamasid sa kanila.

Puripres (poo-ree-pres) - Para sa mga kulang sa pansin ito dahil ito ay papuri sa sarili sa sariling press con na sila sila din ang gumawa. Sa madaling salito, ito ay pagbubuhat ng sariling bangko. Pag kailangan ng mga amag ng publicidad, gumagawa sila ng sarili nilang balita tungkol sa ginagawa nila na sila rin ang magpapakalat sa mga di nakakaalam o di interesado sa ginagawa nila. Sa isang puripres, magpapakitang gilas ang mga amag sa papamagitan ng pagpapalabas sandali ng trinabaho na masusundan ng mahabang kasiyahan para di na mapansin ang trinabaho.

Kismosass (kis-mas-sas) - Ang pangangalap ng mga tsismis na makakatulong para lalong sumikat ang mga amag o makakasama sa mga kaaway ng mga ito na ginagawa ng mga tausan o babong para maihahandog sa mga amag na paraan ng panhahalik ng di kaaya-ayang parte ng katawan. Dahil malaki ang naitutulong ng mga tsismis na pabor sa mga amag, ineenganyo ang mga tausan at babong ng magkalkal ng mga usap-usapan, totoo man o hindi. Pag walang makalap na tsismis, sila-sila mismo ang gumagawa ng tsismis.

Me salitong din ba kayo?

Para maintindihan ang mga salitong na ito, makakatulog kung babasahin ang mga sumusunod:
Thy Kingdom Come
Definition of Terms
Bossing and Bosabos

Silliness takes some of life's drudgery....

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Mommy's Hope

I was changing bed linens in ED's room on a Sunday. I guess my kids are no longer the children I can dictate to on what they have to do....... and yet they couldn't even do their own beds. What is it with kids these days (probably my mother's rant during my youth). My appeals which could turn into threats always fall on deaf ears. When they were younger, I could nag them a bit. But as they age, I had to be both sensible and sensitive in dealing with these things. So far, I think I am losing the battle.

As I was doing my motherly chores (so let this task be a labor of a mum's love), the snoop in me couldn't resist looking around the room to see what's new or not in order (hope she is not reading this........ my two girls would scold me for nosing or snooping on their stuff). My wandering eyes chanced upon her dresser which was in disarray as she deposits her stuff there as soon as she enters the room. There on top was something new....... a bunch of keys partly hid what my eyes were straining to see....

I stopped what I was doing...... By some unknown force, I was drawn to the dresser. I went to see what it was.........it's ED's nameplate which she wears with her new white uniform. I took it and look at it with the glee of a curious child. In an instant, I would feel the pride of a mother with no one to share it with at that moment. I went back to doing my chores wishful thinking as the sun's rays peer through the window....

It's still a long way to cash in on that dream ........ less than five years if she does well........ Yet, ED's nameplate somehow gave me the glimmer of hope of a dreamer whose own dream gave way to someone else's.......

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July 6 - 12, 2009: God's Time

Failure should challenge us to new heights of accomplishment, not pull us to new depths of despair. failure is delay, but not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street

William Ward

Being human, we succumbed to weakness when things don't go our way. I am no exception to human frailties. I would find myself asking why things happen to me..... With recent events, it felt like I fell to my valley of tears. Do I deserve this fate? Should it happen to me? Why? Lots of questions begging for answers....

The entire week was perhaps uneventful. I not only felt so unproductive, I also despair about the loss of additional income. In the past, I said that teaching was for me more of a calling than anything else. Yet, the financial windfall helped tide me through tight times. It certainly will be very hard for me for the next months........

The end of the work week was the turning point. A talk with the new boss provided some light and might just turn out to be my fulcrum. I had been given a new leash on my job. It is up to me to seize the moment. I also found the reason why some windows had to be closed to me at this time. Truly God knows best!

Chatting with my friend colleague who also suffers from our messy office politics in the weekend, I uttered, "God is truly good!" And she agreed.......... At the homefront, things were clearing up as well. As restitution, I guess, hubby let me ordered my choice pizza at Joey Pepperoni during our going away snack for ED who was going back to her dorm earlier than usual....

