Whew! 2015 is here...

Four hours more to go and we will all have to pull out our calendar and replace it with a newly designed 2015...

Recalling how my 2014 went, it was a bit topsy-turvy. In January, I failed my MA Psychology comprehensive exam in Statistics that hindered me from proceeding to thesis writing. By April, we separated from my inlaws and started from real scratch. Most of the year, I couldn't breathe from financial crisis. Bubblews was introduce to me and have lifted us up for few months. Then it went off again. November had the worst fight between me and hubby. Which I'm afraid caused me to be this numb and insensitive for him until now. December came in with overflowing blessings. I did not hesitate to give myself a treat. I needed a way to get distressed.

For awhile I thought...God had been looking through and is feeling all my frustrations. For sure not only mine but with every soul here on earth. With all those life's test I have gracefully passed, it's always rewarded with sweet prices. 

With that, I'd say I will be a better woman by 2015. ;D

Original post; http://www.bubblews.com/news/9758727-quotwhew-2015-is-herequot

Movie Review: THE EQUALIZER

image from impawards.com

A retired Assasin is challenged to take control of his exceptional skill to gundown men when he met a young Russian girl who was force for whoring. 

Denzel Washington known here as Mr.Mccall, gave so much justice to the character. He showed symptoms of having an Obsessive-compulsive disorder that enables him to detect when something/someone is about to harm him. When he tried to buy the freedom of Ariana (played by Chloë Grace Moretz ) from the Russian gangster for $9800, he was sent to shame by refusing his offer. That's when he killed all five men in one room for 16 minutes. He counted it before executing. A man named Nicolai (Marton Csokas) came to avenge his people. Believing that he could outdo McCall, he did everything to track him and send him to his own grave.

The movie ended with Mc Call succesfully killed the head of the snake. He travelled all the way to Russia and electricuted the head of all after scraping all their money in the US. 

It's not your ordinary Assasin-turned-into-changed-man...the moves that Denzel applied to this is beyond that of Liam Neeson in Taken. He got tactics that are so clean yet deadly. It took my breath away. You should watch it. :D

Toilet Paper Can Be Eaten...Seriously?

Seriously, a woman is said to have been eating a toilet paper. According to the news, the 25-year old mother of four from Lincolnshire, England had develop this eating habit when she was pregnant with her fourth child.

It's an eating disorder called Pica according to experts. It's related to mental illness. People who may have been distress, or having an Obsessive Compulsive symptoms may crave to eat odd things like charcoal, paints, etc. Aside from the fact that it's really disturbing, it can damage our health too. However, there is no clear cure of Pica.

This woman in the news said she like the texture of it. It's tasteless but it feels good in her mouth. She can eat eight pieces every visit in the bathroom. In fact, she separated a pack of toilet paper for eating consumption and another for usage. Wohaa!

This woman needs help.

Related article:https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/moms-toilet-paper-pregnancy-craving-explained-by-104941792307.html

Punishment VS Reinforcement

credit from google images

According to Behaviorist B.F.Skinner, punishment can decrease behavior while reinforcement increases it. For instance, if you are an employee with a rotten Boss who gives you additional workloads because you are late. And he wont listen that you had to attend to your sick child or parent.

In result, you become unproductive and not meeting your boss requirement. Whereas, if you were offered the ears and listening heart, then you are told to relax and take your time...That's being reinforced. In turn, you'd feel grateful and will be more inspired to accomplish work stuff even exceeding the expectation of your Boss.

But not all employs this. We'd be lucky to be under a leadership who reinforces than punishes.

Thursday & Alanis on My Playlist

It’s a warm Thursday as I can see it through the office window. It’s cold here inside but the songs of my all-time favorite female vocalist Alanis Morissette sets my mood in warming up for a paper work that’s waiting to be finished. Haha!

image from google

If you are into music then you’d know how Alanis conquered rock music back in the 90s. From her ‘Jagged Little Pill’ album, to ‘Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie’, I just can’t stop patronizing this woman. She dragged my being through her lyrics. How she play with words and intertwined those in paragraph up to the rhythm is just incomparable. That’s coming from a bias fan of course. Haha!

One of my favorite lines from her songs are; ‘I can be an asshole of the grandest kind..’, and something like ‘I’m broke but I’m happy, poor but kind, short but healthy’..then she wrote about Ryan Reynolds entitled Torch where it said ‘Miss your take on anything and the music you would play, miss cracking up and wrestling our debriefs at end of day’… Ahw. I can feel the pain there and the urge to move on from a perfect relationship with a gorgeous guy.

That pretty much wrap up my Thursday morning I guess. 

Original post: http://www.bubblews.com/news/9662234-thursday-amp-alanis-on-my-playlist

Does it Bring Pleasure to Inflict Pain?

photo from Yahoo News

An Indonesian maid in Hongkong claimed that she had been tortured by her female employer. The last straw that sent her to the hospital is when a vacuum cleaner's tube is inserted to her mouth down to her throat that caused laceration. Agghh.

The pain is so unimaginable. It's recorded that citizens in poor countries from Asia like Indonesia and Philippines seek employment as a domestic helper in Hongkong. Although, this is a rare case in the country, but it sparked anger to the public that numbers of activist expressed their disappointment.

