Vitamins neglected :(

Because of the chaotic month I had last December and January, I neglected our vitamins intake and totally forgotten everything I started except my iron mainly because when I got sick last December, the Doctor told me to not forget it due to my very low Red Blood Cells. And when I do not take my vitamins-my dear husband does the same (you see-I’m the one who constantly nag him to take his)

My canister of Vitex should have been empty by now but it still has few more capsules. I ran out of iron last week, it has been over a month since we took our B vitamins, and husband has been out of his Vitamin E and C also.

I know that shouldn’t be the case and I should not be neglecting our vitamins, sigh. I’m such a slacker. My appointment with the OB- Gynecologist is still pending at the moment. I put mine at the back so I can give priority to my ailing father’s medicines and hospitalization.

But of course, it wouldn’t be long. I’m determined to do that appointment with the OB and to be more healthy this year ( yup..being healthy is the word and not losing weight) That includes being consistent in our vitamins and supplements. So hopefully, we can re stock our vitamins and I don’t know if we need more. Right now am checking SmartyPants vitamins for grown ups. You can also visit their website for more information on their gummy products.

But of course, I am not forgetting that eating the right food, fruits and vegetables can still be the greatest source of whatever vitamins I need.

Here's to a healthier us!!

Davao Trip

My husband and I went to Davao last weekend and even if it was not a pleasure trip, we still had fun and we managed to take some good photos of us. Another set of pictures due for framing :)

Our Sony point and shoot camera is already 5 years old and has been with us in every occasion and trip but still serving us well.

55th Wedding Anniversary

Today, my dearest parents are celebrating their 55th year of marriage. I am a proud daughter. Who wouldn't? I know what they've gone through. I know it wasn't all sweet and smooth but I am proud and happy they chose to be together and honor the commitment they made 55 years ago.

Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary to the most wonderful parents in the world. we love you!

Picture taken on New Years Eve

                                             

That's my wedding day :) Tatay looks so healthy and strong pa dito

and this oh so sweet picture was taken on their 50th golden wedding anniversary 5 years ago.

College life soon

How time flies. I can’t believe that our first nephew (My dear Ryan) will now be in college come next school year (which is approximately 5 months from now) It seems only yesterday when he entered nursery school and now he’s all grown up. Before, we were only talking about his toys but these days we’ve been discussing his college studies. This week, he is scheduled to take the college entrance examination.

Her mother (my sister) asked me if he could live with us because the University he is aiming is quite far as they live outskirt of the city. Of course I said yes without hesitations, after all he is like a son to me. In fact, it is I who scouted for best school he could get in (best and yet not expensive) and I’m glad they accepted my suggestion. If I am rich though, I’ll definitely send him to Ateneo or La Salle or I’ll send him abroad so he can have the best school (with me in tow for sure) but we’re settled to where he is going now. :D

 I asked him also if he wants to do an online schooling and look for some courses he would enjoy doing at home maybe like personal training courses at opencolleges.edu.au or design and photography as he is into arts also but I think he is not ready for that yet.

Somehow I like the idea of distance learning (which seems to be the trend now) because I like the idea of studying and yet not being confined in a classroom, I can do school work anytime of the day, and not worry about OpenColleges updates and announcements because you can take a look at them anytime through twitter or facebook and email. You can also take the exams and submit it without seeing your teachers and being spared of the look in their face when you failed) hehe!

But that’s me. My nephew will of course do the conventional school to which I hope he’ll enjoy and finish with flying colors.

DJC Halohalo in Tiwi,Albay

(Halo-halo (from Tagalog word halò, "mix") is a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl.- from WIKIPEDIA)

We recently went to Bicol with friends, we stayed in Nabua, Camarines Sur because a friend's brother live there and her parents are from there. But we traveled to as far as Tiwi,Albay for their famous halohalo. DJC is the name of the place, located very near the Municipal Hall and the church. It took us more than an hour (per way) in the road but it's worth it. We all loved it. (I just read now that they have branch in Naga, had I known it before, we should have gone there instead of Tiwi) 

There is something special with this halohalo, it's cheesy and not too sweet for me (not fond of sweets eh ). My husband can finish one bowl in one sitting. 

However it is much expensive compared to regular/normal halohalo in the country. The cost is 75.00 (less than $2) if serve with ice cream (picture above) smaller one without ice cream is 60.00. During summer days, you can buy halohalo at 15.00 to 25.00 in the streets. :)

I wish they'll branch out here in Manila- for sure they'll be popular.

Welcome 2013

With a GOOD NEWS :)

Yes, you read it right, we welcomed the new year with a good news from my Tatay's doctor. We got the biopsy and other lab results last week of 2012, my sisters went to his doctor to hear what is written in that many pieces of paper and I think they only understood one thing... that they "ruled out malignancy". The test showed that it is not cancer. Three doctors read the result and they concluded the same.  Praise the Lord!!!!

To say that I am very happy is understated. I can't explain how I felt, we were all crying because of the relief. You see, we were told that the possibility of it being cancer is so high and that we only need to confirm it through the biopsy, but prayers are always powerful and our God is always able.

Next week we are scheduled to hear another Doctors opinion (that's gonna be 4th reading/opinion) but I'm not worried anymore.

