Signs You Are Living Beyond Your Means

Dwindling savings mean that global households are taking on more debt and are less able to absorb a financial blow like the loss of a job or a downturn in the economy.

If you are concerned that your finances could be in danger, there is a way to tell whether you're in over your head. Answer 'yes' to any of these questions and you could be living beyond your means.

1. You do not have a budget.
2. You rely on your bank account’s overdraft to cover monthly expenses.
3. Clothes in your closet still have the price tags on them.
4. The saleslady knows you by name.
5. You have become a preferred customer.
6. You rarely spend time in the kitchen.
7. The man at the coffee shop asks if you will be having 'the usual.'
8. Your hair costs you half of what you pay for rent.
9. The cab company is on your speed-dial.
10. You lie about what you have spent.

As a nation, we are digging ourselves ever deeper into debt. To avoid becoming part of the gloomy bankruptcy and foreclosure statistics, it's important to measure your financial health regularly.

Philippine Delicacies ("Food Trip")

... I missed our very own food delicacies. I have seen this brave traveller named Andrew Zimmern. He travels around the globe to try various delicacies. In these videos, he visited the Philippines and there it reminds me our yummy foods. ;) Check this out!

Some Rambling Thoughts...in Nursing

I returned to work yesterday from almost two months of leave. It was such a great feeling knowing that I have been missed by my colleagues. They are such cool buddies! As usual the hospital ward is still as chaotic as before mainly because of understaffing (like any hospital wards in the gIobe!). I am very much thankful with the foundation that I developed throughout my early years of Nursing in the Philippines. I just put into practice everything here in the UK. You have to deal with it squarely. I admit Nursing is such a very stressfull and also an exciting profession. It's both rewarding and frustrating, utterly fascinating and dull as tombs at times. However, "someone has to do it!". The weapons we have during stressfull situation is to have a presence of mind....and a very good sense of humour. "It's either we laugh or cry". Which one is better? Of course, the laughter. The longer you are a nurse the more warped your sense of humour becomes. No one outside the field appreciates gross stuff the way we do, especially when it's discussed at the dinner table! ;)

The Golden Rule applies to any situation at any instances. That is exactly how I feel about treating other people. Treat them just like you want to be treated. It is very simple. It's written in the bible. Almost every human being responds to kindness and respect. However, not everyone would respond the same. But that's life! Personally speaking, nursing gives us a different outlook on everything. It helps us grow, deal with things that most people avoid, somethings not fun at all. We see the goodness, the badness, the ugly and the beautiful too.

Five or ten minutes of our time can go a long long way to a patient. Sometimes they just want to talk to us or simply wants to know if somebody is still there when they need help. Imagine them sitting or lying in bed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 30 days a month. What would be your outlook then? I could hardly be settled if it was me. Patients deserve to be given the utmost care they need.

So many lessons. So many opportunities to grow in compassion and wisdom. And that I thank Nursing!

In Memory of My Dad..

Daddy passed away 5 years ago (24th of March 2004). I have never realized it's five years already. All I could recall are the good times we had. He was such a cool Dad! When things went wrong for me he reminded me that everything would always be all right. He would cracked a joke and for a split second my outlook would be totally different. I have missed that!

It was such a great privilege that I have known the story of his life before he passed away. I made a journal for my family. He lived a colorful and exciting life in the Airforce. It was cut short because of politically motivated instances. He shifted and became a commercial pilot. Everything changed when he fell in love with Mom. Because his flight routes were far from my Mom he resigned to stay near Mom's place. He said he didn't want to lose the opportunity to be with my Mom always. He then became a self defense instructor in NAPOLCOM. They got married and the rest is history.;) I am truly proud of him. Love you, Dad!

Let Us Ride a Vinta

The vinta ( locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is a traditional boat found in the Philippine island of Mindanao. The bamboo amas extend forward of the main hull.These boats are made by Bajau (indigenous ethnic group in Southern Philippines) and Moros (a name given to Muslim Filipinos, a collection of several multilingual ethnic groups, the largest mainly non-Christian lining in the Sulu Archipelago). It has a sail with assorted vertical colors that represents the colorful culture and history of the Muslim community. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods. Zamboanga City is known for these vessels.

photo credits: http://www.pacific-tall-ships.com/Vinta.htm

: Bishop Museum Occasional Papers Vol XXIV

The T'boli Tribe of Mindanao

I am proud to be a "Dabawenya". I grew up in Southern Mindanao (Philippines), a very diverse place to live. Davao is rich with its own cultures, arts and history. It is one of the progressive cities in the country. Tourists and the locals started to appreciate my hometown when the peace and order has been continously secured by Mayor Duterte. Metro Davao was also ranked among the 20 Most Livable Cities in Asia by the Asiaweek. However, the modernization didn't affect the local tribes. The "Lumad" is a term being used to denote a group of indigenous peoples of the southern Philippines.

