fallin star

Chest to chest
Nose to nose
Palm to palm
We were always just that close
Wrist to wrist
Toe to toe
Lips that felt just like the inside of a rose
So, how come when I reach out my finger
It feels like more than distance between us

In this California king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I've been California wishing on these stars
For your heart for me
My California king

Eye to eye
Cheek to cheek
Side by side
You were sleeping next to me
Arm in arm
Dusk to dawn
With the curtains drawn
And a little last night on these sheets
So, how come when I reach out my fingers
It seems like more than distance between us

In this California king bed

We're ten thousand miles apart
I've been California wishing on these stars
For your heart for me
My California king

Just when I felt like giving up on us
You turned around and gave me one last touch
That made everything feel better
And even then my eyes got wetter
So confused wanna ask you if you love me
But I don't wanna seem so weak
Maybe I've been California dreaming

Yeah yeah yeah

In this California king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I've been California wishing on these stars
For your heart for me
My California king
My California king

In this California king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I've been California wishing on these stars
For your heart for me
My California king

3,900 Saturdays

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday morning. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it:

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say.

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital," he continued; "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.

Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3,900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part.

It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1,000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear.

Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life.

There's nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.

Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.

It was nice to meet you Tom. I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 year old man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.

Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile.

"Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

Missing HOME

Nakakamiss.....

1. Ang bahay na kahit hndi masyadong malaki at hindi pa ayos e hindi pa rin maipagpalit sa ibang airconditioned flats dito..na kapag inuwian mo e may sasalubong na mga pusa, pamangkin na makulit, pinsang malambing at magaling magmasahe at syempre si mama,ang reyna ng tahanan.
2. Mga super friends na kapag loka-loka mode ay laging ready to welcome me with their open arms. Special mention ang forever friend at chatmate - Nellers Lumabi Torralba...ang neighbor at classmate since elementary - Paul Ayhan, kasing bruha kong super friend - Frins, at walang social network account na si Jayson. =)
3. Cecilio family at ang Addas house..mga pamangkins na makukulit at sweet. SML sessions with Jhanel, Rhemsky, Gailsky, Davesky at in-laws nanay at tatay. Family that drinks together with videoke,stays together. Missing sessions with Vansky & Lei, Jakesky & Cion (abroad din e)
4. Mga pasaways lalo na mga girlfriends.. at majority samin mommies na, ako pala ang latest. ;)
5. Food! Isaw sa kanto at UP Diliman, siomai ni aling becky, mami sa main street, Jollibee, Shakey's, dirty ice cream, takoyaki at purefoods hotdog on stick sa SM supermarket, tindang pagkain ni ate Nancy, Dencio's, Ice Monster, goto at lugaw, Tokyo Tokyo, SML 3+1 or with pulutan sa mga restos.
6. UPCN na nahihiya akong dalawin since wala pa rin direksyon ang nursing career ko, Rob Place na extension ng UPCN life ko, at ang PGH na hanggang ngayon e dream hospital pa rin.
7. Samar, Bicol, Misibis bay, Tagaytay, Mahogany Market, Mushroom burger factory, Bataan, Sibul Spring

...hope to see u all soon at excited to bring Yuanne home. =)

song for my Yuanne

I WILL BE HERE

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I...I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I...I will be here
I will be here
When you feel like bein' quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen

And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winnin' and losin' and tryin'
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I...I'll be here
Just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
I...I will be here

I will be here
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you

And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the
One who gave you to me
I...I will be here

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
'Cause I...
I will be here....
We'll be together, forever

'Cause I will be here

FAT HABITS

FAT HABIT #1: Eating "low-fat"
It sounds crazy, but I want you to stop buying foods marketed as low-fat or fat-free. Typically, they save you only a few calories and, in doing so, they replace harmless fats with low-performing carbohydrates that digest quickly—causing a sugar rush and, immediately afterward, rebound hunger. Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that meals that limited carbohydrates to 43 percent were more filling and had a milder effect on blood sugar than meals with 55 percent carbohydrates. That means you’ll store less body fat and be less likely to eat more later.

FAT HABIT #2: Not seeking nutrition advice
Good news here: By reading this, you’re already forming habits that can help you shed pounds. When Canadian researchers sent diet and exercise advice to more than 1,000 people, they found that the recipients began eating smarter and working more physical activity into their daily routines. Not surprisingly, the habits of the non-recipients didn’t budge. Follow me on Twitter for the fat-melting weight loss tips I come across every day as the editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine—and lose your belly without ever dieting again.

FAT HABIT #3: Sleeping too little or too much
According to Wake Forest researchers, dieters who sleep five hours or less put on 2½ times more belly fat, while those who sleep more than eight hours pack on only slightly less than that. Shoot for an average of six to seven hours of sleep per night—the optimal amount for weight control.
FAT HABIT #4: Eating free restaurant foods
Breadsticks, biscuits, and chips and salsa may be complimentary at some restaurants, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pay for them. Every time you eat one of Olive Garden's free breadsticks or Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you're adding an additional 150 calories to your meal. Eat three over the course of dinner and that's 450 calories. That's also roughly the number of calories you can expect for every basket of tortilla chips you get at your local Mexican restaurant. What's worse, none of these calories comes paired with any redeeming nutritional value. Consider them junk food on steroids.

