The Hardship Before the Pleasure

Packing before a vacation is very stressful. Not only that, you have to clean everything so that you can have the peace of mind before leaving the house and enjoy the long-awaited "treat". Hah! it's really tiring, so I took some moments for a "breather" because I don't want to start my days-off with a negative feeling.

Writing down feelings is a breather in itself ( and munching something is a natural way of enjoying it). It makes one's perspective clearer... and a simple way of easing out stress. After this "relaxing" moment, I'm ready again to tackle the "unfinished business" of packing. And while at it, I'm trying to imagine the places I'll visit, the friends,and relatives I haven't seen for a while. This is another way of making the hardship of preparing things easier...looking forward for the pleasures of a vacation.

The importance of cellphones

My boys are going back to Manila. They are on their way to the airport right now. I'm worried because their tickets aren't confirmed yet. Their flight was cancelled last week because of some aircraft technicalities or something. All their bags were packed that time 'though they're not excited to end their sem break; and so, when the message came, you can imagine their glee. The text message left a number for further information with regards to re-scheduling, and the boys asked if they can re-schedule 5 days after (a day before their classes resume).

The airport from our present residence is too far. From the terminal, it's a two-hour bus ride to the city and another taxi ride to the airport.That's why i really appreciate the modern technology of communications; the invention of cellphones, which really help a lot especially in times like these.

I miss you GenSan...

A picture, a song, a word, a friend...they trigger something deep within...

This picture makes me remember my "good old days"...and everything that goes with it.

Thanks 'den for posting pics.... Gensan, I'll see you soon!
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The busy bee is busier today...

I have posted in my other blog (heartwisdom) about the busy bee. I'll double that "bee's busyness' today...hah!

The boys are here for a short  vacation...a short respite from "dorm days". The dizzying bee's buzzing didn't register...just yet, until this morning. I have to sit down now and take deep breaths to regain my bearings. I don't want to see the traces of the "whirlwind" which came by earlier today.

I forgot those days when they were still in college...those moments after breakfast and they just left for school. I think moms can relate with these experiences. From bathroom, beds, kitchen...it's like, typhoon has just been into our home.

But you know these "sentiments" are just like that...sentiments; skin-deep complaints which are small compensations for the joy and contentment of having a complete and strong-bonded family.

Welcome home my darling boys!

The Significance of Today : October 10, 2010 (10-10-10)

I'm reading all the posts in my FB and something really caught my attention...a former student has written about the "uniqueness" of today.  At first glance at my calendar this morning, it is Sunday, the 10th of October, nothing unusual…until I read the post.

This is amazing, very significant, it will never happen again in our lifetime because it only happens once in every 823 years; and we only have lesser than a century life.

Sometimes we're not aware of the significance of some "things" until someone pointed it out.

Enjoy Free Grass (While it Lasts)

lourimar: Attending important occasions of those close to o...

lourimar: Attending important occasions of those close to o...: " Amit and Rhea Joy Wedding This is one of those special events that i really wish to attend. I wanted to witness how the fulfillment of dre..."

Attending important occasions of those close to our hearts: in a distance

 Amit and Rhea Joy Wedding

This is one of those special events that i really wish to attend. I wanted to witness how the fulfillment of dreams and promises finally realized. I have shared the excitements and "contentment" of both, in their unique love story. This very special moment of saying "I do's" for both, happens after 9 years of long-distance relationship.

The sweet and lovely bride, Rhea joy,  is the most "vocal", the most "confident" and the most "fluent" English-speaking Ilongga I've ever met. Don't get me wrong; those traits I've enumerated are in the positive notes.

Talking to her makes you go back to your younger days (our age gap is wide but not wider enough to put a distance on our thoughts and our beliefs). She's "refreshing" because she's not the "usual" young person you meet in your everyday life of mingling with people, especially in our "circle".

Amit, the dashing groom, although i met him only once (last year) is already familiar, because his presence is always felt whenever Rhea and I have those precious moments of bonding. Amit is the senior manager of an IT company in Singapore.

The beautiful couple during the "Wedding re enactment"  in the Philippines inspired with Indian Wedding theme.

Congratulations and Best Wishes !!!

Attending the important occasions of our loved ones: in a distance

Wedding is a very special moment: special, not only to the bride and groom; but also for the parents, relatives,  friends of the wedding couple and of their families.
                                        

Janice and Roiss Wedding

       

Bebot and Fe are like family to us; and so, their children. I was able to attend the wedding of their eldest, Efren, because we're still nearer (one day travel). This one, Janice's wedding, we wanted to witness too but, (and a big BUT), it's too too far from here. Canada is miles and miles away.

Although the distance is so wide, the wishes and congratulations (and virtual hugs) were sent and received.

Best wishes & Congratulations Janice and Roiss!

lourimar: Facts Pregnant women Should Know: Postterm Pregnan...

lourimar: Facts Pregnant women Should Know: Postterm Pregnan...: "I hope this post will be a great help to a friend who is confused and worried because last week was supposedly her due date. The last time w..."

