Summer and Strawberries

Welcome to the strawberry fields of Cairntradlin, Scotland! This is the home of juicy, sweet strawberries you will never like to miss whilst on Aberdeen,Scotland! We are lucky to be here on the right time for picking. This is my first strawberry-picking experience, also first time for both of my kids. My in-laws and my husband had been to many strawberry-picking experiences in Canada. So, the experience was not new to them. I was very excited and so were my boys... all of us were very excited! We can eat as much as we can while picking. I ate a lot and my two boys,too.... Ah.... The taste? Strawberries!!!!





In Western countries, when it is the start of strawberry season, it is definitely the sign that it is officially summer! There is nothing that says summer like a bowl of fresh, delicious strawberries. You can see how my baby boy likes the taste of it. We all love strawberries. Anyone, who doesn't like it? Sweet and juicy, fresh strawberries are truly nature's bounty.

First-Aid Training for Children Under 5's

"Children are angels whose wings grow shorter as their legs grow longer." (Old French Proverb)

Once our angelic babies are already unstoppable, wandering, and became curious machines whose only purpose in life (apart from eating) is to make mess as possible, injuries are always a common thing and we as adults should never take for granted the basic survival skills. We know that many young children are inquisitive, curious and "risk-takers"; venturing out into a world that is immense and dangerous. Compare our children with little cars without steering wheels, bumpers or brakes!

Until children learn the basic survival skills, they remain vulnerable and at greater risk of injury in the home. Parents or carers must carry out a difficult balancing act between encouraging children to explore and develop, while ensuring they don't get hurt. Although prevention is ultimately the best, First-Aid Course helps deal with some of the common injuries that may occur within the home.

For three thursday mornings this June, i had participated in a First-aid training course for under 5 year olds at Kintore Community Center. I had been a first-aider when i was in highschool and college but first-aid is a very important thing that you need to refresh every now and then. It was a long while since i had a refresher's course. I was so happy after finishing this short course.

My first-aid learnings during my younger days were focused on older people, but this one is different, we focused on babies 5 year olds below. The other differece is the kind of environment that we focused. I asked them," what shall we do if an ant went to child's ear?" This happened to me many times when i was kid. Nobody had answered, they were like shock with the question! And then one instructor said, " I had never seen an ant in Scotland!". Oh, great!!!!

Anyway, the areas that we covered were the following:

1. Unintentional Injuries and Accidents in under 14's like Falls, Burns/Scalds, Poisoning and Garden Injuries. ( We try an avois using the term "accident" and instead refer to this as an "unintentional injury". Using "accident" can make people believe that the injury was just bad luck, a random event and ultimately unavoidable. This is not the case as many "accidents" can be predicted and avoided. We are trying to challenge the belief that "nothing can be done" and show that many "unintentional injuries" are preventable.

2. Fire Safety/Electricity Safety/Glass Safety

3. Safety Barriers and Door Safety

4. Cuts and Wounds

5. Fracture

6. Shock/ Seizure or Fit

7. Choking

8. Child Basic Life Support (AR/CPR)

Always the aims of first-aid are to preserve life, prevent condition getting worse and promote recovery before the services of a physician is obtained.

The Flame of Friendship

The Flame of Friendship.
A symbol of spirit of unity.
The burning icon of love.
Undying picture of hope.
The hot symbol of oneness.
The Flame of Friendship.

And now it’s your turn to flame yourself!
Meet new friends. Discover friendship. Make bonds.
Copy this post starting from the PICTURE ABOVE to the end
and add your blog on the list below.
Let’s start FLAMING!

———————————————————–
The People Who Accepted The Flame of Friendship
———————————————————–
Tiklaton: We are the witness
Janeth Vicy's Life Journey
My Precious
Jenn's My Sweet Haven
Vannie's Confession of a Supermodel Wannabe
Portia's Portia Speaks
Prily's Capturing the Moment

Thank you so much Jenn and Vannie for this tag. Very much appreciated.

I am passing this tag to my blogging pals Desperate Blogger, Beth, Lindsay and Shiela.

The Sounds of Music

Last weekend, i got videos of two charming performances. They might be little bit old-fashioned, but they are what we call the classic. The first is the Circa 1920 Mortier 89 Key Fairground Organ which was purchased by Bill Barrack from the Lord o' Neil of Shanes castle, Northern Ireland. It was one of the exhibited items on the fair. The other one is a Scottish lady piper. I would say there are only very few lady pipers. Listen to their melodies...

Steam Engine and Vintage Cars Exhibition - Part 2

This Vintage Fair 2008 is actually the 5th time around that is being held on the grounds of Castle Fraser. Exhibitors have travelled from all parts of the UK and some parts of Europe to share their passion for their vehicles (despite the recent increases in fuel costs!). It is so encouraging to know that there are so many enthusiasts preserving these vehicles, which some existed even on the early 1900s. I do believe that these vehicles are great pride of United Kingdom as these form part of their heritage. Well, good for them and as for me and my inlaws, we were delighted to be a part of the exhibition as cheerful audiences.

I would like to share some vintage cars photos. I want to thank Popsy Robbie for contributing me some of the photos he took. These are just samples of the hundreds of automobiles on display. Cheers and enjoy the pics!...





Here are some samples of general purpose trucks...



