tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30305268452360703782023-11-16T03:37:04.533-08:00This Garden of EDENBesides gardening, writing is the other outlet of my self-expression.I like to capture my thought of the moment and lay it down in words.I hope that you find something interesting here to make you come back and visit again. Please do share your thoughts and make your visit known. Maraming salamat!!!NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-89211463975190503582010-09-28T05:03:00.000-07:002010-09-28T05:33:25.724-07:00Breaking Point!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjB38ZbbvvrQ9cN4fFnYw5yiRfsgyRiiuWCE15BoklfCIGFl1wCo4fIBruk3TXV62T5SJMenZQNwAttjQc50qBhc08ADCMMJA-Eqdlv6It2W6BznM6yNuhq3NYXzJSBTAIB5LsOmg0NSf/s1600/stressed.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjB38ZbbvvrQ9cN4fFnYw5yiRfsgyRiiuWCE15BoklfCIGFl1wCo4fIBruk3TXV62T5SJMenZQNwAttjQc50qBhc08ADCMMJA-Eqdlv6It2W6BznM6yNuhq3NYXzJSBTAIB5LsOmg0NSf/s200/stressed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521941432170447362" border="0" /></a>A recent encounter with a seemingly "nice" person made me think...<br /><br />Think a few times of human moralities and principles and that inner strength that we all suppose to have within us. Given, we all have stresses in life, of many different levels, that we each handle in different ways to the best of our abilities and ways of <span style="font-style: italic;">"coping"</span>. At some point in our stressful life, we somehow reach the point of "I had enough"... then what do we do? We do different things to try to balance out our lives when we reach <span style="font-weight: bold;">that breaking point!!!</span><br /><br />My favorite Wikepedia says this about "<span style="font-weight: bold;">breaking point" . </span>In human psychology, the <b>breaking point</b> is a moment of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_%28medicine%29" title="Stress (medicine)" class="mw-redirect">stress</a> in which a person breaks down or a situation becomes critical. A breaking point can lead to a shift in morals and world perception.<br /><br /><br />It is that point at which physical, mental, or emotional strength gives way under stress and to which a condition or situation becomes critical. For some people, they resort in horrific act(s) in attempt to get rid of that one factor in the equation that tips off the scale of life and made it unbalanced. Do we, as the spectators give our understanding and justification of the horrific act that was committed when the mind was literally lost at that "breaking point"??? Do we give understanding to a mother that hurt her child because she "lost it"???<br /><br /><br />Breaking point??? Something to ponder upon...NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-24419459702233315582010-05-09T02:46:00.000-07:002010-05-09T10:08:10.611-07:00Motherhood...Motherhood ... the greatest accomplishment there is for a woman, I think. After all, the body of a woman is all about reproduction. The woman's body prepares herself every seconds of everyday for the conception of a human being... <div><br /></div><div>According to many internet sources,it was in 1858, when Anna Reeves Jarvis founded Mother's day in West Virginia in honor of her beloved mother. The rest of her life, Anna Jarvis fought what became of the day she created ... the commercial and political exploitation of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was not until June 1873 that the inaugural celebration of Mother's Day happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>The nine months of carrying a child in the womb is only the beginning of motherhood. From the first day of pregnancy, the mother is faced with many challenges. Challenges that can make the rearing of the child much more interesting and trying...</div><div><br /></div><div>As in any facet of life, motherhood has it own ups and downs. As a mother, my approach has been<b><i> I do my best and think what is best of my child. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I must say I have been lucky!!!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">TO ALL OF THE MOTHERS IN THE WORLD, a toast and a salute to you!!!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As the saying goes ... </div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-79864004384020314282010-03-15T22:16:00.000-07:002010-03-15T22:27:57.124-07:00A CONCEPT TO PONDER UPON...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/S58VeQfAzcI/AAAAAAAABqs/ylAQ5Zr87-k/s1600-h/wheel_of_life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/S58VeQfAzcI/AAAAAAAABqs/ylAQ5Zr87-k/s200/wheel_of_life.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449097683706891714" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); line-height: 14px; font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/S58VeQfAzcI/AAAAAAAABqs/ylAQ5Zr87-k/s1600-h/wheel_of_life.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/S58VeQfAzcI/AAAAAAAABqs/ylAQ5Zr87-k/s1600-h/wheel_of_life.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); line-height: 14px; font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/S58VeQfAzcI/AAAAAAAABqs/ylAQ5Zr87-k/s1600-h/wheel_of_life.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It has been a long time since my last post. I apologized. I had been in pretty challenging period in my life that took quite a bit of my time and energy. Now I am in the recovery period and feeling pretty good. So here goes.</span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is a concept for you to ponder upon. An older, wiser woman (the mother of a good friend of mine) from the Eastern world shared this with me as she listened to my woes. As I gnaw on the concept and reflect back on what have been happening in my life… I came to the conclusion that she could be right!!! She said: The wheel of life turns about every twelve years. When it turns, CHANGE(S) occur(s) in one’s life. The manifestation of the CHANGE(S) expand(s) to three years. In this turn of the wheel, one loses someone or something … job, wealth, partner and even one’s life. Be thankful she said if it’s not your life you lose because anything else is replaceable. The first of these three years is when gradual, little negative changes occur in your life. You are able to adapt to the “CHANGE(S). The second year is when you hit the bottom. This is when nothing works for you. It seems like everything and everybody is against you. You can not seem to correct these negativities for all your might. You might even wonder about your “faith”. This second year is the period of self realization … to submit or to fight … to the CHANGE(S). Life adjustments occur. The third year is the trip to recovery as slow as it might seem. This is when you start to feel that things are not as stressful or suffocating in your life as in that middle year. This is when things are looking up and those feelings that are positive are back within you again, and life is becoming “good” again… And so it continues for about twelve years … The turn of the wheel and the CHANGE(S), are what makes you that person that you are… What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Hhhhmmmmm … 2010 is my year!!! WELCOME and THANK YOU!!!</span></span></span></span></div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-50056856791881457152009-11-17T09:22:00.000-08:002009-11-17T10:15:13.356-08:00Meet my new doggie!!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz4V5yHBljbTel_nFw8fNqwaqGNfUPyAbtrc5hV0t0AZYx7j_QkE3TKYjspD-rThBQna2y11Dqite_SJN_sBxE7QMD4EOMDCHfMprALGVn671Gq7TTxD4P-dRGNZ6mOXwn4MA8peBxmLu/s1600/Prince2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405135595515055954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz4V5yHBljbTel_nFw8fNqwaqGNfUPyAbtrc5hV0t0AZYx7j_QkE3TKYjspD-rThBQna2y11Dqite_SJN_sBxE7QMD4EOMDCHfMprALGVn671Gq7TTxD4P-dRGNZ6mOXwn4MA8peBxmLu/s200/Prince2.jpg" /></a> This summer Zipper - my dog for about 16 years, went up to Rainbow Bridge. My other dog, Duke did not do well without Zipper. There was marked changes in his demeanor... I felt that he was missing his sissy... Zip. I decided that I would find him a sister or a brother from the city pound.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Another Llasa Aphso mixed breed doggy caught my attention. He was charming as can be. He is 1 1/2 years and grayish/black in color. </div><br /><div>After a week-end of wait, Prince came home with me to meet his new brother, Duke. </div><br /><div>We found out that this little rascal has much too much of an energy, being a young un. He is into everything that his mouth and teeth can get hold into. And whatever that may be, rest assured it is torn into pieces. Now the backyard is Prince-proof!!!</div><br /><div>He sure has made Duke a very active brother by getting Duke to play, get into mischiefs, and be the partner in his "crimes"... Poor Duke!!!<br /></div><div>I can't wait for Prince to get older and get over all these stages that young dogs go through!!! Until then, my backyard will never be the same!!! LOL</div><br /><div>Zipper, Duke and Prince are doggies from the Llasa Aphso breed. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4NisJA-b4qL1NA-9UEyF97Q9UIy9mQCzE8TgaqL-lGtmtmFgWZBtw_4FawO3X4IXHR-oTEplOHqX-TFDDV1k28JxXhJI4xj06_cqo6ApIbtHFYFxzB7qpThzunZ1FfKlPigLp5beCvCq/s1600/Duke(meister).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405135188997374258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4NisJA-b4qL1NA-9UEyF97Q9UIy9mQCzE8TgaqL-lGtmtmFgWZBtw_4FawO3X4IXHR-oTEplOHqX-TFDDV1k28JxXhJI4xj06_cqo6ApIbtHFYFxzB7qpThzunZ1FfKlPigLp5beCvCq/s200/Duke(meister).jpg" /></a><br /><div>The Lhasa Apso (lha-sah ap-so) is a non-sporting dog breed originating in Tibet. It was bred as an interior sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries, who alerted the monks to any intruders who entered. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and apso is a word in the Tibetan language meaning "bearded," so Lhasa Apso simply means "long-haired Tibetan dog."