 Erwiana Sulistyaningsih's employer, Law Wan-tung faces 20 charges that includes grievious infliction of physical pain. Erwiana revealed that she had been slapped, punched, hit with hangers, mop handler and even a ladder.

Does it give pleasure if you inflict physical pain to another person? What can you really get from it?

I think only an animal of lowest form can dare.

Related article: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/indonesian-maid-says-tortured-vacuum-cleaner-tube-hong-095656379.html

Original post:http://www.bubblews.com/news/9649969-quotdoes-it-bring-pleasure-to-inflict-painquot

“MOVIE REVIEW: Annie 2014”

Photo credit from www.impawards.com

Annie played by Quvenzhané Wallis is a goofy and happy foster kid under the care of Hannigan starred by Cameron Diaz. Among the girls in Hannigan’s house, she’s the only one who got positive hope that they will all find their families soon. Annie keeps a note and a necklace left to her the day she’s abandoned. While Queens NY is busy rustling over the upcoming election, the tycoon Will Stack played by Jamie Foxx had been trying to increase potential votes in the poll.

One day, Stack decided to take a walk to breathe. While Annie was chasing a lost dog about to be beaten by two other kids. Annie bumped into Stack. She fell down and was hurriedly grabbed by Stacked when a car was coming their way. Someone was able to capture the scene and posted it in social media. Stack’s survey increased because of that. He then asked Annie to do political relationship with him by taking photos, having lunch together and all that sort of drama. Until Annie is asked to move to his ‘smart house’ which is very huge for Stack to live alone. Their political relationship elevated into something else. Stack learned how to value Annie. One day he decided to adopt Annie and make it legal. There were bumps along the way when a pretend-parent of Annie came into the picture paid by Stack’s dishonest employee. But they got away from it.

It’s musical. The actors sing songs in almost every scene but it’s very lovely. The 10-year old Annie may have to do more workshop for her facial expressions to convey the audience but she’s cute whenever she start singing and dancing. If you don’t mind watching corny, mushy, children’s movie then this is for you… 

Facts for Teenagers

photo credit: google image

There's this new afternoon TV show entitled "Bagito" which means 'Teenage Boy' in English that portraits a very important message to teenagers. The lead actor impregnated his girlfriend and they are still in high school. The girlfriend already gave birth and he is just too confuse what to feel.

His parents are beginning to feel anxious too on what's going to happen to them. His girlfriend also talked to him about possibilities that they may not really end up together in the end.

Personally, I think it's very educational. Teenagers nowadays has problem in self-control. Influence by peers and media like internet and movies. Their curiousity is triggered out from all those sources and couldn't help but explore. With lack of parent's guidance, they turn theirselves into teenage pregnancy.

This show will hopefully convey a message to teenagers to be responsible with their actions.

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9548216-quotfacts-for-teenagersquot

Movie Review: IF I STAY

‘Love is a bitch’ – the only line that echoed and echoed in my head after watching this movie. Chloe Grace Moretz as Mia is so much prettier in this movie than when she played as Carrie. The story revolves around this girl who is so family oriented and musically inclined. Until she met the love of her life Adam played by Jamie Blackley. Despite their opposite taste in music their love for each other kept them glued.

photo from www.impawards.com

But fate changed it all when Mia and her family got into a car accident. Mia’s parents and younger brother died while her soul wanders in the hospital seeing everyone grieve on her lost loved ones and to her own lifeless body attached to equipment to keep her breathing. She’s caught in between life and death and whether she should stay…

She would have eventually said goodbye believing that there’s no one else to live by when Adam sat beside her hospital bed and let her listen to her piece when she auditioned at Julliard (finest music school in NY). Her soul came back to watch Adam and the music…Adam pulled out the envelope from Julliard that she made it to the admission. With Adam’s promise that he will do anything for her and that she is his home…She opened her eyes back to life.

It’s heavenly. If you are someone who believes in the power of true love then you should find time to watch it. :D

Riding in Big Bus

Travelling from one region to another is part of my growing up. When we transferred residence to the northern part of Mindanao, we’d travel back to my parent’s hometown twice or thrice in a year. When my parents still had that low income, we did the cutting trip to save. Until I guess they recovered so we ride in an air-conditioned bus. Until I got married and had two kids, our expenses got doubled each year with our bus travels. 

Until two years ago, my parents acquired a van. It’s big enough to accommodate us all. Since then our traveling life became more comfortable. We can stop to rest and dine anytime. We can bring as many stuff as we want. 

But there are things I miss in long commute with big bus. It just brought to my memory again when it’s a big bus that took me back to the city from our hometown. It feels like flying. When you sit at the window side and you look down below, you’d feel like being at the top of all. When you see strangers…old people, teenagers, foreigners, professionals. It gave me a glimpse on the diversity of humanity. Or even the bus drivers and conductors. I always wonder how it would be without them. Who will take all those passengers to their family to celebrate every occasion? 

The most unforgettable experience I had though in riding the big bus though was when I left my paper dolls. My mother insisted that I keep them but I was too stubborn so I continued to play anyway. Until I tied it at the handle bars so I can take a nap. But it slipped from my head when suddenly my mother grabbed me because we already arrived at our destination. It broke my young heart. Haha!