DID YOU KNOW? You don't need to make big changes to your diet to lose 10, 20, or even 30 pounds. You just need to make the right small tweaks. Change how you look and feel—fast and forever—with this must-see report on the 25 Best Nutrition Secrets Ever!
FAT HABIT #5: Drinking soda—even diet!
The average American guzzles nearly a full gallon of soda every week. Why is that so bad? Because a 2005 study found that drinking one to two sodas per day increases your chances of being overweight or obese by nearly 33 percent. And diet soda is no better. When researchers in San Antonio tracked a group of elderly subjects for nearly a decade, they found that compared to nondrinkers, those who drank two or more diet sodas a day watched their waistlines increase five times faster. The researchers theorize that the artificial sweeteners trigger appetite cues, causing you to unconsciously eat more at subsequent meals.   
FAT HABIT #6: Skipping meals
In a 2011 national survey from the Calorie Control Council, 17 percent of Americans admitted to skipping meals to lose weight. The problem is, skipping meals actually increases your odds of obesity, especially when it comes to breakfast. A study from the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who cut out the morning meal were 4.5 times more likely to be obese. Why? Skipping meals slows your metabolism and boosts your hunger. That puts your body in prime fat-storage mode and increases your odds of overeating at the next meal.
FAT HABIT #7: Eating too quickly
If your body has one major flaw, this is it: It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it’s had enough. A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that slow eaters took in 66 fewer calories per meal, but compared to their fast-eating peers, they felt like they had eaten more. What’s 66 calories, you ask? If you can do that at every meal, you’ll lose more than 20 pounds a year! 
FAT HABIT #8: Watching too much TV
A University of Vermont study found that overweight participants who reduced their TV time by just 50 percent burned an additional 119 calories a day on average. That’s an automatic 12-pound annual loss! Maximize those results by multitasking while you watch—even light household tasks will further bump up your caloric burn. Plus, if your hands are occupied with dishes or laundry, you’ll be less likely to mindlessly snack—the other main occupational hazard associated with tube time.
SNACK YOURSELF THIN! It can be a challenge to find snacks low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. Our list of the 50 Best Snack Foods in America will help keep you lean and full all day long!
FAT HABIT #9: Ordering the combo meal
A study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing shows that compared to ordering a la carte, you pick up a hundred or more extra calories by opting for the “combo” or “value meal." Why? Because when you order items bundled together, you're likely to buy more food than you want. You're better off ordering your food piecemeal. That way you won't be influenced by pricing schemes designed to hustle a few more cents out of your pocket.
FAT HABIT #10: Facing the buffet
Cornell researchers found that when eating at a buffet-style restaurant, obese diners were 15 percent more likely to choose seats with a clear view of the food. Your move: Choose a seat that places your back toward the spread. It will help you avoid fixating on the food.
20 NEW TERRIBLE FOODS! Some restaurant foods have an entire day's worth of calories and several days' worth of fat and salt. Avoid these shocking diet disasters at all costs: The Worst Foods in America!
FAT HABIT #11: Eating off larger plates
One study found that when given an option, a whopping 98.6 percent of obese individuals opt for larger plates. Translation: More food, more calories, and more body fat. Keep your portions in check by choosing smaller serving dishes. If need be, you can always go back for seconds. 

FAT HABIT #12: Putting serving dishes on the table
Resist setting out foods buffet- or family-style, and opt instead to serve them from the kitchen. A study in the journal Obesity found that when food is served from the dinner table, people consume 35 percent more over the course of the meal. When an additional helping requires leaving the table, people hesitate to go back for more.

FAT HABIT #13: Choosing white bread
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when obese subjects incorporated whole grains into their diets, they lost more abdominal fat over the course of 12 weeks. There are likely multiple factors at play, but the most notable is this: Whole grain foods pack in more fiber and an overall stronger nutritional package than their refined-grain counterparts. 

FAT HABIT #14: Taking big bites
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who took large bites of food consumed 52 percent more calories in one sitting than those who took small bites and chewed longer. By cutting food into smaller pieces, you can increase satiety and enjoy your food more thoroughly. A good general rule? The smaller your bites, the thinner your waistline.
FAT HABIT #15: Not drinking enough water
Adequate water intake is essential for all your body’s functions, and the more you drink, the better your chances of staying thin. In one University of Utah study, dieting participants who were instructed to drink two cups of water before each meal lost 30 percent more weight than their thirsty peers. And you can magnify the effect by adding ice. German researchers found that six cups of cold water a day could prompt a metabolic boost that incinerates 50 daily calories. That’s enough to shed five pounds a year!
BEVERAGE BONUS: Drinking water is always a smart idea, but there are some beverages that should be avoided at all costs. Protect yourself—and your waistline—from the 20 Worst Drinks in America.
FAT HABIT #16: Having overweight friends
Research from the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that when a friend becomes obese, it ups your chance of obesity by 57 percent. This probably has to do with the social norms that you’re exposed to. Rather than ditch a friend who starts to put on a few extra pounds though, suggest healthy activities that you can do together, and avoid letting him or her dictate the meal (“Let’s split the cheesecake!”)
FAT HABIT #17: Eating too late
Your body can burn flab while you sleep, but only if it isn't too busy processing a full stomach. A new study in the journal Obesity looked at the sleeping and eating habits of 52 people over seven days, and it found that those who ate after 8 p.m. took in the most daily calories and had the highest BMIs.
FAT HABIT #18: Not using a scale
Looking at your body weight reinforces weight-loss goals and makes it difficult to cheat your diet. When University of Minnesota researchers observed dieters who weighed themselves daily, they discovered that the routine of stepping on a scale helped those people lose twice as much weight as those who weighed themselves less frequently. Avoid being thrown of by natural fluctuations in body weight by stepping onto the scale at the same time every day.

FAT HABIT #19: Drinking fruity beverages
Most restaurants and bars have ditched their fresh-fruit recipes in favor of viscous syrups made mostly from high fructose corn syrup and thickening agents. As a general rule, the more garnishes a drink has hanging from its rim, the worse it is for your waistline.
FAT HABIT #20: Eating when emotional
A study from the University of Alabama found that emotional eaters—those who admitted eating in response to emotional stress—were 13 times more likely to be overweight or obese. If you feel the urge to eat in response to stress, try chewing a piece of gum, chugging a glass of water, or taking a walk around the block. Create an automatic response that doesn't involve food and you'll prevent yourself from overloading on calories.
YOUR NEW SHOPPING LIST! There are more than 45,000 options in the average supermarket. Some will wreck your waistline; some will shrink it. The easiest way to choose: Go ahead and put anything from our list of the 125 Best Supermarket Foods in your shopping cart—and watch the pounds drop away

busy as a bee

     We're quiet busy nowadays for the painting and arrangement of the house for our baby's arrival, and the preparation for the upcoming baby shower. I'm on my 8th month of pregnancy now so only feweeks from now and we'll see our little princess.
     For now, this is what I'll share. Been really excited lately that I can't focus my thoughts yet. Soon, I'll write longer blogs again.  

