WiMo!

Disney-themed party

2010-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl is now a toddler. Thank you all for making my little girl's first birthday in Manila possible.

Sharing the link of the photos during Bienne's birthday: http://pomscienna.smugmug.com/Baby-Bienne/Bienne-turns-1/10856249_CjcBK/1/757460791_7MfiD

Happy viewing. Happy new year! Cheers!

Cienna ^_^

Farewell to Philippines' Mother of Democracy

2009-08-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

She may not be the perfect president, perfect mom, and perfect person but who is? She bravely fought for every Filipino's freedom and taught us to be proud of being one.

Tita Cory to many, will forever be remembered as the Mother of Democracy.

I would like to share one of the happiest moments in my life where I got the chance to personally talk to her.

I was the public relations officer to Wyett's Gifted Children at that time and she was invited to speak for the gifted children. Her appearance was brief because of another engagement. Her bodyguards were strict no media could get near her. I was few steps away as she approached the exit door. Not minding what the bodyguards could do to me I bravely approached her and said "Hi Tita Cory. Pwede po bang magpa-picture ang gifted children with you?" With humbleness in her face she replied to me in one word - "Sure" with the sweetest smile I've ever seen. In a stressful event like that, I surely needed one.

It was a very heart-melting moment. How can someone with a position and known to the world can do such gesture to a nobody and ordinary person like me. For at that moment it didn't feel like I've just spoken to a former president but a mother to everyone.

Thank you President Cory for the memories and for all you've done for us. You will always be remembered.

Farewell Mother of Philippine Democracy

2009-07-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow

I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called 'Yellow'

So then I took my time
Oh what a thing to've done
And it was all yellow

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know? You know I love you so
You know I love you so

I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh what a thing to do
'Cause you were all yellow

I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know? For you I bleed myself dry
For you I bleed myself dry

It's true
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for

Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And all the things that you do

No more co-sleeping!

2009-07-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

My 6-month-old baby fell from the bed with face flat on the floor I have no idea how she fell but her cry woke me up like a soldier heading to the battlefield.

I heard her cry hoping she's hungry or wet but when I opened my eyes and turned to her side, I was so deeply horrified she's nowhere in my sight. I was never been so scared in my life seeing my little one helpless on the floor. As I hurriedly approach her all I could think of is "call 911...call 911".

I quickly looked at her face, still shaking and expecting to find something more horrible. But thank God (and Thank you really Lord!) she turned out OK. If our floor is not carpeted, I would never ever forgive myself.

I held her so tight and carried her all morning and vowed to make sure it will never happen again.

She smiled and giggled afterwards and so so thankful for another assurance that she was indeed fine. Now the next thing to think about is to mention it to her pediatrician which I'm very sure to be scolded (I deserve it!) told her before she sleeps in the crib. Well, she does every afternoon and upon sleeping at night but when she cries at night for her first feeding I take her and put her to sleep between me and Poms.

Bienne is rolling fast, crawling backwards fast, and does something new everyday. I'm very happy she's hitting the milestones on time but should always bear in mind to be extra cautious. Careful, careful, careful and alert!

What link?

2009-05-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

There's truth about what every parent says. Once you have a baby, all you wanted to do is to protect her and keep her safe all the time even from just a strand of dirty hair. My Bienne is turning 5 months old next week and I can tell you right now she's pretty long for her age. She's slim and some say she's tiny but long. I can already see she got the height from Daddy. I just hope she continues to grow that way.

Two weeks ago was her 4th month well-child check-up to her Pediatrician. It went fine. She was given another dose of vaccines appropriate for her age. But this is my concern now. A lot of media campaign and TV appearances from a private organization aims to stop too much vaccines for the babies at a very early age. Too many, too soon they say. The reason? Vaccines according to them are said to be one of the major factors of the growing cases of Autism in the US today. Can you believe that? All along we thought and we were taught that vaccines are supposed to protect the children. And it is up to now.

Sharing my concern with my baby's doctor, she assured me that it was already medically proven that there were no proofs that vaccines are linked to autism one way or another. The American Academy of Pediatrician also disputes such claim. So who else is more knowledgeable than the one who spent years in medicine school really?

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/mmr_vaccine.htm

I feel for the parents with a child diagnosed with autism but if I decide to stop vaccinating my child because of fear of autism that will surely put my baby at risk from the diseases that are still lurking around and do continue to exist. Sometimes I wish that those people just simply stop blaming the vaccines as one of the major causes of autism. It's like crying fire when there is none. But what if it really does? Dilemma isn't it? For a parent to see her child not grow up like a normal child should be or in bed stricken with a preventable disease is just so crushing to the heart. Although studies already revealed that vaccines are perfecctly safe, the government here vows to continue further extensive research for vaccine-autism link. For the meantime, it's best to follow the doctor's order.

I wonder if the case is the same in the Philippines. Is it?

Ano ba yun?

2009-05-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mabuhay ka Pacquiao ^_^

5 Best States for Nursing Jobs

2008-08-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Sa mga interested malaman...=D

1. California
2. Florida
3. New York
4. Ohio
5. Pennsylvania

http://www.nursinglink.com/careers/5131-5-best-states-for-nursing-jobs

Pacquiao strikes again!

2008-06-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

He didn't just fight like a lion, he's a monster! Filipinos' beloved Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao bags the first Asian to win four diffirent titles in boxing. I didn't expect Diaz to give up that easily but that was one hell of a fight. Poms was skeptical he thinks the fight is draw but I was confident something really good was bound to happen. Kung may pang-taya lang sana kami eh hehe!

This Gensan fighter has once again gave hope and pride to fellow Filipinos despite of the challenges being faced now in the country. Mabuhay ka Pacquiao and continue making us proud to be Filipino in your own God-given talent! Cheers! =D

Ganito ka ba?

2008-06-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Registered nurse si Maria sa States. Kasama nya ang kanyang ina na
nagpagamot din doon. Namatay ang ina nito. Dahil sa kamahalan ng
pamasahe pabalik sa Pilipinas, nagtipid si Maria. Pinauwi na lang niya ang
kabaong ng kanyang ina na mag-isa.

Pagdating ng kabaong, napansin ng mga kapamilya niya na dikit ang mukha
sa salamin ng ataul. Nagkomento tuloy and isang anak, "Ay, naku! Tingnan
mo 'yan... hindi sila marunong mag-ayos ng bangkay sa Amerika!"

Upang ayusin ang itsura ng bangkay, binuksan ang kabaong. Aba! May
sulat sa dibdid ng ina. Kinuha nila ito at binasa. Ang nilalaman ng liham na
mula kay Maria:

"Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid:
"Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa
Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. "Ang gastos ko pa lang sa
kanya ay mahigit $1,000 na. Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga.

"Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod...

"Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karnenorte. Ang adidas na
suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa
loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo.

"Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puetan ni nanay.
Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi matunaw ang mga ito.

"Ang pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni
ate. Gift ko sa first birthday ng bata. "Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay
Nene,Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, japanese version ng
pokemon trading cards at stickers. "Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph
Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta.

"Suot din ni inay ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo sa party.

"May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo,
itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga
pamangkin ko at 'yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume. "Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball."Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro green at Winston lights ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay. "Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag mag-aagawan.

"Isang dosenang Wonder bra na gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iska, suot-suot din
ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya.

"Ang Rolex na bilin-bilin mo tatay, suot-suot ni nanay. Kunin mo agad,
tatay. "Ang hikaw, singsing at kuwintas (na may nakakabit pang anim na
nail cutters) na gustong-gusto mo, ditse, ay suot-suot din ni nanay. kunin
mo na rin agad, ditse.

"Isang Ray Ban ladies sunglass na pabirthday ko kay Ninang Berta, hindi ko ba pinasuot kay nanay. Isiniksik ko na lang sa may bandang ulunan ni nanay. Nasa pink na plastik na maliit. "Mga Chanel at Champion na medyas, suot-suot din ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo, mga pamangkin ko.

"Mga pampers, panty liners, cotton buds, cotton balls, table napkins at
mga scotch brite na may foam ay natatakpan ng mga puting bath towels...'yon bale ang pinangkutson ko sa kabaong ni nanay. Marami-rami rin iyon.Parte-parte rin kayo.

"Marami pa akong ipinagsisiksik kung saan-saang parte gaya ng cafe,
coffee creamer, ilang vienna sausage na de lata, barbie dolls, toothbrush,
paper cups, plastic spoon and pork, paper at styro foam plates, perfume,
cologne, ballpens, stationeries, envelopes, bar soaps, match box toys,
used t-shirts, hand towels, CDs. VHS tapes, padlock, tools gaya ng screw
driver, plais, long nose, atbp. Na hindi ko na na-itemize dahil nagmamadali
ako.

"Marami pa sana akong ipaglalalagay kaya lang, baka mag-excess at si
nanay pa ang maiwan. "Basta parte-parte kayo, tatay, kuya, ate, dikong,
ditse. Para sa inyo lahat ito. "Bahala na kayo kay nanay. Pamimisahan ko na lang siya rito.

"Balitaan ninyo na lang ako pagkatapos ng libing. "Paki-double check
ang lista kung walang nawala sa mga ipinadala ko.

Nagmamahal,

Maria

"P.S. Pakibihisan ninyo agad si Nanay!"

Didn't know I was pregnant

2008-05-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

...until I took a home pregnancy test - twice.

A friend once told me that Hormonal Imbalance often mimics the symptoms of pregnancy. I thought I was just having the first one because I have history of hormonal imbalance and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) so I always rule out pregnancy. But having surrounded by friends and relatives who are in medicine (lucky me!) I was somehow able to find out bits of information about symptoms of pregnancy. Special thanks to Doctors Willie and Leo, Babe Grace, Auntie Aida (Pedia) and Auntie Nilda (OB), sister-in-law Grace, and babiesonline.com.

Bleeding. Or more commonly known as Implantation Bleeding is the earliest pregnancy symptom. Some women will experience spotting as well as cramping. In this stage the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall so the bleeding occurs. I cleary remember having this symptom last April 5 and lasted for two days.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, changed in birth control pills, or infection.

Delayed Menstruation. This is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. This has always been normal to me since I am ever since irregular but the one that triggered me to take a home preg test is the unusual morning sickness I had for the first time in two consecutive mornings until now.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing brith control pill.

Swollen/Tender Breasts. Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptoms which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks of conception. This is also a sign for an upcoming menstrual period.

Other Explanations: Hormonal Imbalance, Impending PMS, and birth control pills.

Fatigue/Tiredness. Feeling tired or fatigued is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception. I can go on window-shopping and endless walking for the whole day but for the past few weeks, I find comfort in the soft sofa seats of Macy's and Nordstrom.

Other Explanations: Stress, Depression, Common cold/flu.

Nausea/Morning Sickness. This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with this and unfortunately I'm not one of them. My morning sickness is the worst!

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches. Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy, however it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy. Luckily, I haven't experience this yet.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches. The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy. I encounter this usually at the end of the day.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination. Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom. And I thought because I drink too much water. Could be.

Other Explanation: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

There are more symptoms on the list but I'm just posting the most common ones that usually appear in the first trimester. What I'm feeling right now? Scared and excited. Well, it's a mixture of both of course having a baby is the next best thing to happen after getting married. Can't wait to be mom!

With Andrew Zimmern

2008-05-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Just how many of you watch Travel Channel's Bizaare Foods with Andrew Zimmern? This show explores the most exotic dishes from anywhere in the world that would make you think twice before ordering off the menu. For fans of gross out cuisine, this show is definitely for you. He's been in the Philippines last year and ranked our very own "Balut" right near the top of the most disgusting foods list but gave it two thumbs up.