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June 29 - July 5 2009: Undesirable Outcomes

Celebrating ED's nineteenth birthday could have been the high point of the week. We had the usual celebration, a dinner at Penang Hill in Robinson's Galeria. I brought up the idea to hubby of fetching ED from her dorm and at the same time going back to Penang Hill which we love the first time we tried it. Initially resistant, he probably thought about it and decided that it's a good idea. We met up at the resto after office and school. Hubby fetched MD, MS, and MIL and proceeded to the venue. I fetched ED and we followed them at the resto. The kids all enjoyed the fare. I ended up refusing to take anything after a misunderstanding with hubby. I slept hungry and angry.....

Back at work, I am once again feeling undermined after a brief taste of being useful around the office. Politics is still very much at play as the previous dispensation's influence is still strong. Despite my previous boss's absence in the office, she still meddles in our affairs as her ilks willingly pave the way for her continued control dispensing all courtesies. I hope and pray that our head wakes up and do something as I continue to just coast along.......

All this is easily eclipsed by my having no load in school this term. The school owner decided to teach some classes, thereby, further limiting our chances. Limiting the number of night classes proved to be my waterloo. I was being asked to be on leave at work in the morning but I can't unfortunately..... I am desparing not being in a work that I love............

Bad week, I guess.......

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Lifescape of the Year Past

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.....G.K. Chesterton

This blog turned a year old recently. For my maiden offering, I figured it would be good to review what transpired in the year now behind me. Most of what I have written was forgotten just as quickly as I wrote them. Some memories, on the other hand, are worth reliving. I'd like to review my life a year ago today and look at my mountains, hills, valleys, and plateaus for the past 12 months.

At first, I was thinking that this post will be a compilation of my best monthly posts (at least to me) but as it turned out, I have lots of favorites. I am making this instead the collection of posts I'd go back to over and over again as it reminds me of the the highlights and the lowblows of life in my recent past.

Take a ride down memory lane with me.........

June 2008
Ika 25 ng Hunyo 2008. Of course, this had to be it as it started my daily blog. Even if this highlighted my stupidity........

July 2008
Ika 1 ng Hulyo 2008. It was my eldest daughter's debut and it marked the day I went back to the academe which would always be my life's passion.
Ika 2 ng Hulyo - Describing my usual mode of transportation on my way to work...
Ika 8 ng Hulyo - Riding a familiar van, I recalled an event that happened some months back.......
Ika 9 ng Hulyo - This morning, I would assist my two kids on their homework.....
Ika 10 ng Hulyo - An encounter with a pushy unknown neighbor would make me start my day on the wrong foot. In my tagalized post, I was horrified by the threat of a Manny Pacquiao concert....
Ika 14 ng Hulyo - Trying to get my lazy butt out of the house..... In my tagalized post, I related how I put my foot down after experiencing injustice in a service center....
Ika 16 ng Hulyo - Late for work, I decided to take it easy and have a nice lunch with a friend. In the tagalized post, a celebrity would justify her husband's misdemeanor....
Ika 17 ng Hulyo - A segment of the Rachel Ray show would be dedicated to a guy named Joey.... In the tagalized post, I talked about discipline or rather the lack of it by our public transportation sector....
Ika 18 ng Hulyo - The mega earthquake predicted might have caused a little altercation between my son and I.....In my tagalized post, I would find my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in simple pleasures.
Ika 21 ng Hulyo - Got a dressing down from hubby due to a past 'sin' made known recently...
Ika 22 ng Hulyo - A bad start for me because of a fight with my son...
Ika 23 ng Hulyo - I made up with my son as my husband challenges me on a threat I made in a post.... My lunch date with friends is the subject of my tagalized post.
Ika 25 ng Hulyo - My blog is a month old and I have 50 posts.....
Ika 26 ng Hulyo - I am learning things. This is the first post where I used a picture....
Ika 28 ng Hulyo - I still have to be in the office on a stormy day after being assaulted by my two kids who stayed home because their classes were suspended....
Ika 30 ng Hulyo - Base number and my mistake in teaching my son...... In the tagalized post, a couple would make me squirm because of their PDA.