<br /><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CopperLhasaApso.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CopperLhasaApso.jpg"></a>A one year old female Lhasa with short length hair and a slight underbite. </div><div><br />Male Lhasa Apsos should ideally be 10.75 inches at the withers and weigh about 14-18 pounds, 6–8 kg. The females are slightly smaller, and weigh between 12-14 pounds, 5–7 kg. The breed standard requires dark brown eyes and a black nose, although liver coloured lhasas have a brown nose. The texture of the coat is heavy, straight, hard, neither woolly nor silky, and very dense. Colors include white, golden, rust and parti-colored with various shadings. </div><br /><div>Lhasas can be with or without dark tips at the end of ears and beard. The tail should be carried well over the dog's back. The breed standard currently used by the American Kennel Club was approved on July 17, 1978. Lhasas can change color as they get older, starting with a dark brown coat which gradually turns lighter.</div><br /><div>A movement called the Tibetan Line Breeding Programme exists, to breed preseve the original Tibetan Lhasa Apso. This movement is based on the premise that after 60 years of Western breeding, the breed is losing key characteristics of their original Lhasa ancestors still living in Tibet and Bhutan.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405136047193717314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EJJsD0ewsVj11hxT8cC_n-n67cFSky_TJZn-xV32ffP_kCyYqBlJnm38H46EDUGiTN4tdl3PWa9Qveb1UAcR_C9ZgLc2dVFmlh1NRwNOnbwkgUupWunZbulwdSYo5KWDA4u9cm3H4nUh/s200/Prince.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-28925781875291372652009-11-17T08:42:00.000-08:002009-11-17T09:18:25.779-08:00Smelly good!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zYVEtrklF2nbAk8T7DXQWMPzjuDKhq-uJSmWY1psPVz_v0AWWwJedAmiFbrauX-ZDM3HepbKMK2p_0jxc5CVMFDT_WlHRdhtoWdn5_lej0qQexoJWixPC0UPzNTRLiPxVO80Q_YR77dp/s1600/Perfume+carousel.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405122409499472882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zYVEtrklF2nbAk8T7DXQWMPzjuDKhq-uJSmWY1psPVz_v0AWWwJedAmiFbrauX-ZDM3HepbKMK2p_0jxc5CVMFDT_WlHRdhtoWdn5_lej0qQexoJWixPC0UPzNTRLiPxVO80Q_YR77dp/s200/Perfume+carousel.jpg" /></a> Do you ever wonder how perfumes and cologne got to be??? The word "perfume" is a derivative of the Latin word "parfumare" meaning "through smoke". <div><br /></div><div>Back in the olden times in Egypt, they used fumigations in honour of their gods. They sought wood aromatic, grasses, roots, etc... to create perfumes. They burnt the famous incense called Kyphi, a very odorous mixture composed of the<a name="myrrh"></a> myrrh, Matsic tree, bays of juniper, seeds of fenugreek, pistachio and edible shoveler duck, the whole crushed and mixed with wine and a preparation cooked containing resin and of honey.<br /></div><div>The Egyptians manufactured <a name="ointments"></a>ointments, and essential oils for their religious practices and their personal uses. They applied them to their skin to fine cosmetics or therapeutic. The ointments were preserved in cups or mud out of alabaster. There were also small stone or ceramics bottles.One of the supreme pleasures of the Egyptian women was to place, on their head, of the small cones of greases and aromatic resins, which, while melting, scented their hair and their face.<br /></div><div>The Greeks continued the Egyptian practices with new reported fragrances their voyages. They coated the body of oils and ointments during the bath.The Greeks scented the body of their deaths and they buried them with personal objects of which a perfume bottle.<a name="aryballes"></a> The aryballes made it possible to spread the ointment on the skin. The Greek athletes coated the body with them before each test.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Romans, in their turn, granted a great place to the perfume. They made improvements as for the ingredients and developed the use at the time of the religious, funerary rites of it and of the daily practices. The Greeks thought that the perfumes possessed medicinal virtues. They consumed some with excess going until sprinkling some on the walls and the grounds of their house. A great innovation was the use of the container out of glass.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Even today, France remains the centre of the European perfume design and trade.<br /></div><div>Perfume types reflect the concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent, which in fine fragrance is typically ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol. Various sources differ considerably in the definitions of perfume types. The concentration by percent/volume of perfume oil is as follows:</div><div><br />Perfume extract (Extrait): 15-40% (IFRA: typical 20%) aromatic compounds </div><div><br />Eau de Parfum (EdP), Parfum de Toilette (PdT): 10-20% (typical ~15%) aromatic compounds. Sometimes listed as "eau de perfume" or "millésime". </div><div><br />Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-15% (typical ~10%) aromatic compounds </div><div><br />Eau de Cologne (EdC): Chype citrus type perfumes with 3-8% (typical ~5%) aromatic compounds </div><div><br />Splash and After shave: 1-3% aromatic compounds </div><div><br />Perfume oils are often diluted with a solvent, though this is not always the case, and its necessity is disputed. By far the most common solvent for perfume oil dilution is ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water. Perfume oil can also be diluted by means of neutral-smelling oils such as fractionated coconut oil, or liquid waxes such as jojoba oil.</div><div><br />The intensity and longevity of a perfume is based on the concentration, intensity and longevity of the aromatic compounds (natural essential oils / perfume oils) used: As the percentage of aromatic compounds increases, so does the intensity and longevity of the scent created. Different perfumeries or perfume houses assign different amounts of oils to each of their perfumes. Therefore, although the oil concentration of a perfume in Eau de Parfum (EdP) dilution will necessarily be higher than the same perfume in Eau de Toilette (EdT) from within the same range, the actual amounts can vary between perfume houses. An EdT from one house may be stronger than an EdP from another.</div><div><br />Men's fragrances are rarely as EdP or perfume extracts. As well, women's fragrances are rarely sold in EdC concentrations. Although this gender specific naming trend is common for assigning fragrance concentrations, it does not directly have anything to do with whether a fragrance was intended for men or women.<br /></div><div>Fragrance compounds in perfumes will degrade or break down if improperly stored in the presence of:<br /></div><div> </div><div>Heat<br />Light<br />Oxygen<br />Extraneous organic materials </div><div><br />Proper preservation of perfumes involve keeping them away from sources of heat and storing them where they will not be exposed to light. An opened bottle will keep its aroma intact for several years, as long as it is well stored. However the presence of oxygen in the head space of the bottle and environmental factors will in the long run alter the smell of the fragrance.<br />Perfumes are best preserved when kept in light-tight aluminum bottles or in their original packaging when not in use, and refrigerated to relatively low temperatures: between 3-7 degrees Celsius (37-45 degrees Fahrenheit). Although it is difficult to completely remove oxygen from the headspace of a stored flask of fragrance, opting for spray dispensers instead of rollers and "open" bottles will minimize oxygen exposure. Sprays also have the advantage of isolating fragrance inside a bottle and preventing it from mixing with dust, skin, and detritus, which would degrade and alter the quality of a perfume. </div><br /><br />So... what is your smell preference??? <div><br /><br /></div><div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-47233558917932172242009-04-13T12:31:00.000-07:002009-04-13T15:41:47.320-07:00As you point...At some points in our lives ... we feel the "powerlessness" and we try to deal with this "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lessness</span>" in our own ways.<br /><br />Some of us get angry, some want to die, some get paralyzed, some get critical, some get righteous, some get philosophical, some get into superiority or inferiority, some come out fighting and some just feel beat up. When in this situation, we take on a role to act it out. This is when we get into the so-called ... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">KARPMAN</span> DRAMA TRIANGLE.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wikipedia</span> discusses the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">KARPMAN</span> drama triangle as a psychological and social model of human interaction first described by Stephen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Karpman</span>, which has become widely used in psychology and psychotherapy. The drama triangle shows the dramatic roles that people act-out in daily life that are unstable, unsatisfactory, repeated, emotionally competitive, and generate misery and discomfort for both people, sooner or later. The switching that occurs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">between Persecutor</span> - Rescuer - Victim - generates the drama and the painful feelings that occur when people have hidden agendas, secrets, and then manipulate for dysfunctional personal advantage.<br /><br />The unfortunate and sad thing is when we handle the"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lessness</span>" by calling it in another person, usually ... the partner or the significant other. It is so easy to see it when another person handles this "powerlessness" this way but so hard to catch ourselves doing it. It is so easy to point a finger at someone, usually, at the person that we love. As a good friend would say ...remember that when we point a finger at that person in front of us, the rest of the fingers in that hand are pointing at ourselves.