Over the past few years a whole family has arrived on the Steam and Vintage fair scene, not just in Britain but worldwide. They belong to the gradually enlarging family of Little Engine Enthusiasts, many of whom make the variou Steam Fairs and events their holiday destination, their weekend break, complete of course with their "Little Engines". Here are some examples...




These generally single cylinders engines have many an interesting history. Some are fuelled by paraffin, others by petrol or diesel. All have made essential contribution to the work on the farms; in workshops, also as water pumps some times out on a riverbank. Many have been service driving small mills, generating electricity and in some cases are still in use. Here are some more extracts...



I am loving these classic farm tractors...





But most of all, i fancy riding in this elegant trailer. Oh, look at how this big truck carried it just like how the horses long time ago carried the royal carriages!

Steam Engine and Vintage Cars Exhibition - Part 1

This is my first time to watch a steam engine exhibition. We went last weekend with my in-laws. I am so surprised how these steam engines and vintage automobiles look so new, dazzling and shining as if they were never used at all! I can only imagine the many, many hours which are put in over long winters on care and conservation of these vehicles. Just really amazing! Here are some photos...







I had put a good look at some of the magnificent examples of traction steam engines which are on the show and i can only think about how much time, patience and devotion it takes to keep these engines looking and running as they are! Again here are some few examples and by the way, Prisco think steam engines are pretty much loud, and really they are. That is why he is covering his ears...




As for the meantime, here are my in-laws, chilling out to the sonata of old Mortier Fairground Organ playing the melodies of yesteryears.

A Day with the Kilted Chef

On a rainy Saturday of June during the Kintore Summer Festival 2008, we got the chance to watch the cooking demonstration of the so called Kilted Chef from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The food looks so yummy, appetizing, and succulent. After the demo, Scott took a photo of us with the Kilted Chef. But first the food...

Here are some collops of pork with caramelized apple and black pudding on Thyme mashed potato with natural jus together with the poached chicken and cous cous.



What we like with this chef is that he is so abrupt, no fuzziness and he is just natural. He said that a certain recipe should not be followed all thoroughly. If it tastes good, then, that's it! Some people are allergic or do not like the taste of onions or garlic, or ginger, etc.... So you put your own condiments whatever you fancy and which you think taste good on your palate.

Here is one video demo i got about poached chicken and a photo of us and Prisco by my husband...

Imagine... When Churches are now Pubs

Actually, there is really no need to imagine because it is happening everywhere, especialy these times ...

When people finds the churches boring and old-fashioned, what will happen to the religious structures that were previously constructed to bring honor and glory to God? Here in United Kingdom, they converted them into pubs or bars. Young people (ah not only the young people but of course with the leadership of the elders)thought it is far better idea. Younger generation seems not interested in going to church anymore( having always a fabulous night-out is much favored). Not all but many are. That has what happened to the structures that i am presenting now. For us who came from a religious country, what would we think? We think it is not proper? We think it is not decent? But really who cares about what we think? I had seen a church in Pampanga, very near to the pubs there (on a district across SM Mall) that is being converted into pubs, too, so what makes the difference? Anyway, i am showcasing here how the world is changing now a days. As i am here in Scotland, all i can say is that Drinking is the national pastime here, that's why there are lots of pubs. Check this out...



I showed these places to my inlaws yesterday and because they came from a very quiet, little bit conservative, rural,religious community in Canada they can only say, "is that right?" And yup, it is right. Here are some more photos ...




If you read the writings on the pub or church entrance, you might not want to go inside, but you will if you are very adventurous ( i am adventurous, but i will still not go). The writing said: "Enter at your peril." Scary, isn't it?

As for myself, i can only hum my favorite song from one of my favorite singers, John Lennon. I always love this song Imagine ....Who cares if i am little bit radical?

Imagine there's no heaven it's easy if you try
No hell below us above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today...

Imagine there's no countries it isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions i wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us and the world will live as one.

OCTOBERsuper! --- A Tag!

I got this tag from my cousin and constant "tagger" LYNN. I will do this now because my inlaws are resting(that means one less tag done!)...

1.Determine your birthday month and get a word that rhymes with it or you can affix to it. Caps lock your birth month (ex: MAYday! JUNE dune, APRILicious, JULYvely, AUGUST pocus, parched MARCH…). Be unique.

2.Your birth month plus the word affixed or rhymed shall become the tag’s title in your case.

3.Get your birthday and add the digits involved. Example, if your birthday falls on the 25th of July, add 2 and 5 you get 7.

4.Whatever is the sum, write a list of the MATERIAL gifts you wish to receive, the number of which shall correspond to the sum of your birthday. For example, applying the case above (in rule number 3), you will write seven (7) things you wish to receive.

5.After your wish list, put your name and birthday in the Bloggers’ Birthday Directory, with a link to your blog/s. Note: when you add your birthday, please place it in a way that the dates appear chronological (January, February… 1, 2, 3)

6.Pass this tag meme by tagging as many people as you want.

Bloggers’ Birthday Directory:

| February 18 - Nancy| February 20 - Caryl February 23 - Jammy March 7 - Mari | April 13 - TERE | May 3 - Vannie | May 8 - joanjoyce | May 27 – Zang Caesar | August 27 - Francine, La Place de Cherie, Cherie | September 1 - Lynn, September 2 - Chikai | | September 30 - Mckhoii | December 18 - JoshuaOngYS | December 19 - Alpha | October 2- Hailey October 30 - Prily

My results:

Here's my result:

Name: Prily
Birthday : October 30
Calculations: 3
Wishlist:1.) My mom can come here on Scotland. 2.) My sisters will have safe deliveries and the babies will be healthy and normal. 3.) Good health, Good relationship, Good fortune

Anyone can try this just for fun. I just did!!!