My father still has difficulty breathing and is still on lots of medications but we're all positive now that soon he'll be much better. :)

 me, my husband and my Tatay on New Year's eve

So yes, we welcomed 2013 with a cheerful heart and we celebrated. we thanked God and we will forever be thankful for answering our prayers.

I would like to extend also my thank yous to all those who prayed for my father and for us. I want you to know that it is very much appreciated.

Happy new year everyone and may we all have a wonderful year ahead!!!

Together

I was rushed to ER last Thursday night due to high fever that started Tuesday. Laboratory tests results showed I have UTI so I am into antibiotic and will be back to the Doctor on Saturday.

That means I was down and sick for the couple of days. And it was Christmas week.

Thankfully though I was able to travel to my Sister's place and spent Christmas with my whole family :) and for that I am GRATEFUL.

Grateful that despite of what we're going through we are still very much TOGETHER, all of us siblings are there complete with all my nephews and nieces.

And though there were fewer gifts to open, it doesn't really matter now. We've learned to appreciate more of the presence and the time we spent with each other.

I took photos... because now for me every chance of being together is a photo opportunity. I don't wanna miss it.

                                                   (me and my Tatay on Christmas day 2012)

Thank you Lord for  this Christmas, thank you that we are all together and that we are happy :)

How's your Christmas?

Parents are gift

image from facebook

Update on my father's condition : Biopsy done today, results will be on Friday. Thank God the procedure went well and no complications. Please keep on praying that it's benign and not malignant as the suspected by his Doctor.

Wednesday Thoughts

My Father is now okay, not really good but he's okay. We rushed to the province last Sunday afternoon because of a series of phone calls from him, from my Nanay and from our neighbor over the weekend. They all said we need to bring him to the nearest hospital as he was having attacks ( he had hard time breathing, can't speak and lost his senses) We still didn't know what causes it because we are still undergoing LOTS of tests right now, we hope to know later today or tomorrow.

~*~
I was scared and was in a state of shock last Sunday. I was crying and my thoughts went too far (morbid thoughts came in and I cried even more)

~*~
I feel a lot better now (except that we are hurting financially again) because of the emergency that happened.

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 And I think I lost the "Christmas energy" I had  before, all I want now is my Father to become really well and that's it. I don't even want Christmas parties now.And I don't think I will be able to complete my gift list.
Sorry.

~*~
I'm thankful though for all the people that really care, for all the prayers that sent our way during that time.

~*~
and oh..hello December ( sorry that this first post for December is a sad one) I hope you are having a good December and that you are enjoying the Christmas spirit in your part of the world.

Vitex and shorter cycle

I had my period last November 11 and guess what? I think the Vitex is working. Why did I say so? because this time I did not have any menstrual cramp or any menstrual pain as in NO PMS at all. My period  lasted for 7 days and surprisingly it is not as heavy as my normal periods before. 

So, yes I can say Vitex is slowly working and I'm hoping I'll get a positive result someday soon!

So far, from July to September my cycle count is 69 days, from September to November-it was reduced to 52 days. I can't wait for next month :) I hope I'm slowly getting at least a shorter CD and a regular one.

My husband took another additional vitamins (Rogin-E) and next month I will also add Vitamin E with Selenium to my supplements.

I really hope this all work together and that we will have our gift soon. Please keep on praying for us.

Home Ideas: flooring and sofas

We recently bought linoleum to replace the old vinyl tiles that my husband removed from our small kitchen, it’s white and it made the room brighter,  though dirt is now more visible with it I still like it very much. In fact I am now planning to cover the whole room with the same linoleum. why? basically because it is a lot cheaper and is easier to clean than our old and stinky vinyl tiles.

Because of the turn of events (and turn of our plans) we might stay longer in our current home so I asked the husband to make it at least more comfortable for both of us. That means installing anew sink and a small counter top. He said yes of course, I just hope his yes means he’ll do it sooner than I think.

We don’t have plans of buying new furniture (since our place is small) but given the chance (meaning the extra money) I would also love to replace the hand me down couch we had at the moment. I would love to have one of these contemporary sectional sofas someday. The black or the white will be perfect for me :D

The more I keep looking for more home ideas the more I want to have my own home soon! But I know that would take a bit longer because we prioritized something else (and I hope we made the right decision there) Anyways, it isn’t bad to plan early right?

"Cord of Three" Wedding Rings

We’ve been planning to buy a new set of wedding rings for us ( our rings doesn’t fit us anymore plus we both want them replace talaga ten  years from our wedding date) You see, ours  was not the pricey wedding ring but nonetheless, it was a symbol of our infinite love for each other (naks!) so I’ve learned to like them na.  

But if only I had money when we got married I’ll definitely choose one that I love-I’ll go for unique wedding bands like this three cord wedding ring! Three cord was mentioned in the bible . Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Very fitting for a Christian wedding right? How I wish I can have those. But who knows?  Looking at the prices of these unique wedding rings, I know they are not cheap (if you convert them into pesos) but they are not too pricey either. If we really want it and save for it, I know we can have them in the near future Think positive Raquel  :D  I can even order them online if I want and they have a 30 day risk free return policy.

This one of a kind wedding symbol is hand -braided and designed by a very talented artist Todd Alan. Imagine how painstakingly he makes each ring so customers are assured that each ring is unique. Any bride would be delighted to be wearing them :D

Now, I have to print these, get my husband’s approval and pin it on our prayer wall.