<br /><br />BE HONEST TO YOURSELF and so you can set yourself free and thus the domino effect of setting free the people around you!!!<br /><br />Please don't take out your issues on another being... That other person is not there to be your target area or your punching bag...NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-23964234240164400652009-02-27T07:09:00.000-08:002009-02-27T07:14:33.629-08:00I will meet her again someday!!!<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7BA8h8IR00m39_ggIFQxmaebmaLVIRB8GapPOwqu7DMR17VnCCEhFbJF0PXH0BEyihZ0ZPol1O8PJ5YgffsvmRinx_bYHVfXYMANn3tqGJMiIITuBew_PIkBVNg80zvwA2Zt3KwwBvDx/s1600-h/Relaxing+Zipper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307495151857579154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7BA8h8IR00m39_ggIFQxmaebmaLVIRB8GapPOwqu7DMR17VnCCEhFbJF0PXH0BEyihZ0ZPol1O8PJ5YgffsvmRinx_bYHVfXYMANn3tqGJMiIITuBew_PIkBVNg80zvwA2Zt3KwwBvDx/s200/Relaxing+Zipper.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5DkfC3QTg3RQ24doZOAeEkM5znyg6O5TdSqcH2cONhDGGPh0r4vL0I3OOBj6iQxFJ1mFn6P17vSvJPn4tCyGCZKusO9tDXIgNnIs1qsJ_dfpuy734lpXk6LWgrCMAbf1IEmgC4wTljTU/s1600-h/Snoozing+Zipper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307495593626656082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5DkfC3QTg3RQ24doZOAeEkM5znyg6O5TdSqcH2cONhDGGPh0r4vL0I3OOBj6iQxFJ1mFn6P17vSvJPn4tCyGCZKusO9tDXIgNnIs1qsJ_dfpuy734lpXk6LWgrCMAbf1IEmgC4wTljTU/s200/Snoozing+Zipper.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso91MxEFPvwd55-DvUBWSDR6V4bt_U6-iMTz4x0rrKmAp6YBMtK_RuKA_c9YM9L4VoRJh4jNBLGA3sg88I8vHJ5fNQ5P2PcKbORzjtX1UVx4cBzJtVqXo_D5DBkOsZFNqOE8zfqUNO1uH/s1600-h/Zipper+Girl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307494811314203650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso91MxEFPvwd55-DvUBWSDR6V4bt_U6-iMTz4x0rrKmAp6YBMtK_RuKA_c9YM9L4VoRJh4jNBLGA3sg88I8vHJ5fNQ5P2PcKbORzjtX1UVx4cBzJtVqXo_D5DBkOsZFNqOE8zfqUNO1uH/s200/Zipper+Girl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On February 25, my longtime, most loved girlie dog Zipper went to Rainbow Bridge...</div><div> </div><div>I miss her!!!<br /><br /><div></div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-43716437466490594522009-02-23T04:09:00.000-08:002009-02-27T07:09:15.988-08:00Andy Rooney's ... WHY CHICKS OVER 40 RULEI was cleaning up my filing cabinet when I came across this copy of a post made by a member of the message board I belong. I liked it then when he posted it, and I still like it now so I am sharing it here... Since I am one of those <em><strong>chicks over 40.</strong></em><br /><br /><strong>...by Andy Rooney from CBS "60 Minutes"</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTD-hWmNQ3KCsUfcMLBOwMIirkoUtwKiz3yjxRJqaz5Czov0tdyUuIz7SdKpKXr-_uphAPTUO0Qoa7JW2gTsQknXqHYr_yxftl_9KxckBYt0ZBzdrPTE3Fleb6VD1b51qCHK1QzxSqCL1/s1600-h/Seriously+E.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307494274295052562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTD-hWmNQ3KCsUfcMLBOwMIirkoUtwKiz3yjxRJqaz5Czov0tdyUuIz7SdKpKXr-_uphAPTUO0Qoa7JW2gTsQknXqHYr_yxftl_9KxckBYt0ZBzdrPTE3Fleb6VD1b51qCHK1QzxSqCL1/s200/Seriously+E.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is for all of you girls 40 years and over ... and for the ones who are turning 40 and for those who are scared of moving into their 50 ... and 60's... And for guys who are scared of girls over 40!!!<br /><br /><strong>Andy Rooney says:</strong><br />As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:<br /><br />A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She does not care what you think.<br /><br />If a woman over 40 does not want to watch the game, she does not sit around whining about it. She does something else she wants to do. And it is usually something more interesting. A woman over 40 knows herself well enough to be assuming in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 40 give a hoot what you might think about her or what she is doing.<br /><br />Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get with it. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/SagBNNAOwwI/AAAAAAAABfo/x24IYuDzImI/s1600-h/Eredtoes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307493487196685058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/SagBNNAOwwI/AAAAAAAABfo/x24IYuDzImI/s200/Eredtoes.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Older women are generous with praise, often undeserving. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. A woman over 40 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 40 couldn't care if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.<br /><br />Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. They always know.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-uhK0YF9JrSYY1PdRaLkr-krbFz0BMK55bPYj2xyw23QHwGg36x8oivfI66bECD1MKHpbXWpN7F8mXZ5XD1XRx-wz2eP4rBAU0xjivh3Vm2fm3J-VSpGlHSvS3B6X87VNSvPVqNq15DZ/s1600-h/E's+smile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307493022882281506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 81px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 60px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-uhK0YF9JrSYY1PdRaLkr-krbFz0BMK55bPYj2xyw23QHwGg36x8oivfI66bECD1MKHpbXWpN7F8mXZ5XD1XRx-wz2eP4rBAU0xjivh3Vm2fm3J-VSpGlHSvS3B6X87VNSvPVqNq15DZ/s200/E's+smile.jpg" border="0" /></a>A woman over 40 looks good wearing bright lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.<br /><br />Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her. <br /><br />Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons.<br /><br />Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself to some 22-year-old waitress.<br /><br />Ladies, I apologize.<br /><br />I know I like Andy Rooney for something...NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-27302258579093771232009-01-03T05:48:00.001-08:002009-01-03T06:08:17.845-08:00My Holiday Season!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IFAEMmDLGWd0G-6eLj3B3vRVpg889Qd6KGGN3Eb-646fd4OSwZOY4GPFy5E-mIzCcyN6WlKr_AbAu-Wrr2_kHsA16lZ9g8FKGB9ozs-v7sR7M9jQvcuadc95CAP2KqUuawAE34XYpYVD/s1600-h/2008-12+E18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287068746893516658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IFAEMmDLGWd0G-6eLj3B3vRVpg889Qd6KGGN3Eb-646fd4OSwZOY4GPFy5E-mIzCcyN6WlKr_AbAu-Wrr2_kHsA16lZ9g8FKGB9ozs-v7sR7M9jQvcuadc95CAP2KqUuawAE34XYpYVD/s200/2008-12+E18.jpg" border="0" /></a> I hope you all had a nice Christmas and a promising 2009 so far!!! <div><br /><div></div><div>I was on vacation... (yep!!! those relaxing, stress less and yet poorer me days) for the first two weeks of December. I needed the vacation and I wanted to really go all out with my holiday decorations. Christmas is my very favorite holiday. Last year I did not put any decoration and hardly celebrated the season. My life was so hectic last year that I did not have the time and energy to celebrate as much as I usually do. So this year, I went back in gear...<br /></div><div>I was done with decorations and gift shopping and gift wrapping by the second week. And the baking started at that second week as well. So by the time Christmas rolled in, I was ready ... stress less and looked forward to our family get together.</div><div></div><br /><div>The Christmas Eve get together was wonderful. Thanksgiving reunion was at my house. Christmas Eve was at my goddaughter/niece' house. It was great to see everyone again. We had plenty of food, wine, laughter, hugs and kisses and pictures. I can't wait for this year's Christmas already.</div><div></div><br /><div>I received many great gifts from family and friends. I felt blessed and loved. </div><div></div><br /><div>I had to work on my birthday. My co-workers/friends had potlucks in 2 departments in our hospital. I even had two birthday cakes to blow... Neat!!! And the presents were great!!!</div><div></div><br /><div>My New Year's Eve was wonderful as well. I have always worked on New Year's Eve but this time I had the chance to celebrate it with a bang. </div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-82692515590225716602008-09-13T21:20:00.000-07:002009-02-23T04:08:50.274-08:00Free as a bird or two...I always say that if ever I were to come back to earth in another lifetime ... that I would like to come back as a bird. I see a bird as a carefree being. Flying free... however, whichever, wherever, whatever ... it wants to.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/SV7Qkw8Am8I/AAAAAAAABek/5VpHQCDLW3M/s1600-h/free+bird.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286892342610009026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 73px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/SV7Qkw8Am8I/AAAAAAAABek/5VpHQCDLW3M/s200/free+bird.jpg" border="0" /></a>There it is with its wings all spread out letting the wind blow ... away the broken dreams. Blow away the sadness and hopelessness. Blow away the madness and frustrations. Blow away the heartaches and mental anguish.<br /><br />And embrace the hopes of tomorrow. Embrace the new promises and the new dreams. Embrace what there will be..<br /><br />Would it not be wonderful to soar up in the sky and drop down and away all the baggage that I've been carrying in my life and in the part of my heart that is broken? And land on solid ground and start anew...