We went to Olivera in Los Angeles last weekened to see what Mexicans are up to for their most celebrated "Cinco de Mayo." As we stroll along in one of California's oldest streets before it became the land of US, we spotted the crew of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern taping for the next episode. We tried our best to take a shot with Andrew as we worked our way out from the buzzing crowd.

When I get home...

2008-05-02T06:19:00.001-07:00

Of course my family comes first then meet my friends. But these would definitely be on my list too:

1. Mang Larry's Isawan "sa ilalim ng puno ng mangga" in UP Diliman.
2. A ride at MRT on rush hour, jeep with my casual get-up, and tricycle to visit my relatives in Cainta..
3. Spa...Spa...Spa and more Spa.
4. Bulalo meal at Pink House in Batangas.
5. Malling from Makati to North EDSA.
6. A walk at night along Roxas Blvd., Manila.
7. Window shopping at Greenhills tiangge.
8. One slice each of Conti's banana ang mango torte for me.
9. A week of Fruits in Ice Cream with flavors: bananaque, atis, cheese, and pistacio.
10. Swimming in Boracay weee! (pero pag walang budget sa Zambales na lang hehe!)

When

2008-05-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Gifted Children

2008-04-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

There is something going on with the new breed of today's generation.

Adorable niece Kaitlin Noelle, daughter of Bee's first cousin in Virginia, was barely 3 months old when she uttered the word "hung-gy" (meaning hungry). It was in the middle of the night when the parents heard Kaitlin's first word.

My godson Sean Kristoffer just turned 1 last March 12. At his young age, he can already captivate the words he hear and the things he sees. I was never wrong to hand him the "Rock-A-Baby" CD by Green Day as my Christening gift. I have a feeling he's going to be rock star. Somebody in their family is responsible for it and I think I know who.

In defense of China

2008-04-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

My cousin-in-law is so gonna kill me. Peace Eileen! There are two hot issues here. The first one was Gen. David Petreus's (top US Commanding Officer in Iraq) progressive report on the US soldiers in combat and the other one is about the angry Olympic protesters on the streets of San Francisco I'm watching right now.

I am not siding with one group nor supporting any of the underlying issues between China and Tibet. In fact, I strongly condemn any forms of human rights violations and without reservations I support groups and organizations that protect innocent civillians caught in the middle of the war.

This year's Olympics is hosted by China. The only way to ratify the wrath felt by people asking for Tibet's shout for justice is to bring the mockery on the streets and stop the parade of torch. With the whole world watching, I bet China was outright humiliated. Poor China. And the people who prepared for this event. It's an honor to parade the torch in the name of Olympics. We patiently waited for this momentous event. Unfortunately, it didn't go the way it's supposed to be.

I took advantage of spring break trying to finish all my assignments until May 15 but the news on CNN made me dropped my pen and left my books. I was so glued on TV. I can't believe it's China again. After all those lead-containing products just months ago they are making headlines again. I settled for a roll in the eyes.

What is it that we are trying to tell the world? One interviewee said, "Dissident voices don't reach China. This form of protest is the best place to voice out China's destructive policies." Not that I couldn't care less, I am a Christian and I also appreciate the words of Dalai Lama and I think that is what's lacking in China - a balance of sense of spirituality. But Olympics?

How far have we gone? Olympics brings the world in the same place. It's uniting all nations regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin. Its goal is to build a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. No. Not Olympics.

If we want to be heard loud and clear let's start on where the veins lie. Let's boycott all merchandise made in China. Impossible? That's a logical approach. Why? Because if nobody buys their products how can they survive? China is rising to be the world's next superpower. They provide the cheapest labor and a source of best bargain raw materials to most industrialized countries. That I think is the best way to put down a healthy business unless you have other ideas.

Now that the world have seen the blowup on streets, will that change China's communism? What can we do, they're communists. They have their own approach to protests done in their country just like ours. It's sad to see what's happening between China and Tibet and how people look at it with different points of view but if it won't make any difference then let's do the same to stop the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now again, don't shoot me. Just because I married someone with Chinese blood doesn't mean I've turned into one (lol). It's just my silly take on what hobbles in my mind. Peace out =D

Bully the bullies

2008-03-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

When I was in second year high school a group of girls tried to bully me. I was an extremely shy person then and never really fond of joining big groups just to be "in". I have enough company to make my day in school complete. I never fought back because I know they would eventually stop but they didn't. One time, my most unfavorite girl in the class approached me and told me to stay away from the guy who has a thing on me. So that's why they were so mad at me. I just walked away from her with a sheepish smile. She just told me her weak spot. Not bad to play a game with a bully eh. Those were the days.

ABC News featured bullies in the work place growing in an alarming rate. Interesting. I remember one of the big heads in Audi (I used to work here) that resembles the same characteristics described in this video. The best decision I always do? Quit if you're no longer happy :lol:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=7138667

My second "I do"

2008-03-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

It was the 25th of March, 2006 when I formally became Mrs. Paulinius Ong Ante.

Six months before our church wedding we got married in civil. Not because we were so eager to be called husband and wife (of course that's one of the many reasons why we planned to get married) but a surprising opportunity came knocking at the door.

Poms's US employer asked him to submit legal documents so he could start working with them in Chicago more or less before November of 2006. At that time our church wedding was all set on October 28 (which I based on Feng Shui). The church, the reception, the hotel and all were perfectly scheduled. Poms faced dilemma during his phone interview. He said he was already married and requested his wife to be with him as his dependent. Soon after that call, my relatives and friends thought a little bundle of joy just came before our big day for less than two months our civil wedding was arranged.

It felt awkward of course explaining to everyone why we need to get married in civil when our church wedding was just seven months away. In the Philippines obviously you just had to explain everything. It could have been the only challenge we had at that time but changing the rest of the wedding plans, church, reception, and date all became primary factors why I had to quit my job. Just imagine it was barely five months away when I got the church and the hotel confirmed our final schedule. It was the most strenuous and energy-consuming moment in our lives. It's really hard to prepare wedding nowadays in the Philippines because couples wanting to get married do their reservations at least a year or more before their wedding date. My parents and my parents-in-law said it wasn't that complicated during their time. Maybe because there are so many "nice-to-haves" in weddings now that makes it even more complicated. That is why wedding planners suddenly sprung like mushrooms everywhere. That's a good business too since wedding happens almost everyday.

Well, that was an experience worth telling to little generations to come in our family. Now people ask us often "so what wedding anniversary are you going to follow?" The civil or the church? That's a nice question. Honestly, we haven't really thought about it yet because until now Poms and I go out on a date every year on July 24th-the day we became a couple and the day we got engaged. Yeah, that's too much dates to celebrate - I know but what can I do. I just love to celebrate special occasions. I think the most important thing in this world is keeping the faith and love alive as if everyday is a special day.

To all the couples celebrating their anniversary this month, Happy Anniversary and you're not survivors as others humorously say. You're faithfully keeping the vows you made from the day you said "I do."

Make way for Spring

2008-03-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

Yay! Spring officially starts today. That means Summer is just few months away and I'm dying to feel the heat of the sun. But spring is still cold. We have longer cold season here. Right now it's 68°F (20°C) it's like Baguio weather and I have to thank for that forecast.

Last night I was chatting with my former colleague in Destiny Cable. Joseph, who is now based in Ontario, Canada, is not happy anymore with the weather they have up there. At first it was fun playing at the snow for the first time but as days go by, it's becoming a hassle. Just imagine going out of the building with thick jacket, warmer, scarf, gloves, and winter knit hats for protection and when you forget something in the car, you have to put them on again and go back outside. Cold season is no fun for me but why does weather channel broadcasts "Tornado Awareness Week?" Scary...

***

Another thing I miss in the Philippines is the nationwide observance of Lenten Season, longer holidays, and sunny weather. Poms has his Friday off. He said the company is populated by Roman Catholics so that must be the reason why. Oh and by the way, Palm Sunday here is like an ordinary holy week mass. Same gospel, same celebration of mass but completely different. The palm leaves are not being sold outside like what we have in Manila. They just give it away for free, blessed, and ready to take home after the mass. Isn't that neat? Oh well, Happy Easter everyone!

***

I still miss home.

Victory!

2008-03-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Once again, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao did it again. Filipinos must be really proud of the good news Paquiao will be bringing home. I'm sure the Gensan people will celebrate a victory party like there's no tomorrow.

Cheers for another taste of victory! So proud to be Filipino. (And enough of the humiliating Bb. Pilipinas 2008 controversy)

***

We were in Universal Studio when we watched few rounds of Pacquiao-Marquez bout. My sister-in-law Onie was very careful. After realizing we're surrounded by Mexicans watching the fight, she whispered "wag tayo maingay with a naughty grin" followed by unaware Tita Tess "ay ang galing talaga ni Pacquiao" I was keeping my laughter to myself when I heard Tina, my other sister-in-law calming her mom "was masyado malakas ang boses baka kuyugin tayo dito hehe!" That was really a funny moment haha!

***

This is the coldest night I ever felt since my first winter in Los Angeles. Good thing all of us wore a thick jacket because we made sure to check the weather before leaving the house. The shower made the weather even colder so we had to put our hands inside our pockets. How I wished I was able to bring my gloves like what Mhir and Tina did. The only time we felt warm is when we entered the "Backdraft" where it's showed us how film makers make real fire as props in the movies. Impressive.

***

Tomorrow here and today in Manila is Palm Sunday to all Roman Catholics. I wonder how they celebrate it here. I am excited to witness Palm Sunday here for the first time.

Enjoy the rest of the week! =)

Four years ago

2008-03-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Before Poms and I became a couple, he was sent to Las Vegas by IBM along with his software group. They were in front of Bellagio that night waiting for the fountain show to start. It was an amazing site and a moving moment as waters from the ground were as bright as the fireworks display with a matching song. He promised to himself that if his prayer was answered, he will bring his wife there to witness the fountain show with him. Four years ago it was. I guess by now you know what happened next.

Now that I've seen the fountain show and how romantic it was for me and hubee, I wish and hope someday my family would be there with me to watch the dancing of the waters. I really missed my parents, my sister, my brothers, and my niece and nephew. I hope this year we get to spend Christmas in Manila with my family. It's so lonely here =(

Thankfully, my in-laws are here for a vacation and we're all having a good time. That and my blog, school, and Hubee are just enough to help me overcome my homesickness.

***

The first thing that I do before God's perfect work of art is to give Him thanks and praise for such amazing architecture. Just two weeks ago, we went to Grand Canyon. It's a steep-sided gorge carved by Colorado River in Arizona. Before reaching our destination, we passed by Hoover Dam, another government project, which stands at the border of Nevada and Arizona with only one-hour time difference. We thought we could still go back and take some pictures after Grand Canyon but four hours up there isn't just enough.

Grand Canyon in real life looks like a painting. I never thought that I would reach one of my top dream destinations in the world. Just an important reminder, there are no borders around the area so one wrong step on the rock lands you to a fall of thousands feet high. Not fun anymore. I thank the Lord for not having fear from heights otherwise I wouldn't enjoy the very impressive scenery. There's an amazing carving that looks like an eagle with its wings wide-spread looking at the West.

Hmmm...God must be thinking of the eagles when He made Grand Canyon.

***

Pepot, Poms's brother is leaving for Manila tomorrow. While one special visitor leaves our happy home another three is coming on the same day. The family of Grace, one of my sisters-in-law, will stay with us for a week. That sounds really fun because her sisters are all wacky and outgoing. Can't wait for another fun fun fun week!

Of bionic eyes and toxic tubes

2008-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

The world we're in.

I envy my hubee as he sleeps soundly in bed while I get to wait for my head to touch my pillow and hope to dream I am in Paris.

Just today I decided to create another email address to separate other business and school matters from my personal stuffs. This is just way too much! I just can't take it seeing my email address with soooo many stuffs all together in one place. Just not really me.