One of the most recognized tribes are the T'bolis. From the body of ethnographic and linguistic literature on Mindanao they are variously known as Toboli, T'boli, Tböli, Tiboli, Tibole, Tagabili, Tagabeli, and Tagabulu. They term themselves Tboli or T'boli. who are the inhabitants of the Tiruray highlands, southwest of Mindanao, are known for their colorful body ornaments consisting of earrings, lush necklaces, and handcrafted bracelets. They wear a unique outfit called t’nalak, made from woven abaca, which turned out a beautiful mixture of red, brown and beige designs- an extra ordinary work of art that attracted people from all over the world. They are one of those many tribes that have maintained and evolved an artistically rich cultural practices evidently shown in their musical performances. Bamboo tubes, wooden guitar-like instruments, mouth harps, bronze gongs, drums and many more are some of their wide array of musical intruments made out of their own wood products. They are remarkable balladeers singing about their lives and legends, and dance is an essential part of their festivities.

An interesting video I came across in You Tube called "Tboli Weavers and Dancers" by Jerontv. Check this out.

photo credit: wikipedia

Are You Feeling Low?

Are you feeling low? Try to grab a few squares of dark chocolate to boost your mood and energy level. Chocolate can affect the amount of serotonin in the brain. This chemical is known for having an effect on mood, and is regulated by many anti depressants.

One of the substances that makes unsweetened chocolate so bitter, theobromine, is similar to caffeine and theophylline. It, like those substances, is a stimulant. That means that consuming it could make you feel more alert and energetic, resulting in greater feelings of happiness. This chemical was first discovered in cacao beans in 1841 by a Russian chemist, but it wasn t until 1878 that it was isolated from those beans.

However, let us just forget all the scientific basis for a moment. Some things in life we don't need a scientific basis for. Eating chocolate is one of those times. If it tastes good and makes us feel good then enjoy munching chocolate!...... It always works for me!;)

Are You A Victim of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. But it does - and when it does, there is help. Maybe you have lived with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to someone who is being abused right now.

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating.

Examples of abuse include:
-name-calling or putdowns
-keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends
-withholding money
-stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job
-actual or threatened physical harm
-sexual assault
-stalking
-intimidation

- controlling what the victim can and cannot do

Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.Women who are being emotionally abused often feel as if they do not own themselves; rather, they may feel that their significant other has nearly total control over them. Women undergoing emotional abuse often suffer from depression, which puts them at increased risk for suicide, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol abuse.

The cycle can happen hundreds of times in an abusive relationship. Each stage lasts a different amount of time in a relationship. The total cycle can take anywhere from a few hours to a year or more to complete. It is important to remember that not all domestic violence relationships fit the cycle. Often, as time goes on, the 'making-up' and 'calm' stages disappear.

What can you do?

- CALL THE POLICE if you feel you are in danger from your abuser at any time.

- Get support from friends and family.

- Find a safe place

-Get medical help.

- Get a personal protection order.

- Make a safety plan.

Your life and your safety are most important. Trying to bring your children with you is important. Everything else is secondary.

.....If you are being abused, REMEMBER:

• You are not alone!
• It is not your fault !
• Help is available!

****************************

http://www.domesticviolence.org/

Life Metaphors

What are your metaphors? This is not usually straightforward. We have to stand back a long way to see the pattern in our lives. Some people see life as a battle. Every encounter is a struggle, and if they don't win, they feel like they have lost... Others view life as a mountain climb, it consists of hierarchies and they are always climbing the corporate ladder... Or people see life as a race. They always finding the fastest route, "keeping up with the Jonses." "They have this new expensive car, we should have one too!"... Or some people see life as a prison. Feeling like we don't have choices, like others have all the power...These are just a few of the life metaphors that run people's lives.

At this point of my life, I see life as an adventure. A new day brings new opportunities to explore. If something goes badly today, there's always tomorrow. And whatever the case in point, the fact that "it didn't work last time has nothing to do with next time!".

.... What metaphor(s) fit your life?

Thank You, Lord

Honk If You Love Bacon!... Bacon Can Cause Cancer

Typical English breakfast usually consists of bacon, sausages and eggs. Guess what? Study reveals that eating processed meats such as bacon and ham causes cancer, according to a new landmark study. Both red and processed meat were "convincing" causes of bowel cancer. Bacon, like other cured (or pickled) meats such as ham, corned beef, frankfurters and salami, contain nitrite. Nitrite, and sometimes nitrate, both of which occur naturally, are used to produce the characteristic colour, flavour and texture of these products and also aid their preservation. The use of nitrite and nitrate can, under some circumstances, result in the formation of substances called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines can cause cancer in laboratory animals and they may have the same potential in humans. Scary, isn't it? Better think twice now.

