Happy New Year to all ! Let us all pray for a safer, healthier, and a more prosperous 2014! 

One song

Thank God for my fellow widows, I can always feel that I am not the only one feeling this and they can express it so well, like, it really is, coming from my heart!

I am reblogging this. Liked this post so much.

“A song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment. Which is pretty amazing, when you actually think about it.” -Sarah Dessen

This Monday will mark our 8 year wedding anniversary.
As I've said over the years, I've never defined Michael's life by his death, so the anniversary of his death has never had the burn of the day that symbolizes him and our time together...

Our wedding day.
A day that symbolizes our love.
His love.
The unconditional love he showed myself and everyone else.

The pain and angst enveloped me at times, but one thing always takes me away from any sadness that wears on my soul:
Hearing our wedding song.

He let me choose it, and when the time came for our first dance, we swayed (mostly due to lack of dancing skills) back and forth, lost in the moment, tunnel vision only into each others eyes and the warm glow of our hearts melding even deeper into their eternal bond.

After his death, a year and a half later, the words of the song have guided me through dark moments.

They've reminded me that everything that I've been able to do, survive and embrace, has been built upon his love...his kiss. And I'll keep on building.

Happy Anniversary, my love. SILWY 

Give me a kiss to build a dream on And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss

Ah sweetheart, I ask no more than this A kiss to build a dream on

 Original blog can be found here: Widow's Voice: Built: “A song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that ...

My Christmas tree's Evolution

Ever since I got married, I have always been excited for Christmas. Decorating the house, thinking of gifts that my loved ones will really appreciate, what food to prepare and all the parties to attend.

One of the first sign that Christmas in my household has begun is when the Christmas tree is up. I usually put it up every November 30, since it is a non-working day.

Here are some of my Christmas tree decorations:

Sunday mornings - Chasing after your Dream

Chasing after your Dream, at the Right Time. Never hurry your growth and enjoy the journey.

Receive your prosperity

God is giving you blessings and you tell yourself you are not worthy of blessings, you are poor, you are small.  (Small thinking. "I'm not worthy", "I don't derserve this") Do understand that when God blesses you, it is not for you but it is for someone else. Accept it. Be responsible for it. Give and share it to others. 1% are called to the vow of poverty (nuns, priests, etc.) 99% are called for prosperity and that is, US. Be generous of your blessings.

Respect your pace

Do you want more and more and more. Be patient with your progress. Do not hurry with your growth. It is easier to grow. But it is difficult to grow at the right pace. Not all growth is good. Know when to grow and when not to grow. If you're working and working and your health suffers, stop. Because it is a sign from God to take it easy. If you're family is suffering because of what you are doing, stop.

Pace and pride can tell you the same message. "You can do it, nothing is impossible!" Pride is the partner of greed. Enough for now. No to short-term growth so you can say yes to long-term growth.

Return to the Provider

Pace yourself because i need to go back and return to your provider. Run and run chasing their gifts, not realizing they have to get back to God. In your pursuit to your dreams, you need to return to your Provider. Chase after God and not only chase your goal.

Dream big dreams. Pray bold prayers. Live a great life.

Sunday mornings - DREAM

It's a nice cool Sunday today. The sun hiding behind the clouds. Clouds are heavy, almost wanting to release the rain. Here is another Sunday morning post.

Imagination is so powerful. When you imagine, it sends instructions to the whole universe. Dream. So that you will be inspired everyday to wake up and work your way to your dreams.

When you are single and wants to get married, ask God for it and be specific. Don't just pray, "Lord, I want to marry Piolo Pascual." Just joking. Hehehehe. Be sociable. Attend church and sports activities, or whatever that interests you. Start from there.

Have details because it animates you. Use details to energize and surrender it to God. But don't be attached to your details. God knows what is BEST for you.

And, remember, to dream, not only for material things, but also, dream with your family. Dream that you enjoy your material blessings with the family which is the only reason why you are dreaming!

Start planting your dreams now... WORK, BELIEVE and TRUST.

Look Younger this Christmas Season

We are almost ending November and I haven't written any post for a few weeks now. Busy learning some things that I will share with you sometime soon. Despite all the tragedies that happened to our country, there will still be Christmas after all.