For the past few weeks we have visitors from the Philippines so we've been quite busy going around places. The house is happy and really busy doing the chores, I can tell you that. And school! Why do I have the feeling of missing my deadlines. Gaaack! :fumes: (Don't tell Poms)

***

Hubee received an invitation to register as a Republican voter. Not for him yet. Looks like Hillary made a comeback and Republicans ready for McCain. Politics really never interests me. Maybe because I grew tired of politics in Manila. It's really embarassing.

***

No more analog television sets in the whole of America by February next year. All cable and local TV channels are going full digital. More Americans upgrade to flat TV panels and dispose off old TV sets. TV disposals may hit a peak this year because of this change. That worries environmentalists who say lead found in trashed TV sets can leak into ground water. Not so good news then.

***

Blu-ray discs shake the world of HD DVD. Just recently, Warner Brothers decided to abandon HD DVD and release movies only on Blu-ray discs. Blu-ray, which is backed by Sony and dozens of high-tech companies now becomes de facto standard for new DVDs. Which means HD-DVD will soon be like VHS, out in the spotlight. Interesting.

***

Bionic eyes? Researchers at Seattle's University of Washington are developing a contact lens that projects images in front of the wearer's eyes to signal an incoming call or email. The idea is for it to communicate with mobile devices and GPS units, likely to be solar powered and could help direct soldiers in the field. Mind you, this soon to be a breakthrough in technology is backed up by government. It is now being tested on rabbits. What surprised them is that there are dozens of people calling to volunteer to test them. Mmm...more interesting.

***

Just today I received a text from the Philippines. My sister-in-law Grace who is 4 months pregnant shared some good news to me about her sisters all going international. Dang, my sister in SFC-Makati is now enjoying a new world of great career in Singapore. Tina, once became part of the Marlboro racing tour in France has been accepted in Japan International MBA school and little Mhir who is in New York now is going to have her practicum in Madrid.

Congratulations you three! Let God the Almighty continue to guide your way. =)

6 quirky things about me

2008-03-05T16:27:00.001-08:00

The rules:

Link to the person that tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Share six unimportant things/habits/quirks about your self. Tag 6 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let these random people know that they are tagged by leaving comments in their blog. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Six unimportant things/habits/quirks about myself:

1. I can't sleep without checking my emails. I'm addicted to internet!
2. I can't go to bed at night without brushing my teeth and gargle mouthwash.
3. I'm just so scared of small places. Claustrophobia existence be damned!
4. I love to watch horror movies, sci-fi, and ghosts stories but murder and bloody films scare me to death.
5. I find it difficult to put full attention and focus to some activities be it mental or physical. I assume I have freakin' ADD >=O
6. I'm scared of lizards, roaches, and frogs.

haha... i can do a lot more but the rule was to put down only 6 things!

I'm tagging Karen, Ina, Nix, Jen, Willie, and Em-Em.

Your dog is in peace now

2008-01-31T09:28:00.000-08:00

So Poms and I went to this huge mall in Irvine to see what we can do there when his brothers arrive here in the US next month.

We went inside Hallmark where all Chrismas cards are incredibly on sale. All 18 colorful holiday cards with envelopes are now down to $1.00 each. And yes this is the best time to buy Christmas cards to use for the next holiday season.

Anyway, as I was browsing at the different colorful and out of this world birthday cards, bee called me. With his sheepish smile pointing at the "sympathy cards" I was a bit annoyed. I approached him with a questioning gesture and before I could say "there's nothing funny in sympathy cards" I saw the cause of his entertainment.

The front card read "Sorry for the loss of your dog", and beside it "Your cat will forever be missed." Believe it or not, I almost forgot we were in a public bookstore. I tried to keep it down but I never thought that dogs and cats here are really like humans. I mean given that they have a special shelf in all groceries for dog/cat accessories, a huge clinic for the dogs and cats bigger than our health centers in the Philippines, a bakery for the dogs (yes they have these small cupcakes that look good enough for humans), believe it or not health insurance for the dogs and cats, and the sympathy cards for those mourning for the loss of their pets now that's really something.

Maybe because people here are usually alone and need someone to be with especially when they get old. Because unlike in Manila, parents' precious ones here upon reaching the age of 18 are off on their own as if they're no longer their property. So they turn to their pets who are good listeners, good companions in the house, and eventually become their best friends to cheer them up and lighten up their days especially when they badly miss the humans that once lived in their houses.

I could just imagine how attached they are to their pets. On the brighter side, I envy the rights of the dogs and cats here. In Manila only those who can afford can do that high maintainance and annual doctor's check-up for their pets. I wish we can do the same, rich or poor, famous or not but of course that would happen if the health care is well available and helpful to all Filipino people. Humans first. The question is how far is that future.

Remembering my imaginary friend

2008-01-29T04:15:00.000-08:00

Her name was Belinda. She lives in the moon and visits me at least twice a month. She wears different colorful gowns matching the color of her magic wand. The Sanrio twins were her cousins. They said they're lucky because their parents allowed them to be seen on TV but she wasn't. She said she have wings but I really didn't see it. I have to go to the moon with her so I can see it. But I always didn't have the chance to visit her place because the bus that she gets in going to their house leaves exactly when my school bus arrives to school that's why. How perfect the timing is.

She loves to draw houses and she didn't like vegetables either. She comes to me when my bad yaya scolds me and my sister a lot. She said someday she'll turn my yaya into a fly and we'll put her in the cobwebs that we always see in the garden. There's this big black spider we see every afternoon between the orchids of my mama and the gumamela flowers waiting for its prey. But yeah, you guessed it right. It didn't happen because my parents asked her to leave because she was such a bad yaya. She tried to lock us up in their room for the whole day because according to her my sister and I were very annoying, noisy, and mess the things around the house. The truth is she just can't watch her favorite "Gulong ng Palad" telenovela because we wanted to watch "Smurfs". Hmmm...made me think that Belinda told her parents what was going on in our house and her parents told our parents about Teresa. Not bad. At least she didn't turn into a fly. =D

We bid goodbye to each other when my sister and I moved to a new school and we're having another brother. We can no longer catch up with our busy schedule because I was going to meet new set of friends and on the other hand they're also moving to another planet. So even though we said goodbye to each other, we remained friends and we'll always remember each other.

Belinda. She was such a nice friend.

Wrapping up 2007

2008-01-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

As much as I wanted to hold on to the year that brought tremendous changes in my life, I would say 2007 just have to pass it on to the next exciting year not just for me but for the one whom I share my life with.

Isn't it nurturing to look back at the ups and downs of 2007? I have so much to cherish in this year. While 2006 was my cue to leave my singlehood forever, 2007 has taught me something extremely worth keeping. Well, of course all of life's challenging adventures are all worth keeping it's just that my enthrilling journey to married life is something for the books.

January-February-March: These months taught me and Poms the true meaning of sacrifice. Our patience and faith were tested. For just two months shortly after our church wedding Poms left for the US. We chose that path for our future hoping to be together again soon. But the waiting period was unexpected. I never felt so lonely without Poms by my side. Some days I told myself if choosing a brighter future with a little bit of sacrifice was the best decision we've ever made then I would always think that whenever there's sacrifice there'll always be sweet rewards.

April-May-June: It was a very emotional moment on the phone when Poms called up to greet me a happy birthday. Months passed by and I became more eager to be with him. Poms on the other hand was keeping his loneliness all by himself. He never told me but I felt it. He made me strong always and I on the other hand never gave him a reason to be unhappy. It's funny how we comfort each other by saying we'll be together again real soon when deep inside our hearts we feel each other's pain-the longing to be with each other. The good news is, we both tried to veer away with sad issues. All we wanted was to hear each other's voices. His voice was my comfort and I was happy to be an inspiration to him. June was the happiest month of all. After six months I left Manila. We were together again after six months. It was also the moment when I felt my vows to Poms run in my veins. It was such an amazing feeling. Love itself is a magical word living in a real world.

July-August-Septermber: New life, new culture, new home. The previous months that turned our world upside-down have produced sweet rewards for being patient. This was indeed a really tough year that struck us hard like our heads banged against the wall and made us realized that this is life we're dealing with. It's time to put those daydreams into reality. We are now on our own away from our families and relatives. Our first year anniversary was the most simple one. I could not ask for more. I've toured eight States in five months with Poms. It was an adventure to know the culture, tradition, and history of another country. I was never fond of travelling until I married a traveller. Going around to so many places had given me a thrilling adventure but still I miss the place where I call home. My real home. There were times when I tell myself how I wish my family and friends were with me to experience the same adventures of life outside Philippines. I just never get tired of saying there's no place like home over and over again.

October-November-December: I am now starting to like our life away from home but not too much. Despite those fulfilling trips we had, there are some nights that I just couldn't stop thinking about how I miss everyone. I never thought that being apart from the people I grew up with and the place I bravely travelled during late nights would quite create an impact of homesickness. Now I understand how our beloved OFWs feel especially those with families and little children they left to provide them a better future. That is why I was so enraged when a story came out about OFWs sweating out cheap colognes packed in an international flight to Dubai. Some people just don't get it.

Well, that's just about it. My Poms and I are ready to welcome 2008. Let us all hope and pray for more good things to come this year.

Right now we are welcoming 2008 at Poms's cousin Eileen in LA. Her house atop the hills has the best view of LA's skyline. I just couldn't take the best shot so I just took a picture with George joining us for the New Year. He's just so adorable and sweet. We couldn't leave him alone. He gets agitated with the noise made by fireworks.

We dedicate the first day of the year to the One who sent us with so much blessings. When you visit LA don't forget to pass by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles. You'll be surprised of what to see in this church.

Trivia: I am not sure if everyone of you knew this but the word "Hollywood" that appears on top of the hill in Los Angeles, was not built to symbolize LA as the entertainment capital of the US nor a symbol of the movie industry in Beverly Hills. It's actually put up by a private neighborood by its homeowners to let the people know it's their neighborhood's sign board. Big time! How cool is that?

Happy New Year everyone!

Cheers for a great year ahead :)

Paul and Cienna Ong Ante

Our first Thanksgiving

2007-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

This has been stuck in my Draft for so long. Glad I made time to finish it. Pesky ADD. (hehe!)

I never thought that Thanksgiving is such a huge holiday event in the United States. At first I feel awkward greeting everyone here a "Happy Thanksgiving" and thought that the event was solely for Americans but no. It's actually for all immigrants. Recalling the documented film we've watched at Jamestown, the first Thanksgiving took place in Virginia as early as 1607. It's the English settler's way of thanking the Lord for the bountiful crops they harvest for food. But Plymouth colony a dozen of years ago says that English pilgrims landed in historical city of Massachussets to teach Wampanoags, a large group of native American Indians, to hunt, fish, and harvest in exchange for a land where they can live. In return, the native American Indians brought them turkey as a sign of their sincere gratitude. That was nice. So much for the history.

It's a rough 1-hour and 45-minute drive to Uncle Resty and Auntie Elsie's place in San Diego. Since it's a dinner gathering, we decided to do something else in the morning before we go to their place. A side-trip to San Diego Zoo was not a bad idea at all. It's pretty far but at least we enjoyed the scenery. You know how happy we are going around to so many places and explore. Long travels thrill us. I was never like this before. My influential hubee just made me this way. Gee, I am now a traveller.

After two hours and a half we arrived to our destination. Thanks to Google maps. We may need to have our own navigator soon so we won't get lost more often but I think that would take some time as we just moved here. This coming month we're anticipating more junk mails and bills to pay in our mail box. You guessed it right. That's the not so good part of being employed.