August 2008
Ika 1 ng Agosto 2008. Talk about my frenzied mornings usually spent with my dear son as he slowly grasp the responsibilities of being a student even as he remains dependent on me and other people around him. The day happened to be a rainy day and the last of the workweek. I would look forward to my weekend. My tagalized portion brought back poignant memory of my childhood as I offered flowers picked by the railroad track to my mom.
Ika 5 ng Agosto 2008 - A day where wisdom is gained from both the young and the old. I was reflective this day and using an old tree I passed by and ignore daily as an analogy, I would notice the tree that day. Viewing it from different angles and at different times of the day, it can give different perspectives similar to how we view life from near and far.
Ika 9 ng Agosto 2008 - The day gives a glimpse of just how fast-paced life is for this blogger. From attending the funeral of a friend's mom to meeting friends for lunch to watching a circus-musical show in the evening, this must be one of those full days falling on a weekend.
Ika 21 ng Agosto 2008 - Remembering Ninoy's life and death at a time we all need a hero.

September 2008
Ika 1 ng Setyembre 2009. A brand new month, another start as I take stock of my life. The start of a the Christmas season is ushered in the midst of a worsening economy.....
Ika 4 ng Setyembre 2008 - The Obama-Mccain Presidential Campaign takes centerstage. Sarah Palin has recently been announced as Mccain's running mate while Biden was Obama's choice. In this post, I intimated my bias for Obama as a believer of peaceful means in running world affairs.
Ika 12 ng Setyembre 2008 - A fully packed Friday.... The demands of motherhood compete with my full load at the office and at school. Can I still juggle my various concerns? This is also the day I would attend a PTA discover for myself my middle daughter's accomplishment in school. We don't make it a habit to discuss these things at home. My accidental discovery brings joy to the heart. My eldest daughter who is at her dorm has been sick since the night before. I worry about my son's reaction about my attending my middle daughter's PTA having missed his.
Ika 16 ng Setyembre 2008 - The sin of an errant mom to her son is the day's account. I regret this day. I am only human.......
Ika 25 ng Setyembre 2008 - Here, I related the helplessness felt by a parent as her kids were left by school bus alone in school. Having experienced getting lost as a pre-schooler, I could very well relate to the fear and panic by my kids longing for the safety and familiarity of home.

October 2008
Ika 1 ng Oktubre 2008 - In a book-launching event organized for our school owner, I would meet the former first dragon-lady, a woman whose ways I loathe. But I would be hobnobbing with her, even obliging for a photo opp thru my friend's insistence. Up close, I would see the epitome of what is bad and distasteful in a society where poverty abounds.
Ika 3 ng Oktubre 2008 - I am saddened on this day receiving a message from a friend who wants to meet up before going under the knife......
Ika 9 ng Oktubre 2008 - With the approval by the Senate of JPEPA, we made headline today. I actually just arrived home from an extended session of the Senate lasting till dawn today. It felt exhilirating concluding a work we have been doing for more than a year.
Ika 13 ng Oktubre 2008 - I had my day planned out going to work when I got this text message from the secretary of a top official that I was being hunted by the official. I was at my wits' end trying to think about the possible reasons. Have I been naughty? It didn't help that I was late coming to work. After about an hour agonizing, I would learn from the official that she has a special mission for me..... Whew!
Ika 14 ng Oktubre 2008 - Driving brings out some of my stupidity to the surface. This day saw me in one of those brainless moments as I brought hubby to the airport in his new car.
Ika 17 ng Oktubre 2008 - Another stressful day..... But the thing about this post is the tagalized portion which is an interesting conversation between my middle daughter and I as she asked permission to go out with friends. The generation gap would be evident in our conversation.
Ika 18 ng Oktubre 2008 - A foodie post as this day Dayap's hubby and I would jointly celebrate our birthday.
Ika 19 ng Oktubre 2008 - A post about real friendship..... the joys it brings and how it draws out the best in us.
Ika 20 ng Oktubre 2008 - This is my birthday post narrating my adventure for the day..... from renewing my driver's license, doing my pet duty, and finally having a quiet dinner with my family to celebrate my day.
Ika 21 ng Oktubre 2008 - This narrates our rather irritating but funny experience at the Land Transportation Office, one of those government offices frequented by lots of people. This is one office I hate going to......
Ika 22 ng Oktubre 2008 - This narrates the nice dinner party that my family had in Itallianni's to celebrate my birthday....
Ika 27 ng Oktubre 2008 - The worsening financial crisis is taking its toll on everyone..... even my junk dealer is affected.....
Ika 29 ng Oktubre 2008 - My eldest daughter will take her driving lessons starting today.... I remember my own thrill when I was learning to drive back in my college years.
Ika 31 ng Oktubre 2008 - Differences of practices in celebrating all saints' day is my favored topic today. In the tagalized post, difference in handling problem between hubby and I was tackled.