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9430030-ideal-self-amp-real-self

Don't Hide Your Face if You Got Fat

Everything is a choice. Where we are now and what we are now is out of choices in the past. It's a chain of effects. You decide to drop from college and be a potato couch, you wake up one morning your parents are gone and you are left without penny. The same way when you eat more than you can chew.

Overeating is so difficult to control as self-discipline is too hard to master. Trust me, I've been there. After giving birth to my first and third child...I was so fat. I suffered from having the lowest self-esteem. Yes I'd cover my face whenever I go out with so many people around. But I was determined to lose weight. I hit the gym and went straight in dieting.

Sad to say, not everyone is alike. I saw a girl riding in the public vehicle earlier when me and the kids were on our way home...the moment she went down from the multicab, she just vowed her head. I couldn't help but stared. She is overweight and underheight. It got me so concerned on what could have happen that she ended up that big.

Honestly, there's a Food Psychology now. People in my same wavelength are longing to help fight obesity. It is in my hope that someday those who took their weight for granted will learn to chin up and say, 'I will shed all these body fats'. I know there are a lot out there who are with me.

Let's do this! :D

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9409273-quotdon039t-hide-your-face-if-you-got-fatquot

"VIDEO GAMES are GOOD FOR CHILDREN (?)"

Even my eyes cannot believe upon reading the title. But when I started to dig in I understood the whole point. 

A study spearheaded by Psychologist Andrew Przybylski of Oxford Internet Institute aimed to know deeper the effects of gaming among children. The researchers gathered data from 5,000 children from ages 10-15 years old and asked them questions related to their social, and their general satisfaction in life. 

After the data tabulation, it appeared that those who play three hours and more are missing out a big part of their social skills thus more grumpy and irritable. While those who spend moderate time in gaming are jauntier. Although the result of the study did not really imply nor promote that video gaming can be good for children...it's only message is MODERATION is still the key. ;)

Original post at http://www.bubblews.com/news/9356974-quotvideo-games-are-good-for-children-quot

"Here's to A GRATEFUL SUNDAY!"

Coming from a good friend who suggested that I write a diary of my joy everyday so when I feel sad I'd be able to review it...then hopefully it will change my mood. As a starter, here are the things I am so grateful for today;


> hubby's parents came to spend lunch with us and brought more food to extend my birthday celebration. What they had in hand were more than I expected.
> another friend came over and bought ice cream. I am so bloated today due to endless eating. 
> I realized how cheap but grand my 32nd Birthday was. I was so honest about getting nothing from my bonus but GOD sent me angels and donations without even asking for it.
> finally cleaned off our laundry box and having this amazing washing machine really saves effort and energy.
> hubby and I exchanged our sincere apologies... (wink)

You may want to try this too...

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9344066-quothere039s-to-a-grateful-sundayquot

I Am Officially 32!

Oh well...age is just a number. Being 32 for real is no joke. I'd say I've been through hell. Did a lot of stupid things. Took risk one can ever imagine. Like riding in a banana boat and thrown away in the deep blue ocean. Life is so good with a formula of contemplation, condemnation, appreciation, euphoria, and the hopes of dreams coming true.

At this stage, I noticed myself as being more responsible. More of a thinker and doer than before. There are days when I cannot manage my temper but the one thing I tried to delete from my personality, is being a verbal attacker. It is so poisonous in me and reading all the Bible passages once a day really helps me. The holy spirit blocks my way when there is an attempt in my system to bring out those negative thoughts.

God thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for this life of mine you extended. I only got one simple wish for my day...that you will grant my heart's desire specifically for next year. I am giving you back the honor and glory. Amen.

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9320329-quoti-am-officially-32quot

Till Death Do Us Part Never; The TRUE STORY

To infinity and beyond is for the married couple of 62 years who died the same day with just a 4-hour interval. Ahw. That is so tale of a fairy. But really, it’s a fact of a matter. Don and Maxine Simpson, of Bakersfield, California held each other’s hands waiting for their final hour.

Maxine already suffered from stage 4 cancer for several years. Don was rush to the hospital two weeks ago because of a broken hip. Since then his health started to decline. His family checked him out from the hospital so he can be with his wife. They met in a Bowling place, had two sons and travelled around the world. They were inseparable. Even until death…they held hands and were smiling on their death bed still together.

What’s your real life/love story? 

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9286816-till-death-do-us-part-never-the-true-story

Seeing Through the Eyes of A Grieving Mom

Grief is the most devastating emotion a human could feel. It is too strong to be untangled. It could kill someone with a fainted heart. It's like being in a state of calamity. A person becomes helpless, completely lost, almost insane...if your brain wires are not lined up, it will really break.

when I was too lonely

I had a chance to speak with the mother of hubby's friend who passed away last Friday. She asked me to sit down so she can tell me what happened. I told her we went to the hospital that night in the hope to rescue her son. But we were already late. She was trembling. She sounded like she just learned how to talk. The words she tried to utter couldn't come out. Somewhere in the middle of her bewildered face, she mumbled 'unsaon naman nako ni?' (how will I do this?). I just sat there in motionless. All she needed was someone who can listen.