Friday Fotos

My in-laws arrived in Glasgow already and my husband is there to pick them up. Me and the kids are just here at the house waiting for them. Later, i need to bring Prisco to school and i am very sure, they will arrive after that(that is around 1 in the afternoon). From Aberdeenshire to Glasgow it is like a bus trip from Davao City to General Santos City. It is approximately 3 hours journey by car. I can not wait for them to be at our house and then later probably tomorrow show them the countryside. Here are the views that they will be seeing ...



This is one of the tourist routes here that we really love to pass. We will show this to my inlaws as well. This very nice castle-like house is very, very captivating. It is situated very, very close to nature. The trees on the summer are adding beauty and grandeur to the house. They do not actually have neighbors nearby. It is like an exclusive property on the perfect spot. The place for me is very reflective. Just so peaceful ... so calm ...But although they do not have neighbors on their vicinity, the house is just by the road). Take a look at this...




Here are some more nature photos(mostly trees and other plants) situated not very far from that house above ... I just love trees... Here they are ...Enjoy the fotos everyone and enjoy your Friday!

World of WarCraft Song!

Mana Mana!!!!Mana Mana!!!My husband and my son had been humming this song for quite some time and i keep on asking them, "what is that all about?" And then, my husband had checked the youtube and showed the video-- this video to my son. Now, the melody is on my head as well and sure thing,my husband and my son called me and wanted me to join them watch the video. I want to share it here so you will have fun as well. Who really cares about this hilarious song and video? But mind you, for people who love the World of WarCraft like my husband, this video made their day! Sure it did make my day as well and my son's day who is still humming the song and saying, " Mana Mana Dooo Dooo Dooo Dooo Dooo Dooo Dooo Dooo.....!"



I asked my husband if what is mana,anyway? He told me that a mana is like a sort of energy used by magic users to cast spell, either to heal or to destroy.

World of Warcraft or in short, WOW is an online role-playing game set in the Warcraft Universe. My husband's character is Wilgore. Wilgore is a shaman. I do not know if i want to make my character as well, but probably not, i will just do blogging. But if i will gonna choose a character it will be a Holy Priest and i will name it "PRAYLE"(a name which was popular during Spanish colonization in the Philippines). Prayle means priest or friar and it is actually how my name usually being pronounced! So, i will be Prayle in WOW and i will be singing "Mana!Mana!"....

20 Questions to Know More About Me

Got this tag from Anne. Thanks a lot,my friend! I want to do this now as i am in the mood for survey today. Uhmm, let me see how would i answer...

The rule : Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions

1. What is your favorite food?-- Sea foods, veggies,fruits, breads and pastries... soo many!

2. What was your happiest moment when you were a child?-- Whenever i got a medal at school and my parents would treat the whole family for a carenderia in town. Such was very special to me already. There was nothing chic or anything about good ambiance, just the taste of good food was all that matters! What a simple life, yet, the happiest childhood memory i could think of!

3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?-- There are places in the world you want to see once or twice only and that's it(they are counted as one of the tourist attraction you had been!). But i know i would always want to go back to Cape Breton Island. Such a place i call heaven on earth! Also, Pearl Farm Island Resort in Samal Island. We had a Garden Wedding there, so that place will always be special in our hearts!

4. When was the first time that you feel the real love? Real love? -- The real love was when i met my soulmate... I don't know what will i call the other loves because i seem to forget them!

5. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do?-- I always have comfort from my husband and i will cry... cry... cry... until i got no more tears to cry!

6. What are you afraid to lose the most?-- My family.

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do? --I will give a big party for the poor children, give scholarship to the poor but deserving students, and i would love to adopt child/ren...

8. What is the saddest moment for you last?-- 2 years ago (2006) when i lose a daughter...

9. What item do you wish you could buy next? Item???--I wonder what else i need? Uhmmm,i am cost cutting now!hehehehe! (We would really like to build a house in Canada, so, we are saving for that...)

10. How do you cope with boredom? --I blog... i call my family back home... i go for a little walk ... i call a trusted friend...

11. When was your first kiss? With the opposite sex? -- I was in Grade 4, just a very light one and i got very nervous!

12. What type of person do you hate the most?-- Fake! Great Pretenders!

13. What is your ambition? --To be a lawyer. To work with United Nation.

14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for? --To provide homes for the homeless... to be an ambassador of goodwill...

15. How did you celebrate New Year?-- Great food ... Great time for merriment... A toast of ice wine... a family group hug!

16. What has been the craziest thing you’ve ever done in your whole life? --In what aspect???...

17. What do you look forward to in 2008?-- The highlight of this year would be the renewal of our wedding vows in Canada this summer.

18. If your life is a song, what title best fits it?-- De Coloris...

19. What is your dream holiday? -- I would say holidays ---Venice ... Egypt...Jerusalem...

20. Do you have any personal habits that you would change?-- Yes, many ...

Catching up with Ate Sonia

Yesterday i was not in the computer and i had accomplished wonderful things and the best one? I had a wonderful time with one of my great Filipina friends in Aberdeen. Her name is Ate Sonia. Ah, with lots of catching up and excitement, i didn't even get the chance to take any photo yesterday!!! Oh well, that is okay, as i will always have more of bonding moments in the future with her.