November 2008
Ika 4 ng Nobyembre 2008 - History was made for the American as they went to the polls to vote for their 44th President.
Ika 5 ng Nobyembre 2008 - Obama is the 44th President of the USA.
Ika 6 ng Nobyembre 2008 - The woes of a working class parent sending three children to school.
Ika 7 ng Nobyembre 2008 - Media fodder after the Obama victory.
Ika 14 ng Nobyembre: To Decorate or Not - I was caught in a dilemma whether I would put out our Christmas decorations or not at all with major home improvement underway. My kids were looking forward to a festive holiday. In a quandary, I took a trip down memory lane the past two years we spent Christmas when we moved back to our home. This post marked the first time I have put titles in my daily blogs.
Ika 15 ng Nobyembre 2008: The Great Repair - Finally, I have decided to deal with our recurring drainage problem. In my tagalized post, my son decided to tell me about a misdeed after confining himself to his self-imposed punishment.
Ika 16 ng Nobyembre 2008: The Great Repair 2 - A day gone awry.........
Ika 20 ng Nobyembre: Great Find! - I related attending a seminar conducted by a pedigreed academician but does not possess the knowledge to conduct the seminar I know by heart. It's unfortunate for both of us that I had to attend it. To balance the yin and yang of the day, I went to my most-awaited tyangge and bought really, really nice stuffs.
Ika 28 ng Nobyembre 2008: Office Politics - Friends and I talk about being caught in the ugly side of office politics.

December 2008
Ika 8 ng Disyembre 2008: Whirlwind on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - I unexpectedly became the accidental chaperone to middle daughter being fetched by his boy classmate who is her friend. Later, I would be attending our office party.
Ika 30 ng Nobyembre 2008: Mensa Challenge - Recalling yesterday's date with the girls, it was a thrill watching hairspray. Later, my eldest daughter and I would be taking the Mensa IQ test...... the nerve of me......
Ika 10 ng Disyembre 2008: Development....... At Whose Expense - Lives and livelihood have both been sacriced in the name of development.
Ika 11 ng Disyembre 2008: My Feel Good Day - My long awaited spa day with my friend, V.......
Ika 15 ng Disyembre 2009: Missing - This is one dreadful day as I discovered that my USB holding my school files and other important file is missing and I had to make an important exam. Problem is I did not backed up some files.
Ika 18 ng Disyembre 2009: My Boy's Wish - It's my only son's birthday and he celebrated the day in school as a child for the last time.
Ika 20 ng Disyembre: Unlucky Streak - It's our Christmas party in the school where I teach. I was excited because everyone will be getting a gift. Known as the most unlucky person in raffle draws, I look forward to getting a gift like everyone else.....
Ika 24 ng Disyembre: Christmas Eve - I was in the office and I was sick. What a lousy way to usher in Christ's birth. In time, I would be headed home to be with my loved ones.
Ika 25 ng Disyembre 2009: Merry Christmas - Greetings to everyone!
Ika 26 ng Disyembre: The Day After Christmas - Feeling much better, my daughters and I are off to our traditional MMFF movie watching.
Ika 28 ng Disyembre: Family Reunions - My thoughts on family reunions revealed...... getting apprehended by a traffic enforcer.... celebrating with friends.......
Ika 31 ng Disyembre: On New Year's Eve Reflecting on the Year that Was - As the year draws to an end, I reflect on the year that was as I look forward to what lies ahead in a time of uncertainty........