I walked away when I had the chance. But deep down I wanna say I've been there. It was so dark that I see nothing. I could reach but unable to hold.

Tears were about to roll when I opted to grab a cracker. It was so spicy that the water in my eyes went backwards. It wasn't proper for me to cry.

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9255786-quotseeing-through-the-eyes-of-a-grieving-momquot

"Movie Review: WHAT IF?"

photo credit:www.imp.com

Wallace: "I remember the night Allan and Nicole met. And that instant conection. If you're lucky it happens once in a lifetime and if you're unlucky, then you have to come to weddings and listen to people like me talking about it. And asume we're all hopeless romantics... It's very easy to be cynical about love, but this, tonight, this is hard." (credit to www.imdb.com)

The famous Harry Potter is now Wallace in this film. Daniel Radcliffe is paired by Zoe Kazan as Chantry here. Wallace is a drop out medical student who decided to give it a rest when it comes to relationship. When he met Chantry at his best friends' party (Allan played by Adam Driver), everything changed. Or that's what he thought. Chantry has a boyfriend of 5 years and they live together. Chantry is Allan's cousin who's boyfriend always comes home late due to work demands. Rafe Spall as Ben is Chantry's boyfriend who is a copyright law expert representing the UN. A big time shot compared to a drop out Doctor-to-be. 

Their friendship blossomed when Chantry needed someone to go with for groceries, shopping, lunch, etc. They just clicked. But Chantry is a good girl who never cheated on anyone. She managed to control her urge not to show Wallace how she feels the same. Until Ben had to go to Ireland for re-assignment. Their relationship started to faint. The more when Chantry made a surprise visit and there was a woman happily huggling with Ben. Wallace was her refuge. That triggered Chantry's realization how she cared for Wallace. Not too long they both disclose their true feelings and just gave in to it. 

It's a comedy romance movie that Radcliffe did really well. His British accent is maintained that made him more noticeable and cute. They went through the spiral of being best of friends and almost wanting to be lovers. It can giggle someone who is hopeless romantic. 

To watch is to believe! :D

Original post at http://www.bubblews.com/news/9238661-quotmovie-review-what-ifquot

"Welcome to My WALL of FREEDOM!"

Remember those freedom walls in high school days? During Valentines Day it's filled with notes. Love notes, friendship or the famous 'vandal' signatures. It's a wall of rants, expression of admiration, of love and what not. Everything was tangible. We can touch the paper getting dirty by those multi-colored pens. And when you participate, it's like soaring high with your emotions as its wings. 

Today it has evolved 360 degrees. Freedom wall now is through Facebook, twitter and our most loved...Bubblews. We have all the space we need. Plus we can interact by prompt replies and likes. But sometimes, it's full of pretenses. That's why we have to use our best judgement. Whatever though. Just as long as we enjoy it.

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9235126-quotwelcome-to-my-wall-of-freedomquot

"With A SPECIAL VISITOR"

It's my sissy brother. Yeah. He's a gay and I think I've mentioned about him in my previous posts. It's been awhile since we had this chance of being together. He's already 19 years old and had fairly built his own social life. Surrounded with gay friends is sure at the utmost fun way of living student life. He will graduate by March with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He's not the typical attention seeker gay. His physique and projection alone will already draw a lot of attention. He is obsessed in fashion. He can pull off weird color combinations and high-heeled pumps at a party. Or a smart polo shirts and a city shorts by ordinary days. He got face value and a height. His pointy nose and deep-seated eyes makes the girl wish he's a straight guy.

He calls himself Rinxy. When his real name is Jayson Dave Renzo. And we are enjoying the brandy in this gloomy night. Ain't that fun?

Original post http://www.bubblews.com/news/9226020-quotwith-a-special-visitorquot

"GOD's Minute: Got a Co-Pilot?"

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. —Galatians 2:20

Would you rather be the Pilot or a co-Pilot? If it's about increasing your self-regard then you'd choose to be the Pilot, right? Earning million in one year, meeting a lot of people of different races. But that's not what it meant by today's message. It is to inform us that God should be our Pilot and we stay in the passenger's seat.

For in every bump of the road, you don't need to worry because someone is maneuvering the wheel. More than just an expert driver. Life is full of uncertainty. We can vanish anytime without a warning sign. What could happen to us if we don't have Christ living in us? 

That question doesn't need a lot of research to be answered. ;) 

Originally published at http://www.bubblews.com/news/9218752-quotgod039s-minute-got-a-co-pilotquot