<br /><br />How about you? What would you like to be in your other lifetime???NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-28445483523809525212008-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:002008-08-14T15:12:26.629-07:00My absence... apologiesI am one of those that know not to get started on something that will preoccupy me for a long period of time. I tend to "get hooked" on whatever that is and end up neglecting everything else around me. That obsessive personality of mine pops up and take over. Let's say, a book of my interest. If I start reading a book and really get into the nitty gritty of it, I have the tendency to not put it down until I finish reading the very last page of it. And so therefore while in the process of the engrossed reading, I will not look up, well, maybe once in a while, just long enough to see the right spot to sit on the toilet... hehehe!!! until I finish that book.<br /><br />So I have never ever seen any reality shows nor any soap operas because I already know that if I ever get started on any of them that I will not be at peace with myself if I miss any episode so I don't even try to get started.<br /><br />And so therefore my excuse, as lame as it is, for not blogging for a while... is just that. My focus was somewhere else that I wanted to work and flourish but as luck would have it... did not work.<br />Oh well!!!<br /><br />So now, I am taking a break from my heartbreaks and see if I can somehow share some of my "sleeping" thoughts and ideas for this neglected blogspot of mine... shame on me!!!<br /><br />Move onward!!NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-46971540325642183252008-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:002008-05-23T18:57:52.024-07:00Fidelity ... my take on it!!!In the matters of the hearts, many variables come into play that make a relationship more challenging. The differences of the man and the woman in the relationship, just as being a man and as a woman - you know, that deal about Man from there and Woman from the other there... complicate the relationship as it is. We are not even going into the outside influences that add to the roller coaster ride in the relationship.<br /><br />My ex-marriage was not the greatest but <em>fidelity or I should say infidelity </em>never came into play even in the worst of it.<br /><br />My first personal encounter of this subject, infidelity that is, was when I decided to try a go of another relationship after many years of being alone. The man I thought that could be the second man in my life committed infidelity on his partner of many years. I was deceived, made to believe that he was <em>not</em> in any other relationship beside ours. Come to find out, he was already in a relationship for many years and was still in that relationship when he started chasing me. Eventually, my gut feelings lead me straight into the truth that I was seeking althrough the period of our relationship.<br /><br />I was glad that I flew over in his world and saw things with my very own eyes... infidelity !!!<br /><br />Another disguise of this act came into play in my life. The question or challenge that was brought to my senses... how could there be an infidelity when the third party is several thousand miles away???<br /><br />Good question!!! My concern about this is the emotional effect and hold that the third party has even if she is several miles away. The lies, deceits, sneaking around befits infidelity... my opinion anyway. When I am in a relationship, I choose to be in it and give my all. And expect the same back.... Is that so wrong???NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-10344625862169716142008-05-20T16:54:00.000-07:002008-05-20T17:18:07.024-07:00Has it been that long???March 25,2007... I just looked back at my very first post on here and shook my head in disbelief!!! Over a year ago had gone by. My dear girlfriend from Arizona who is also a blogger on here sweetly talked me into starting my very own blogspot... and here I am.<br /><br />What I enjoy the most on visiting my own blogspot is looking at the list of the visitors that come and stop by at this humble spot. Unbelievable!!! People from all over the world have come and read my thoughts and opinions. How neat is that??? I just wish that they would make their visits known.<br /><br />I have slowed down with my postings for several personal reasons. I would like to try to start posting more.<br /><br />I hope you are all having a great spring and summer soon!!! I have been in the pool lately...NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-42135689866597006392008-02-25T22:26:00.000-08:002008-05-20T16:51:59.234-07:00A Meme Tag: 5 THINGS...I decided to take on this meme from my girlfriends ... Belle's and Elyani's blogspots.<br /><br /><ul><br /></ul><p><em><strong>5 Things Found In My Bag</strong></em></p><ul><br /><li><em><strong>cellphone</strong></em></li><br /><li><em><strong>wallet</strong></em></li><br /><li><em><strong>make-up kit</strong></em></li><br /><li><em><strong>emergency medicines</strong></em></li><br /><li><em><strong>gums</strong></em><em><strong><br /></strong></em></li><br /></ul><p><em><strong>5 Things Found In My Wallet</strong></em></p><ul><br /><li><em><strong>nursing cards - license, certificates</strong></em></li><br /><li><strong><em>money</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>green "lucky" stone</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>plastic money(s)</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>other cards... Starbucks, Costco, Safeway</em></strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong><em>5 Things found in my room</em></strong></p><ul><li><strong><em>threadclimber machine</em></strong></li><li><strong><em>TV/VHS/DVD </em></strong><br /></li><li><strong><em>mattress pad heater</em></strong><br /></li><li><strong><em>CalKing bed</em></strong><br /></li><li><strong><em>alarm clock/CD player</em></strong><br /></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong><em>5 Things I always want to do</em></strong></p><ul><br /><li><strong><em>be a tourist in the Philippines</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>a trip to Gallapagos Island</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>create a secret garden</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>across the country drive in a Mercedes SLK</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>meet in person all of my cyberfriends</em></strong></li></ul><p><strong><em></em></strong> </p><ul><br /></ul><p><em><strong>5 Things I’m Currently Into</strong></em></p><ul><br /><li><strong><em>school</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>my son</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>home projects</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>2 volunteer projects</em></strong></li><br /><li><strong><em>a professional change</em></strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong><em></em></strong></p><br /><p><strong><em></em></strong></p><br /><p></p>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-30403909219835527192008-02-10T21:09:00.000-08:002008-02-17T14:59:37.990-08:00Not just a matter of the HEART<strong>February 14</strong>, <strong>Valentine's Day</strong>, the day that lovers express their love for each other by sending card, candy and or flowers. According to my favorite source of information Wikipedia, the holiday is named after <a title="Saint Valentine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine">Valentine</a>, a Christian martyr. The day became associated with <a title="Romantic love" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_love">romantic love</a> in the circle of <a title="Geoffrey Chaucer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Chaucer">Geoffrey Chaucer</a> in <a title="High Middle Ages" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Middle_Ages">High Middle Ages</a>, when the tradition of <a title="Courtly love" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtly_love">courtly love</a> flourished.<br /><br /><br /><div>Gone are the days though of handwritten LOVE notes and replaced them with mass-produced greeting cards, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdodkHlPSNll9q5yDGPaY9_zU-2pcw5xjYkMNabKPttFcnaxofFyJLCdHKYvgDTR9BH4vRplFvHk00XRp8LUCwrZNavJCKuztoIAt4EIfFywi2H4oxR4jlK7p_tdTKUNxR5HKOsFFAYTPV/s1600-h/First+V-Day+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdodkHlPSNll9q5yDGPaY9_zU-2pcw5xjYkMNabKPttFcnaxofFyJLCdHKYvgDTR9BH4vRplFvHk00XRp8LUCwrZNavJCKuztoIAt4EIfFywi2H4oxR4jlK7p_tdTKUNxR5HKOsFFAYTPV/s200/First+V-Day+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167960609632922274" border="0" /></a>My own personal story on this year's heart day is that I got to celebrate it with a wonderful man. He started it by sending these sweetness the day before the celebration of the hearts...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EMgaYwwLKhcHOLAWVxKsrT08UVYqjxRiuwWeSdiuzoeGxjNGGQc58wiQHfd4H_yaqrkXu4jWaBamUyKpvxW83aCKoiUO7pDCQDHPCzE9lbl6YnZT7uVT13ML5ruIJFzdjAlpy3zzqgIv/s1600-h/Etta+James+V-Day+Concert+%2708.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EMgaYwwLKhcHOLAWVxKsrT08UVYqjxRiuwWeSdiuzoeGxjNGGQc58wiQHfd4H_yaqrkXu4jWaBamUyKpvxW83aCKoiUO7pDCQDHPCzE9lbl6YnZT7uVT13ML5ruIJFzdjAlpy3zzqgIv/s200/Etta+James+V-Day+Concert+%2708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167970376388553410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then off to the dinner concert of Etta James the following day. The drive to the Bay Area was all worth it. It was such a beautiful night, a great concert, with a wonderful company.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-29161629011312523792008-01-09T17:01:00.000-08:002008-01-09T17:12:53.962-08:002008 - another beginning. A look at New Year's historyAccording to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wikipedia</span>: New Year is originally observed on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_15" title="March 15">March 15</a> in the old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Calendar" title="Roman Calendar">Roman Calendar</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span> New Year's Day first came to be fixed in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_1" title="January 1">January 1</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/153_BC" title="153 BC">153 BC</a>, when the two Roman <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consul" title="Consul">consuls</a>, after whom - in the Roman calendar - years were named and numbered, began to be chosen on that date, for military reasons.