The zoo has just opened when we arrived. As we entered the park, we saw the pink flaminggos taking a dip in the water. They're all so pretty! We rode the tram and saw the bird's eye view of the whole zoo. San Diego Zoo is big. I don't know if that's the biggest zoo in Socal. They're expanding too. We saw the huge space they're working on for the elephants' new home.

After we got out of the tram we walked towards the trail of chimpanzees. They were awesome. The gorillas are really big but lovable.

The pandas look nice. I didn't know they live in a quiet place. They're probbaly not really fond of noise. The other one reminded me of Sampson, the Samoyed of Daphne in Virginia. It sleeps with its feet up. I just loved to imagine I'm hugging them both.

The next trail we passed by was the bird sanctuary. We saw the enormous eagles they have but we didn't go through because we have them in the Philippines. Some of them are even much bigger than what they have there.

It was getting hot but the blow of the wind was cold. After touring half part of the zoo we took the bus express that goes around the other side of the zoo. We were surprised to see animals only found in our country. And seeing them feels like "Wow, they are really from the Philippines and they understand me." (haha - kidding!)

Then we saw the elephants and practically, they are the biggest animals on earth. I just learned that we can tell if the the elephant came from Asia or Africa by their ears. If the ears are big and flappy, they are African elephants. If the ears are smaller then they are Asian elephants. So I guess Dumbo originated from Africa.

We left the zoo at 3pm. I can say that San Diego Zoo is really far. Did I just say it's freakin' far? (Uh-oh ADD strikes again) It took us another 40 minutes to reach Uncle Resty's house. Thank God we easily found the place on time.

Auntie Elsie's family were all so nice. They had lots of Filipino food on the table. I visualized it as a long Olympic swimming pool teasing me to dive. That's me when I get so hungry. They also had turkey that looked like a giant chicken to me. It was my first time to taste turkey and I love it. It tasted like chicken but drier. Perfect with gravy.

Before we left, they packed us some food to bring home. Now that's really Filipino. I just loved the munggo with langka dessert made by Auntie Eva. I got to have that recipe. It was very Filipino. Oh I miss home so much.

So Thanksgiving's over and few more days left before Christmas. I'm beginning to think I'm liking the US. But Christmas in the Philippines is still the best place you want to be. It's true. There's no place like home (minus the political brouhaha) >:)

Hello sunny L.A.!

2007-11-06T18:01:00.001-08:00

And I thought I would never see the sunlight of internet until we settled down in our new apartment!

We've been here for more than a week and all I can say is that the weather here is pretty much just right for me. More oriental stores, Filipino groceries, Filipino food, and Filipinos everywhere. Auntie Aida was right. It's like I'm in the other side of the Philippines.

I just missed one thing in Virginia. Where are the trees?

Hubee already knew that I would be looking for them here so we took pictures of the highways in VA and visited the fading green color of the leaves as Fall season made its way.

And yeah I found out that I got tons of friends here mostly from College. Avelyn already toured me in Anaheim and Downtown Disney. Hubee and I met her sweet and funny boyfriend Robert. An American who happens to love Filipino food. Isn't that amazing?

I also found out that we're living in a filthy rich county with the most expensive things we could ever need. Expensive shelter, gasoline, food, and on top of that the dreaded huge taxes. Our $8.00 each would have been a meal for the both of us in Virginia. We really need to get hold of our budget or else we end up spending without saving something for the rainy days.

Hubee spent Trick or Treat in the office. There were tons of leftover candies in their office so everyday when he gets home he brings me those sweet pumpkin-colored gummies as my treat for being patient and do nothing but wait for him so I can go online again. Isn't he so sweet? That's my hubbeeness :)

Last weekened we went to Raymund and Ina's house. It was so nice to see one of my best buddies in the same State. Sean, my inaanak, is so handsome and sweet. They're preparing for a long vacation in Manila so I'm really gonna miss them.

Hopefully on the third week of November we're moving in to our new small apartment. We'll let you know! ;>)

Our baby Virginia

2007-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I noticed that I make an average of four blogs in a month. This is my 4th one this October so before we head off to the west coast I'm posting it now.

Yesserie! We're moving out to California next week. I was thrilled to know that we are going to a warmer climate with lots of Filipino communities. Poms got his new job and we're leaving Virginia, a place where we first settled as newly-weds, our first home in the east coast.

I have to admit I'm gonna miss this state so much. Relatives, friends, the low cost of living, and oh boy the trees! I have never been so fascinated with how green and well-groomed the trees are in the highways. Let me share with you what we have done for the past four months in this very historical state, Virginia. As their motto goes, "Virginia is for lovers."

Meet Virginia

Virginia is located in the Buckingham County 5 miles SW of Buckingham with about 430 miles long and 200 miles wide. Virginia is bordered by Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington DC (District of Columbia). Richmond stands as the capital of this 10th most populous state in the US (as of year 2000). It's known for its state symbol, the Cardinal. The Cardinals are easily-spotted red birds that are strongly territorial and make a long whistling song.

New home away from home

It was the start of summer season when I got here. The temperature is rising and I can feel the heat burn my skin. The highways here look all the same so if it's your first time to drive in VA better remember the names of the highways such as I-95 (Interstate 95) equivalent to our EDSA in Manila. There will be more sign boards along the highway so it's not really easy to get lost. The people are friendly but if you're out to look for a Filipino community here, I don't think you can find one as huge as the ones in California but you can easily spot a fellow Filipino somewhere.

Party up the mountains

July 4th is one of the major holidays in the US. It's where the Americans celebrate their Independence Day through an amazing show of fireworks display. Amyli, Poms's cousin and her family invited us to join them overnight in Shenandoah Valley.

It took us about two hours to get to our destination. They said it's prettier when visited in Autumn because the leaves of the trees are yellow orange and they are standing on both sides of the road. I have waited for this moment to come but looks like we wouldn't be here in VA for long.

The word Shenandoah was derived from a Native American expression for "Beautiful daughter of the Stars." There are so much to see around Shenandoah Valley that we haven't been yet. I hope we can find time to visit the perfect scenery of Shenandoah. Would you like to join us?

Not for Gephyrophobiacs

If you are suffering from fear of crossing bridges then this is definitely not for you. Chesapeake Bay Tunnel is one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world. Crossing over and under open waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean this bridge-tunnel provides a direct link between Southern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula that's Delaware plus the Eastern shore. This 23 mile-long (37 km) bridge is a combination of bridges and tunnels over and under four separate shipping channels.

If we were only given more time to go around VA, I would surely ask Poms to visit that place again.

1607-2007

We were fortunate to witness the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, VA. More than a dozen years ago, the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. A trio of English ships sailed on to James River and made temporary camp on a marshy island. The succeeding events started the history of Pocahontas and Capt. John Smith.

There were many visitors when we went to the site. People who dressed up in old English American clothing stood as interpreters at Jamestown settlement to demonstrate the daily life of English colonists in 1607. You should see the relics they have preserved as they do not look so bad at all. And by the way, Jamestown is not only the birthplace of America, it is where the best wines are made.

Bonding in the Park

Williamsburg, VA one of the Historical Triangles of Virginia along with Jamestown and Yorktown has it's own history to tell. This city who has a prestigious historical past said to lead the American revolution dozens of years ago is also a perfect place for family bonding.

We went to Busch Gardens, an amusement park with thrilling roller coaster rides and neat 3D and 4D shows. Every part of the park is designed with spectacular themes named after different European countries. We were lucky to be there because they just opened some new exciting rides like Griffon. This one was the bravest ride in my life. Its height is equivalent to a 25-story building that vertically drops you off upon reaching its peak. We had real good time with Christel, Poms's cousin and her fiance Joe. They said the park temporarily closes down during winter so spring and summer are the seasons when the park is bearably full.

After 2 weeks we went to another amusement and bigger park called Paramount's Kings Dominion. This time we went with Mimi, Maui, and Casper. The kids had fun especially the boys because they went to the "Water World". It's like a beach inside the park where adults and children chill out. Mimi and I just enjoyed ourselves with the thrilling rides. There's this ride called "Drop Zone". It's where you are being carried up for I don't know how high but sure it was really high as we were able to see the whole park above. Then it suddenly drops you off after 10 seconds like you've been kicked-out of the plane. That was one hell of a ride too. The last one we had made my back ache and gave me a slight fever that night ha ha! But over-all, it was totally fun fun fun.

When you visit these parks, make sure to be there at exactly 10am because the line is unbelievably long after lunch time. Believe me, you don't want to take lunch while falling in line.

1950 Calendar, anyone?

Petersburg is approximately 23 miles away from Richmond. The port of Petersburg was a commercial center for processing and transporting cotton, tobacco, and metal good. As transportation technology evolved, Petersburg became an important railroad center.

When we went there with Auntie Aida and Daphne, it felt like we were in a time zone traveling in a 17th century neighborhood. I could not believe it. The people there are experts in maintaining and preserving the blocks that reminds the history of the city. There were antique shops everywhere selling old furnitures, clothes, accessories, and even old calendars.

Ride the waves

In order to have the best ocean view, reserve at least a year before summer hits Virginia Beach. Need I say more? It's best known as a resort with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants around it. We went crabbing at the pier just after the crabbing season ended. The shore is immensely huge but the sands were not as fine and as white than the ones in Boracay, Philippines.

Every morning, the dolphins can be seen in not far away maneuvering and swimming together under the rising sun.

Outlet stores

Would you believe that the same set of pajamas I bought at Macy's are the same as the ones I saw at Potomac Mills only it's 75% cheaper? I go crazy. But Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, VA has the best outlet stores ever! I have no idea if these stores still earn a living but these prices are unbelievably cheap and they're always on sale. It's a place where you want to be always after pay day because everything seemed to be a give-away.

Another premium outlet to watch out for is the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlet in Leesburg, VA. It is where we bought tons of Lins chocolate for 10 cents each. What a price. And they taste really good and fresh too. Summer tops have gone down to $2.00-$4.00 each. That's still 90% cheaper against the summer sale of tops in the malls.

I have lots to cherish here in Virginia. Four months was not too bad. It's hard to say goodbye to Auntie Aida and her family who took care of us and provided us a shelter while we waited for this opportunity. I will surely gonna miss Daphne and her Nintendo Wii :D. Poms learned a lot from Uncle Danny's Do-It-Yourself house tools. Uncle Eli was also very helpful during our challenging endeavors. But we're all gonna see them anyway. We will still be spending Christmas in Virginia because it's an annual family event. As I leave this state where I learned to live, I am likewise relieved by transferring to a place where my homesickness will subside that is meeting and seeing lots of fellow Filipinos around. Well, major changes, people, places, lifestyle, food, are just some of the good things that I'm looking forward to.

Getting ready to pack...

"An Inconvenient Truth" battles the truth

2007-10-21T14:03:00.001-07:00

Have you ever watched Al Gore's documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth?" It's about the dangers of global warming and how to save our environment from such catastrophic wrath of nature.

Al Gore won the Noble Peace Prize for spreading the message straight to the people. When I watched the documentary with one of my sisters-in-law Onie, I was moved, worried, and scared of what might happen to our mother earth in the next millennium if things continue to be that way. Would our future generations ever enjoy the scenery of perfect landscape of the mountains, trees, lakes, and clean air to breath? That may sound paranoid but true.

Just last week, I watched CNN's investigative report featuring Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and how some critics reacted to his scientific explanation of global warming. Sounds interesting. They pointed out nine mistakes or misleading information to the public that they say is highly disturbing. I just got four of them.

Inconvenient Truth (IT): Hurricanes are getting stronger because of global warming. Global warming clearly increases the intensity of the hurricanes. One example is the hurricane Katrina that hit the US taking thousands of lives.
Critic: CNN Meteorologist Rob Marciano claims that hurricanes have no direct connection to global warming. Based on data over the last twenty years, there is no significant increasing trend that is evident in global ACE (accumulated cyclone energy).