January 2009
Ika 1 ng Enero 2009: A Toast to a Brand New Year - New Year's Eve fireworks were lesser than in previous years which seems to foretell the difficult times ahead. Still, we toast to a band new year with our neighbors.......
Ika 2 ng Enero 2009: Clean Slate - Starting fresh the first days of a new year. As when the garbage truck came to collect the dumps of yesterday, we want to rid ourselves of life's clutter to be able to start fresh.......
Ika 6 ng Enero: Pondering - Tragic news greeted us at the start of the year. My home improvement is almost complete. Lots of things on my mind....... Ora et labora....
Ika 10 ng Enero 2009: Fixing a Sticky Situation - My mettle was tested when one of the workers broke our pergula. I am not sure whether just it's the just finished Christmas season that made me more patient. My iron work contractor is a good man and I didn't want to ruin the good relationship. Will he own up to the responsibility?
Ika 12 ng Enero 2009: Vicious Cycle - A realization of the beauty in something that I might consider one of life's thorns, my work.
Ika 13 ng Enero 2009: Turn a New Leaf - Making baby steps towards a change for the better at work.
Ika 20 ng Enero 2009: Breaking Traditions - Who would miss the Obama inauguration as history is forever rewritten. Yet, media trivializes the event with their inanities.....
Ika 22 ng Enero 2009: Traffic Jams and Acronyms - Recalling the previous day adventure in a busy city that turned into a food trip and bargain hunting. It's like revisiting my childhood.....
Ika 23 ng Enero 2009: Of Builders and Makers - All the beauty that surrounds us can be attributed to the craftmen whose labor make all these things possible....
Ika 27 ng Enero 2009: Looming Threat in the Year of the Ox - As an Ox, what is in store for me in my year. With an uncertain economy, I am not very upbeat about the future.....
Ika 28 ng Enero 2009: Smoggy Morn - My concerns about the continued degradation of our environment as I noticed a haze enveloping the metropolis of my way to work this morning....
Ika 29 ng Enero: Prophet of Doom - Hubby and I had to deal with the anxiety of unemployment with the buyout of the firm that he works for.....
Ika 30 ng Enero 2009: New Day Dawning - The top management is experimenting on a job rotation scheme among the heads of offices. My boss is being reassiggned....ya'y........
Ika 31 ng Enero 2009: Hubby's Birthday - It's hubby's birthday and we're eating out......

February 2009
Ika 2 ng Pebrero 2009: Life is a Gamble - I met up with an old colleague who tried his luck in a foreign land....
Ika 3 ng Pebrero 2009: Chatterbox - I rode with my unusually chatty neighbor whose stories I don't particularly relish. How I survived the ordeal is told in this post.
Ika 5 ng Pebrero 2009: Men, Oh Men...... - A post about men like hubby who can't ask questions to get the right answers. The tagalized post talks about an experience riding the shuttle bus sandwiched between two elderly ladies.
Ika 3 ng Pebrero 2009: Chatterbox and Ika 11 ng Pebrero 2009: Chatterbox 2- Surprised encounters with chatty neighbors.....
Ika 12 ng Pebrero 2009: The New 40 - People are getting more and more health conscious resulting in not only good health but good looks as well. Even this blogger joins the bandwagon......
Ika 13 ng Pebrero 2009: Pre Valentine - With valentine falling on a Saturday, celebration of love's day started this day. Individually, each member of our family has his or her own way in celebrating the day......
Ika 14 ng Pebrero 2009: Waterless on Valentine - The agony of having no water on a day of hearts is narrated.
Ika 15 ng Pebrero 2009: Post Valentine Assessment - A day after valentine, we look into how our family members spent the day.
Ika 17 ng Pebrero 2009: Living Dangerously - Hubby and I had to deal with the after effects of the US recession as their company was bought by another.......
Ika 27 ng Pebrero 2009: Neighbors Galore - Interesting encounters with several neighbors in one day.....