<br /><br /><b>New Year's Day</b> is the first day of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year" title="Year">year</a>. On the modern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar" title="Gregorian calendar">Gregorian calendar</a>, it is celebrated on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_1" title="January 1">January 1</a>, as it was also in ancient Rome (though other dates were also used in Rome). In all countries using the Gregorian calendar, except for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel" title="Israel">Israel</a>, it is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holiday" title="Public holiday">public holiday</a>, often celebrated with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks" title="Fireworks">fireworks</a> at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_1" title="January 1">January 1</a> on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar" title="Julian calendar">Julian calendar</a> corresponds to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_14" title="January 14">January 14</a> on the Gregorian calendar, and it is on that date that followers of some of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox" title="Eastern Orthodox">Eastern Orthodox</a> churches celebrate the New Year.<br /><br />Since the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900s" title="1900s">1900s</a> has become an occasion for celebration the night of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_31" title="December 31">December 31</a>, called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Eve" title="New Year's Eve">New Year's Eve</a>. There are often <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks" title="Fireworks">fireworks</a> at midnight. Depending on the country, individuals may be allowed to burn <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks" title="Fireworks">fireworks</a>, even if it is forbidden the rest of the year. <p>It is also a memorable occasion to make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_resolution" title="New Year's resolution">New Year's resolutions</a>, which they hope to fulfill in the coming year; the most popular ones in the western world include to stop <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_smoking" title="Tobacco smoking">tobacco smoking</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage" title="Alcoholic beverage">drinking alcohol</a>, or to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_loss#Intentional_weight_loss" title="Weight loss">lose weight</a> or get <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise" title="Exercise">physically fit</a>.</p><br />I have never been good about making New Year's resolutions. I guess because I hate to set myself up for disappointments. I do try to make some mental notes about I might try doing different in regards to my behaviors or ways of life or a "must to do this year". This way I have them in my brain and yet not putting any pressure on myself in making them happen.<br /><br />2008, according to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Feng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shui</span> calendar is a great year for a metal rat like me...<br /><br />We will see!!!<br /><br />I hope you all had a wonderful celebration. And that you have your positive chi with you in welcoming 2008...NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-67025621632607478682007-12-28T00:05:00.000-08:002007-12-28T01:26:29.547-08:00December 28 is the 362nd day of the year (363rd in <a title="Leap year" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leap_year">leap years</a>) in the <a title="Gregorian calendar" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar">Gregorian calendar</a>. There are 3 days remaining until the end of the year. This is the date I was born, many moons ago. I am one of the two daughters, second to the oldest of four siblings. <div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.com/NursyE/Ro59s47FybI/AAAAAAAAARE/qhvejil9PWg/Girlie%20E.jpg?imgmax=400" border="0" /> <div>In the Philippines this day is called as Niños Inocentes. It is commemorated on <a title="December 28" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_28">December 28</a> as <a title="Holy Innocents" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Innocents">Holy Innocents</a>' Day or <a title="Childermas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childermas">Childermas</a> in other countries. The innocents referred to are the children who were massacred by order of Herod who was seeking the death of the newborn Messiah. In the Philippines, <a title="Spain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain">Spain</a> and <a title="Latin America" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America">Latin American</a> countries the festival is celebrated in a manner similar to <a title="April Fool's Day" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fool">April Fool's Day</a>. </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>... so now you know why I am innocent... hehehe!!!</div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-85357708629707707652007-12-21T04:13:00.000-08:002007-12-21T07:54:40.093-08:00Christmas in the Philippines as I remember it<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVbLGgS0m5ScyS_g4z8KmS_Dtcn1u_rh6FRq7q0kwO2luOh0_7fsBtLsEc-9OWXvm27qcS7uSsTES8ImE4XpGqry7GXg2skp8dfxTvEQzwVI7WIJ5YP9ZmYGsmD-p63ewOqAbY5Dzk_Au/s1600-h/E's+Christmas+Tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146454021657215650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVbLGgS0m5ScyS_g4z8KmS_Dtcn1u_rh6FRq7q0kwO2luOh0_7fsBtLsEc-9OWXvm27qcS7uSsTES8ImE4XpGqry7GXg2skp8dfxTvEQzwVI7WIJ5YP9ZmYGsmD-p63ewOqAbY5Dzk_Au/s320/E's+Christmas+Tree.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't know how many times in the past I have blurted out about my strange (or maybe not) feeling towards the holiday season. I have been living here in America much longer than I did back home, the Philippines. As Christmas season approaches I get progressively home sick, so badly sometimes that I almost go into depression... go figure!!! I don't think I have any reason. I have my entire immediate family here with me in the US. We, in fact almost always have had great Holiday celebrations. <div><div></div><br /><div>Is it my inner self that tells me each year to look back at my past when scarcity was it, so that I can stay grounded and thankful for what I have now in my life??? Is it my longing to the nostalgia of my youth when life was not too complicated??? I can't tell you for sure.</div><br /><div>I know that Philippines has very long Christmas celebration. The predominant religion is Catholicism, thus the activities are influenced by that. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WIKIPEDIA</span> described Christmas season in the Philippines so accurately and how I remembered it...<br /></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIxv4qVbv9zRXJHNi41OU98bWexmj6dvcLRY1CRplW09gTKri-osgR6HKL9V3oA5PhkBZxPFU9cSZzIgqpIXQVB771GSDhnr3v2qzQEqnsGuVKObqXAxjnHyncVelhzrCRv5oc0Po1_FI/s1600-h/Parol1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146447952868426370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIxv4qVbv9zRXJHNi41OU98bWexmj6dvcLRY1CRplW09gTKri-osgR6HKL9V3oA5PhkBZxPFU9cSZzIgqpIXQVB771GSDhnr3v2qzQEqnsGuVKObqXAxjnHyncVelhzrCRv5oc0Po1_FI/s320/Parol1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">de</span> Gallo</strong> (Dec. 16-24) Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on <a title="December 16" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_16">December 16</a>. Known as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">de</span> Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, and these masses are also more popularly known in <a title="Filipino language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_language">Filipino</a> as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Simbang</span> Gabi, or "Night Mass". The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Simbang</span> Gabi is the most important <a title="Filipino people" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_people">Filipino</a> Christmas tradition.</div><br /><div>These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a <a title="Novena" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novena">Novena</a> by the <a title="Catholic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic">Catholic</a> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Aglipayan</span> faithfuls. This refers to the <a title="Roman Catholic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic">Roman Catholic</a> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aglipayan</span> practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces. In some parishes, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Simbang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">gabi</span> begins as early as four in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion to his faith and heighten anticipation for the Nativity of the Lord. In traditional Filipino belief, however, completing the novena is also supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee's special wish or favor.</div><div><br />After hearing Mass, Filipino families partake of traditional Philippine Christmas delicacies, either during breakfast at home or immediately outside the church, where they are sold. Vendors offer a wealth of native delicacies, including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bibingka</span> (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top and under), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">puto</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bumbong</span> (a purple sticky rice delicacy which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and coconut shavings as condiments), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">salabat</span> (hot ginger tea) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tsokolate</span> (thick Spanish cocoa).