So, anyway,yesterday after fetching my son from school, we hopped in the bus, and went to the town center. That will be where we will be meeting Ate Sonia at the Bon Accord Center in a mall called Mark and Spencer. So, we arrived there around 1 pm. What would you expect for us to do? Do some window shopping and yes, unnecessary shopping (this always happens!). So, anyway, we got really good bargains! This time i didn't buy for myself, but a really nice slacks for my mom. I want to shop again when my mother-in-law will be here as we always love shopping together. But anyway, i got some few stuffs yesterday, mostly for my kids.

So, after couple hours in Mark and Spencer, we went straight to their house and had some tea and yummy muffins. Prisco and Cameron were playing with William's (Ate Sonia's son who is already 8 years old)) toys. William arrived at 3 pm, and very,very excited to play with Prisco and Cameron, but the whole time with Prisco. He is just like a big brother to Prisco. (I realized that kids at this age are not anymore so selfish with their toys! When William was 3.5 years before the last time i saw him, no kids can mess up his toys! But wow, i saw big difference in him now!)

So, the thing is : i had really wonderful time with Ate Sonia until 7:30 pm, the time when hubby fetched us. I had dinner there as well. Sometimes, it is just nice for us, girls, to spend time with great friends. You know, share your "sometimes lonesome married life." Hey, who does not have little confrontation with their partners? If you tell me that you got perfect marriage, wow, then, you are lying! But it is good to let your burstings out with trusted friends, you know. So, that's what me and Ate Sonia are doing. We are just like sisters, you see. Each of us has our own issues in our marital domicile, and sometimes, if you just kept it in yourself, pretend that everything is alright, i believe, it is not healthy. So, that is why we have friends, that is why we have ladies' hour!

So, i spent 6 wonderful hours with Ate Sonia. We talked about the last 4 and a half years that we hadn't seen each other --- the experiences, the highlights, etc... And when i arrived home, i was in good spirit and even accomplished one major task --- organizing our travel receipts that will be submitted to the company. I swear i should have done that long time ago, but wow, smashing--- one less major task done yesterday.

I just think spending great time with wonderful people once in a while is an energy booster! Do you agree? I would agree!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Since the very moment that i gained consciousness, i am loving smiles and giggles, and laughters. They are the best stuffs of life and i cannot imagine the world without laughters! Ah, i just love to laugh and sometimes when there are really funny, funny stuffs i will laugh and laugh till my face hardened up!!!! I think this is one of the reasons also how me and my husband maintain a very good relationship --- i love to make him laugh. My being always silly will took away the shy nature of him! And he can crack jokes us well in just some spontaneous manner. Oh well, all of us need really a good laugh and we need it more often...

I am always one of the big fans of Readers' Digest. One of my favorite sections? The "Laughter is the best medicine" section. It always made my day. It is good to know that they are readily available online. RD Laughs Main offers jokes in more varied ways --- funny, clean jokes and anecdotes, humorous Stand-up Videos, Funny Cartoons, funny photo contests and more! So, if you got a funny video of just about anything, why not share it? Got a really funny photo? Share it as well. If you have some funny stories to tell, why not share it and make someone laughing today? You might even got the chance to win 100 bucks or more for that joke. I submitted one. Got one,too? Submit it as well and let us share the laughter!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Today is my Papa's birthday in the Philippines, so i am missing it. To you, Papa, i wish you good health, good fortune, good family, good relatives and goodfriends! My Papa is now 54. He had been to many ups and downs in this world but it is nice to see him happy in this photo. Here is his photo together with my Mama and us during the GrandParents Day of November last year.




Again, Happy, Happy 54th Birthday, Papa dearest !!!!

Likewise, i want to say Happy Birthday also to my very close friend and relative, Ate Babes. I miss you,my dear. Wish you all the happiness in this world! To all the June 10 birthday celebrants, enjoy your day!!!!

What is in a Name?

I want to be Ichigo Kurosaki, from the action-packed Japanese manga Bleach the Movie. This name would mean “First Guardian” or “He who protects.” Soo charming!

The highly anticipated showing of this film will be this coming June 11 and 12. Bleach the Movie will be aired in the Americas, Europe and Oceania and will be aimed primarily at teens and older teens, and oh well, to everyone. Reserve tickets now as i am sure this will be full-packed tomorrow!

Spouses' Global Organization Welcomes New Ladies in Aberdeen

Scotland is not all about mountains and seas. Aberdeen as one of the major cities in Europe is dubbed as Europe's oil capital. Hence, multinational people are living here, most of whom the partners are working in the oil industry.

My husband's company is called Schlumberger Oilfield Services Inc. It is an international company with offices all over the world. My husband likes working here in Aberdeen as so many hightech jobs are done here in the North Sea. This means i have to be here with him. I really prefer living in warmer countries but my husband really likes it here, so, to make the matter easier, we are here...

Arriving at first is little bit hard --- to adjust and acclimatize and everything. It is not very hard for me because i had been here before. But, it is good to know that we have an organization called Schlumberger Spouses Association (SSA), an organization composed of wonderful people who are ready to help the members settle in the new home. The SSA can give one-on-one contact to help ease worries and frustrations, while providing friendly faces to share excitement of all Aberdeen has to offer.