This is dedicated to all the mommies out there who wants to look more beautiful this season.

Do you want to look (and feel) younger? Oh, I can almost hear everyone saying a big YES!
An ageless beauty, fresher face? Make up and the right dress style can make it possible.

Here are some of the tips I am applying for my self.

1. No to cakey foundation. Use light base liquid foundation, with spf as much as possible.

2. No to smokey eyes. Use light-colored eyeshadow. Cream, beige. Without shimmer, in order to lessen wrinkles. Emphasize and contour eyelids. Brush darker shadow on top of eyeballs.

3. If you have hollow cheekbones, no need to contour.

4. Thicker eyebrows make you look younger, and thin brows ake you look older.

5. Use eyepencils instead of liquid liners.

6. Use yellow powder undertones

7. Use a lighter-colored, natural, or rose pink-colored lipstick,

8. Curl lashes and put on mascara

Outfits:

1. No to tight-fitting outfits. Use belt for distraction and don't be afraid to use color combinations.

2. Focus on your sexy factor or assets, and flaunt it!

3. Wear knee length skirt and NO to below the knee, or you will look like a "lola"

If you have your own tip, please share it with us. Who knows, it might also work for some of us. Let's show the world that mommies can also be "head-turners.".

Remember to smile!

Photo credits: http://vinsten.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/hollywood-star-mothers-with-their-kids/

The Woman

These Bible verse gave me more encouragement and inspiration on being a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) and widow. A better understanding of what a woman and mother is. Hope this also encourages you. Have a blessed weekend!

Proverbs 31

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

Lost without you

The title of this blog is not as dramatic or romantic as it may seem. It is very literal.

You see, my husband's job before was as a window display artist of a shoe store. This shoe store's branches are scattered all over the country, which gave him the opportunity to travel and go back and forth to almost all of the store's branches in the country. Talk about people who are gifted with a clear view of the whole Philippine map, my husband, is the one.

Ever since we met, he was always the one in charge for the directions when we are on the road, whether in the metro or in the province. Even my own family is so dependent on him. Imagine, I was with him for 22 years. So when he "left" me, I was so disoriented on which road to take. Even going to the house of his siblings, where I have been to for so many times, I get lost. And even until now, after two years!

Now, I am a frequent visitor of google map and google earth, for a clear view of where I am going. Somethimes I just secretly laugh at myself because even if i have a print out of the map, I still get lost.

So now, you understand what I am talking about, that "I am lost without him"...

Mother-in-Law

Today is All Saint's Day. Me and my son spent the whole day being with my mother-in-law. I love her so much, because aside from my son, she was also my husband's gift to me when he passed away. Though we seldom see each other, we regularly call each other over the phone. We would sometimes talk for hours. She would tell me everything that is happening around, even what she is feeling, and her opinions. We have our share of misunderstandings at times, but we always go back to our normal mother-daughter relationship. I have never told her this, but ever since my husband left me, she and my son, are my source of strength.

I'm so happy she's still with us at the very "young" age of 84. She still has the energy and mind of a 60 year old. She can still go to the mall, ride public jeepneys, teaches Filipino subject at a private college, can still wash and hang small pieces of her own clothes, wash dishes, etc. She tells me that if she stops doing anything, she will lose her energy and deteriorate. So, she does all these things, whenever she feels like doing them and if she feels good. She does not force herself to do things when she's not feeling well.

I thank God for her...

P.S. Please pardon me if you got disappointed with the content of my post. Hehehe. Yeah, I know most of you don't have a good relationship with your mother-in-laws and I'm so sorry for that. Well, maybe I'm one of the 1 million wives who are lucky and got a good one.  Cheers!

Earthquakes

I am so saddened by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol. State of calamity was declared by the mayors of these two provinces. Seeing all the pictures of the damages, specially the century old churches and the beautiful sceneries that we are proud to show the world, feels like we really cannot argue with nature. We are so powerless to fight with Mother Nature.

Let's pray for the people in those areas. GOD CARES....