Ligament tear, ouch! :(

   


    Hubby was not able to go to work yesterday due to his wrist injury. It happened last Thursday when they have dismantled our double size bunk bed which was for sale to a friend. He said that he didn't feel anything that night, but the following day when he woke up, he compalined of wrist pain. He thought that I slept over his hand but I know that I did not. I just put pain reliever gel on the affected site and a tube bandage to minimize the movement of the area. Few days passed and he's still complaining about his wrist and that the pain wasn't subsiding at all. So finally came the day when the movement of his right wrist was decreased and a little bit of movement caused him pain. I've told him that we need to go to an orthopedic doctor to have his wrist checked.
   Yesterday, we went to Welcare Gusais Clinic for an appointment. An xray was done and his wrist was assessed and the diagnosis is, ligament tear sprain of the right wrist. Good thing his bones wasn't affected and it is just a little tear. The doctor said that it will heal on its own but in time. So he's prescribed with pain reliever tablets and gel. His hand is bandaged as well and he needs to keep it for 2 days. Atleast now, we know what happened and an intervention is given to him to alleviate the pain. It's hard feeling pain and going to work at the same time,especially if we use our hands at work most. So let's all love and care for our hands because it is hard having an injured one.

Modern Housewives ;)

   

 Thanks to advanced technology, wifi, YM via cellphone and BB services...my super friend Nellers and I are now virtually connected everyday.  We used to text each other on a daily basis when I was in the Philippines before, just talking about school stuff, boys, NCPs, duties and the toxicity of our college lives. We just love talking,chatting,texting about anything under the sun...happy moments, and especially the sad ones. It's like having a sister, confidant, super friend in one.
    When I moved abroad to work, our communication became weekly basis since we only rely then on roaming texts which is little expensive, and yahoo mails. But never came a point that we stopped communicating. We talked about adjustments to her motherhood and family life, while I struggle from being away to my hubs (still boyfriend then) and applying for work with multi-cultural set-up. Though we are busy with our own lives, we still manage to have time for each other even in the simplest way possible of being connected.
    Now, that we have FB, wifi and mobile phone chats, we're able to do the same thing again though we're miles apart. As she said, we're like the modern housewives chatting while doing household chores, minus the hair rollers and dusters.Hehehe! Though the topics now are about fam life, kids, our parents and dreams for them, finances,our diet and work..it is always fun having conversation with her.
     As always, thank you again for the friendship and for helping me be sane during my crazy moods..iloveu Nellygood and looking forward to our dream of being neighbors some day. ;)

7 Everyday Products Linked to Cancer

This article kind of bothered me when I read it today. There are a lot of stuff we use at home that we think are safe and harmless to us that might contribute to having illness like the big C.
    I am particularly concerned about the long term effect of talcum powder to women. It's like a tradition to most mothers to put powder on their babies' bum and genital areas before putting on diapers, not thinking that to prevent nappy rash could lead to an illness in their children's adult lives. Though this claim still needs a thorough medical and scientific study to be proven, I think it is safer to stop doing the said routine. I am going to be a mom very soon so I am glad to have read this warning. Let's just use the traditional soap and water/baby wipes to clean our lil ones and then pat dry their bums with clean cloth. It's better to be safe than to be sorry,right. It's one step to minimizing the risk factors of cancer.
    The other products mentioned should be used in moderation. As they say, everything in excess is bad for us. So drinking coffee, eating salted fish can still be enjoyed but in moderation. Making yourself tan can also be done naturally and with better health benefits too, if you go out to the beach/pool during the day at the time when the sun's UV rays are still healthy to the skin, 6 am - 9am. You'll have the tan that you want plus the vitamin D provided by our great sun, and no expensive charge for you. =)
    Here's the article by Lisa Cool that caught my attention today. Hope this will help others as well.

• Coffee: There’s hot debate brewing about the health effects of coffee, since it lifts risk for some cancers and cuts risk for others. A 1991 IARC report linked drinking coffee to increased risk for bladder cancer, while a study released in May found that men who consumed six or more cups daily were 60 percent less likely to develop fatal prostate cancer. Quaffing two or more cups a day raises lung cancer risk by 14 percent, according to a 2010 review. Classification: Probable carcinogen.
• Flame retardant baby products: In the 1970s, the flame retardant Tris was removed from kids’ sleepwear as a suspected carcinogen. In May, a study found chlorinated Tris in more than one-third of the polyurethane foam baby products tested, including nursing pillows, car seats, baby carriers and high chairs. A program within the EPA not only has identified the chemical as a cancer hazard, but also reports that animal studies link it to developmental defects, anemia, liver failure and reproductive problems.  Classification: Probable carcinogen.

• Talcum powder: Widely used to keep skin dry and prevent rashes, talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer if applied to the female genitals. Particles from sanitary napkins, diaphragms, condoms and talcum power applications could travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. An analysis of data from 16 studies found a 30 percent rise in ovarian cancer risk among talcum users. A safe alternative is cornstarch powder, which is not linked to cancer. Classification: Possible carcinogen.

• Alcohol: Nearly 10 percent of cancers in men—and 3 percent in women—are sparked by drinking too much alcohol, German researchers reported in April. They calculate that in the eight European countries studied, about 54,500 cases of alcohol-related cancer, such as cancers of the upper digestive tract, colon, liver and breast (in women), would have been prevented in 2008 if women limited themselves to no more than one alcoholic drink a day and men to two drinks. Classification: Known carcinogen.

• Hormone replacement therapy: Used to relieve menopause symptoms and delivered as a pill, patch or vaginal ring, hormone replacement therapy may involve estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. The Women’s Health Initiative study reports that daily use raised women’s risk for breast cancer by five to six percent for each year HRT was taken. Estrogen-only HRT more quintuples risk for uterine cancer. Doctors advise women who use HRT to take it for the shortest possible time. Classification: Known carcinogen.

• Salted fish. Eating salted fish, a popular food in Asian countries, raises risk for cancers of the nose, stomach and colon. Studies also link consumption of highly salty foods, including fish, to increased threat of ovarian and prostate cancer. Also be wary of caviar: A 2010 study of 77,500 Japanese men and women found that those who ate salted fish roe the most frequently had the highest overall rate of cancer. Classification: Known carcinogen.

• Tanning beds: There’s no such thing as a “healthy tan.” Some tanning beds emit 10 to 15 times more UV radiation than the midday sun. A 2010 study found that young people who have ever used a tanning bed are 1.41 times more likely to get melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, and those who have used them 10 or more times have double the risk. Melanoma rates in young women have tripled over the past 30 years, largely due to use of tanning beds. Classification: Known carcinogen.