<br /></div><div><strong>Christmas Eve </strong>For Filipinos, Christmas Eve on ("<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bisperas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Pasko</span>") <a title="December 24" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_24">December 24</a> is the much-anticipated <a title="Noche Buena" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noche_Buena"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Noche</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Buena</span></a> -- the traditional Christmas Eve feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Noche</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Buena</span> fare, which includes: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">queso</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">de</span> bola (Span. literally "ball of cheese"; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">edam</span> cheese), "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Tsokolate</span>" (hot chocolate drink) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">hamon</span> (Christmas ham), and some would open presents at this time.<br />In different provinces and schools throughout the Philippines, Catholic devotees also reenact the journey of Joseph and the pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary in search of lodging for the soon-to-be born Jesus Christ. This is the traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Panunuluyan</span>, also called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Pananawagan</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Pananapatan</span>.<br /></div><div>This street pageant is performed after dark on Christmas Eve, with the actors portraying Joseph and Mary going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">pre</span>-designated houses. They chant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">wika</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">wika</span> bang bang, a traditional folksong that is meant to wake up the owner of the house as the actors ask for lodging. But the couple (actors) are turned away by the owners, also through a song. Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish church where a simulated manger has been set up. The birth of <a title="Jesus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus">Jesus</a> is celebrated at midnight with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">de</span> Gallo, together with hallelujahs and Christmas carols. Everybody celebrates this tradition happily yet solemnly.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Christmas Day </strong>in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. Prior to the ticking of 12 midnight on <a title="December 25" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_25">25 December</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">de</span> Aguinaldo is being celebrated. It is usually attended by the whole family. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">de</span> Aguinaldo is the <a title="Holy Mass" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Mass">Holy Mass</a> celebrated to signify the <a class="new" title="Birth of Jesus Christ" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Birth_of_Jesus_Christ&action=edit">Birth of Jesus Christ</a>, the Roman Catholic Church and Philippine Independent Church (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Aglipayan</span>) in the Philippines' main means of celebrating <a title="Jesus Christ" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ">Jesus Christ</a>'s birth.</div><div> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Misa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">de</span> Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning immediately after sunrise before 10 AM, this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Noche</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Buena</span>.</div><div><br />Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respect. This custom has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Pagmamano</span>, this is done by touching one's forehead to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">elder's</span> hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who paid respect. Aguinaldo or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank <a title="Bills" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bills">bills</a> is given after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Pagmamano</span>, most usually to younger children.<br />A <a title="Christmas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas">Christmas</a> <a title="Lunch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunch">Lunch</a> usually follows after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Pagmamano</span>. The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Jamon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">de</span> Bola, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Queso</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">de</span> Bola, <a title="Lechon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lechon"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Lechon</span></a> and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. <a title="Godparents" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godparents">Godparents</a> are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.</div><div><br />When <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">nigh time</span> falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious <a title="Christmas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas">Christmas</a> feast for dinner.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>TO ALL OF THE VISITORS OF THIS HUMBLE SPOT IN THE CYBERSPACE... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">MARAMING</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">SALAMAT</span>!!! (THANK YOU VERY MUCH). MAY YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON...</div><div> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">MALIGAYANG</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">PASKO</span>!!! (MERRY CHRISTMAS) </div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-24939293535295041302007-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:002007-12-10T12:25:05.847-08:00Accidental ... whiplash!!!October 30,2007 ... the great 2 days spent with my mother ended in a not so great note ... my back tire on the driver side blew that caused an accident. The tires were not old at all and the SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Montero</span> Sport ES just went through an overall check-up. It was around 3 PM, rush hour so the traffic was about the speed limit of 65 mph and there was a Sheriff car behind me so I was "behaving".<br /><div><div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142363019691378322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSWbc_VZ-0oODkfNi_Div007doJU3lCBTlDwLY73HukVCbGLJjwBnGdi8W7hhzj1zL18_Wy7DGUnefQ7GF0IJXk8DL2WTnboxjWPT-etDxyiCWmrKzNPKMc_fQCYafaHbEIwieFWqjMlE/s320/Red+2002+Mitsubishi+Montero+Sport+ES.jpg" border="0" />After hearing a big exploding noise, this SUV went out of control and swerved to the right to which I hit the middle part of a big semi truck. So then I attempted to correct it while it was shaking like jello. Luckily it followed my guidance to the left side of the road which was the median island. I put on the brake and checked on my mother then myself. I then attempted to get out to check on the damage(s) but could not open my door. The Sheriff behind me stopped alongside my vehicle and pried open my door so that I can get out. </p><p>An ambulance and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CalTran</span> worker were around the area so they stopped and asked if they can help in anyway. I informed them that I was a trauma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nursy</span> and that my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">assessment</span> told me that my mother and I were "okay". </p><p>The SUV was crunched up in the front and on the back passenger part. All fluids leaked out and the trunk door was ajar and I couldn't close it all the way. So we waited for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CHP</span> (California Highway Patrol) for official report, tow truck and a phone call from my sweet car insurance guy.</p><p>We got towed and took the taxi back home from the tow park at the outskirt of the city I live in.</p><p>The following days were going for medical assessments and dealing with insurance procedures.</p><p>The verdict after 16 days... SUV was officially declared ... not financially reasonable to be restored. Another 4 days and I was told how much I would get for my totalled vehicle. I came ahead by 4 thousands... </p><p>So then the shopping for the replacement ensued. And here it is...</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvCXR1Iqc_ReH9Bie72ANOyH2LZUTNv4l4eVh7ODVx_h2rb7g0EObfzU7_Isxoq-PmRGHEOswa8rKfrThVwi9kYyPr4PgDjS4p5iahf-lKIGP2oXZpZ_k1iiQV-uoqvsv_WHqOn4W52AO/s1600-h/E's+Land+Rover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142367529407039154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvCXR1Iqc_ReH9Bie72ANOyH2LZUTNv4l4eVh7ODVx_h2rb7g0EObfzU7_Isxoq-PmRGHEOswa8rKfrThVwi9kYyPr4PgDjS4p5iahf-lKIGP2oXZpZ_k1iiQV-uoqvsv_WHqOn4W52AO/s320/E's+Land+Rover.