NATIONAL TREASURE. Basilica Minore del Sto Niño in Cebu City, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, after7.2-magnitude earthquake. Photo from Jose Farrugia

Image source : http://www.rappler.com/nation/41381-ten-churches-damaged-cebu-bohol-quake

Kids' Birthday Parties

I have always liked babies and kids. When I was growing up, my sister and I got so excited when we learned that our mom was pregnant and a new baby (girl) will be coming out. From my allowance, I would buy her hair accessories, toys, and all the small things that I can afford that we did not have when we were growing up. This sister of mine, our youngest, is gifted with the talent that most of my family does not have. That is creativity. She made all this for her little princess. The tutu, the giveaways, and the party decors. Every time our family has an event, a wedding, a birthday party, she makes something for them as gift, even wedding invitations and giveaways. As my only son is in college, I miss organizing and attending kiddie birthday parties.  The whole family is so engrossed and fond of these little kids.

Sick Mom

It's already mid October and it's only my first post. Mom has been confined in a hospital. She's more than 70 years old and the whole household gets so confused and panicky during times like these. She spent three days in the hospital, and she's better now. Taking all the bed rest she can get. Having her meals on bed, sleeping, and, - this she enjoys so much - playing quiz games on the tablet. We have been teaching her, since she retired from teaching, how to use the computer and internet, since she enjoys reading books so much and watching movies. But she finds it difficult to control the mouse. Maybe she is a pianist, I don't really know. Thank God for the inventor of touch screens, she can now start to know Mr. Google and the whole World Wide Web.

Source image: http://www.thespeechknob.com/2012/12/the-benefits-of-using-ipad-as-speech.html

Music is like a Time Machine

Music is like a time machine. Whenever I listen to the music that my daddy used to play in his stereo, sized like a cabinet in our sala, all the memories come rushing in. All of a sudden, I am transported to our living room in the past, lights in the kitchen are the only lit part of our house. My daddy lying in the sofa, smoking his cigarette with his eyes closed. My sisters and my mommy usually walks around the house, or inside our bedrooms, going to and from the kitchen or comfort room. It lightens my feeling when I see my daddy enjoying feel-good music. His favorite artists include The Carpenters, The Everly Brothers, The Lettermen, Everly Brothers, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Celeste Legaspi, Ric Manrique, Jr, Freddie Aguilar, among others. Those were the times where I want to always go back in time. Our life is very peaceful, happy, contented despite our financial difficulties. We are still happy. My daddy used to make us laugh most of the time. He is also the "rope that binds" the clan together during those times when we were little. He is such a blessing to the whole family.

Despite his happy nature, my sisters and I get scared of him when he is angry. I still remember, even if I'm a grown up, already working at that, he still hits me. - with a soft towel. - That's how he spanks us, with a soft material, you will feel no pain, you just have to instill in your mind his words. There was one time he got mad with my youngest sister, which was only in her toddler years. He was so furious, the following day, he bought her new shoes! Have you met someone like that? Hehehehe.. THAT is my Daddy....

This is what his stereo almost looks like. I wish we have taken a photo of his stereo which he very well took cared of when he was still living. :(

When you hear a particularly sentimental song, do memories come rushing in your mind as well?

Welcome to the Time Machine I am talking about....

Miss World 2013

It has been quite a while since my last post, I think two Sundays ago. Been so busy with my work at home, looking after my only son, doing home chores, and sometimes looking after my sister's two kids and playing with them for a few minutes in between work. These babies brighten our old and happy house. I'll write about them on a separate post.

Anyway, back to my main topic. After all the negative things happening in our country, - with the habagat floods and typhoon, pork barrel, the MNLF attack on Zamboanga - it really is so much refreshing to hear that our very own Megan Young won the Miss World title! Pampa-GV (good vibes talaga!) She even said that "She will be the Best Miss World."  Awww, I cry easily watching this sincere moments. Feeling ko, ako ang nanalo. :) Hearing her interviews before the pageant, she really prepared physically and mentally, for this. I'm so happy and proud of Megan Young. I'm sure all the Filipinos are too.

May she be a good role model in making a change for everyone.  Cheers to Megan Young and all the Filipinos!

Sunday mornings

My Sunday mornings are blocked for worship. If I cannot go to church, physically, I watch Christian preachings via live streamings. We are blessed for this technology! Every Sunday, I will try to share with you the teaching of God's word.

It's about Suffering.