But the researchers found that non-starchy vegetables including green leafy varieties, spinach, broccoli, and aubergine, "probably" offered protection against cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus and stomach.

The Red Ripe Strawberry

(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Who likes strawberry? Strawberries are not common in my hometown (Davao City). The fruit is difficult to grow in a tropical hot weather. I have learned to eat strawberry when I live here in the UK. You could see it everywhere whatever season we have. And for some reason, it becomes one of my favourite subjects in photography. I like the colour and the uniqueness of the fruit itself. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside. It is awesome! Different angle could be interjected and you create interesting shots.

***Strawberry Facts:

• Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, potassium.
• Strawberries, as part of a 5 a day fruit & vegetable program, can help reduce the risk of cancer & heart attacks.
• Over 53 percent of seven to nine-year-olds picked strawberries as their favorite fruit.
• The average strawberry has 200 seeds.
• In France, Strawberries were thought to be an aphrodisiac. A soup made of strawberries, thinned sour cream, borage, & powered sugar was served to newlyweds.
  

...(using macro lens)

..Looks yummy, huh! I prepared this for you. Wanna bite?

Its Not About Me

(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

It's all about you, Jesus

And all this is for you

For your glory and your faith.

It's not about me

As If you should do things my way.

You alone our God

And I surrender to your ways!

***********

I went through some rough times lately. It had been on a whirlwind of a journey and went through some rough patches in life. The only thing that holds me is my faith in God. Faith in God is from the heart. It is not merely intellectual. It is spiritual.... And God, I surrender to your ways!

Wintery Spring...and Stormy

Last night was a horrible one. Who thinks that a storm would hit us at this time of year? I've been here for long but I've never experienced such a weird weather before. It must be due to the climate change. You could literally hear the strong wind and rain pouring outside the house. For some reason, I am scared of strong wind and rain. The chilling temperature outside could be mistaken for winter season. Plus, the quick presence of snow earlier coincides the cold freezy day. Hope it settles a bit soon.

Maybe it is time to have a cup of coffee first! ;) Have a lovely Sunday!

**********

"When you arise in the morning,

give thanks for the morning light.

Give thanks for your life and strength.

Give thanks for the joy of living.

And if perchance you see no

reason for giving thanks,

rest assured the fault is in yourself!"

Enduring Words

I've been a book lover ever since I was a child. Most probably I have gotten the interest from my Mom and Dad. Back home in the Philippines Mom has a wide collection of inspirational books and cooking magazines. I tend to read her books as my pastime. Just earlier I went to shop around and bought this book called "Enduring Words for Everyday Living" compiled by Margaret Miller. It is filled with inspirational quotations we all could learn from. Indeed a very interesting book!

As quoted, In the rush of modern life, too many of us are existing rather than living. Our lives often consist of work schedules, appointments, hastily snatched meals, and an evening in front of the television. It is important to stop to "smell the roses", to enjoy life to the fullest.

Some of life's greatest wonders are the simplest, most common place things like summer's morning, shady trees, or birds twittering at dusk. And many of its pleasures are equally ordinary: arranging a bowl of flowers from the garden, going for a solitary walk, or chatting with friends. And yet, how often do we stop to think about, and appreciate, those experiences? The passages in this endearing anthology help us to look at life with fresh eyes, to "seize the day", and to reflect on what is important. By its very nature, life is full of change, and new challenges constantly come our way.

Here's one of my favourite quotes in the book.

"Ask not what tomorow may bring, but count as blessing every day that Fate allows you"

-by Horace, 65-8 BC.

Have Faith in HIM

Let me share to you this inspirational verses I randomly picked last night before I went to sleep. I browsed my Ipod Touch and look for an e-book to read. There I've seen the Holy Bible. I feel good when I read inspirational words. I browsed on the book of PSALM Chapter 37 verses 3-5.

"Have faith in the Lord, and do good; be at rest in the land, and go for righteousness. So will your delight be in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires. Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in Him and He will do it."

"Menudo": the 80's era

(they sang the hit song "Explosion")

...Who could forget these five popular good-looking Puerto Rican singers in the 80's? They were Robbie Rosa, Ricky Martin, Charlie, Roy Rosello and Ray Reyes, They called themselves, Menudo. Menudo was a monster hit in the Philippines in the early 80's. Menudo Mania was hot all over the world. Menudo was in Manila in 1983, 1984 and 1985. I admit I myself was an avid fan of the group. Where in fact me together with my 3 cousins and my twin sister formed our own group. We sang and performed in the television locally in the Philippines following the Menudo's songs (of course, with our matching colorful outfits!). We were so young then. It was absolutely fun! We were called the MENUDA then and later on named the Thunderbirds. We perfected all the songs (even Spanish songs) and the dance choreography of Menudo. It brings back good and fun-filled memories! It just too bad I left our photos in the Philippines. ;)

..Look at Ricky Martin here. ;) He sang "Rayo de Luna".