IT: Polar bears in the North are drowning because the ice are melting. There is a desperate need to save them before they all become extinct in the future. In 2002, World Wildlife Fund issued a report of global warming was endangering polar bears. Arctic sea is thawing sooner so the polar bears hunting for seals has fewer opportunities to feed themselves.
Critic: Recently, four polar bears have died due to heavy storm. There has been no report of polar bears who died because of drowning. Yet, World Wildlife Fund also reported that most bear population is either stable or increasing. And remember, polar bears evidently survived when Arctic temperatures were warmer 6000 years ago.

IT: The sea level will rise up to 20 feet in year 2100 due to the dramatic melting of ice caps in Antartic and Greenland. Thousands of refugees from the neighboring states or countries such as southern Florida, southern Manhattan, Shanghai, and Bangladesh will be greatly affected.
Critic: Sea level is likely to rise between 4 and 35 inches with a central value of 19 inches. 19 inches is not nothing and is three times greater than the sea level rise the world experienced during the 20th century, but Manhattan and most of Florida will most likely still be above water in 2100. A new Science study concluded that it would take at least 500 to 1000 years to completely melt away the ice sheet in Greenland if temperatures continue to rise steeply.

IT: The increase of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels is the chief contemporary driver of global warming. The temperatures and carbon dioxide go up in tandem over the last four ice ages. So what does that mean? Humans inhale oxygen then exhales carbon dioxide.
Critic: This is true but Gore failed to mention something interesting. Temperatures go up first and then the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases some 800 or more years later. So at this point in time, there's not much increase of CO2.

I honestly have no idea what the last one meant but it obviously trying to oppose the statement of the increase of carbon dioxide on this generation.

There were more issues discussed in the documentary film but here's my say. I personally do not know Al Gore. Some Americans may look at him as an insane buffoon who promotes save the earth and yet lost in the presidential elections but his message on global warming is as clear as the sun in daylight. Global warming is a serious issue.

I understand the critics' point of view (including the broadcast media) that the film contains inconsistencies and alleged exaggerations in scientific terms but what was the message implied again?

The documentary film is a wake-up call. It's save the earth where we live. If Al Gore's presentation is based on truth mixed with some untruth as what CNN Headline News Glenn Beck accuses then spill the facts in a light way. Would attacking the author do any change? I actually applaud Al Gore or whoever that person may be for doing such great admonition to make us understand the basic knowledge of global warming. If I am a kind of person that's easily influenced by the media I would have thought that energy is made for man so therefore we should not worry about the amount of usage available to us. Well, not exactly the right attitude to be concern on the issues of global warming.

I am an ordinary homemaker and I may not be interested in how water becomes snow, how crude oil runs electricity, why we have gravity and so on but I need simple details of what's going on with the world and what a simple person like me can do something about it. Save water, save electricity, recycle, clean air, aren't these the things we needed to focus on?

Nightmare in Science

2007-10-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Can someone wake me up please? I think it's happening again. I've given up all my strength to stand up and get on my feet but still I can see myself lying on the bed. I can't move my arms, my legs, and I can't shout. It has happened to me many times before so I kind of got used to it.

They said it's probably an astral projection or just another afternoon nightmare experienced by some people. If I am sick and my pancreas are not working properly well then that may be it. But I'm healthy. The first time this thing happened to me was during my college years. And I would never forget the fear that enveloped my whole being. It was like I'm in a bird's cage wanted to free myself from an unwanted prison.

I began to fear sleep. I was so scared as hell to sleep specially at night because unlike any other people who moans during their bad dreams, I don't make noise - at all. So it would look like I am just sleeping soundly if I don't wake up on my own, somebody else should. So I used my best talent and self-discovered God-given gift to me and one of my favorite hobbies as well - do research. I did some research in Psychology, health, dreams, and even asked some few psychic friends about my problem and guess what I've found out.

One of my friends who is often invited to police investigations to help them solve crimes (probably hoping to shed some light on unsolved mysteries) told me that I am having an astral projection.

He told me to leave a glass of water with salt under my bed before sleeping and pray. And if that so called projection happened to me again, I just need to move my toes until I wake up. I did that and maybe it's a psychological effect knowing that there's something that I did to stop the frightening sleep I encounter. It happens to everyone right? Like when you take a cough suppressant and still cough but do not worry because you already have taken the medicine? That's precisely the same. But I don't think I would want to be stuck in that belief. I need Scientific explanations for that to overcome my fear. I want to know the facts, truths, and if Science has something to offer.

I asked Auntie Aida (an MD in Pediatrics) about it and she said it has happened to her before specially during her internship in medicine when she substantially spent sleepless nights in the hospital. She said it's a situation where our physical body awakes earlier than our cortex (uh-oh, technical term again). Our cortex is located in our brain so that explains much. It's so good to know that Science is here for us. Thank God for letting me know the importance of Science. I never liked this subject during my grade school years. And of course I married a Science freak - a person who was born to love Science haha! I love my Hubee so much. Anyway, check this out:

Sleep paralysis according to MedNet.com, occurs when a person suddenly finds himself or herself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis is due to an ill-timed disconnection between the brain and the body.

It also said that sleep paralysis strikes as a person is moving into or out of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the deepest part of sleep. During REM sleep the body is largely disconnected from the brain leaving the body paralyzed. Sleep paralysis is the result of premature (or persistent) mind-body disconnection as one is about to enter into (or exit from) REM sleep.

Sleep paralysis occurs most often after jet lag or periods of sleeplessness that interrupt the normal REM patterns. It affects both sexes equally and occurs at all ages but is most common in teenagers. Sleep paralysis can be familial and may be genetic (inherited) in some cases.

They said it's usually harmless and self-limited. It tends to be over in a minute or two as soon as the body and mind re-establish the connections and the person is able to move again.

Sometimes when I experience sleep paralysis, I thought I see some shadows or an unfamiliar person sitting on my bed as if guarding me. That thing scares me to death. I thought that they are lost souls from nowhere who are just waiting to occupy my physical body if "I don't make it" on time. Isn't that super horrifying? Now who in the world would not be terrified on that. But surprisingly, there's an explanation for that too.

They said that during sleep paralysis, some experience panic attacks. They tend to hallucinate and see things out of ordinary. And it doubles the horror if the person doesn't know what is going on with his body. They said it's harmless because in a few minutes the person gradually or abruptly is able to move again; the episode is often terminated by a sound or a touch on the body.

So here are some tips to avoid sleep paralysis:

Get enough sleep
Reduce stress
Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime)
Keep a regular schedule

I've tried all these except for number two because I still yet to know how to reduce my own stress everyday in the news. Funny but news sometimes stresses me out a lot. But over-all, it works. Medical experts also say that there's no need to panic once it happened. Just wait until the connection between our body and mind re-establishes so we could move again. Do not panic because if you do, that's when the problem comes. The problem would be prolonging the paralysis of the body.

So now, I don't fear sleep anymore. In fact, sleep is just one of my favorite hobbies second to food :D

Wiiiiiii...Hello World?

2007-10-01T11:46:00.001-07:00

If it wasn't for the Bowling tournament, my back and my right arm wouldn't ache. Now I'm taking Ibuprofen before going to bed. Yup. Poms and I are into bowling and tennis sports now. Sometimes he plays golf until 12 midnight. We play almost everyday or atleast thrice a day when Poms is available. At home. At home?! Yeah, at home.

Daphne, Poms's cousin bought Wii Nintendo just 3 weeks ago. Now I finally appreciated the interactive game. It's like I'm doing my afternoon exercise just by playing tennis and bowling. I leave the technical details to Poms but it's pretty amazing that games like these can actually help the weight watchers or people who need to diet do their thing and at the same time enjoy the activity. Another wonder brought to us by technology. Well, hello world!

-----

We went to Macy's the other week. With Auntie Aida's busy world of Pediatrics, shopping is just one of her major past times to complete her week. She has these free stuffs from Origins so we went to claim it. Unfortunately, we had to listen to their demo and let them try it first so we can get the 10 samples available. I remember buying two of their products in the Philippines and they smell really good but their store here is bigger and has a lot more products compared to Manila.

I was asked to sit in the chair and as the sales agent adjusted my chair into a lying position she noticed my crocs.

SA1: Oh, so you're wearing your crocs. Be careful in the escalators.

SA2: Why what's with crocs?

SA1: There was a news about crocs being eaten up in the escalators. A child's foot was stuck in the teeth of the escalator and hurt her foot pretty bad.

SA2: Oh, that's horrible!

Me: Yeah, I heard about it. Actually there was also an issue about that outside the US. And most of the victims where kids atleast 4 years old and below. Probably has something to do with the texture of the shoes.

SA2: Oh yeah. And it's a fad so everybody's wearing it.

I remember Ina's email way back in Manila about a TV host/model blog's sharing the horrible story about her her daughter's crocs stuck in the old escalator of Rustan's department store. Poor shoes. I hope they do something about it. Anyway, summer season has ended and winter is coming soon. Guess I'm keeping my crocs for a long time.

-----

We went crabbing at Virginia Beach last week. It was our first time to go crabbing and it was fun! We brought nets and raw drumstick chicken as a bait. In the Pier where more people go for fishing, our first catch that could have been part of our dinner got away!

The crabs are fast runners and they get agitated when caught. It easily managed to get out of our bait while we try put it inside the pail. We were scared of its claws so we just watched the aggressive crab as it made its glorious escape.

Not bad for our first catch. The people said "holding its back" is the safest way to hold the crab. Nice. After 2 hours, we caught 15 crabs. Sumptuous crabs.

-----

The second day, we went swimming at the beach. The water is cold and the waves are as big as hell. It's kind of scary to go farther. As usual, we got sun burn all over. But we enjoyed the view of the family of dolphins maneuvering in the sea every morning. They were awesome! And we thought they were sharks.

-----

Before we left Virginia Beach, we went to the Aquarium Museum. I never liked the idea of exploring the sea but when I saw the different kinds of fish and other creatures living under the water, I want to try diving. Seriously.

-----

Sharks' primary sense is the keen sense of smell. It can detect one drop of blood in a million drops of water (25 gallons or 100 liters) at .25 mile (.04 km) away.

They have a good eye sight and vision like those of the cats who can see well in dim light. Its eyes have a mirror-like layer in the back which doubles the intensity of incoming light thus enhancing light sensitivity.

They can detect electricity that can pick up weak electrical stimuli from the muscle contractions of animals. They can also detect magnetic field which they use in navigation.

They can sense vibrations in the water which enable them to detect injured fish as an easy prey.

They are very sensitive to low frequency sounds and have good directional sense of hearing.

Ok, so forget about the idea of me becoming a Pilot in my second life. If there's any truth about reincarnation, I want to be a shark :P

-----

Me: (Looking at the shark-infested giant aquarium) Lahat pala ng sharks nakalabas ang teeth. Ay, bakit ung isa walang teeth?

Hubee: Matanda na kasi yan kaya wala ng teeth.

Oh, you mean lolo shark? Hehehe!

-----

We travelled at least 3 States in one day yesterday. Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. I never imagined that I would be so fascinated with the trees. I mean come to think of it. When I was in Manila, I only see big, old, and healthy trees when I go mountain climbing. But here you see them everywhere as in both sides of the road. Their green leaves are slowly turning into orange and yellow and before October ends, the roads will be filled with orangey-color. Can't wait to see that.

-----

Daphne attended another bridal shower of a friend that is why we were in Maryland. We spent overnight at her brother's place in NoVa so it's just a 40-minute drive away from the place. She asked me is it really that way? Getting married is expensive but it also has its good side. Just how many gifts can a bride and a groom receive until the actual wedding? There's this engagement party where the couple announces to the world of their intention to marry soon. So a gift to the couple means more or less wishing them luck in the preparation. There's the bridal shower and the bachelor's party and it depends on the theme for the party so save another one for that. And finally the wedding day. So thinking about it, getting married is not just about shelling out big bucks of money. Getting married is just one of the best things in the world.