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumP2ZNP093_tEzayDn6bC3EF0jq_04szvZ6wZ0Iep-bZjdPjeO05bjSJlWmpCtZKq5oWTPyYEMfYvSvrGcRYcVBSY-TNlOveJq27iFkKwYwKq5fneWGncdUlosIABp_95xkNsWbfTHkpK/s1600-h/E's+Land+Rover2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142367696910763714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumP2ZNP093_tEzayDn6bC3EF0jq_04szvZ6wZ0Iep-bZjdPjeO05bjSJlWmpCtZKq5oWTPyYEMfYvSvrGcRYcVBSY-TNlOveJq27iFkKwYwKq5fneWGncdUlosIABp_95xkNsWbfTHkpK/s320/E's+Land+Rover2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>2004 Land Rover, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Freelander</span>. A certified <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span>-owned vehicle with free maintenance until 2012. All I have to do is drive it to any dealership and it will be maintained or fixed. It had only 36,000 miles on it and looks pretty brand new. It was used as the dealership vehicle. And it is all paid for. No car payment... the best feature. I could have bought a brand new car but did not want to deal with car payment which I haven't had in many years. The features I like about my new vehicle... the seat warmer and heated windows. </div></div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-39304526609459035802007-12-10T05:27:00.000-08:002007-12-10T12:26:44.636-08:00Friendship Award - bestowed by Nursy FeI decided to follow this meme from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nursy</span> Fe's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blogspot</span> <a href="http://maping.wordpress.com/">http://maping.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142339341536675458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipLhfo5vgVr-uOd8sv5Jb06VCA-YwWMzYRtalCtRewB1R4rsdPzkCBHXXzpWwKyJvr7p2BTCuRbu-YtZWJg0NtwiS8RHr65boPhwCGoGTIPOZEzU9onvZOLxzu0iSBKQXkJuholVTfD-j/s320/friendshipaward.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>She is always so generous of thinking of me. Thank you so much!!!<br /></div><br /><div><strong><em>"And The First Class Friendship Award, I’m giving to:<br /></em></strong><a href="http://thisgardenofeden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NursyE</span> </em></strong></a><strong><em>- a very unselfish friend. She’s one of a kind. We met through a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">message board</span> long time ago."</em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em>MOM</em></strong> (Mother of 2 Munchkins) aka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nursy</span> Fe and I met in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">message board</span> turned war zone. Actually it was her darling future husband-to-be that was the co-member and eventually they were entwined and she took over as the active member. She and hubby now blessed with 2 gorgeous children... my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cyberniece</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cybernephew</span>.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>We then moved to another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">message board</span> that was built by another sweet friend.</div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nursy</span> Fe was one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Filipina</span> that does not have any problems tackling life changes. She had more than enough education from back home and yet did not have any egotistical qualm about returning back to school for a career that she thinks will give her better "future"... nursing. I can bet to the fact that she indeed made a great decision...</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Going to school, being a mother, a wife, a worker... sounds like a familiar story!!! </div><div></div><div>With that comment, I am bestowing this same award back to the generous giver... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Nursy</span> Fe. You indeed deserve this award more than once, twice and many more times over...</div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-67091543554380521332007-12-10T02:17:00.000-08:002007-12-10T02:48:59.510-08:00City slickerThree days after Thanksgiving, very early in the morning, I was doing my usual routine of letting my 2 four-legged children out to do their business outside. Zipper was by the door when I opened my bedroom door to let them back in. It was so unusual not to have Duke with Zipper so I called out his name. No answer. I did it 2-3 more times but no Duke - very unusual. So I donned a robe and went out to see what was causing the mischievous Duke to stay outside. I couldn't find him anywhere everywhere the backyard so I started to get very concerned until I heard some rustling by my garden closeby the gazebo. As I was approaching closer, I can see Duke behind the plant looking up the fence. I looked at where he had his focus on and saw this...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/R10VjcbPRlI/AAAAAAAABG0/j4NhT8MBkA0/s1600-h/ThanksgivingDvisitor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142290048197019218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/R10VjcbPRlI/AAAAAAAABG0/j4NhT8MBkA0/s320/ThanksgivingDvisitor.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was surprised to see this early fence visitor. I live in a city. I don't see these creatures around here. It was a big surprise.<br /><br />And it was just sitting there while Duke was so enthralled!!!<br /><br />Well, he wanted to get hold of it so badly...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPPOIMbvOADyLUi-MVii4hDynarJW5HtKuF5I0mZPpMYPyZio3v0fzPTRE_1b-daY8LkWJTn5RGg4JjSYYjxp_e00W9jRX1p9pe0Rxg14S8xKTUUeneagkkuxrbCIYH6kizJzakYsolPU/s1600-h/Duke+and+the+visitor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142291551435572834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPPOIMbvOADyLUi-MVii4hDynarJW5HtKuF5I0mZPpMYPyZio3v0fzPTRE_1b-daY8LkWJTn5RGg4JjSYYjxp_e00W9jRX1p9pe0Rxg14S8xKTUUeneagkkuxrbCIYH6kizJzakYsolPU/s320/Duke+and+the+visitor.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My hunky friend, K, had 6 of these on his porch one morning he said. This is his comment... <strong>"They come out at night or early morning.... hide in your trees, bushes. dogs and cats fight them... they have fifty-five teeth.but are harmless. they just look funny... they are more afraid of you. that is why they just stand there a stare at you." </strong><br /><blockquote><p>Duke... meet Opossum!!!<br /></p></blockquote>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-79389631528094155282007-11-11T05:45:00.000-08:002007-12-11T05:33:18.359-08:00Out of this world!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPza07T0KXq4KqeEIOkkYDNbbaW0sNwWYh-oFxS6f_5akRNNN8xhHVOMCWZZIJdyQqy67L7Qy5JAIq0hxAJmpsKvLOmh6IenEzp7dm0IzT2xlCiPG8KnMGNycoQKdhbJyPxajFsQ_D_8q3/s1600-h/Smiley+E.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142707858320606978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPza07T0KXq4KqeEIOkkYDNbbaW0sNwWYh-oFxS6f_5akRNNN8xhHVOMCWZZIJdyQqy67L7Qy5JAIq0hxAJmpsKvLOmh6IenEzp7dm0IzT2xlCiPG8KnMGNycoQKdhbJyPxajFsQ_D_8q3/s320/Smiley+E.jpg" border="0" /></a> You might not be one of those believers in this kind of out of this world talks but this is just a personal view and experiences, so do as I live by...<strong> "have an open mind that is unattach to nothing..."</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Near - death experience... NDE!!! You wouldn't believe they even have groups for this phenomenon. People do belong in many groups about this to share and vent out their individual experiences. I personally don't belong in any of these groups. I don't even think my thoughts and experiences with this can be recognized as "official" qualifications. Nonetheless, some things about it, I would like to share.<br /><br />My "first" encounter about this issue was shortly after I turned into my 40's. I woke up or seemed to be,with amazing weight gain. I never had weight gain ever before so I brushed it off and just put in my mind that I would watch my diet and be active more... although I am the type that needs to be moving or doing something or I will go crazy. And so I did, but the weight gain escalated in a fast rate instead and so I just put more effort into trying to lose it... to no avail.<br /><br />And so I was alarmed, as a nurse, this was not quite right to me. So I approached my primary physician and that started the many strings of blood tests, Xrays, procedures to check me out. When nothing seemed to be wrong but pointed to hormonal inadequacies that we put in the picture my OB-GYN. The only thing we can point the unusual occurrence was my hormonal switch was totally out of whack from many years of negligence on my part... lack of sleep, hectic work schedule, hectic school schedule, hectic motherly schedule and in the midst of deep depression with my (ex)marriage. I was not eating and when I was eating, I was eating wrong. I was a full time mother, full time student, full time employee and living in a not so harmonious marriage so my body was not given the proper rest and sleep for many years.<br /><br />So then after group discussions between my primary physician, my OB-GYN, my physical trainer and my dietitian, we formulated a "treatment plan". It took quite a while before a mix of medicinal intervention triggered a favorable result, meaning finally my weight was coming down... hooooraayyy!!! This is all in the span of 4-5 years. So now I am working vehemently to get back to my "normal" weight... it is not that easy but I am thankful, it is the right direction and have not gained any more weight. It is a slow process but I am just glad.<br /><br />So with that story of years of unknowing what was wrong, I came to a point of fear... fear that I was dying. My medical background did not provide any reassurance on this doubt. I just knew something "big" was wrong with me because it was unexplainable weight gain. So I prepared myself in the possibilities of "death". Can you imagine when I finally had some reason to negate that fear of dying??? I was a changed person. When weight was going down and I have a medical diagnosis to go by that I was celebrating of another chance of life. And that brought me this attitude of "less or no expectations"...