Last friday, SSA welcomed me and the other new ladies with a dinner and with welcome packs. I had not expected that. Thank you very much. These are some of our photos ...



More than fifty (50) ladies attended the dinner coming from Siberia to Indonesia. I had not got the chance to shake hands to them all, but i am sure i had got the chance to smile to every one and few hugs to some. I am the only one from the Philippines although so happy to met other ladies from Southeast Asia. It is nice to say, "Apa Kabar!" for the ladies from Malaysia and Indonesia. I am seated with a Canadian lady named Glenda McGill(i have photo with her), she's one of the SSA coordinators. On my left side is a lady from China and her name is Echo. Half of the time i spent with Lori, from Canada and the preggy Rachel from the US who had just delivered a baby girl yesterday. Congratulations, Rachel! ( I have pic w/ them below). Here are the multinational ladies...





The Schlumberger Spouses Association (SSA) is a global, voluntary, social organisation for all local and international spouses and partners of Schlumberger employees. It aims to create and maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for all members and their families. The SSA fosters fellowship through ongoing social events and community involvement.

What I Ate Last Friday?

I did go out last Friday with some girl friends. We had dinner at Aberdeen Thistle Caledonian Hotel at Union Terrace Street, Aberdeen. My new acquaintances Lori and Rachel fetched me at home and we met again some more ladies at the hotel's restaurant.

We enjoyed our dinner, plus the chance to talk to other ladies was fantastic. I met many ladies from all over the world. I will talk more about them on my next post. For this time, i want to share to you what i ate for my Friday dinner...

My starter consisted of freshly prepared courgette and pepper soup although i am also eyeing for the wild mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter served in a pastry case glazed with brie...




My main meal consisted of poached salmon steak on roasted vegetables glazed with parmesan and basil oil. I really love this...




Baked lemon tart with lime syrup and creme fraiche for my dessert...



I had tea after that meal while doing chitchat with the girls. Now, it is Monday. How quick the time flies! And i am still thinking about how great Friday was!!!!

In Laws are Coming!!!

My mother -in- law and step father-in-law will be coming to see us in Scotland. They will arrive this coming Friday from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. We can't wait to see them! Please excuse me if i will not be very prompt in visiting your blog sites as i am doing lots of stuff in order for my inlaws to have a good, comfortable accomodation. My inlaws are missing us a lot plus they got to spoil their grand kids,too once in a while. I would be so delighted to see them and spend time with them. They will be our first overseas guests in our place. They will be here for over three weeks (until July 6) afterwhich we will be flying together in Canada for an exciting summer holiday. Oh well, i am counting the days...
For the meantime, enjoy your weekend, everyone!!!As for me, as usual i will have to do lots of tidying up!

Where Am I Hiding?

Where do you think this witness had been hiding? Can you guess what city it is? Here is the clue : It is a granite city. But does it really matter?

If you are Mary Shannon , a U.S. Marshal attached to the highly secretive Federal Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) in this all-new crime drama--- USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight , then, it matters a lot. Mary Shannon, who is based in the greater Albuquerque/Santa Fe area, protects and manages relocated Federal Witnesses who come from all over the country. Luckily, Mary doesn't have to bear the burden of this huge responsibility alone. She has a partner, Marshall Mann. Along Mary and Marshall, there are still other interesting characters in this crime drama that make it riveting, thrilling and interesting. USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight premiered last June 1.

Thank Goodness for Lucky Me!

Here is my weakness: i am not a very good cook! I love good food, but myself cooking it? I am very sorry. I thank God for Lucky Me pancit canton. It is very easy to make. You just boil water, put the instant noodles, drain it, put in the plate,mix the sauces and condiments, hola, done!!!! It is super-duper easy!

And my husband? He loves it. He can eat almost everyday! So, i did not miss to pack lots of Lucky Me. I am just lucky my husband is not a very fussy eater(just no seaffods!). If we want elaborate style of food, we dine outside. End of story.

Math Video Lessons for Free

Yes, i am not joking, this is true! There is a website that offers math video lessons in any areas of mathematics that interest you. Yes, it is definitely free! I just signed up at MathVids, a website dedicated to providing free, high quality, instructional math videos to middle school, high school, and college students. But it is not only dedicated to students in the said levels but also to school administrators as well (school principals, curriculum director,etc.). MathVids has a common goal as that of school administrators and that is wanting the students to understand math, to pass their math classes, and to do well on the math sections of the standardized tests.

This website is also very useful for teachers. I had been a teacher before and i know how frustrating it is when our students don't understand our teaching styles. If you are a math teacher, you can upload your own videos and you just create an opportunity for the students to catch up what they had missed inside the classroom. This gives students an opportunity to supplement the math that you are teaching while learning at their own pace outside of the classroom.

This site is really very useful to the parents. I am not very good at Math, my husband is, but the question is: is his busy schedule can accommodate to the demand of our kids in the future? That i cannot guarantee. So, this website is very helpful for the parents. And another thing: we can save a lot of money for paying professional tutors.

MathVids is a very good option much cheaper and easier than purchasing teaching worksheets, books, manipulatives, and other necessary materials. It is also a better educational alternative.

I am very thankful i found out this site. I really recommend this to everyone. For more insight, check this out: How MathVids Works.