WANTED: Bubbling Bee

If my memory serves me right, it was around last week of March 2004 when a friend from college sent me a text message about how he just got a job with a fat paycheck. And the sole requirement? JUST BE BUBBLY.
Reluctance was never entertained when I submitted an immediate resignation in handwritten to my first employer. I hurried to Cebu and I never even had a clue how to get to places from the port. But who cares, I was up for the 5-digit salary range.
True enough, you just have to be bubbly. It was the onset of the Call Center industry at the Queen City of the South. I was a small fish in the small pond back in my island who has big dreams and was unstoppable from chasing it. I didn't have my luck at first try. I shed tears for it. It was just out of the carefully tiled floor and the elite upholstery of their couch and the centralized air condition building. "Thank you for your interest" was the exact line I heard before me and the rest of the rejects headed the exit door. So I decided to reprint my CV and application letter and submitted it to countless of companies. My mom even doubted if I really haunted a job or just went to the beaches for a swim because I got so unbelievably tanned. Ha!
Fortunately, one afternoon a woman with an accent called me by the cellphone and invited me for an initial interview. That's when my Five years and five months journey of lip servicing, debating, troubleshooting and what not started.
I have proven to be more than just bubbly. From being a debater back in my college days to being an English talker 8 to 12 hours a day, five days a week, I was able to put food on the table and fed "mouths". It was the stage of my life that I am always proud of despite the struggles, rejections, tormenting clients. For it was the stage of my life where I met a lot of genuine friends, went to different places, discovered the best beaches, and the stage of my life where it honed me to be open, fearless and most of all BUBBLY.

Now I'm bubbling in a hope of making another fat paycheck. As a newbie in Bubblews, I intend to inspire, influence, connect, and just bubble out.

Thank you for opening your door. Lets rock each other's world! :)

“Movie Review: THE JUDGE”

“My father is a lot of unpleasant things, but murderer is not one of them.”

One famous line uttered by the lead actor Robert Downey Jr. as Atty. Hank Palmer. For him, his father is already dead until his big brother (Vincent D'Onofrio
As Glen) called to let him go home to his childhood hometown since their mother passed away. Hank is left without so much of a choice. That moment he too is struggling with his wife filing for divorce. He made his way to the top as a big time lawyer in Chicago and had to go home to see his estrange father who is a Judge in their county. His mother’s passing gave them the chance to reunite awkwardly. Until one night after the funeral, his father (Robert Duvall as Judge Joseph Palmer) drove his car to town to get an air. Morning came and Hank was about to fly back to Chicago when his big brother Glen found a stain of blood at the side of the car. It’s a bit smashed too. When Hank ask his father he just got a shrugged from his shoulder saying he cannot remember. Until the police came to investigate since a Mark Blacwell (played by Mark Kiely) is found dead on the street and looked as though hit by a car. True enough, the blood matched to the Judge’s car stain.

The court hearing was escalated to trial. Hank represented his father. They had several arguments in between since Hank is hungry of his father’s approval since childhood. When he learned that his father is suffering from cancer stage 4 and had been on a chemotherapy for six months he found a hope. He was determined to save his father out from the crime. He displayed all his wits applying his practice as defendant of guilty rich people in the city. He carried the burden of taking care of his crippled family with a jobless big brother and a mentally challenged younger brother. As the trial went on, Hank had the opportunity to take care of his sick father when he’s attacked by the side effects of chemo.

At the end, the Judge admitted the murder. For him, sitting on the highest bench of the court judging the criminals for their punishment doesn’t make him an exception. He has to balance the scale even to his self. It was the right thing to do but it broke Hank. He returned to the city but later submitted a petition for compassion after seven months. His father died in front of him weeks after the release. They were on a boat trying to fish.

It’s a movie for someone who has interest in debate, law or political science. Also for someone who is family oriented. This one manifested how men perceive things. Being a woman, it is difficult to put my shoe on them. I had my brain worked out while listening to their conversations. But it was really worth it. The lessons you can get is more than just from bumper stickers. See for yourself! ;)

Original article: http://www.bubblews.com/news/9209098-movie-review-the-judge

For Our Grieving Heart

Losing someone through sudden death is never easy to take. Based on my own experience, I was so close to insanity. Nothing around me could be understood. I never want to wake up each morning. Every day had been a struggle. I was too sensetive. I could cry a river for a very shallow reason. It gradually passed though. But recently, a special friend died and a month later my Uncle. They were both close to my heart. Those event brought me back to that July 2013 nightmare.

After cooking for dinner few minutes ago, I opened my email and checked on divine intervention through my bible verse subscription. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways for the message in my mail says something about grieving with a bonus poem. Very comforting.

                               I'M FREE

                    Don't grieve for me for now I'm free,

                    I'm following the path God laid for me.

                    I took His hand when I heard Him call,

                    I turned my back and left it all.

                    I could not stay another day,

                    To laugh, to love, to work or play.

                    Tasks left undone must stay that way,

                    I found that peace at the close of the day.

                    If my parting has left a void,

                    Then fill it with remembered joy.

                    A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

                    Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

                    But be not burdened with times of sorrow,

                    For I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

                    My life's been full.  I've savored much,

                    Good friends, good times and loved ones' touch.

                    Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

                    Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

                    Lift up your ears and share with me.

                    God wanted me now.  He set me free!

                                                         Author: Unknown

P.U.S.H.

     It was the worst day of my life and I was so close in banging my head on the comfort room's wall. I managed to go to bed and fell asleep but morning came and nothing has changed. When I whispered a short prayer and asked for comfort, my smartphone was the closest and so this message slapped my face from the e-mail.         

                        "Just A Little Prayer."

                      God is ever there for those

                          Who really, really care,

                      He helps dispel your cares and woes

                          With just a little prayer.