-----

I miss home...so much.

Goodbye Maita

2007-09-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

We were touring the Aquarium Museum yesterday when Cora, one of my closest friends in Chicago, called up. When I heard her voice I felt something wasn't right. First, she never calls me in daytime and weekday. Second, it was not a lively hello. I was hoping she and boyfriend Shawn broke up and nothing else but she never ever cried for such reason in her life. "Hi Cors, what's up?"

I was stunned and speechless for a moment but Cora's sobbing voice is loud and clear to my ears. And honestly, I refused to believe so I asked her again hoping that the noise and the reception just made the breaking news erratic. "Wala na ate ko." And there it was. For the first time in my life I heard Cora cry. I never saw her cry even tears of joy. Cora's surrendering to her helpless emotion is just making me weak thus making me equally vulnerable. I was really really sad for her. She won't be able to make it to her sister's funeral. I don't know how to console my friend.

Flashback: Before my Lolo Dolfo died, he was asking me to visit him before I leave for the US. I was too busy doing our stuffs so I said I can see him anytime. I would even spend a week vacation in their house before I leave. It was New Year time and I was in Mindanao when he passed away. I wasn't there to see him for the last time. I didn't even have the power to get there and say sorry. For an emotional person like me, crying is the easiest way out.

Maita is Cora's only sister. They were the best of friends and for 3 years of not seeing each other phone calls and instant messenger became the best instruments for them to keep in touch with each other. I met Maita once and I could say she is a jolly person but fearless. A quality that I admire to few individuals who have it. She has been around the globe as well working in a prestigious passenger cruise ship in the East Coast. Before she quit her job, she got pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in the Philippines.

Baby James would never feel the motherly embrace of the one who brought him to the world. But it's not enough reason to pity the poor child. One loss has given him a lot more people to love and take care of him.

I visited the Friendster site of Maita and her shout out is as positive as her outlook in life: "I am grateful that in the springtime of my life there were those who planted flowers of love in my heart instead of thistles."

Maybe then before the start of her open heart surgery, she leave the outcome to the Lord and everyone else in the family were confident that she can make it with God's help but the Lord just can't wait for Maita to join Him. I will always picture the happy face of Maita in this speaking soul:

Go on and close the curtains
cause all we need is candle light
You and me and a bottle of wine
going to hold you tonight
Well we know I'm going away
and how I wish, I wish it weren't so
So take this wine and drink with me
let's delay our misery

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

There's a log on the fire
and it burns like me for you
Tomorrow comes with one desire
to take me away it's true
It ain't easy to say goodbye
darling please don't start to cry
Cause girl you know I've got to go, oh
Lord I wish it wasn't so

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Tomorrow comes to take me away
I wish that I, that I could stay
Girl you know I've got to go, oh
Lord I wish it wasn't so

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight
and fight the break of dawn
Come tomorrow
tomorrow I'll be gone
tomorrow I'll be gone
tomorrow I'll be gone
tomorrow I'll be gone
tomorrow I'll be gone

Take our prayers with you Maita. Coz wherever you are right now sure is a lot more peaceful and happier.

Seemed like yesterday...16 Sept 2006

2007-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Today is our first year church wedding anniversary (because we had civil wedding 6 months prior to our church). We follow the church because it's the one blessed by God before men. Just last year it is.

And it seemed like yesterday.

Exactly a year ago at 8:35 in the morning, my make-up artist and his hairstylist came in at my bridal suite. They were early for the 9AM schedule. The video and photo group as well had just started to cover our morning activity before we all head off to the church. I had to ask Ayie, my make-up artist, to hide my eye bags as I was not able to sleep well last night. Good thing I didn't have acne on that day otherwise I would beg on my knees to Joy, Poms's dermatologist cousin, to prick it off for me immediately.

It was a very nice weather. God must have heard our prayers. There was a forecast of storm to hit Manila a week before my big day and we were all praying for a bright day on the 16th of September. And there it was - a breezy and sunny weather for all. (Thank you once again, Lord!)

For some reasons, my appetite mixed up with my overwhelming emotions. I couldn't eat, I couldn't drink, and I couldn't sit in one corner, I just want the day to end like an ordinary birthday party. But it wasn't. It wasn't just a birthday party. It's a once in a lifetime event for me and Poms. A dream that Poms made into reality. It's our wedding day!

Tina, my couturier, told me I had to take something. Some of her brides in her past weddings refused to eat before the ceremony and didn't do any good. So before I faint, I took my sister's large fries and forced myself to finish the whole pack.

Right after my make-up was done Belen Paulin, my florist, came. I was delighted to see my long-stemmed yellow Calla lilies freshly bundled in a burgundy wrap along with the fresh bouquets of my female entourage. Millet, my wedding coordinator, went ahead with Belen to check the flower arrangement in the church.

Everyone seemed to be in perfect order but I don't know what's bothering me. The guests? The ceremony? The reception? The program? What could be the wedding flaws to expect. What could be the worst thing to happen in every woman's dream? I couldn't think of anything. I just want the day to pass by. I was never comfortable in the "spotlight" so to speak. I am a very quiet person and very much ok without the people watching me. Hmmm...probably the reason why I chose to be the writer rather than the celebrity. Makes sense to me.

While everyone was busy with their late lunch, I went inside the bathroom for a while and looked at myself in the mirror. "I still don't believe it. I'm getting married in church. I'm finally tying the knot with the man I truly love."

This is more than winning the jackpot lottery. But the thought of leaving my family will never leave my mind. I will surely miss the house where I call home for 30 years in my life. I will definitely miss the nights where I see them all after a tiring day at work. My family has been there always for me. They have accepted Poms in my life even before we got engaged. And at one point, I made one of my parents' dreams come true - to walk me down the aisle.

Suddenly, memories of my childhood began to linger. I was once like Chloe, my 4-year old niece, who knew nothing about the world, who just wants some candies and cheez curls, and who wants to play with her friends the whole day. An innocent child who just waits for her parents to come home and wait for the pasalubong or some goodies.

When I was 7, I wanted to grow up fast and work like an adult. I wanted to work in the office like what my parents do. Now that I've all grown up and tasted the real meaning of life, childhood years seemed to be a rewarding era. Just by listening to one of my favorite fairy tale stories make me fall asleep. My sister and I were often invited to weddings to stand as flower girls. So I wondered, what is making those brides happy I want to know. Someday I'm gonna meet my own Prince Charming too. That was 23 years ago. I also miss those days when my siblings and I play hide and seek and make our living room a mess. I miss the weekends when my siblings and I watch our favorite TV heroes "Bioman" but those were the days. Someday soon, they'll all be following my steps - getting married and start a family of their own.

My heart made me vulnerable. Not sad but tears of happiness. I don't know how to show them how grateful I was for my brothers and sisters' support and how proud I was to have them as my parents. In my thank you speech, I told them that if I would be given the chance to choose my own parents I would still choose them.

After that, I thought of Poms. He must be really serious about it. Asking me to marry him was never a joke to him while I laughed it off during casual conversations. He must also be equally nervous as well. I'm sure he was. We were not allowed to see each other at that moment so I thought of him the whole time.

Then someone came knocking at the door and said "Hurry up, Mrs. Ong Ante. We'll be late!"

AT 3:25PM, we all departed Sofitel Philippine Plaza. At that time, Poms and the rest of his male entourage were already in the church. We had to be in San Miguel church on time because our main celebrant is the Archbishop of Manila. It was an honor to have him celebrate our wedding.

Cardinal Rosales has been very good to us even though we haven't had the chance to meet him personally before our wedding. He was scheduled to leave for the U.S on the week of our wedding. And my Papa who was his student before in the seminary must have given more than enough reasons for him to stay. They haven't seen each other for 30 years. That was long.

There was silence inside the bridal car. My parents weren't talking to me. I wasn't talking to them both either. Maybe it's really like that. This is the first wedding in our family so it must be really that way. We got in the church at exactly 3:40. Mama broke the silence as she got out of the car. "Ready?" with a smile on her face. I nodded. If I say a word I would cry. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to ruin my make-up. I loved what Ayie did to my face. This time I was trying to comfort myself as I can't stop shaking and my hands were very cold. Jenny, my maid of honor and friend Ryan her boyfriend, came to me and fixed my veil.

I hear the music of "Pachelbel's Canon in D major" inside. Cromwell and Cyrus, my two brothers, were assigned to open the door for me which made it more significant to me. As they opened the door, I walked slowly.

"Kick and step, kick and step..." was Tina's advised. I paid more attention to my walk as my wedding gown was long and my train was a bit heavy. I don't want to stumble and make the "greatest flaw" of all. Poms chose my bridal march - How Beautiful by Paris Twila. I wanted to choose from my list of love songs but when I heard the first few notes, we both said "This is it."

I see the happy faces and tears of joy of all our friends who shared our support and loved us all the way. I thank the Lord for giving me the courage to walk with all the eyes on me. It was the bravest walk ever in my life.

The shaking of my hands disappeared when Poms, my Hubee, held my hand. As we reached the altar, I said to myself, "Thank you Lord I made it without tears! Please make it this way..."

My hands were still sweating but when I looked around and saw my SFC sisters in front as our readers, I was comforted. These people have become part of my life. They were there ever since Poms and I crossed our paths. They prayed for us and were excited to see the moment we exchange I dos. I will forever thank the Lord for CFC-Singles for Christ because it is where it all started.

It was a hot afternoon but I didn't feel the heat that much because the fan was focused on me. The white Calla Lilies we ordered were neatly placed in the right corners. I would love Millet forever for doing such a great job. It was all in kind. The choir was also fantastic. They are the in-house choir of the shrine. Bro. Gil, the choir leader, helped me with the best wedding songs to play. They were once invited to a wedding not long ago where Cardinal Rosales celebrated the ceremony so he knew pretty much what songs of praise to play.

The moment we've all been waiting for came. Poms and I were asked to stand up as well as our parents and our principal sponsors. It was time to affirm our vows.

Poms's voice was normal and relaxed. He looked very confident and at eased which made me more uncomfortable . I find it hard to believe that I was the only one who wants to faint. I was never been so nervous in my entire life. During my school years I was often asked to dance in major school programs, during sports fest, and parade. But for some reasons I never got used to people looking at me. I just want to perform my skills in front of my friends and family but not in the public's eye.

Poms delivered his vow with no sweat and it looked like he did it for 10 seconds! It was my turn now. I started it with a smile "In the name of God and his people..." As I went along I felt something uncontrollable. The fear that I was hoping for not to happen is now entering each sole of my veins. The force was so strong I couldn't fight it.

I cried in tears 'til the last word of my vow. It was the longest moment in my life. In my mind I was scolding myself like "What was that?!" And I really didn't know. I practiced my vows everyday 2 weeks before the wedding and I never cried.

My friend Ina was right. Once you're there you'll never notice any particular details around you. No matter how hard you practice, it would still be different once you're there.

It must be that God made me realized how blessed I was that day, how happy my parents were, and how deserving I was for that reality. It must be His Holy Spirit who made me realized these things and jokingly tapped my shoulders "See? I told you I've prepared someone for you. Thank you for your patience my child." And my reply was "Ok Lord, you got me there! Now let's go back to my request, please don't make me cry again, oh please please."

I never thought I would be that emotional. My personal test was that when I reached the altar and I didn't cry then it would be that way until the party is over. But it wasn't so I guess it's time for me to stop dreaming that I'm not an easy-to-cry type of person because I am.