The Luxury that is Sleep

I learned from Kindergarten that, "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy and wise." I think i had followed that advice perfectly during my childhood days until highschool days. Uhmmm, not perfectly during college days and on my late 20's, but atleast 75% i did! But right after having a baby, forget it! Just now, i think i slept only 3 or 4 hours lastnight, not to mention the fact that i keep on waking up. The thing is when i get up on the night--- change the baby, feed him, it is very difficult for me to go back to bed again(especially now that even at midnight, outside it is still bright! and at 3 or 4 in the morning it is starting to get bright again!).

Oh well, i envy those people who can drowse so easily because i cannot really do that! My baby boy would cry on the night and i think subconsciously, i hear it and just in an instant, i will get up and appease him. So, really sleep, sleep is something a luxury for me now. I am thinking before when i was a child or a teenager, we don't have a comfortable bed, just a bamboo bed. That was very, very hard on our backs, with only a mat on it. But, wow, how sound was my sleep! Considering that we were so crowded in a bed like a can of sardines, but wow,we managed! I even experienced sleeping just on the ground (yup on a sand!)with just a mat, still i slept! But that was before when i didn't even care if a rat will bite my legs (and yup, one time or twice or thrice or more? a rat did bit my leg!). But who cares? I survived. But now, i got a very comfortable bed with the soft cushions you can imagine, but really why i cannot sleep? And with just one burst of my baby, i got up straight, and yup, cannot anymore go back to bed. Oh well, what can i say? I think life goes on... and yes, it is really true..."Money can buy a bed, maybe the best bed in the world, but not sleep!"

My Top 10 People

I knew i said to myself not to make this tag right away but it's not really fun if i will make it later. Oh, gorgeous Sheng thanks a lot for passing me this tag. I really appreciate it!

The Tag: Name 10 people you can think of right off the top of your head. Don't read the questions underneath until you write the names of all 10 people.

This is a lot funnier if you actually randomly list the names first. No cheating. Repost this with the same title and tagged 6 of yours friends.

My TEN people are:

1. My husband
2. My sister Phoebe
3. My mom
4. My mother-in-law
5. Lalaine
6. Lynn
7. Jana
8. Wendy
9. Sheng
10. Amor

DON'T LOOK AHEAD UNLESS U FILLED UP THE TOP!


1. How did you meet number 9?
*** Here in the blogging world. Hoping to meet her personally,too!

2. Do you have a crush on anyone up there?
*** Yes, the first spot!

3. What would you do if you hadn't met number 1?
*** What would i do? Just still be waiting (and probably still be single) up to now!

4. What would you do if 6 and 2 were going out?
*** Going out where? They'll be fine!

5. How did you meet number 8?
*** Through blogging as well.

6. Is 2 one of your best friends?
*** Definitely!

7. Whose number 9's best friend(s)?
*** I think it's her Hubby. Right, Sheng?

8. Have you ever dated number 1?
*** Yes, dated for almost a year, now married for almost 6 years!

9. Do you miss number 10?
*** I miss our chatting at yahoo messenger!

10.What do u think of number 6?
*** She's a beautiful person inside and out. What you see, what you get. She's real!

11.What do you think of number 7?
*** She's a lovely person and a very jolly one! I really love her passion for arts and other beautiful things. I really hope to see her in person,too!

12. Who does number 3 like?
*** She's my mom and i owe her my life!

13. Have you ever been inside number 8's house?
*** Nope. By the way, she's pregnant right now and i am wishing her all the best!

14. Do you love number 4?
*** Definitely, she's a very warm person and someone who cares for me a lot!

15. Ever been in the same bed as any of the numbers?
*** With numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4.

16. What about no. 5?
*** She's a wonderful, simple person that i want to emulate! I love her passion in teaching. She can budget very well,too!

17. Do you trust these people?
*** Yes, I do.

18. Would you date no. 5?
*** Definitely! We can go shopping to Petaling Street,shall, we, Lalaine or to Bangkok's flea market? I definitely would like to go out with her. We'll gonna go bargain hunting! hehehehe!

19. Love them all?
*** Oh, yes, for sure!

I am passing this tag to
Lynn,
Lalaine,
Amor
, Jana
, Wendy
and Lindsay.

Have fun,girls!

Welcome to the Wonderful Land of Scotland!

Summer is in the air here in Aberdeenshire. By the way, when i say Aberdeenshire, i am referring to the county of Aberdeen (but this area excludes Aberdeen itself). The county bordered Kincardineshire, Angus and Perthshire to the south, Inverness-shire and Banffshire to the west, and the North Sea to the north and east. It had a coast-line of 65 miles (105 km). The area is generally hilly( as you can see in many of my photos), and from the south-west, near the centre of Scotland, the Grampians send out various branches, mostly to the north-east.

When it is a lovely day, like today, we need to grab it(as it can get very crappy and very windy here at times!). Last weekend, we again took a short trip. What a lovely view! Me and my husband took these shots. We knew that when we grew old and gray we'll gonna look back at these photos and would say, " we'd been there...we'd done that!" And yup, we took these photos! Just a lovely dominant medley of yellow and green colors plus the blue skies! (Don't mind the red, white and gray additional!).

Marvelous Mangoes in Cans!!!!