                      Invite the Lord into your heart,

                        He has much love to spare,

                      A love He gladly would impart

                          With just a little prayer.

                      Let Him know where things go wrong,

                        No matter when or where.

                      He can fill your heart with song

                          With just a little prayer.

                      It matters not your race or creed,

                          God does not compare.

                      He can fill your wants and needs

                          With just a little prayer.

                      No power on earth can give a man

                          God's immortal blessings rare.

                      He is the only One who can

                          With just a little prayer.

                                          Poet, Joseph Ferrara

Like a Thief in the Night

Death is what I'm talking about. With a heavy heart while tapping the keyboard, I couldn't help but ask why do we all have to die without knowing when???

What happened is I got a skype message earlier from a college friend telling me one of our closest friends is gone forever. I called the number of Jo (that's his nickname) and talked to his sister who confirmed that indeed he left the world last night at 8:30 pm. He wasn't just my co-writer in the school paper, wasn't just a fellow student leader and debater, but he was special. Our togetherness had an impact. We would stroll around the city until late night laughing at each other's joke. We would eat lunch together. And he was so generous. He would even spend his spare time teaching us how to solve Math problems. He was so Britney and Charice fanatic. That is just so unforgettable right? A year after I graduated (he was in his last year in College) we had a night out in a videok bar and I remember exactly what he said "Ten years from now let's go back here and talk about our success."

Years passed and we all had our own lives but whenever he comes home in our city he make sure that we see each other. Until sometime last year he told us about an ailment that stricken him. There's a growing node in his left leg and he had difficulty walking. True enough, we had a group date again and indeed his left leg somehow shrink oddly. He told us he's getting better. January of this year was the last time he got hospitalize again. That was the last time we talked. We only exchange text messages but he never said anything about his condition.

I wish he did. I would have seen you Jo for the last time. But of course you are home now with Almighty God. It's just that I miss you too bad.  ;(

Childhood Days

Among the human's developmental stages, Childhood is the most crucial. It is the foundation of how we draw decisions when we become adults. Since this stage starts from 5 years old to 12 years old, it's a long period of collaborating your experiences with friends, society and most of all your family. How these people treat you and took care of you greatly affects the development of your personality.

Like for instance my online student last night who is 50 years old and divorced. Our conversation went into something personal. She asked me if I have kids and I asked her back. I was quite shocked when she said she's always been afraid to have kids because she had a very unhappy childhood. She was abuse by her mother. Having no child was also the main reason why her ex husband divorce her. 

When she asked me how was my childhood, I began to recall. I stopped at the memory when I was 10 years old. My parents had to go away to work and they entrusted the care of me to our neighbor. I only get to see them once a month. I was lucky I was never bullied nor mistreated. In fact, their eldest daughter is my closest friend and I call them Mama and Papa too. We were literally poor. They couldn't give me an allowance and couldn't even buy me a recognition dress. But I was cool with it. It wasn't that way forever though. When I was in second year high school, I've seen my parents fruit of hard labor. They built a new house and got a passenger jeep.

Different folks with different strokes goes with different experiences. May it be bad or good, the most significant thing is we move forward since we are to follow the sun of tomorrow. Going backward is going nowhere.

Summer Breeze

Soaking under the sun is what defines summer for me. If I have a lot of money I would spend it by touring the best summer places in the country.

But since I'm just an ordinary woman with an ordinary life, me and my friends chose to take a peak at one of the renowned tourist spots of Caraga Region. It's called Bucas Grande Island known for Sohoton Cave. Though I've already been to this place a year ago, I still couldn't get over the feeling that such magnificent place is rested here just 2 hours away from home.

This group of islands welcomes you with a lot of surprising spots to see. Such as the Hagukan (snoring) Cave where you have to float in order to get in, the sanctuary of non stinging jellyfish (white,blue and brown colors), lagoons, crystal cave where you will be amaze by its sparkling beauty when you get in. It is surrounded with solid humongous rocks and mountains where the trees are still untouched. The white sands by the shore is unbelievably tempting. It glares at your face that seems to let you just stay in the place for good.

If you love spending summer days in beaches, this place will surely leave a mark in your heart and you will swear to visit it every summer season. Or even wanting to get a property and build a rest house.

So enchanting that is. Prepare to be in awe when you get here.

(an entry for my write-for-a-dollar thing..hope its ok to post the same write up here.)

Click for a Dollar

I've been anxious lately about our increasing bills, overdues and all of that sort. Then one weekend I bumped into my friend who told me about this Bubblews website where you can write anything under the sun and you can earn dollars. She was ecstatic in showing me her paypal account with the figure in it.

Today is my 2nd day Bubbling in the site and yes I could see the number increasing. Whether it's scam or not, I think it's worth a try. After all I still got my online tutorial and article writing sidelines.

And I hope our finance office would never do those surprising deductions again for it was the real start of my messy budget.

Please Lord, help me end this. You know very well I don't like being poor.lol!

Certified Multi Tasker

Thank God it's Thursday!

I only had four hours of sleep last night. It's been like that since this week started. Working harder is my motto until the end of this month. Last night after having dinner at my parents house, my mother started showing her disappointment again. She'd been asking me about when will we return their van and finally we decided to return it today. I felt the embarrassment of my husband. They were expecting we made money more than just what we have to spend. Oh how I wish it was like that.