Siging up!

You can not beat a good euphonious...

Yuanne's happy feet

  


Everytime my baby kicks or punches, I feel relieved and happy to know that she's doing well inside me. Since I can't see her yet, it's her way of letting mimi and didi know that she's active and fine. It's her reponse to her dad's voice, to my greetings, to the song I love to hear, or a response to the loud sound system whenever where inside a movie house, or a way of letting me know she's hungry as well (usually kicks whenever I am hungry but still not getting up to get our food..like saying, mimi come on! Can't wait for the food!), or whenever didi touches or puts his cheek near my abdomen (they have a bond already), and whenever I'm lying down and doing nothing. It's like our own private time together. I so love when she does that and makes me keep on imagining what she looks like, or if she got my legs too. A very overwhelming feeling to realize that you have a growing life inside you. One of the greatest miracle and gift from above. =)

   So to all the moms-to-be out there, here's an article from e-How Health on fetal kick and movement. Read away!

One of the most anticipated and exciting moments of pregnancy is when a mom-to-be first feels the baby kick and move inside of her. In the weeks leading up to that moment, all any mom can think of is: When will it happen? The fetus begins kicking and moving around the seventh week of pregnancy, but it is so small that the mother cannot feel it. Most moms won't begin to feel the fetus moving until 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, although some will feel it earlier and others later.

1. Early Fetal Movement (Weeks 7-12)

   • The fetus first begins to move around the seventh week of pregnancy, shortly after its heart begins to beat. While a mother cannot detect this movement---the fetus is technically still an embryo at this point, only measuring about a half-inch long---she will be able to see it waving its tiny arm buds and kicking its legs via ultrasound.

   Movement in Early Second Trimester (Weeks 13-20)

   • The first fetal movements the mother can feel are called "quickening." Many first-time mothers will not realize when quickening occurs, as early fetal movements often feel like the rumbling of gas. Different women describe the sensation of the baby's moving in different ways. According to Baby Center, some women say it feels like popcorn popping, fluttering butterfly wings or a goldfish swimming.

   Fetal Movement in Late Second Trimester (Weeks 21-27)

   • As the baby grows, its movement will becomes stronger and more definite. During the late second trimester, most women will feel kicks and punches, as well as squirming and rolling. The woman's partner may be able to feel some of this movement when touching the belly. In some cases, the movement may be so strong that it can be seen from the outside: The mom-to-be's belly will jump and roll as the baby does.

   Fetal Movement in the Early Third Trimester (Weeks 28-32)

   • By the start of the third trimester, most moms can feel their baby kicking regularly (although not necessarily frequently). At this time, a woman should begin to keep track of her baby's movements by counting the baby's kicks. This exercise can help the mother become aware of any unusual decrease in activity and identify a potential problem. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the mom should do "kick counts" at the same time every day, preferably at a time when the baby is typically active. The mother should count at least 10 kicks within two hours.

   Fetal Movement in Late Third Trimester (32-40 Weeks)

   • By around 32 weeks, the mother may start to feel fewer movements, because the baby has grown so much that it has less room to move in the uterus. She should continue doing her kick counts and report to her doctor any substantially decreased activity.

Read more: In What Stage of Pregnancy Does the Fetus Begin to Kick & Move? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5072485_stage-fetus-begin-kick-move.html#ixzz1ONlKoCSM

Food Plate Is In!

   A very fresh news from the US that concerns all of us. As I remember, the food pyramid has been taught to all of us starting grade school. It's like one of the fundamentals in your childhood...the go,glow and grow foods and of course the food pyramid. Now, it's being replaced  by the Food Plate.
    For me, this will be a better way to illustrate healthy eating to all starting from the young. All food groups are essential to us, it's just that sometimes it's hard to control the portion or amount of food that we eat.
    So, here's the good news everyone! We'll be able to practice portion eating today...


USDA Food Pyramid is Out, Food Plate is In
by Lisa Collier Cool

A two-decade old icon of healthy eating--the food pyramid—is now ancient history. In what the US Department of Agriculture calls a “monumental effort” to improve the nation’s diet amid the obesity epidemic, the government has dished up a new plate-shaped graphic, to debut on June 2 with massive fanfare from the Obama administration.
The new symbol, which will be accompanied by a new website, reportedly cost $2 million to develop. You’ll see the plate everywhere—restaurants, grocery stores, schools, workplaces and online— since the government hopes it will soon become as familiar as the pyramid, recognized by more than 80 percent of Americans. The White House will spearhead the launch of the icon, aimed at boosting awareness of new federal dietary guidelines issued in January. The easy-to-understand graphic augments Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move anti-obesity initiative.
Check out these seven healthy lunch ideas for kids.
What does the plate symbolize? The icon, which resembles a pie chart or pizza, is sliced into four colorful wedges to illustrate the amounts of each food group—fruits, vegetables, grains and protein--the USDA advises. Half of the plate is covered with fruits and vegetables, the cornerstones of a healthy diet. According to the NY Times, a smaller circle next to the plate represents dairy products, such as a glass of low-fat milk. The idea is to suggest that what we put on our plate makes a key difference to health.
What’s behind the symbol swap? Introduced in 1992, the food pyramid sparked controversy, with the meat and dairy industries contending that it stigmatized their products by placing them near the top (foods to eat in smaller portions). A 2005 update called MyPyramid, issued with the motto, “Steps to a Healthier You,” showed a stick figure climbing the pyramid, which was redesigned with a jumble of food images at the base. Nutritionists deemed the 2005 version confusing and all but useless since it didn’t provide visual guidance on how much of each food to eat.
What’s the government’s new dietary advice? The USDA has developed six steps to healthy eating to be released along with the food plate icon:
 Diet tips to help you manage type 2 diabetes.