• The greater the pullback, the greater the comeback.
• Pullback is in preparation for comeback.
• The harder the fall, the higher you bounce.
• Sometimes, it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.
• Suffering is temporary, victory is permanent.
• Sufferings teach us to be humble, compassionate, not to be judgemental and prejudiced, and most of all, it teaches us how to love.

As for me, suffering teaches me to be stronger in my faith in God. To hold his hand more tightly and never let go. He will never leave you on any circumstance. Simply because He loves you and He will take care of you. Suffering puts a scar in your heart, and uses it so you can share this lessons to others, without committing the same scar.

Have a Blessed Sunday!

Something funny, and a little . . . . . green. (PG 13)

This is a Flashback Friday post that I would like to share with you. This always make me laugh and I'm sure you will too.

My boyfriend (who became my husband later on, let's just call him D) and I were going to watch a movie. Before reaching the movie house, we passed by a fruit vendor selling lychees. And being one of my favorite fruits, we bought a kilo and I just want to eat it at once! But since we planned on watching a movie, I decided that I will just "devour" the lychees inside the movie house.

Like any other boyfriend-girlfriends, we bought tickets at the balcony. And, as soon as I sat on my seat, I excitedly ate the juicy lychees. Squeezed it so I can peel of its skin and get the fruit inside. The juice just squirted out and the words that came out my mouth were, "Ang lagkit naman, nabasa ako!" D suddenly covered my mouth and wanted to laugh but held it back as we might disturb others watching. 

I was so naive back then, I did not know what's wrong or funny with what I just said! Hahahahaha...

See, now you're laughing too...

Death

At my age, I have seen quite a few loved ones who died, or, I'd like to call it, "passed away to another life" and graduated from their earthly life to being your angel!

The most intense pain that I felt was when my husband passed away. It was a feeling beyond words. Losing a father was a different thing. When you lose a father, it seems that your best teacher in life was gone. But when I lost my husband, it was like, - literally and figuratively - half or more than half of my body also died.

Being a christian, and being surrounded by christians was a very big help. Reading about death and sprituality gave me a clearer understanding about it.

• Death is not the end. Yes, life ends. But your love still exists. You can continue loving that person, even after death.

• Memories. Don't think of how a person died. Think and remember the good and happy memories together, and the lessons he taught you. He will continue living in your heart. Memories are blessings and no one and nothing can get that away from you.

If you've lost someone, whether recently or years and years ago, I hope this post can help you move on.

You can share your loneliness and depression with me. I can be your "E-friend". :)

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=618825181493641&set=a.296146143761548.67493.296144553761707&type=1&theater

BLAKE perform "Manila" live in Tagalog

I'm in the mood to share with you my kind of music today. It's my first time to listen to this Blake Band, and I am amazed by their songs. They are British. They sing almost any type of song. From classical, religious, pop, rock, and, surprisingly, a Tagalog song! This is what caught my attention, and automatically, they are now one of my favorites! I definitely loooove and appreciate their rendition.....

Bruno Mars - Treasure [Official Music Video]

My son is almost always watching or listening to MTVs. You know how teenagers are. I was like that once. (During my time, it was Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Sheena Easton, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and mostly British singers) :D One time, he asked me to watch this new Bruno Mars MTV, the song "Treasure". He told me that it was like an old video but it was Bruno Mars who sang the song. It was inspired by "MY" time. The time where dancing was just like "easy". No bone breaking moves. Just swaying here and there. You see, I am a frustrated dancer. My husband knows that. Just sorry that my "only" patient dancing partner and number 1 fan in dancing is gone.

Anyway, back to the Treasure song. I'm so happy to see and listen to this kind of music. A new music so inspired by the 80's. A song where my son and me can listen to, together!

Let me share with you what I'm talking about, and maybe you can dance and slowly move your hips!

Clogged Toilet

Please excuse me on my topic. If you are eating, you can read my post later.

For those interested, you may continue reading....

As you all know, I am a widower, meaning almost all the household repairs and decisions are made by me, myself, and I, of course with some help and suggestions from my teenage son.

Last night, my toilet got clogged. And, as what I have been doing, being so dependent on "Mr. Google," my first solution, is to look for ways to fix it using the internet!

And let me share with you this article.