Sensitivity strike in when I look at my mother's eyes, I knew then what had been sprinkling in her mind. So I decided that we head home an hour after dinner. While I got busy tidying up our house, my heart ached thinking about how we got into this financial constraint lately. I whispered a prayer that we may be able to get through this soon.

Truly, God is never asleep for a friend of mine who owns a small company sent me a message that I can start working for him as an Article Writer. I was in awe. One way or another, there will always be ways and means to survive without breaking rules.

To summarize my career from today; Office worker, Online Tutor, Article Writer and a BUBBLER!!!!

Have a nice day ahead everyone!

The Datastickies

Ever heard about this graphene made paper-thin strips that you can just paste and strip on and from your device to transfer data? You've read it right. They call it Datastickies- the USB Flash drive of the future. Some Indian tech savvy are looking into enhancing it so it will be out in the market soon. According to Science, "Graphene is pure carbon in the form of a very thin, nearly transparent sheet, basically one atom thick. It is remarkably strong for its very low weight, and it conducts heat and electricity with great efficiency."
It can store up to 32 gigabytes of file size every strip and you can write down tiny notes on its surface. It comes with variety of colors too. 

With Datastickies around soon, what do you think will happen to the USB flash drives? 

Check http://datastickies.com/#WhyPage

What do you wake up for?

Waking up early has never became a habit for me. But with time, it just change not by choice but by determination. So I got up at 4 in the morning today, turned on my laptop and prepared for my online lesson.

Yes, as early as 5:00am I entertained Japanese folks who are more than eager to learn the English language. I've been doing this for almost two years now and it's been rewarding.

Everyday I would pray for strength and patience. Physical strength to sustain me in surviving the activities for the whole day. Patience that I may survive the odd of settling the pile up bills and future preparation to provide my family a decent life.

I wake up for them. They are the sweetest source of my energy.

What about you? What do you wake up for?

Pork/Chicken Adobo

Every Filipino household would cook adobo in a daily basis. We undeniably love this stapled recipe in our culture.

To conclude today's routine as a Career woman and a Household Manager at the same time, I cooked adobo for dinner. My own version of adobo is a mixture of pork and chicken meat. For one, my husband is not a big fan of chicken while me and the kids are so into it. To make it fair, it has to be a combination of both.

Nothing is change with how it's done. Just saute the spices (garlic and onion), wait until it becomes brownish and pour the meat into the pan. Drench it with soy sauce, vinegar and water. I cannot detail its measurement since I do the cooking by heart and I just estimate everything. (Something I got from my father). Then add the pepper leaves to make it smell good.

Bring it to a boil and wait until the sauce is slightly sticky.

Voila! My family enjoyed digging in and filling in their stomach.

Until tomorrow Bubblers!

Battling Rejection (part II)

Earlier I posted about some traumatic experience with my previous employer and that it's about time to face them again before they file a case against me and get to the RTC.

Since I signed for a Scholarship contract entailing some years of return service which I deliberately breached without a word, I have to settle my debt. Yes I am still indebted. Luckily, the HR Manager is an Ambassador of Goodwill that he tries to connect people who got ill feelings with the Management. And I agree with him. It's time to bury the hatchet and cross the bridge. With a positive intervention of my BFF here in the office, I hope this will come out safe and accepting to the person whom I will address it to.

So here's a draft of my response-letter-to-be;
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Maam;

May the grace of God Almighty be with you always.

For two years I kept my silence and I really am sorry. I left the school with a heavy heart and sworn of never coming back and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Yes I have received the warning letter mailed to my parents home address and I chose not to reply until now because it took me all this time to finally get back on my feet. Maam, please know that it never slipped from my mind how indebted I am of SJIT. You offered me a great deal of becoming a scholar in a very prominent University and I have gained a lot from it; knowledge and experience wise. I owed it all from you. SJIT molded me to become a leader, a follower and most of all what a Guidance Counselor should be. Thank you so much.

With that being said, please accept my offer to settle the expenses you have spent for my graduate studies. My current source of living may not be that high to be able to pay it off right away but I am willing to come into terms.

I am looking forward for your positive response.
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So what do you think Bubblers? Will I really finally come into settlement for this? (Crossing fingers here)

Battling Rejection

This is supposedly done last week but I had to get my act together before coming up with a reply letter to a somewhat "summon" from a previous employer which I received 2 years ago.
Let me take you back to the year 2010. It was the glory year of my life or so I thought it was. I landed a job in my alma matter during College. In just a matter of 6 months I got promoted. They offered me a graduate studies scholarship in a prominent University which I wholeheartedly took. Everything went smooth sailing until I sent some memos to all Offices regarding an admission exam for Freshmen who are already enrolled by the way. The letter contains some defense statement to the administration that  I purposefully indicated to avoid raising of eyebrows. But to my dismay, the President herself misinterpreted it and perceived it as something 'personal'. The chain of disappointing events began. Our VPAA wasn't renewed and was replace by a mediocre who was a pathological liar. Until such time that I was reprimanded to explain myself in 24 hours as to why I filed for a vacation leave with "personal reason". I stayed humble and submitted to everything they want me to do. I even kept mum when I was ask to sign the memo about having an assistant and I was never given a feedback. I could go on with a long list of those psychologically disturbing treatment but the last straw was when they denied my October 31st salary. I begged for it for I only had 20 pesos left in my pocket and I needed 25 pesos to go home. They never listened, they continue with the mocking and I could see their fangs. What's worst is that they were too proud to call themselves "christian".