Facts Pregnant women Should Know: Postterm Pregnancies

I hope this post will be a great help to a friend who is confused and worried because last week was supposedly her due date. The last time we've met (yesterday), i coaxed her to visit an ob-gyne so she can have the best advice for her predicament. I told her to pray for HIS guidance and protection.

What is a Postterm Pregnancy?

A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks is called postterm pregnancy. Usually, 9 months is the basis of pregnancy duration period. However, in today’s modern technologies, health providers are tracking the length of pregnancy by days and weeks. It is estimated that about 10% of pregnancies are postterms.

Pregnancy’s duration is still normal between 37-42 weeks. At 40 weeks it is already referred to as “due date”; the baby is just almost there.

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc

What causes postterm pregnancies?

Even in our modern age, the cause of postterm pregnancy is unknown in most cases. But there are some patterns which experts say related to postterm’s:

·         genetic factor is one, if a mother is born postterm, the risk is higher.

·         first pregnancies

·         had a  previous postterm pregnancy

·         errors in calculation of gestational age

What are the possible treatments for postterm pregnancy?

Monitoring-this is a must to avoid higher risk. A mother-to-be should have a close contact with her obstetrician-gynecologist especially when the due date arrives and she is not yet in labor or having no signs whatsoever.

·         antenatal fetal- monitoring of the fetus if the pregnancy extends due date. This test will determine what to do next; if allowed to extend or inducement is necessary

·         non-stress testing-monitoring the heartbeats of the baby.

·         bio-physical profile-assessment of baby’s health

·         contraction stress test-inducement of uterine contractions through intravenous medication

·         inducement-a medication applied to “ripen” the cervix and dilate; and stimulates the uterus to contract

·         caesarian –either the choice of the patient or, the baby’s weight or the cervix would not dilate which makes it impossible to have a normal delivery.



 Related Readings: If a pregnant woman does not deliver in 40 weeks; is it still a normal pregnancy?
                             Pre-mature Pregnancy
                             Fetal Development

If A Pregnant Woman Does Not Deliver in 40 Weeks, Is it Still a Normal Pregnancy?

I was asked by a friend this morning. She is pregnant and is worried because she said she is already over due. She was asking an advice if she will have inducement? She was really bothered about her situation. I said that mine (my firstborn) was also 2 weeks overdue when that “most-awaited day” finally arrived. However, People said that firstborns are usually advance or late by two weeks. In her case, it’s her third baby.

According to the experts, the normal occurrence of baby’s birth is from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. Before that, it is considered premature; and postterm after 42 weeks.

Related Readings: Reasons for Pre mature babies
                            Pregnancy
                            Fetal Development

keeping in touch:the making of breads by neophyte bakers

Ninang Cora and her "students"

 The smiling faces, the fun, and the dough...will the bread survive the "onslaught" of the new bakers? Maybe...because the Master Baker is nice, sweet, and loving. How can anything or anyone afford to fail?

It's been more than a decade since we've last seen our ninang Cora. Even the communications were stopped when we left Gen. Santos City many years ago; not for lack of trying though (for both sides, as we realized a month ago). It's really amazing how Facebook makes "keeping in touch" possible. This year, we really get in touch with each other and...my boys meet their "lola" for the "first time" (again)?...can't really remember now.

Keeping-in-touch...simple words but mean so much. Ninang Cor, we miss you a lot.We hope that one day, we can also share the fun of baking breads with you. Thank you for everything!

The "Culprit" Which Makes Me Cry (part 2 )why slicing onion makes us teary-eyed

I wrote earlier about my “crying episode” while slicing the onion.

I’ve read that a chemical irritant (syn-propanethial-S-oxide) is produced when onions are chopped or sliced .This stimulates the glands which release tears. Another recent discovery proved that lachrymatory-factor is the chemical irritant. Whatever, slicing onion makes us cry because of that "something" that has been released when onion is being cut or sliced.

Some tips which help in slicing or chopping onions that don’t irritate our tear ducts:

•  slice the onion near the sink while the water is flowing from the tap (put some container for flowing  water so as not to waste).
• slice the onion in two and slice it upside down so the enzyme's release will be minimized

The "culprit" which makes me cry

It's Saturday again...free to wallow in bed. But, why is it that when you don't have any schedule or any pressing activities, that's the time you wake up early; while when you have commitments for the day, your eyes seem glued in their sockets and your weight becomes so heavy that rising is so difficult. Huh! Life’s so full of contradictions...always.

So, I finally stood up and after the "warm-ups", went straight to my "office"...the kitchen, where else? It’s mom's domain.

I was slicing onions with tears (it's normal, sliced onions irritate the tear ducts) when my bf breezed in from jogging and that's the scene he came about. With all the facial expressions full of worries (and everything) he hugged me suddenly and said "what's the matter sweetheart"? I was laughing because it's funny and he thought I was crying hard (he can't see my face because he's hugging me, right?). OMG! What a morning.

The worst thing was; my mirth changed into real crying and i was really sobbing hard.

..
...to be continued later.........