I am so glad our stuffs from the Philippines arrived. This means i have more clothes to wear, more bling blings to choose from, and more cravings to be satisfied! I am referring about my luscious craving for Philippine mangoes. I know there are mangoes here in Scotland but i tasted them before and they taste like cardboard! How i wish i can pack also the real ones? I know i could not! hehehe! But anyway, i am quite content with a real Philippine mango juice for now. This time so many cans of Gina mangoes are here to satisfy me! Ah, just really good! I better go down now and open a can...

Have a lovely Thursday my friends!!!!

Living a Plain Life

The Witness Protection Program is a service provided by the United States Government which protects witnesses in major criminal cases from physical harm and intimidation. Among law enforcement, the program is better known as the Witness Security Program, or WITSEC. Under the Witness Protection Program, someone will be provided with physical security as well as a new identity and a place to live.

People who are under this program are living a new life --- always looking over their shoulders, getting settle in a new city, going by a new name, leaving their family behind, remembering their new cell numbers, etc... In short, just a new persona. The most important rule of the program is that witnesses must not make contact with former associates or unprotected family members. It is really an unexciting life! (or probably an exciting one for others?). Surely for me is not!

But here is a crime drama USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight that is surely, surely exciting! The series premiere was actually last June 1. It stars Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal attached to the highly secretive Federal Witness Protection Program (WITSEC). While Mary loves her job, she knows better than anyone that it's not easy leading a double life—especially since getting shot at on a regular basis is all in a day's work.

For more information about the television series, visit the website and know more about the all-new crime drama. For the meantime, here is a very plain video of a lonely, plain life of a witness. What a pity (really!).

The Fountain of Youth

The Fountain of Youth is the search for a long life and many, many sailors/ explorers/ discoverers are searching for this fountain. The question is: does it exist?

Hundreds of years ago, Juan Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who sailed with Christopher Columbus to the New World, heard from the Indians of Puerto Rico of magical water source called the "Fountain of Youth". It was said that whoever drank of its waters kept that person perpetually young.

Ponce de Leon decided to find this secret spring. For many years, he searched for its exact location. When he was finally sure of where it could be found, the ambitious sailor asked permission from King Charles V to search for it. The king agreed, and in 1513 Ponce de Leon and his fleet sailed north of Puerto Rico. They eventually discovered the coastline of Florida - but they never found the secret gusher that would keep humans alive forever.

Does the fountain of youth really exist? For thousands of years, men and women have sought to find the source of longevity. The Greeks believed in the power of ambrosia, the food of the gods that sustained eternal life. The Hindu gods sought for a mystical nectar called amrita, which was said to be a magical elixir of eternal youth. During medieval times, many Europeans wondered about a life-giving spring said to be found in the unexplored territories of Africa and Asia.

Up to now, people are still obssessed with the idea of eternal youth. James Hilton wrote the popular novel Lost Horizon, which was eventually made in to an equally popular Hollywood movie, about a magical valley called Shangri-La where the inhabitants live for hundreds of years. More recent depictions of the theme of eternal youth include the comedy Death Becomes Her, where the aging characters portrayed by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis discover a seductive enchantress who possesses a secret potion that makes them forever young.

Here is the fact: Longevity is just around the corner. There are lot of things that can help add life to years and not years to life! And we don't need to search for them ... because they are actually found not around us but within us.

The Unappetizing Reality

How many times have you heard the quotation "you are what you eat"? So simple, so easily understood, yet so often ignored. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your body fit and healthy, plus of course, the daily exercise regimen. The unappetizing reality is this : despite the availability of nutritious food, majority of people worldwide still opt for the less healthier choices. The problem is simple: majority of us still don't eat a balanced or wholesome diet. I will admit, i am one of them! Studies show that in the US alone, only 10% of people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, going instead for processed foods like french fries, white bread, enriched pasta and tons of meat, meat, meat. (Okay, i admit again, i am one of them!).

The naked truth is this: we lack the adequate information about health, diet and nutrition. Another naked truth: we are often bombarded everyday by an avalanche of diet information and we don't know which is which? I am so happy to find out there is a website called Naked Nutrition Network . You can find out varied and credible information with regards to anything about health topics, more so about Fat Loss Nutrition. I am loving this site and i am enjoying all the articles like: What is the Best Way to Lose Weight, Fat Burning Resistance Training, and all the Latest on Nutrition Research. Now, isn't this website a very appetizing one? I agree fully!

My Son's School Nursery

Welcome to Kintore School Nursery! This is Prisco's School Nursery here in Kintore, Aberdeenshire. This is not very far from where we live,so it is very handy for me since i don't drive. Prisco likes it here a lot! We are delighted that we find a good school for him that will make his childhood's time a positive, productive and enjoyable one. He will gonna enter primary one in August, so he will gonna be in another level. I am sure it will be a kinda new challenge for him but knowing how supportive the school is, i am quite sure that he will adjust to it very easily ( as he had adjusted from Philippine setting to British setting. That was very good we had enrolled him in International School back home under the British System of education).



At Kintore Nursery, they aim to:
=) Provide a safe and stimulating environment, in which children feel happy and secure
=) Encourage the emotional, social,physical, creative and intellectual development of each child
=) Promote welfare of the children
=) Encourage positive attitudes to self and others and develop confidence and esteem
=) Create opportunities to play
=) Encourage children to explore, appreciate and respect their environment
=) Provide opportunities to stimulate interest and imagination
=) Extend the children's abilities to communicate ideas and feelings in a variety of ways.