<br /><br />"Less or no expectations" in life is a blessing to have. It brings less sadness and less frustrations.<br /><br />My second confrontation with death was two weeks ago when my mother and I were involved in a vehicle accident. We had such a great two days together. My first day off, we spent getting our spa pedicures, hair cut for her and hair wash with deep condition for me (I love my head to be massaged), then we had lunch, then off to see a movie. The next day we went to a nearby casino and it was one of my very lucky day... you would not believe the money I came home with!!! But that was dampen by our drive back home. We were talking away when suddenly we heard a big booom and then my SUV went out of control, swerved to the right and hit the middle part of the semi-truck. I was afraid at that time, that it was our end. I finally got control of the vehicle and attempted to swerve it to the left where there was a median road. Thank goodness, the SUV stopped when brake was applied. Thank goodness, I did not panic. I don't actually panic which I learned from many trauma nursing trainings.<br /><br />So my vehicle is official declared "totalled" but that is not even important. The greatest thing is that my mother is alive and has minimal discomfort. We have to be under some medical supervision for a while... longer for me because I have more extensive "trauma". But we are alive.... and that was my second near-death experience. I joke about now having only eight lives left...<br /><br />So what do you think? Any similar experiences!!!NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-332038811693845412007-10-23T05:24:00.000-07:002007-10-23T08:18:42.049-07:00Derma/complexion - vanity, youth, flaws, etc...As I advance with my age, the physical flaws pile up or so it seems. I am still battling with my forever labile hormonal function that directly affects my weight. I am happy though that I can at least have some control now about this once "my health crisis"... a struggle still ... but is going the right downward direction. I recently consented to be the subject for COMPLEXION ANALYSIS. With this, my facial derma analysis was done. A report is shared.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/1688616959_338ed944cc.jpg?v=0" border="0" />The catch of course here is to tell me and encourage me to use their beauty products which are not the cheapest. Is it worth the money to hasten the process of aging and deterioration? hehehe maybe for those women who have spare change to use to buy these products. </div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/1688614295_d0e3fb7659.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/1688614295_d0e3fb7659.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>With spots and blemish that I have... compare to other women of my age range???</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>I belong to the 34% ones... meaning 66% of women my age are worse off than I am.<br /></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/1688614915_a20264eb23.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/1688614915_a20264eb23.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have 2% rating on my pores which is not the greatest. This is my problem area. My skin pore is too big that subject me into flare-ups of adult pimples during that time of the month. Also that makes my skin sensitive to many skin products out there.<br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1688615459_dd2916773b.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1688615459_dd2916773b.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br />Porphyrins is a very complicated chemical ongoing in the body that I can't even break it down to a simpler term that my brain can relate to. Anyways, my number is on the low side which means that I do have enough of this that cause the breakages in my skin which results in the blemishes and adult pimples.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/1688616293_3b55007dc9.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/1688616293_3b55007dc9.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The result of the wrinkle test denotes that there's 18% of women my age that have lesser wrinkle than I have. And 82% is worse off than me. </div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/1689472808_da147eac72.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/1689472808_da147eac72.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br />My complexion is on the 33% range meaning that this adds up to the cause of my skin breakdown. Not too fine but then it is not too bad.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/1688616795_398cdcde49.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/1688616795_398cdcde49.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>UV Spots, the sun damage present on my skin is 228. The numbers reflects a very low damage and yet could be improved. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I enjoyed the pampering of the free session, the education on my complexion. I have to admit, I ended up buying the facial wash but that was all I was willing to buy into... hehehe!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-72874834526605971882007-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:002007-10-16T14:42:23.817-07:00My Desktop - "I am tagging NursyE"<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/RxQzeo5ur6I/AAAAAAAABD0/qUg60ymHCrI/s1600-h/E%27s+desktop.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121775277695741858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/RxQzeo5ur6I/AAAAAAAABD0/qUg60ymHCrI/s400/E%27s+desktop.bmp" border="0" /></a>And this is my desktop. Aquarium theme. I alternate between this one and the Nature theme. When I get tired of the wolf howls with the Nature theme then I switch to this one. Then when I get tired of the drops of water sound, time to do a switcharoo. I like the screensaver on this one because of the sound of water and the fish swimming. So soothing!!!<br /><br /><div><div><div>The icons on the desktop are related to school and work mostly. One of these days, I might put up an inspiring pic of a hunky... just to get me excited being infront of the confuser.</div><br /><div>Here is the screensaver when it is still... otherwise it is usually animated...</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121774706465091474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/RxQy9Y5ur5I/AAAAAAAABDs/JXak0-M8HwQ/s400/E%27s+screen+saver.bmp" border="0" /><br />Thanks, my sweet girlfriend Fe (MOM) for tagging me on this... I apologize for the long delay.</div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030526845236070378.post-60130560098852688992007-10-15T15:55:00.000-07:002007-10-16T14:37:36.297-07:008 Random Facts About Me - tagged by Belle<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/RxQDGI5ur2I/AAAAAAAABDU/P-cXTamRCrA/s1600-h/5_19_07_22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121722080230813538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_Mhs02tIDyi8/RxQDGI5ur2I/AAAAAAAABDU/P-cXTamRCrA/s200/5_19_07_22.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was a hard one so I had to ask a couple of friends for their random assessment of yours truly. I got nauseated... hehehe... of the randomness that Kay and Vincent shared. Anyways, here are ...<br /><br /><a title="Permanent Link: 8 Random Facts About Me" href="http://www.simplybelle.net/8-random-facts-about-me/" rel="bookmark">8 Random Facts About Me</a> ...<br /><br /><div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Decent</em> - Kay said because she never knew me to compromise any of my personal principles even it costs me some heart breaks. Hhhhmmm???</div><br /><div><em>Funny</em> - Kay said that she can't remember any encounter with me that she didn't at least smile. Most of the time, she (this is off the record) almost always had to "pee" her pants. </div><br /><div><em>Charm</em>? - Okayyy, this is debatable. I know I recently heard this adjective from the head of my Master's Program which caused havoc in my student life. Dr. C claimed that I was charming my way to that program and that I was charming all of my classmates despite the fact that I have a pretty decent GPA and that I impressed her with some of my work... hhhhmmm??? Kay's word - that I can talk anybody into doing anything... hehehe. </div><br /><div><em>Persistent</em> - that I move forward and only forward in an unstoppable manner when I set my mind into something... ignoring all hindrances. </div><div></div><br /><div><em>Determined</em> - I thought this was the same as the latter but Vincent said "no". I guess he'd seen my determination in achieving what I decide to accomplish.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Tenacious </em>- this I think is a learned one from bad and sad experiences. More like a shield to protect me from unnecessary unpleasant "pain". Or that it is because this word comes with those words -- persistent and determination. </div><div></div><br /><div><em>Patient</em> - this one is a given. I am a nursy. One has to be a "patient" more ways than one to be in my profession. Although I think that I am less patient or tolerant as my age advances.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Consistent</em> - this is the most nauseating, overly, exaggerated word given but I promised to post it as said. I was told that I am consistent in my love, care, attention, generosity to all that I care about. That "I give only one way"... meaning I don't wait, I don't expect and I don't care about reciprocities. </div></div>NursyEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138444047488119435noreply@blogger.com2