GLoBaL CriSis aNd Me

When the economic global crisis started last year, I really did not feel the effect right away. I thought, others will just lose their jobs and the $ exchange rate will fluctuate every now and then. I did not care about how it will affect us as a whole. Not until now.

Due to this crisis, a lot of people lost their jobs since companies are not getting much profit or should I say, are not getting any profit at all. Either the company shuts down or performs mass lay off. In my case, I resigned. Whatever the reason is for being jobless, still the crisis strikes.

When I was still working, I had 5 major credit cards and I was very brave to use them all. I know I have the capability to pay so I just use it whenever I want. But now, I have closed my first card and have just talked to a phone representative to cancel the second card. I do not see a need to maintain all these right now. Also, the annual fee is getting higher and its not practical to pay 1500-2000php specially if you have not purchased that much for a year.

As for my other hobby - shopping, it really diminished. (thank God!) I used to visit SM every payday or whenever I feel buying some thing. Now, I just go there for our groceries which is twice a month. Also, I do not enter boutiques anymore. I just walk straight to the Supermarket to avoid seeing stuff specially during sale :P)

Every Christmas season, hubby and I go to Divisoria to buy gifts for all our god children. We spend almost 10Kphp just for gifts so that all the kids will get a gift. We also buy stuff for our family, friends and even just acquaintances who have been good to us. But last year, it's quite sad since I was not able to give all my "inaanaks" the gift they are supposed to receive. We did not even think of going to Divisoria. Though I really felt shy, I was still honest to tell my kumares the magic words "Pass muna ako this year." Thanks to them for being so understanding but I will try to compensate this year (I hope to get a job!)

I've been looking for a job for three months now. Due to crisis, it is really hard. The number of Job openings significantly dropped and many companies are having "freeze hiring".

Experts say that the Global Economic Crisis will last until 2010. It may be true or not. Others believe that Obama is the answer. Once the economy of US bounces back, the rest of the countries will follow. Actually, no one really knows when this will end or how it will end. I believe only GOD knows.

As for me, I have no choice but to adjust with all that's happening. I actually intend to pursue my new spending habits which I believe is a good thing. As experts say, we should only spend
within our limits and make sure to save a little. In addition, for me Global Crisis is not just a bad thing, it is also good in a sense that people learn how to spend money wisely and to have a simple life.

Despite of Global Economic Crisis, Filipinos are still optimistic about life. So, let us be strong and fight the crisis!

AsH wEdNesDay

When I was young, I always wanted to have a darker mark on my forehead during Ash Wednesday. Since, I am just a little girl I really do not know the meaning and significance of this day until I became older and started to listen to what priests say.

In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It falls on a different date each year, because it is dependent on the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the priest who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his own forehead and then on each of those present who kneel before him at the altar rail. As he does so, he recites the words: "Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Here is the actual mark on my forehead. Not that dark, huh :p


A lot of people go to mass during Ash Wednesday. Some knows the meaning of it but others do not. Others follow the fasting and abstinence code but others just ignore it. The Catholic church says that people between 14-60 should do the fasting and abstinence. There should be no eating of pork during Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during the 40 days as well as Good Friday and also Black Saturday if possible. But mandatory are the Fridays and the Ash Wednesday itself. Not only fasting and abstinence should be done. We should also extend help to others in great need and attend mass everyday. These are some of the good deeds that Catholics should observe during this Season. As for me, I am a hypocrite to say that I do all these. Yes, I try to follow them but I am just human making mistakes. I believe this is the best time to ask for forgiveness so I also try to have a confession once a year.

(People are falling in line to receive ash)

mY aDvaNce BdaY giFt

Last Saturday, my hubby and I went to SM for our twice a month grocery. But before we went to the Supermarket, we passed by Watson's to check out some beauty products. Hubby knows that I wanted to have the 7 signs from Oil of Olay. So, right there he asked me to pick what I want. Since there are several products from Oil of Olay, I felt like I was torn among many lovers hahaha. The nice lady carefully explained the differences of each product. After a few minutes, hubby decided to buy the day and night cream for me. We were just so lucky that there was a promo wherein I got a 20ML of day cream for free! So now, I ended up to have three! But my lucky day did not just end there. The nice lady also offered me a free tote bag in addition to a bottle of shampoo that we need to add to our items . Since shampoo is a necessity, we decided to buy one. At the end of the day, I got all these items for a discounted amount. I was so happy since my birthday is just a few weeks away. I just can't help but smile :) I hope everyday is my birthday hahahha

SiCk :(

Right now, I am suffering from cough and colds so I have no choice but to stay at home and take a lot of rest. It maybe simple to some of us but, it still hurts! haha It is very inconvenient and the fact is, we cannot just ignore it. During my first day of sickness, I had difficulty in sleeping. I always wake up since my nose is being clogged by mucus. So today, I rested the whole day and took some medicine to ease up the heavy feeling that I have. Since I feel a lot better, I have decided to make a research and share these important details to you. I hope this helps :)

Bolstering Your Immune System in Five Simple Steps to Help Prevent Colds and the Flu

The immune system defends the body against diseases and other harmful invaders, including bacteria and the flu virus. The body's ability to resist these invaders is called immunity. In my opinion, building one's immunity against all invaders is a much more comprehensive approach than the singularly focused flu vaccination and can be accomplished by following five easy steps:

1. Advanced Hygiene - Why Hand Washing is Not Enough? - I believe that cleaning the hands in the usual fashion only rids them of a small percentage of all potential pathogens. I highly encourage individuals to practice a system called “Advanced Hygiene.” The first step of advanced hygiene starts with a semi-soft natural soap. I instruct my patients to push their fingertips into the soap in order to address the area in and around the fingernails, an infectious hotbed where I believe that the overwhelming majority of germs on the hands reside. The next step involves immersing one’s face (facial dipping) into a solution of water, sea salt and dilute iodine. This process is designed to rid the face of germs, viruses, and bacteria. This is vital since these pathogens gain access to our bodies not through our airways and respiratory tract, but through our eyes, nasal passages, mouth and ears. Fingernail cleansing and “facial dipping” disarm the autoinoculation process—the process where we unwittingly put into our bodies (through the eyes, nose, or mouth) unwanted germs or viruses.
   
2. Diet - A whole foods-based diet adds to overall human health and immunity. Examples of "immune-enhancing foods" are locally grown meats, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables raised organically and chemical-free. Fresh fruits and vegetables are especially vital in this capacity. While no health official would argue with the consumption of fruits and vegetables, we can take our diets a step further if we really want to bolster our immune system!
3. Supplementation - In general, I recommend my patients use supplement formulas made from "whole foods" that have been fermented. Since the majority of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, balance of intestinal bacteria is vital to helping our bodily defenses function properly. Key supplements to help bolster immunity include: Probiotics: Probiotics improve the body's ability to fight infection and enhance the immune response.
   
4. Sleep - Consistent, adequate sleep is vitally important to overall health and paramount to a healthy and well functioning immune system. Recent studies have shown that proper restful sleep is intimately tied to the balance of a number of hormones, most notably cortisol and melatonin. More important than how long you sleep is when you sleep. To insure proper glandular function it appears sleep is optimized when in sync with the day-night cycle. That means the optimal spring/summer bedtime is between 9 and 10 p.m. and the optimal fall/winter bedtime is between 8 and 9 p.m. It also appears that sleep cycles started before midnight are far more effective than those started after midnight-- regardless of the number of hours slept.
5. Reducing Stress - Stress is linked to six of the leading causes of death: Heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide--and too much stress also hinders the immune system. Constant stress could increase risks associated with a variety of conditions such as heart, allergic, and immune diseases. SOURCE : Preventtheflu.com, by Dr, Joseph Brasco, MD.
   

OuR PrE-VaLeNtiNe DaTe

picture taking while waiting for the foods

Yesterday, my hubby and I decided to have our pre valentine date. Since, malls will be very congested by Friday and Saturday, we just took the early celebration.

We had a lunch out at a famous Japanese resto in SM Pampanga. The food was great and every penny was worth it.

For all those Japanese food lovers out there, try it! The resto is located at the Annex wing beside Flavors of China. I am looking forward for more Valentine's Day with you, Nee.

hubby while looking at the menu



















the authentic Japanese cuisine



















hubby while enjoying the food



















me, trying hard in using the chopsticks

tHe GifT oF LiFe

When I got married more than two years ago, I told myself that I am not yet ready to get pregnant. To bring another life into my womb and be a good mother are very big responsibilities for me. I was so afraid that I may not be a good mother to my future children.

A lot of people are waiting for our future children until now. A lot were asking why I am not yet pregnant. Others are even wonderin' why. Though others are bravely asking, others just choose to be silent about it. But I know all the thoughts that might have been lingering into their minds. Whenever they ask me why I do not have a child yet, I just tell them the truth. That I am not yet ready and we really want to prepare for it.

When my niece came out into this world, my sister and parents were so happy and I am also one of the people rejoicing. We enjoy having her and it is a very good time for me as well to practice and prepare for my own soon. I told myself that "hands on" is still the best teacher. :p

Every Sunday, we are attending mass and a lot of children are being accompanied by their parents at the church. There are kids who are just passive, others are very active and others are so adorable. Last week was a reality for me. I was looking at a cute little girl and suddenly, I thought of having my own. Then, I told my hubby "Naiinggit na me sa mga buntis" (I now feel envious to pregnant women) and he just smiled at me. That is when I said to myself that maybe this is the right time. Maybe I have already overcome my fear and we are not getting any younger. The last time that my hubby and I talked, we decided to have it this year. I hope that before Christmas of 2009, I already have a cute life inside me. With the help of our LORD, I know I will be fine.

McDo commerciaL

Since I resigned, I just stay at home and I watch TV most of the time. I watch the Kapamilya shows as well as commercials. Recently, one commercial strucked me. It is the latest advertisement for my favorite fast food, Mc Donalds.

The TV ad is about two persons who have know each other since they were kids. They met at McDonalds with their Moms. They played together and became friends until the time that the girl got married and had a kid. The sad part there was, the girl introduced her husband to the guy not knowing about the guy's feelings for her. They guy kept his love for her and never had the courage to tell her about it. But what I like about the commercial was the last part. The moment when he said that "Kahit hindi kami nagkatuluyan sa huli, sya parin and first love ko."

That was a very sweet line. I just can feel the love of the guy! I just hope that it did not end that way :p