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eating more of these foods can save your life. A study of more that 313,000 men and women reported earlier this year that for each extra serving of these fruits and vegetables people ate daily, risk of fatal cardiovascular disease shrank by four percent. People who ate at least eight 2.8-ounce servings a day had a 25 percent lower risk than those who consumed fewer than three portions. Eating more fruits and vegetables helps you slim down, since these nutrient-rich, low-cal foods are filling.
• Avoid supersized portions. One simple trick that helps with portion control is to use smaller plates. 12-inch plates are now commonplace—and a factor in the obesity epidemic. Switching to an 8-inch plate could help shrink your waistline and risk for chronic diseases.
• Enjoy tasty meals, but eat less. An ongoing study of Okinawans, who have one of the world’s highest rates of people living to age 100 and beyond, reveals a key factor in why they live so long: the cultural practice of “hara hachi bu,” only eating until they feel 80 percent full.
• Switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. You’ll get the calcium and vitamin D (in fortified products) that you need to maintain strong bones with fewer calories.
• Read labels and pick foods with less sodium. While the government urges shaking the salt habit, there’s now medical debate about how helpful this is for people without high blood pressure—a disorder that affects one in three American adults. In May, a study published in Journal of the American Medical Association reported that healthy people who consume the least sodium don’t have any heart-health advantage over those who eat the most. However, the findings are controversial and some nutritionists question the methodology.
• Quench thirst with water instead of sweet drinks. Not only are sugary beverages fattening, but a recent study linked them to 14,000 new cases of heart disease, 75,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes, and 7,000 premature deaths over the past decade. What’s more, swigging just two sugary drinks a day hikes diabetes risk by 26 percent—an excellent reason to shun soda and wash down your next meal with a cool, refreshing glass of water.

BB love!

     I never really thought I would enjoy using this phone.I find it very complicated and not so user-friendly. But then, since my hubs and I are trying to cost cut our expenses including celphone load so we thought that BB would be of great help since there's the bbm feature plus the unlimited use of internet browser for YM and FB. It would mean being connected to friends and family all over the world with lesser amount and convenience of being able to use it everywhere we go. Am not trying to advertise the phone brand, I'm just stating my happiness over this. I think that it is a good decision buying them. =) Plus the fact that they have promo in all stores here, so another discount and additional freebies!
     I am just happy being able to send messages to loved ones here and far away. It's like the unlimited text promos in the Philippines all over again, but better since there's internet access as well. The great power of technology. ;) I'm so loving it!
      

our DNA

     We were really planning to have a 4D ultrasound soon, so we could make the invitation for my baby shower and of course to check our lil girls growth and development. We did call some clinics and hospitals here for the charges and we've decided to go to Arya Clinic, the most affordable price of all. I also tried to call my previous work place but unfortunately the receptionist told me that I have to be a patient there.
     Yesterday, my friend Con sent me an SMS about the price of 4D UTZ with the doctor that I've been wanting to see in Welcare, my previous workplace. It was discounted of course because of her help, even lesser than Arya Clinic and I was booked immediately that afternoon. Lucky us! So finally, we saw our lil girl's features, reconfirmed her gender, checked her weight and vital organs. Hubs and I are very happy to see her in 4 Dimentional way.

      Presenting our lil girl, Yuanne. ;) We think she got her dad's nose,thank God! She was sleeping at this photo and she's sucking her thumb. Then maybe distubed by the machine rubbing my abdomen, she woke up and started stretching her arms and legs. We were able to see her legs, arms, fingers, spine, stomach, heart, bladder and her genital area. She's definitely a girl. At one point, she was reaching her toes and moving her legs. So cute! Didi's very happy and proud to see her lil one and the excitement just grows..Looking forward to the big day of seeing you personally and finally holding you in our arms. Once again, thank you ninang Con for the help and assistance. We are just so happy to know that Yuanne is growing well and healthy inside me. Been loving you more each day kiddo! ;)

Yuanne's space ;)

    My hubs searched a proposed paint color for our flat. We wanted to change the boring white paint into something nicer to the eyes since our lil girl will be arriving 2 months from now. We also searched a theme to copy for her space, and this is what we've both decided. Personally I don't want the typical pink baby stuff, so we opted for somewhat neutral in gender color. Her dad is the only man in the house and it's kinda funny to imagine all the stuff around him would be girlish and pinkish. We're just hoping that we could arrange and provide a comfortable home for Yuanne.
    It's fun seeing him very excited for the coming of our baby. I know we've wanted to have her for quite a while. And I know that he'll be a very doting dad once the baby comes out...actually started when I had the pregnancy test.

Suman with Latik or Sugar

    I'm drooling over this. It's been a while since I've tasted it, almost 2 years of no vacation back home. sigh... Everytime my in-laws go to Samar ( our province ), they always bring this with them and my hubs ( boyfriend then ) and I would happily devour them in few minutes. If lucky enough, I could bring some to mama and cousin in Novaliches. =)
   Happy times reminiscing this simple thing. So probably tomorrow, we could buy some in Satwa since tita told me that a Filipino store is selling it there. Excited much!  Hope to see you tomorrow ,that you satisfy my cravings and make mimi and bibi happier and in better mood. ;)

Life Away from Home

    Low mood today, kinda missing home and everyone there again. And so Cinema One also likes to add up to my emotion as they have shown the movie "Dubai", the same place that I am living in at the moment. I again ask the question, what am I still doing here and is it still worth it? Though I perfectly know the answer... have no choice since we still have a lot of financial obligations. And the phrase from a song pops into my head.. it's not about the money,money,money! Hell no! It is all about the money...sad to say.
    Don't get me wrong, of course I am grateful that we are able to work abroad. As everyone knows, almost half or more than of the Philippine population wants to work outside our beloved country. One works abroad for better future, greater income or to help the family back home. At first, it was exciting and all..new environment, mixed cultures, fabulous office buildings and better road way. And a very good way to boost ones confidence since you're able to penetrate the international business.
    But as time goes by, the purpose of earning big and saving a lot seems harder. It's like you even load yourself with a lot of loans and credit. Why is that? The time that you were supposed to be with your family is compensated by material things. You try to make up for the lost times with them with a box filled with goods and things they want just so to let them know that we love them. And when the time for the annual vacation comes, all the savings you have is just spent in a month's time because you want to treat your family and friends to amonth-long of happy times because after that you'll be gone away again for over a year or two, and the crying starts.
     Then there are those times that you feel so lonely that you just want to be happy..going to bars,drinking your hearts' out til you feel numb and just sleep, shop all you want and say that it is your treat for yourself for the hard work you've been doing. You spent it with your so-called friends that you think do really care for you. And when the happy moments are over, they would be hard to reach coz everyone's busy minding their own lives, problems and freakin businesses..and yes, see you til the next happy moment. Few stays through the rough and hard moments. So you'll feel alone and tired...and homesick again and think of your support system at home. Well, Im just luckier since I have my hubs and some family here. Helps me stay sane still. 
      Work, money, work, money but it is still like they were never enough. Because most importantly, you'd want to spend time with your family and true friends...then you'll be truly happy. So I'm hoping to finish all of our financial obligations here and move back home. Try our luck there and be back to being contented and have that smile that reaches to the heart. The high price of living away from home, for them to live more comfortably. =(

thoughts on love..