I headed out of the gate around 5:30pm and went back to my office to finally get everything. For me, it was the place that I never want to set my foot on again. It caused me emotional distress big time. 

For one year and 11 months I chose to work at home. It was the safest place. To be in isolation. I am oblige to no one and I had more time with my family and few close friends. 

But somehow, God Almighty exhibited His love for me again. Another career opportunity came through a previous colleague. It was worth a try for I've been with this employer for seven months now and it feels so homey that I am more than positive this is my last stop.

So now, I'm still trying to figure out how my response letter to that "summon" should sound? Or what will I even have to say? Gosh.

The photo above was taken 9 years ago when I got my first symbian phone. It was when I couldn't get enough of "Selfies". Somehow it became my most favorite. The photo simply represented the core of my being: A THINKER. Rule of the thumb is, your head is place above your shoulder so it is suppose to rule us when making decisions. It just dawned in me, I will be 32 by November. I was only 23 when I hopped into marriage and embraced the biggest responsibility of them all. I was the breadwinner. I worked 12 hours a day, 6 days in a week. Sure I earned more than what is needed but it was never enough surprisingly. One responsibility came with another and when I noticed I was only rowing the boat alone I started feeling helpless...eventually I got tired. My ex husband left me for another woman and I went on with my life.
Though we share custody to our children, I could still feel the burden of responsibility is more on me. Is this because I'm the one who is more futuristic? or its just that the father of my kids never change?

It never stop there though. I ran into my former boyfriend when I was in College who had an existing rift with his father. We both declared the love for each other that never decayed so we decided to be together since he is still single and I just got single. The first few months living with his old folks were very smooth. There was an awkward feeling but it was pretty manageable. He and his pup run their business together for the longest time. Until one morning, that rooted conflict between his father was ignited. We decided to move out.

Now, he is of no career and no specific source of income. It's an added responsibility again. Not to mention he's ongoing unresolved issues between his sisters. They called me up and asked a favor that I take care of their brother. That simply means, he is fully entrusted to me.

Now what...? Perhaps, much is given to me since much is expected. The very reason why I'm awake this early to start making ends meet. Whatever. Life is just full of surprises and I'm glad to be in this bubbling community. :D

Bills & Means

The older we become, the bigger the bills get.

Just when I am so freaking out to pay off my over dues before this month ends and the internet just isn't in the mood to cooperate.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhhgggggggggggggggggggggggg!!!!

Are you kidding me right now? :/

I hate living beyond means and so I always try to work my ass out to at least earn more than what I need. I'm so done with living in paycheck to paycheck but I think I'm going back to that direction again.

What is happening????

What's Within

                                Morning Walk

                      Amidst the dew of early dawn,
                      I took a morning walk.
                      And along with me, I took a Friend,
                      For I felt a need to talk.
                      I unburdened both my heart and soul,
                      And spoke many things:
                      Of plans gone wrong, of failure's pain,
                      And how to live with shattered dreams.
                      My Friend just listened quietly,
                      And uttered not a word.
                      For it was His time to listen,
                      And my time to be heard.
                      His sympathetic ear brought peace,
                      As we walked this earthly sod.
                      And I learned to trust life again,
                      On my morning walk with God.
                                         
                                          Poet, Barbara Cagle Ray  
 

Nature versus Nurture

As an advocate on the study of human behavior, it bothers me not to share this. Human development has something to do with both heredity and environmental factors. It's been debated on for the longest time and so far, the most that emerged on a lot of studies is that social learning, modeling, that "tabula rasa" of Locked are what most people like me agree on.

With my recent exposure, we usually draw out the underlying reasons of a student's misdemeanor from the family system and its characteristics. And we never went wrong...not even once. 

But I am face with personal mocking. I'm caught in a situation where I cannot open my mouth. So I choose to write. 

Parenting is a lifetime commitment. It's a perfect example of unconditional love. You never quit on your child. You just don't. I've seen my parents looked at me sharply when I did terrible things. My father beat me with his belt back when I was a freshman in college but ended up throwing his ATM card to let me withdraw my allowance. My mother grew an eye bags when I stowed 8 hours away from home but hugged me tightly when I got back after 3 days. They submitted on my hardheadedness when I married a douche-bag and even helped us in making a decent living. After that marriage went sour and that business vanished, I heard their expression of disappointment but they never labelled me with "hopeless case". Instead, they managed to focus on the strength that's left in me and reinforced it. They're not perfect though. But they're never afraid to show their imperfection and are fearless in admitting their faults.

I want to be like them when my children grow old and mess things up. Because I believe in the degree of social formation which started at the very core- PARENTING. 

So if you describe your child as screwed. What are you then? ;)