Of course how could I forget the wedding ring ceremony? The rings blessed by Cardinal Rosales with our names engraved in each band will serve as a reminder of the promise we made before God and His people.

"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Paulinius Ong Ante...Poms, you may kiss Cienna." Poms slowly put my veil up and we kissed. The sweet embrace was a surprise. We practiced the kiss but not the embrace. It was the best moment in my life. No more crying just the smiles and the applause of the guests.

Exactly 1 year ago was the start of a great adventure of married life. As what Jonash, Poms's cousin, said, "Good times are over but the best times are yet to come!" It was and still is.

Hubee and I continue to discover something about each other everyday. We may have been apart for 6 months (2 months after our wedding), but we didn't totally feel the absence of one as we communicate each other almost every single day.

Hubee is my pet name for Poms. It is short for Honey bee because when he works, he's as busy as a bee and he doesn't want to be bothered with my annoying antics when he's home working.

I'm not sure what it is but I feel like a child again with Poms. And I'm loving every inch of it. But sometimes I get to play the role of the good cop when he forgets to put some stuffs back to where they belong.

I guess that's what married life is all about. Now 10, 20, 30, or more years to come would I still be reminiscing my wedding day? I hope so because my wedding day to me was a fairy tale come true.:)

Blue Angels in the sky!

2007-09-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

It was my first time to see an air show and what makes it special is that it was performed by the US Air Force, the event that I only see on TV. I don't know anything about planes, jets, and air exhibition but yesterday I felt so connected to the excitement of my Hubee when we reached NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. With Uncle Danny and Auntie Aida, we went straight to where the action is.

It was pretty hot outside and the weather in North Carolina at that time was stormy. So we kind of expected to have a rough weather too later in the afternoon. True enough, after the air exhibition of F-22 the Raptor, the rain started to pour slowly.

At first it was just few drops then a slight shower until it became a rain. It was very hot and the sky was cloudy when we came so we expected to rain in a while. It rained in less than half an hour so it's pretty fast. The activities resumed and went back to normal.

There are exhibits of jet plane fighters for the people to see, food stalls, free drinking water, and toy items being sold in the ground. On the other end of the field are the bleachers where you pay $5.00 to have a better view of the main activity. But we brought seats with us so we just chose the best spot behind the stage where the commentator talks and describes the style of air exhibition.

I was so amazed with F-18 Hornet when it performed its maneuver called "the whisper pass." With speed at 1,200 mph, it passed by in front of us silently which followed by a tremendous roaring sound after 5 seconds! It's Hubee's favorite jet fighter plane.

The speed is faster than the sound and it's 10 times louder than the nature's thunder. You bet, we were exposed to the heaviest noise pollution ever. We didn't buy ear plugs. We were there to hear the sound!

At 3PM, the people started to flock in front spoiling our comfortable view. The Blue Angels started its assembly. Our excitement was running wild as we see the "men in blue" go inside their respective jets one by one. Jet 1...Jet 2...Jet 3...until Jet 6.

It was an awesome moment as the Blue Angels take off! It's overwhelming and as they gracefully performed their aerobatic maneuvers, the stage played heavy metal hits as the background.

I miss my two brothers in Manila. They would surely enjoy the air show. And the only thing that's scary out there, is the fact that one wrong move of just one of them in a split second we're all be part of a blast. That's how powerful their engines are and the fuel of the US Air Force's jet fighter planes.

They had various formations on air. They even had their jets inverted while flying with just an 18-inch distance to one another. I began to think it must be really difficult to perfect that exhibition. Just a week ago in the news one pilot tragically died in the practice. But the show must go on. It's an entertainment and it's for the Americans who support the US Navy and Air Force the reason why they still continue to do so.

I didn't feel the sunburn and the heat that stuck in my skin. It was like a dream that I went to for a moment but realized it was not an imagination at all. I have just seen a live air show and it's fantastic!

Blue Angels is the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron. It's mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.

If there's any truth about reincarnation, in my next life I would like to be a man. And the profession that I would choose would be a pilot preferably in air force. Sounds good to me! :)

Brooklyn is Manila. Manhattan is Makati.

2007-09-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

New York reminds me of Manila and Makati very much. To my fellow Pinoys out there, I'm sharing you a picture of what to expect in America's most expensive city.

Subways in NY, LRT/MRT in Manila.

I'm telling you, our very own LRT/MRT is a lot more good-looking train than the subways in New York. Maybe because it's underground and it doesn't have to be really squeaky clean down there but folks, the dreaded roaches and healthy rats out there seemed to have found a nice place to live. The good news is, the subways in New York are intersecting, passing all the major streets around New York, from North to South, East to West. Public transportation is absolutely not a problem. Oh and the subways? They are the cheapest of them all. So unlike in the other states, everybody can survive without a car.

Taxi cabs, anyone?

Yup. They are the most expensive public transportation around New York. The initial fare is $2.50 with $ 0.40 charge for every 4 blocks or a minute idle on the street. The tip is a must so it's relatively expensive for a single passenger. Oh and there's T&LC plates which stands for Taxi and Limousine Commission. While Limos in New York with T&LC plates are just one of the public transportation, in Manila the luxury car Limos are much visible in the street as bridal cars. The cabs in New York are required to have a maximum of 4 passengers - 3 at the back and 1 beside the driver's seat. In Manila, it doesn't matter. As long as you're a paying passenger - it's a deal!

Stubborn Pedestrians

Oh this is what I must say pretty much like in the Philippines. When the sign says STOP for the pedestrian lane but the coast is clear, it's OK to cross the street. It's the same thing in New York but be very careful. Some private vehicles just suddenly appear from nowhere. Hit and run cases are sometimes left unsolved.

Bullied

It's tested. We were driving along Madison St. in Brooklyn and the car following us keeps on honking. It's a "car talk" that means "move it!". Since our plate number says Virginia, we're being bullied by a New Yorker. You're lucky if there's a police patrol around. Honking is not allowed along the streets. There's a fine for violators or stay in prison for days. You choose.

UTO sightings (Unidentified Tall Buildings)

I mean their architectural designs are so amazing! They're like the hands that made the Pearl TV Tower in Pudong, Shanghai or the famous KL Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Our Filipino architects and civil engineers will love it. No wonder, no matter how huge the cost of living there, a lot of people still dreams of working in New York.

I wish Makati City will start the idea of having offices that looks like a bird's nest or a 30-story elongated donut shaped building and retire from old ordinary cubed offices along Ayala Avenue. Well, just a piece of a "lighting bulb above my head".

The Community

If there are whites out there, there is an equally huge number of blacks everywhere. My one week observation is that the blacks are usually seen in the suburbs and the downtown area is dominated by the whites. Brooklyn is a neighborhood lived by black people. That's where Hubee's cousin stay. It's a nice neighborhood though and the streets never sleep.

But if you intend to go somewhere else for a joy ride, don't get lost in Harlem. It's the Pinoy version of "Tondo" so to speak. They say it's the territory of hispanic and more black people as well. For some reasons, some says it's"dangerous" to get lost there especially at night. I am not sure what that means but if a Pinoy who's lived there for 20 years says it's a Tondo version, then I wouldn't think twice.

Are you OK?

Most malls in Manila and Makati, the sales people will greet you nicely and follow you wherever you go, making you a bit uncomfortable as if they're saying "I have my eyes on you so don't do something stupid, old hag". It's annoying. Here in New York (actually in all the malls I've been in the East Coast), the sales people will greet you, "Hi! How are you doing?" So you reply "I'm fine. Thank you". And they will say "Did you find what you're looking for?" or "Everything ok?". And then you reply "Yeah/I'm ok. Just looking/Thanks". And then they will leave you. Poof! Disappear right before you. They give you time to look around without following wherever you go.

Does that makes sense? Yes, it does!

Business as usual

It's surprising that New York, the big apple has a lot of underground businesses going on.

In Manila, the blind people and the homeless sing and perform along the busy streets where traffic is unbearably huge. Hoping that some good samaritan will pour some blessings in their small tin can. To this day, it's a normal way of life there. They do that in order to survive.

In the subways, in and out, a lot of "performances" happen. That's how people become so creative and resourceful just to find ways to live. They also serve as an entertaiment to the public.

Where else can you see a 3-foot man in a Michael Jackson suit dancing in "Smooth Criminal" mix and a naked (no top) Indian in Central Park working out with his "pet" to come out the basket as he plays his magical pipe? I'm telling you, there are sooo many things to see there!

I'll call the cops!

And I also miss the MMDA and the traffic enforcers hiding beneath the trees. They don't have cars. Some of them do. Some of them have motorcycles but some of them just stand in the corner waiting to pull-over someone. In New York, all traffic enforcers have car patrols. They're cute and they look like the match box cars of my brothers when they were little boys. When you see them move and the lights above the car turned blue, it means they got someone to pull-over. And it also makes them easier to chase the bad guys. I wonder if the Philippine government is dreaming about having car patrols in the high ways.

So there. Let me know when you're coming up there. If Hubee and I are free then we can join you so we can explore New York together! Don't worry about the food. An $8.00 bill can survive you for a day. The famous New York steamed hotdogs are not so bad at all. Sometimes it comes with a drink :wink: :wink:

The crazy world of ADD

2007-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so let's just drop the pronoun "I" so it wouldn't be like I'm sharing my own experience suffering from ADD (juse based on my own diagnosis :grin:)

As what mentioned in my previous post, ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It says that an adult must first have exhibited ADD symptoms as a child to consider him as an ADD person. After that the person must have:

1. Have attention span deficiency.

2. Have motor abnormalities.

3. Have at least two of the following symptoms: poor impulse control, low stress tolerance with emotional over-reaction to the stress, poor organization with poor task completion, extreme environment, or short, excessive temper.

(Source: Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss, Dallas, Texas, USA., 1992)

From time to time, we all experience stress at least in a mild form as we go through life. Sometimes, we are distracted from the task at hand that would create some bad moods on the task without being well-organized. But for some person with ADD, it's not a matter of occassionally. It's a way of life.

Wow...so if I indeed have ADD, I should know how to control my temper as that is what usually Hubee complains a lot to me. Well, it doesn't look like I have one. He just can't stop doing things that would make me go crazy - ha! :grin:

So what what what causes ADD?

No one knows yet but research says it can be a genetic influences tend to be interrelated to environmental factors such as heavy metal - especially lead toxicity.

Hmmm...lead? In pencils? Makes more sense to me. I remember during my high school years there was an issue about pencils containing "lead". Oh geez, I hope nobody was totally affected by lead toxicity in that manner. During the 80's it was never brought up and every grade school in the Philippines are required to use pencils. They said that lead can severely affect the educational process of a student. Hmmm...is that why I flunked my grades in grade school?! Awww...

In the Philippines, if a child shows a poor performance in school, it means he's not really good in academics and he should be under tutorial/remedial classes and miss some of the fun stuffs enjoyed by his/her classmates. But here in the US it's different. They would think that a child needs help and evaluate what's wrong and why. And honestly, I never bothered to look for it til my Hubee told me I have poor attention span...or I just don't listen to him hehe!

Dr. Alan Zametkin hesitates to use the word "cause", a study by scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that a specific brain abnormality has been found in people with hyperactivity. Their brains seem to be less active, especially in areas controlling concentration and impulsive behavior. the results were seen in advance but not the final word.

I hate to use the "mental health" but looks like somebody here would be dealing with it more often...oh boy. Since ADD may be genetically transmitted, it is important that a family history be gathered for an accurate diagnosis.

Face it.

Why be concerned about it? It's stressful, really. If I do have ADD then I wish I would have found it earlier. It was never raised in the Philippines maybe because of the culture we have there. Or maybe it's just a small case compared to a more serious and big problems that should be dealt with such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, illegal drugs, and peer pressure. But I think anything that interferes with the educational process should be included in the watch list.