...did you ever feel overwhelmed and so grateful because of the love given by people around you,wether near or far? I do..so I'm gonna share my thoughts on this very broad but powerful concept of love. cheezy much today huh! pregnancy hormones kicking in guys..haha!

for me..LOVE is : ( for hubs, mom, family, friends )

* watching him sleep though all you really wanna do is wake him up coz insomnia's attacking you
* him learning to put nail polish on my toes because I can't reach them anymore due to bulging tummy ( 7 months and counting baby! )
* 2 minute call to just hear his/her voice
* buying flowers to cheer up the birthday blues
* good morning kiss and hugs before preparing for work and the other one is half awake/half asleep
* watching tv series together til the late hours
* preparing his fave sandwich for work
* brunch in bed prepared by him during weekends ( I get to rest more when he's around )
* kisses on my tummy
* baby's kick in response to didi's voice
* long email messages from fam and friends
* time for chat on web with friends and fam living back home or far away
* update on each other through text messages, fb message/comments, YM chat, etc
* putting hair color, manicure/pedicure for mom
* prayers dedicated for someone
* willingness to provide help no matter how big or small
* seeing new photos of loved ones
* someone buying your fave fruit or flavored ice cream just because you blurted out that you wanna eat it now
* once in a while get together over coffee or simple comfort foods
* smelling him newly bathe or not ;p

...love,love,love! Thank God for this feeling.. ;)

Not So Desperate...

   Had a simple yet happy weekend with friends and family. Attended our friend's birthday celebration last Friday, food trip as I can't drink alcoholic beverages at the moment. ;) So I feasted on the yummy dishes instead. It's always fun to meet up with friends/old co-workers once in a while. You get to catch up and bond once again.
   Then Saturday is a home based happy day with hubs. We've been hooked to another tv series now..the Desperate Housewives. We did not watch this before since we were so into House MD and Scrubs then, since both of us are nurses. But since we finished watching all seasons, I've tried this series though I'm not sure that he'll appreciate it since it's about domestic stuff and all. To my surprise, he learned to love it as well as much as I do. Probably because we relate to the everyday events of being husband and wife and the issues of marriage, family, friends and neighborhood. At first, I thought that it was kinda boring but I'm certainly wrong. So on my hubs' free time we tend to watch it together until the wee hours. I'm just glad that we share another common thing again especially now that Im kinda one of the desperate housewives now..but not so much when I'm with him. Most of the times we're happy together..;p

Excited Parents ;)

      One week to go and I am on my 7th month of pregnancy already. My tummy's surely showing up and the lil one is ( I believe ) happily kicking and stretsching inside me. Two months to go and we'll welcome her to this world, how time flies so fast. We haven't prepared the nursery or even bought any baby clothes or stuff. We'll probably buy some clothes on my 8th month but the other stuff, I'll wait for our friends' and family's gifts on the baby shower. Collecting? Of course! Hahaha! 
     Mom, husband and I talked about the preparation the other day. The food to serve location, theme and guests to invite.  Honestly, I am so not fond of preparing events or parties, but organizing and planning is fine. I don't wanna be stressed much on the physical preparation and all. Good thing that my hubs loves to do stuff like that. But of course, thinking of our lil one and the gifts that we'll receive for her makes us very excited parents just thinking of it now. ;) I believe that it is also a great way to spend time with friends and family before delivery, and parents will be able to save money from buying some baby stuff as well, especially if you have a wish list for your super close friends. Thank you for friends and family members in advance! ;)

It Comes With Age ;p

    When we talk of age, a lot comes to our mind... more freedom to party, more responsibilities & obligations, work, getting married, having kids, maturity, income and of course vanity. Most women and men become more conscious of their looks especially if the appearance of gray hair, bulging tummies/muffin tops, and wrinkles on faces are visible already. Some of us panic when our birthdays are near and the big 30s are here. So here are some tips to still look young and delay the visibility of aging.

The 10 Commandments of Anti-Aging: by Kristin Perrota

1. Wear sunscreen—and not just at the beach.

Rain or shine, "liberally applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection every day is the single most important thing you can do to prevent sun damage and skin cancer," says New York City dermatologist Doris Day. We love Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Sunblock SPF 50 (for normal skin), Kate Somerville Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen (for oily skin), and Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen SPF 40 (for sensitive skin).

Photo: Courtesy of amazon.com

2. Quit smoking.

In addition to causing cancer and bad breath, smoking cigarettes "destroys collagen and elastin and decreases levels of estrogen, which is necessary to keep skin firm," says New York City dermatologist Fredric Brandt.

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

3. Use a retinoid.

It's the best way to slow down the clock with a cream. "Retinoids minimize the appearance of existing age spots and fine lines and prevent new ones from forming," says New York City dermatologist Heidi Waldorf. Try Dermadoctor Poetry in Lotion Intensive Retinol.

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

4. Stay hydrated.

No, Diet Coke doesn't count. "The more hydrated your skin, the better your wrinkles will look," says Montclair, New Jersey, dermatologist Jeanine Downie. "Drink lots of water, cut back on coffee and soda, and moisturize regularly." Try L'Oréal Paris Youth Code Day/Night Cream (for normal to dry skin) or Philosophy On a Clear Day Oil-Free Moisturizer (for oily skin).

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

5. Sleep well.

The expression "beauty rest" actually has some science behind it. "Not only does your skin require downtime to repair itself, but sagging skin and puffiness around the eyes make wrinkles look much worse," says Great Neck, New York, dermatologist Jeanette Graf.

Photo: Courtesy of amazon.com

6. Maintain a healthy weight.

Not surprisingly, yo-yo dieting isn't great for your skin. "Skin loses elasticity over time," Waldorf says. "The more your weight fluctuates, the harder it is to snap back into shape."