March 2009
Ika 3 ng Marso 2009: Feeling Good - Feeling better than the previous day, I went to the office knowing that things will be accomplished today. The tagalized post talks about a sister's feelings on her brother's life journey.
Ika 5 ng Marso 2009: HK Here we Come - The excitement and nervousness that engulfs this blogger in her travel after a long time and the foul ups......
Ika 8 ng Marso 2009: Heading Home - Home finally after five days in a foreign land. Bonding moments with my best friend as I spent the last hours in HK before going home...
Ika 18 ng Marso 2009: Last Minute Instructions - The bane of a working mom whose helper will go on a vacation.... I have to maximize the use of the remaining time before her vacation happens....
Ika 19 ng Marso 2009: Going Home - Our helper is going home after three years of working with us.... a happy occassion for her and her family..... a sad occasion for me.....
Ika 21 ng Marso 2009: The Day After - Reliving my previous day's affair with two friends I have not seen in a while........
Ika 22 ng Marso 2009: With One Less Hands - A fully charged day for me.... especially coming from a birthday celebration the previous night......
Ika 25 ng Marso 2009: Early to Work - This blogger talks about the benefits of being an early bird......
Ika 26 ng Marso 2009: Downpour - Rains raged the night before my son's graduation. As I set out to go to work, a pleasant day greeted me......
Ika 27 ng Marso 2009: Coming Home from a Food Trip and AI - We celebrated my son's graduation in a japanese resto the previous night. I also had to watched this season's American idol.... the reason for my headache this morning.....
Ika 28 ng Marso 2009: In Observance of the Earth Hour - Just like last year, we would be observing the earth hour tonight as our family's tradition and contribution to mitigating the effects of global warming.....
Ika 30 ng Marso 2009: Fascination with Photos in the Digital Age - Rediscovering an old passion using a different technology.......


April 2009
Ika 1 ng Abril 2009: Birthdays in the Family - It's my second daughter's and our dog's birthday and we look forward to a celebration......
Ika 2 ng Abril: Day of Reckoning Coming from MD's Dinner Party - Another hectic day as we need to prepare for our trip. With the previous night's dinner celebrating my second daughter's birthday, it will be an uphill climb.....
The entire HK experience with my kids.....
Ika 3 ng Abril 2009: HK Finally
Ika 4 ng Abril 2009: Rural HK
Ika 5 ng Abril 2009: HK on Palm Sunday
Ika 6 ng Abril 2009: Disneyland Adventure
Ika 7 ng Abril 2009: Going Home on an Early Morn
Ika 12 ng Abril 2009: Easter Sunday Celebration - We are off to see my mother's best friend in our old home. A feast was prepared by their family. Dinner at my brother-in-law's home followed. I was so full........
Ika 13 ng Abril 2009: Scurrying to Meet an Obligation - I never knew that settling a financial obligation can be this unsettling. In the tagalized post, a traffic enforcer would get my goat for milking us......
Ika 15 ng Abril 2009: My Small, Slim and the Big, Fat Bill - I have been working for the longest time and yet the pay will always be not enough to pay all the bills........
Ika 16 ng Abril 2009: PTC - Because of my busy sked, my parental duty was delegated to my eldest daughter who kept changing her mind about the task.....
Ika 17 ng Abril 2009: Getting Back into the Groove - After months of hibernation, I am finally allowed to reassume my duties at work with the changing of guards at the office.
Ika 22 ng Abril 2009: Real Learning - What I did when I mistakenly picked an unfamiliar subject to teach in school....
Ika 22 ng Abril 2009: Midweek - Dealing with the middle of a workweek can be tough.... In the tagalized post, I would rant about my damaged tv.
Ika 23 ng Abril 2009: Meeting and Exceeding Customer Expectation - My lesson to my students and my own...
Ika 27 ng Abril 2009: Life's Soap - Real life stories unfold as I hitched a ride with my son in his school bus.
Ika 39 ng Abril 2009: Post it Notes - My family's communication system.....