Research also says that those afflicted generally, but by no means always, perform poorly in school although they tend to be intelligent and creative.

So what's the good news?

Medications? Therapy? Well, yes, both exists but when accurate diagnosis is made, treatment raises an argument among professionals. The use of medication to children may not be as effective as to the adults. It's best to consult a therapist to manage it. Sorry folks, there's no cure for it. Can't eliminate it. It's a lifelong condition. They say people with ADD must develop a new self-image and adjust to that new self-image. This means ADD people must:

1. Assess how they have been doing and how they've been doing.

2. Make a list of traits they want to leave behind particularly the traits that cost a lot.

3. Make a list of the traits that they'd like to have or something that they admire in others.

4. Adopt those traits and look at the new identity as someone who has ADD and is working with it.

Overall, it's nothing to be sad about. Just think positive and hold your temper. That's what I do and will do :wink:

ADD attack

2007-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I plan to finish the "Pen on fire" book I borrowed at the library. As I start to read Chapter 2, I noticed that the laptop is available so I thought of checking my emails first while Hubee is not around to use it.

As I check my emails, I wanted to reply to one of my friends when Hubee went inside the room and asked me if he can use the laptop because it's really important.

So I logged out and waited for him. But it took him forever so I decided to go back to my reading again. As I reached for the book, I noticed my cellphone is dead. I haven't charged it yet since last night so I went to look for the charger.

The phone charger is plugged in with the O2 fully charged so I removed the O2 and charged my Razr. While holding the O2 to place on the table, Hubee asked me if I have erased his name on the highest scores. There's this PDA game that we play in O2 that makes us both crazy. So I turned on the phone and checked the highest score. Hubee erased my name! He's now the highest scorer in the land. I was so overwhelmed, I decided to play one serious game.

As I was playing I asked something to Hubee and he replied. After a few minutes I asked him the same question again because I don't remember if he ever replied to me or what his response was. Irritated, I went back to what I was doing. But I was confused. What was I doing at that time?

Now, that's when I really noticed something. Time out! Wait a minute! What's going on here? I am supposed to finish the book I'm reading then I ended up playing a game in a cellphone?

That's when I realized something seemed not right. Something that Hubee said I have it but I just ignored it. Something that almost everyone has it but are not aware of. Could it be?

ADD also known as Attention Deficit Disorder.

What in the world?

ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is a debilitating, little-recognized, and widespread condition that is surrounded by confusion and debate in the professional community. (ADD in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss). In layman's term "lack of focus, short attention span, and something that has got to do with so many things to think about" - that's my own definition =P

It's a good reading material that for the first time in my life I was able to read the whole chapter with my full focus on it because it's all about real people and their experiences of having an ADD. The first one was pretty much exactly like me.

Yes, because when I read a book sometimes within the chapter I think of something else like what if I can go to the moon, cut my hair short again, or buy a new pair of boots. I am nearly finishing the chapter when I realized it doesn't make any sense! So I'll go over the chapter again and read one more time because I was thinking of something else. Like right now, I'm thinking of what to eat in the breakfast tomorrow pancake or cereals? See?!

Anyway, here's sharing a piece of the book about an ADD person who's more likely with the same life as me:

He plan to clean his desk up but first he decided to pick up a bill and put the stamp. The stamps are next to the paper clip box so he thought the paper clips should be on the desk so he placed them all to the desk. He saw more pencils on the desk and threw some. Then the phone rang. While he's on the phone he started to throw junk mails but the waste basket was full. So he went out to empty it and passed by the kitchen and saw somethingto do there. At the end of the day he wasn't able to pay his bills, the desk is a mess, the waste basket is full, and there are so many things to do in the kitchen.

Not that I am a very disorganized person, oh no. I'm so in-love with a room that's very clean and organized but the point here is we both see a trail. It's like there's a path to follow, there are a lot of things to be done, and I just cannot accomplish a thing because I think of so many things to do in a row. I'm trying but I can't focus.

Dr. Weiss said, living with an ADD person is terribly painful because it presents a new set of problems. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I kept on asking the same questions to Hubee which irritates him.

Dr. Weiss said, it's best to understand the person with ADD and it's best if detected at an early age.

So who has it? How do you know if you have? Is that a disease? Is there a cure?

I'm going to tell you on my next blog. Because right now it's past my bedtime already and I haven't read the "Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren". It's a book I read one chapter per night so before I think of something else to do again, I'm placing the period in this sentence now.

I miss home.

2007-08-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is soon to end and Fall is fast approaching. I realized how fast each day goes by.

In the Philippines we only have two seasons: the summer and the rainy. Which make it looks like we have longer and slower time and day compared to those with four seasons. And thinking about it, I miss home...so much.

It's barely 3 months now since I left home and I terribly miss my family, my friends, my relatives, the malls, the churches, my CFC-SFC community, the moviehouse, the tiangge, the bazaars, the traffic, the street food, the corrupt government, the cockroaches in the streets, and everything there. Oh I wish we can just go home that easy. You see, I'm not really a traveller but I enjoy travelling a lot too and this is the longest time in my life where I am away from home.

Before Hubee accepted the job offer in Chicago, he consulted me first. He knew from the start that I would be dealing with loneliness when he goes out to work while I wait at home til he comes back. We did pray for discernment and maybe that's the reason why we're here. A few years is quite a sacrifice to make if we want a better future for us and for our future children. Well, many of us do.

So to fight this homesickness which is usually linked to boredome, I would have to make myself busy. I made some wonderful indoor activities to waste my precious time: check my emails, surf the net, read books (I haven't finished my French lessons yet), watch dvd, watch tv, play with the dogs (Sampson is my favorite - he's a big, cuddly Samuyed), and my late afternoon tread mill in this order. Pretty much fun though.

Sometimes I get the feeling that I used to do these activities when I was still in the Philippines during those times when I don't go to work early in the morning and just sit back and relax in the comfort of my room. Which makes me think that "Heyyy, this is very much like the leisure time I had there." And then I get homesick again.

So my life is basically boring when I'm jobless, haha! I guess once you started to work and you left a career behind it would take a while to get used to it when you switch from a working employee to a fulltime housewife.

Well, everything changes. I expected these things to come anyway so I try my best not to feel lonely. The only thing I didn't miss much is the Filipino food. We try to eat Pinoy dishes atleast 4 times a week so there goes my thread mill. Hubee is more worried than me when it comes to my eating habits. He said I'm getting bigger but I don't feel it I'm big, maybe just a little. Can't blame him, Hubee's relatives here cook great Filipino food and surprisingly his cousins love them too! So basically, we all love Filipino food! There's some Asian stores here where we buy the ingredients. But there are still a lot of Filipino delicacies that are being sold only in the Philippines.

When we get home, that's the first thing that I would do - crave for them all! Oh, I wish it's anytime soon! :)

A response to the crap

2007-08-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Since we don't have a Filipino channel here, I surf the net for local news and update myself atleast twice a week about what's going on at home. Then there was this issue about an ignorant writer who belittled our OFWs based in Dubai. NO, she wasn't a famous writer but right after her article got published, (I began to think, does she has any editor at all?) she got all the attention now like she's an unknown specie placed under a microscope. Her article was entitled "From Boracay to Greece".

Here are some of Malu Fernandez's key statements published in People Asia Magazine and Manila Standard Today (enclosed is my reply):

"However I forgot that the hub was in Dubai and the majority of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) were stationed there. The duty-free shop was overrun with Filipino workers selling cell phones and perfume. Meanwhile, I wanted to slash my wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them."

(When an OFW works for his family, sends money to the Philippines, I always think of one thing: "dignity of work". This so-called writer seemed to know nothing about our beloved OFWs' role in our country. You should have slashed your wrist right there and then! You have no idea how great the sacrifice of these people are in order to provide their family in the Philippines a comfortable life.)

"While I was on the plane (where the seats were so small I had bruises on my legs), my only consolation was the entertainment on the small flat screen in front of me. But it was busted, so I heaved a sigh, popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of gum chewing and endless yelling of “HOY! Kumusta ka na? At taga sann ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?” Translation: “Hey there? Where are you from? Are you a domestic helper as well?” I though I had died and God had send me to my very own private hell".

(I never expected this would come from a Filipino. This judgmental statement is a plain example of bigotry, discrimination, and disrespect to his own fellowmen. The ignorance of this woman has harshly offended the status of our OFWs trying to survive against the challenges of life they face outside our country. Why would God ever think that being with them is like spending hours in hell? Speaking as a Christian, this woman needs to learn a lot.)

"On my way back, I had to bravely take the economy flight once more. This time I had already resigned myself to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling of AXE and Charlie cologne while Jo Malone evaporated into thin air."

(Jo Malone? If you're so into signature products, then why do you have to go economy class?! Why don't you criticize the rich people who shop in Divisioria, 168, and other tiangge in Manila when they can afford to go shopping at Anne Klein, Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton? Or maybe you just enjoy the scene being with people who uses "cheap" colognes while you have your "expensive" Jo Malone. I understand. I think people who's loud about the expensive products they use are the ones who just had it the first time. My two cents.)

"All in all, it’s been a pretty good summer. Jetting from the Aegean Sea to the Pacific may sound a bit pretentious until you wake up in economy class smelling like air freshener."

(Next time, take a business class instead and see if your Jo Malone has a place in there, moron.)

The latest news said she already replied to a number of complaints she received since this "garbage" went out. This is her response (enclosed is my reply):

"As I type this, I’d like you to know that it’s not about whining, complaining and bitching but just stating the facts. Just recently, I wrote a funny article in my magazine column and my friends thought it was hilarious. It was humorous and quite tongue-in-cheek, or at least I thought so, until the magazine got a few e-mails from people who didn’t get the meaning of my acerbic wit. The bottom line was just that I had offended the reader’s socioeconomic background. If any of these people actually read anything thicker then a magazine they would find it very funny. Most people don’t get the fact that they need bitches like me to shake up their world, otherwise their lives would be boring and mediocre. I obviously write for the a certain target audience and if what I write offends you, just stop reading."

(First of all, IT'S NOT FUNNY. Second, it's offensive. And third, this is not an issue of socioeconomic class. I've been in the writing business for 5 years and if I was your editor, your travel bogus article wouldn't have any place in my magazine. You simply put shame to a group of people who are making a clean living for their families and who by the way are sending off dollars to the Philippines to help strengthen our economy and pay huge amount of taxes. They probably deserve worthy of praise than you are. If your circle of friends find it hilarious and "witty" then I suggest the next time you write something like this, just keep it to you and your friends. Since none of us here find it entertaining. It's more like a senseless crap.)

"Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes. One group will never get the culture of the other. Although I could mention that it is easier to understand someone who has a lower socioeconomic background that would entail a whole other page and frankly I don’t want to be someone to bridge the gap between socioeconomic classes. I leave that to the politicians in my family who believe they can actually help. Now I seriously ask you, am I being a diva or are people around me just lacking in common sense? Perhaps it’s a little of both!"

(You are one pathetic psycho. Our politicians and government officials in the Philippines may have issues of corruption, traditional politics, and all but atleast they are trying their best to put our country up and running against other well-developed Asian countries. Same goes to our OFWs, ordinary Filipino employees, and businessmen. We are all distinctively created according to our purpose. Whether you're a domestic helper, cook, driver, maintenance, or fast food chain crew, the meaning of life makes more sense if you understand the word "respect". The bottom line is, we don't have to be in a group of "elite" to understand why we belong to different cultures.)

I've said so much. I would have easily forgiven the author is she grew up in an environment entirely different from ours but it was not. It was from someone who should be the first one to understand why sacrificing one's life outside home mean so much. Sad. Well, I guess someone just had to learn the lesson the hard way. It's just a matter of dealing with it.