Step 1: Begin with a plunger

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Photo 1: Grab the plunger

Plunge the toilet with the rubber flange pulled out to get a better seal. Push in and out vigorously, keeping enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. Keep towels handy to wipe up water that splashes out.

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For about 90 percent of clogged toilets, you only need one special tool—a plunger. Buy one with an extension flange on the rubber bell-shaped end (lead photo). It's designed to fit toilets better so you can deliver more “oomph” to the plunge. You could pull a woodchuck from a hole with one of these things. It'll unplug sink and tub drains too, if you simply fold the flange back into the bell.

A poor flush means that your toilet drain is either partially or completely plugged. A toilet that's completely plugged—a no-drainer—is obvious. The toilet bowl will fill to the brim with flush water and perhaps overflow. Give the water level 10 minutes or so to drop, then attack the problem with a plunger (Photo 1).

However, most clogged toilets are slow drainers, that is, flush water partially fills the bowl but doesn't rush out and clean away the waste. The water level remains high, then usually drains down to normal height within a minute or two. You might not know the toilet is clogged until you flush it. So if you suspect a problem, test the drainage first as we show in Photo 2. If it doesn't drain, don't flush it. Reach for the plunger.

Photo 1 shows how a plunger fits over and seals the toilet drain. Wear rubber gloves—things can get messy—and follow these plunging tips:

1. Make your first plunge a gentle one. Initially the bell is full of air. A hard thrust will force the air back around the seal and blow water all over the bathroom and you!
2. Once you force out the air, plunge vigorously in and out, maintaining the seal. You'll be forcing water both directions in the drain, which will effectively loosen most clogs. Stick with it, plunging 15 to 20 times if necessary.
3. Be patient. Try alternating between steady strokes and occasional monster heaves.
4. Keep enough water in the bowl so the plunger stays covered. Trying to force air through the toilet trap won't generate much pressure.

Most of the time, this is all it takes to clear the clog.

Step 2: Reach for the snake

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Photo 3: A plumbing snake

Spin the long flexible wire into the drain to snag the clog and pull it out.

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If the plunger won't open the drain, or if you can force out the water with the plunger but the toilet still won't flush well, reach for the snake (Photo 3). A drain snake is a long wire coil with a corkscrew-like tip that you feed into your pipes until it encounters the clog. Then you turn the snake clockwise, so that the tip screws into or through the clog and breaks it up. Or the debris winds onto the wire so you can pull it out.

Even the least expensive snake (Photo 3) will clear a toilet. But the closet auger (Photo 4) is a special type designed to get around the first bend, keep debris at arm's length, and yet still spin the coil to hook “foreign objects.” A rubber sleeve protects the enamel bowl from scrape marks. These snakes are short because most obstructions catch in the first S-bend or at the floor flange. (Plumbers report that the most common foreign objects are toys.)

Step 3: Major surgery if all else fails

If the clog resists all your efforts, you'll probably have to pull up the toilet. This job will take several hours, because you have to turn off and unhook the water supply, partially disassemble the toilet, and unscrew it from its mounting ring. Chances are, you can then get at the problem. Be sure to buy a new wax ring and new mounting bolts to reseal the toilet base to the mounting ring.

However, if other drains in your home are plugged, or if water comes up through them, the problem is probably farther down in the main drainpipes, often out of easy reach. For those clogs you may have to call a plumber. Plumbers are expensive, but they can put your bathroom back in service fast, even if there's a major blockage.

Master plunger

Toilet Do's and Don'ts

1. Avoid chemicals. Don't be suckered into thinking that powerful chemicals will do the messy work for you. They sometimes work, but they're slower. And when they don't work, you have a drain full of corrosive water on your hands. If you tried chemicals and they didn't work, run as much water into the toilet as possible and let it sit overnight to drain through the clog. Then, when you plunge, wear safety goggles and rubber gloves to keep the water out of your eyes and off your bare skin.

2. Keep the toilet cover down, especially if you have small kids, so toys and hairbrushes won't fall into the toilet.

3. Don't pour hardening compounds down the toilet. These include such things as drywall joint compound, grease, caulk and wax products.

Source : http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/toilet-repair/how-to-fix-a-clogged-toilet/view-all