Photo: Patrick Demarchelier

7. Eat right.

"Your skin receives nutrients not only from creams and treatments, but also from the food you eat," Waldorf says. "The more balanced your diet, the younger you'll look. And if you're not taking a multivitamin, start now." To keep skin happy, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon), dark green vegetables (like broccoli and spinach), almonds, and walnuts. Drink lots of antioxidant green tea. And lay off the refined sugar and booze—both cause aging inflammatory reactions in the skin.

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

8. Get moving.

"Exercise increases blood flow to the skin and promotes a glowing, healthy-looking complexion," Downie says. "Working out for just 30 minutes four or five days a week can make a huge difference."

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

9. Try to relax.

The mind-body connection is a powerful one. "Do whatever you need to do to decompress," Waldorf says. "Stress causes cells to age faster, which absolutely shows on the skin."

Photo: Condé Nast Digital Studio

10. Don't pick.

10. Don't pick. You got the same advice when you were a teenager. "Sun damage causes dark spots as you age, but so does picking at your blemishes," Waldorf says. "And since the skin takes a lot longer to repair itself as you age, the spots won't disappear right away." To clear up an outbreak, try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, which contains benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria, and lipo-hydroxy-acid to help keep pores clear. If—against doctors' advice—you did pop that zit, use Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste, an overnight treatment that will help it heal.

Top 10 Detox Foods

   Summer is here and it's time to flaunt those beautiful bods once again at the beach or pool side. After all the previous occasions from Christmas, New Year and Valentines dates..most of us piled up with some kilos again. So here are some detox foods which are affordable and easy to prepare for us to use. Once in a while detoxing is necessary since most of the food we eat are full of preservatives, saturated fats and artificial flavorings. We need it to remove excess toxins and wastes because if not this might lead to unwanted weight gain, depression, irritability and constant bloatedness.

CHEW SLOWLY: Take the time to enjoy your food. When we chew our food, we release enzymes that

The Detox Top 10 by: Editors of Real Age

1. Leafy green vegetables. Eat them raw in a salad, throw them into a broth, steam them and mix with rice or add to an omelet, or puree them into juices. The chlorophyll in greens helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides). It's also an all-around liver protector, which your liver needs since it's your major domo detoxifier.
2. Lemons. Fresh lemonade made with filtered water will keep you hydrated, and its vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away. (Add some pureed greens -- see above -- to further bolster your C level.) Here's another cleanse that really works.
3. Watercress. Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps the flushing process. Plus cress is a mineral mine, rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
4. Garlic. Add it to everything -- salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the heart-friendly bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes. Research also indicates that garlic diminishes a process that creates cancer-causing compounds in your body.
5. Green tea. This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more water into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity. Learn more about how to love your liver.
6. Broccoli sprouts. They pack 20 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable. Research suggests that eating the sprouts (they have a radish-like taste) kills off H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach irritation and ulcers.
7. Sesame seeds. They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that's a staple of Middle Eastern cooking.
8. Cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and this potent veggie helps activate both of them. It's the largest member of the Brassica veggie family, all of which delivers colon-cancer fighting isothicyanates and vitamin C. Coleslaw, anyone?
9. Psyllium. This plant's bursting with soluble fiber, which mops up toxins (cholesterol, too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast. (Start with a small amount and gradually increase your dose as your GI tract becomes used to it.)
10.  Fruits, fruits, fruits. They're full of almost all the good things listed above -- vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and assorted antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, perfect pear, or fresh berries.

Birthday Blues

    Had a very bad case of birthday blues yesterday. Been crying the whole day..probably because I'm home alone while my family and friends are all at work, and the fact that we are living far away from home..Philippines. =(
    How I miss the simple gathering, simple food to serve during birthdays like mama's pansit and fried chicken. We are all happy eating together those all time fave food, and a bonus of ice cream of course. Probably just missing home so bad...
    Stayed in bed for the whole day watching desperate housewives series til my eyes got tired of crying and fell into sleep. When my husband came home, he brought me flowers, cheesecake and a mug from my fave cafe..without the coffee though.hehe! Then we went out for a dinner date. We were supposed to eat at pizza hut near our house but when we got there, it was moved to a different location. So we went to the nearest hotel bar that we could find. So we had a game of billiards while waiting for our ordered food, atleast i was able to do what I love doing before even if my tummy is bigger already.It's probably funny watching a preggy woman playing billiards in a bar, but who cares, it's my birthday!
     Thank you so much bie! You're one of the best gift I've received from Him...always grateful for you. =)

Mums the Word

    Yesterday, we celebrated Mother's Day! Now, it has greater meaning for me since I'll be one very soon. But I believe being a mom starts as soon as one knows that she is expecting. The joy and excitement is just overwhelming the first time you see the two lines in your pregnancy test, for most of the moms ( different case of course if it's unplanned or unexpected).
    Then you know that your life has to change and adapt to that growing baby inside you. Everything evolves around the little one, all decisions made, food to eat, places to go, liquids to drink, sex life&work related stuff. A woman takes extra precaution in everything she does, tries to ignore stress for baby's sake, eats vegetables that she doesn't usually like before for baby's health, drinks milk regularly, stops drinking coffee from fave cafe,  stops drinking any alcoholic beverages or going to the bar, or basically starts to have a healthier lifestyle to take into consideration the welfare of the little one. These all seems hard to do before, but knowing that someone's life depends on you..one will do everything in her power to protect that life.
     But again, pregnancy is just the first step..then comes the baby into the world and then the responsibility of providing and nurturing comes into place. The obligation of raising a future good citizen lies in the parents hand, primarily from the mother since she's going to be the most visible caregiver for the baby.
      I believe, being a mother never stops even when your baby becomes a mother/father already. It is continuous love for your child, guidance, protection and care. So I really salute all mothers out there, working or stay at homes.. I know that no one is perfect, even mothers do make mistakes but I still believe that each one will only wish the best for their children. I am excited to this new chapter of my life.. of our lives. Soon the house will be filled with more love and laughter.

Sweet as Candy ;p

    Woke up early today because I have an appointment at the hospital to check my blood sugar, a routine laboratory test for women 24 weeks and above of their pregnancy. But why do we have to check this? Here's a little bit of information for all expecting and for those who wants to be soon.