May 2009
Ika 1 ng Mayo 2009: New Pandemic - We celebrate Labor Day even as the threat of a new pandemic looms....
Ika 2 ng Mayo 2009: Nostalgia - Reliving yesteryears through old photographs....
Ika 5 ng Mayo 2009: Broken Dreams - As I go through life, I would at times be reminded of what I want to be that I am not.....
Ika 12 ng Mayo 2009: The Trouble with Goodbye - Emotions hidden in a tough facade are the hardest to deal with.... and so it was when my brother and his family finally said goodbye....
Ika 13 ng Mayo 2009: Shoe Mishaps - Narrating my many shoes misadventures......
Ika 14 ng Mayo 2009: The Baby is Now a Lady - Just feeling melancholy as I watch my eldest daughter becoming a lady.....
Ika 19 ng Mayo 2009: Kids Bonding Time - My son gets to choose who will accompany him to their school outing......
Ika 21 ng Mayo 2009: Intense - It is to me coming from my outing with the kids and watching the finals of American Idol. I had to stretch it just a little bit.............
Ika 22 ng Mayo 2009: Is that a Threat? - Battle of wits betwwen mum and son.....
Ika 26 ng Mayo 2009: Social Etiquette - Minding manners when in public is essential to survival...... In the tagalized post, I would learn about the beginnings of my new saloon owner....
Ika 27 ng Mayo 2009: M & E - The difficulty of monitoring the household of a working mum is narrated..........
Ika 28 ng Mayo 2009: I Hate Telecommuting - I feel grouchy on this day as I have to meet a deadline.......
Ika 29 ng Mayo 2009: Moral Dilemmma - What does one do when faced with one?

June 2009
Ika 2 ng Hunyo 2009: Crossroads - I got a surprised email from a friend who made a life-changing decision....
Ika 3 ng Hunyo 2009: Taken Aback - A surprise text message from an unexpected source lightens my day......
Ika 13 ng Hunyo 2009: Real Life Drama - The suspected involvement of someone I know in a grizzly crime jolts this blogger on this day.........
Ika 16 ng Hunyo 2009: Slumdogs in our Midst - Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, one cannot ignore the poverty permeating our society...... In the tagalozed post, the threat of H1N1 looms....
Ika 18 ng Hunyo 2009: Constipation and Consternation - Dealing with physical examination can be a feat.....
Ika 19 ng Hunyo 2009: Empty - How does one deal with her worst fears and sudden loss?
Ika 21 ng Hunyo 2009: Father's Day - Remembering dads on this day as I recall my own experience with my father......
Ika 23 ng Hunyo 2009: Happy Birthday Blog! - My blogsite is a year older. It should get wiser....
Ika 24 ng Hunyo 2009: Judgment Day - Tis the day dreaded by my students.
Ika 26 ng Hunyo 2009: Mortality - Coming from the wake of my neighbor, I would be shocked to hear about two celebrity deaths instead of just one.....
Ika 28 ng Hunyo 2009: Goodbye, Hello - Of course, I just have to include the last of my daily post.....

And that is how life was in the year that just passed....

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My Mountains, Hills, Valleys, Plateaus

Landscape comprises the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, living elements of flora and fauna, abstract elements like lighting and weather conditions, and human elements like human activity and the built environment.

Life imitates the various geographical forms making up the earth's expanse. Like a landscape, there are highlands and lowlands...... plateaus and valleys in life shaped by the ebbing and flowing of events. The elements of earth, wind, fire, and water also help recreate the landforms as family, friendships, and other relations, whether smooth or strained, greatly influence our being. Places, possessions, professions, experiences are also important determinants of how our life will be sculptured in reaching our highest potentials or in being doomed to a life of damnation...... our lifescape.

And so it is with this blogger. From hereon, this new section, Lifescape, will chronicle my weekly journey as I try to reach my mountains while eventually settling for a hill or just cruising along a plateau while trying to avoid my valley of darkness..... sometimes, I can't or wouldn't........ It's actually those core-shakers which define my own lifescape and help make me be the person that I can be....

Be part of or witness the changing scenery of my life........

Landscape Etymology

The word landscape comes from the Dutch word landschap, from land (directly equivalent to the English word land) and the suffix -schap, corresponding to the English suffix "-ship".

Landscape, first recorded in 1598, was borrowed as a painters' term from Dutch during the 16th century, when Dutch artists were on the verge of becoming masters of the landscape genre. The Dutch word landschap had earlier meant simply 'region, tract of land' but had acquired the artistic sense, which it brought over into English, of 'a picture depicting scenery on land'.

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