       =  macrosomic or large babies/caesarian delivery


The glucose challenge test measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose challenge test is done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes — a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy.
     The glucose challenge test is done in two steps. First you drink a sugary solution. One hour later, your blood sugar level is measured. The results of the glucose challenge test indicate whether you might have gestational diabetes. If the test is positive, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
     Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, without careful management, gestational diabetes can lead to various pregnancy complications, such as excess fetal growth — which may increase the risk of birth injuries or prompt a C-section delivery.
     The glucose challenge test is done in two steps. When you arrive at your health care provider's office or lab, you'll drink about 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of a syrupy glucose solution that contains 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of sugar. Often, the glucose solution is cola- or orange-flavored. One hour later, a member of your health care team will take a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. This blood sample will be used to measure your blood sugar level.
   
Results of the glucose challenge test are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
One hour after drinking the glucose solution:

• A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal
• A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or higher may indicate gestational diabetes

Some clinics or labs use a lower threshold of 130 mg/dL (7.2 mmol/L) when screening for gestational diabetes.
If the results of your glucose challenge test indicate the possibility of gestational diabetes, your health care provider will do another blood test — typically the glucose tolerance test, which is done over the course of two to three hours — to confirm the diagnosis. ( BY: Mayo Clinic Staff )

       It is indeed very important for pregnant women to follow the laboratory tests, antenatal check ups and scheduled ultrasounds to ensure the safety and development of  their growing babies. As one, I feel very responsible for the welfare and health of the life growing inside me that is why both my husband and I make sure to follow all doctor's orders. As an expectant mom, the enlarging tummy, kicking and puching fetus make all the seem to be little sacrifices that I have to do for her safety.
   

A prayer for the lil one

   One of my super friends, Nellers, shared her prayer when she was pregnant four years ago. I'm on my 6th month of pregnancy and is very excited for the coming of our little one. I have keep on praying that she grows normally and develop completely inside me and that I may be able to provide her all the nutrients, proper environment that she needs and that my body sustain all the necessary changes that I have to face to support the best gift ever that my husband and I received. We are forever grateful for you my little one. We'll see you in August! Loving you every minute..everyday..

the gift

oh god, thank you for the gift that you gave me.. i am in love with it as i am in love with my life– and you.
i walk the world in wonder. I see it through new eyes. All is changed, subtly but singingly different.the beauty of earth is cradling me in tenderness..
i am a woman and child in one. new as a child my self, innocent, excited, amused, surprised…
i marvel at the sweet changes that are going on.. the signals of its secret are less of misery and fatigue. "see how important i am!" my spirit seems to claim.
God, i am happy. God, i am sad. but i feel vital and alive! life is moving me in an immutable direction that i don’t want to resist and wouldn’t if i could.
i am in for it now. and i rejoice though i am a little bit afraid.. but it is an exciting kind of anxiety because it is part of the privelege of being a woman…
oh god, bless me and guide me as the mystery of life works in me. bless this gift..your handiwork… let it be whole… beautiful.. and strong.

'Tsinelas" ( Slippers)

    Last night, one episode of a local TV series was featured in TFC ( The Filipino Channel ) entitled "Tsinelas". It's about the two brothers who journeyed back to their province when both of their parents died. At first, the eldest wanted his younger brother to stay with their aunt in Manila, but the younger one begged to join him in the trip and promised that he won't be a burden along the way. They've tried to solicit money from relatives but no one bothered to care or contribute any. And so the journey by foot begins...from Manila to Catbalogan, Samar ( 17090 km or 10620 miles in distance).
    To summarize the story, they travelled along the dangerous streets of Manila to the province only by walking. They've gathered trash, plastic bottles or tin cans to sell in junk shops so as to have money for food. They followed public transportation buses route and used as their guide on their way, slept on the street at night using carton boxes as their beds, most of the times they did get hungry, got sick and scared due to dangers of being exposed outside...no shelter,no money, no blanket or anything to protect them but plastics to cover themselves during the rain.
    The elder brother was grumpy and looked at his brother as an obligation at the first part of the story, but came all the obstacles and problems along the way and the younger one stayed strong and focused on their journey. He sees things in life through the eyes of a child...everything simple and sees the environment as a big playground, which made the trip easier. He sticked to his promise that he won't be a burden and never complained a bit despite the distance, fatigue and hunger. He stood by his brother because he's family and is very important to him. In the long run, the elder one realized this and had a soft heart and thought that indeed the younger one not needed a brother by its name only but a real family who cares and loves. 
    After almost 20 days of walking, they've finally reached their destination. Through all the hardships and obstacles encountered, both brothers stayed with each other no matter what happened. And their determination and belief that once they reach their destination will make their lives easier because they can start a new made their journey worthwhile. The learnings in life, of being a family despite the hardships, of being determined to achieve your goals despite the obstacles and never giving up are the best part of this very heart warming story.
    As the narrator told, everyone of us has our own journey in life. Own paths to travel, though some are easy road, few may be very rocky. It is up to us on how we see and conquer the obstacles coming our way, and how to make our trips worthwhile and easier to bear with the help of our family, friends and of course our faith to God.

How I miss...

        It's my first time to create a personal page on an official blog site like this. I usually incorporate my personal writing on my social network account or just plainly write my thoughts on my journal. It's been a while since I did both, probably because I was so pre-occupied with adjusting to adult life and the problems accompanied in it.
        I've been introduced to this site since two years back I think, by my good co-worker and friend Shiela. She has a blog of her own at that time and I was fond of reading her entries, but did not create one yet. My life then was focused on a day-to-day basis of accomplishing my shifts in the hospital, feeling more of like it's an obligation since I worked as a health care assistant instead of being a staff nurse. One of my biggest frustrations in life. But let's not dwell on the past now since nothing can be done to change it,probably mention the reasons behind the frustrations some other time when the great depression mode strikes again. Hope not though!
        So there, what I really want to say is that I missed writing down what I feel and think for a while. I just come to realize this last lenten season wherein I did allocate time to reflect and have silent moment for self and God. I've reread my journal and it's almost a year of not writing. It has helped me to settle my feelings and calmed me in times of overwhelming surge of emotions over a certain issue or event in life,especially when one can not share it to friends. And rereading it after few weeks or days makes me realize that what you thought of a dark moment at that time will eventually turn out fine somehow.
      I'll continue doing what I love then! Writing that is...since it's one of the things that I could for now. =)