At Kintore Nursery, the Staff will value:

=) The individual child
=) Equal opportunities and social justice
=) Partnership with parents, families and carers
=) The importance of the community
=) Education as a lifelong process
=) Previous knowledge and experiences that the children bring with them

Kintore Nursery follows the 3-5 Curriculum guidelines and will provide activities and experiences to promote learning in the following areas:
=) Emotional, personal and social development
=) Communication and language
=) Knowledge and understanding of the world
=) Expressive and aesthetic development
=) Physical develoment and movement

When i looked around the School Nursery, i was sooo happy because even if this is a Public School, wow, very far different from where i came from(here i am again comparing, but you know, i just can't help it!). Public schools in third world countries are just in a deplorable state (not to mention the thorough corruption!) But anyway, i just want to show you how it is in UK. I hope time will come that Public Schools in my country will be like this( or atleast very close to this!) .... and the toilets/washrooms will be like this as well!....

First and Last

Okay, this is my second tag for today and the last for today. I cannot really do all in one day! This one is from Jona Thanks,my dear!

First

First real job: Teacher

First screen name: screen name? i am not a celebrity!hehehehe! i don't have screen name!

First funeral: i cannot remember!

First pet: dog

First piercing: On my ears (can't remember when exactly, but when i was a child!)

First tattoo: never

First credit card: Banco de Oro

First kiss: my parents

First enemy: uhmmmm, do i have one? hehehehe.

Last

Last car ride: last night

Last kiss: this morning (uhmmm, let me think, did my husband kiss me before he left from work? hehehe. yup!

I am tagging my cousin Lynn. I wanna thank you for being always there! Have a great month of June!

Desperate Measures Against Boredom: A Tag

Got this tag from my blogging pal, MIAH. Thanks,my dear. Let's see how will i answer these questions? hehehehe....

1. Would you forgive your best friend for sleeping with your husband/wife?
=) Nope and it will just give me a reason to cut his! ( ah, here i am getting silly again!).

2. Where were you last week?
=) just at home, doing the daily routines.

3. Have you ever seen a live bat?
=) yes, i did. So many at Hinagdanan Cave,Bohol. I think me and my husband had seen in many places in the Philippines.

4. Do you like Big Macs?
=) What is that? hehehehe. nope, not a big fan of that! But my husband does!

5. Are you single?
=) Nope, i am double and with special baggages!

6. Do you like the color orange?
=) uhmmmm, let me see, i love the orange fruit, and i think yes, i also love orange. i think i love all colors! hehehehe!

7. Do you find it in your heart to forgive?
=) Yes but it takes time....

8. Would you rather not eat or not sleep?
=) Not eat! But, oh dear, i also love to eat!

9. Have you ever seen a real redneck?
=) Not yet.

10. Do you like tattoos and piercings?
=) Not really...probably just the one that can be erased!i had tried once!hehehehe!

11. Where was the last place you got your hair cut?
=) Ricky Reyes Saloon, Davao City.

13. Do you care if people talk smack about you?
=) Ah, i don't care!

14. How long do you use the phone daily?
=) not that much!

15. Do you like snakes?
=) Nope. Although i had some photos of them, many actually!

Monday Moments

My weekend had been busy and before i knew it --- it's already Monday! The household chores had been endless and i have so many things to do...

There are good things today : first, my son has no school because it is local holiday here in Kintore. So, anyway, i continue all what i hadn't finished last weekend --- vacuuming, cleaning the rooms, the kitchen --- all the odd jobs you can imagine! And doing the same routine again --- preparing meals, doing laundry, washing the dishes, etc... Oh well, what can i do? I am not a desperate housewife but these are the things i should really do.

Second good news: our stuffs from the Philippines arrive, so i really have to make space for another quantity of things. We are happy. My husband did not even go to work today just to help put our stuffs in their designated areas.

Oh, the hours just went by so fast that before we knew it, it's already 8:30 in the evening and we need to buy some groceries. Now, we just arrived and i gotta make this post just to let you know i am really sorry for not visiting your blogs recently. The household stuffs just really occupied me. Oh well, what can i do? Family first...

The not so nice thing today? I missed really good opps( three good opps!). Before i knew it, when i checked my mail, they're already expired!ayayayyyy! Oh well, my husband told me, "you don't need to grab opps, anyway, you better have rest! How much are they, anyway? 10 dollars each?" Oh well, i just smiled at him! I know he is right, but i just feel the thrill of getting and chasing some opps(even if they are 1 dollar or 5 dollars each. It doesn't matter!). I feel this excitement! hehehehe! Luckily, i still got some today and yup, i did feel sooo tired really!

By the way, wow, it is month of JUNE. Welcome to another exciting month,my friends! I hope this will be a good month for all of us!

Dominantly Dockers : Care for a Commercial?

Each of us has its own style...has its own fashion sense. When it comes to fashion, Dockers will never be out of style. If you love fashion, if you love comfort, if you got the passion to impress the audience with a style that is unique, that is uniquely Dockers, go for this Dockers contest at www.nbc.com/Dockers.

Dockers contest is all about making your own Dockers commercial. It provides entrants with the opportunity to create a 30-second video advertisement for Dockers. One (1) video advertisement will be submitted to NBC Universal, Inc. ("NBC") for consideration as a commercial to be shown during the June 13, 2008 broadcast of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as made available for a limited time online at NBC.com. The contest will end this 6th of June, so guys, grab this opportunity now to submit your entries and get the exposure. This is a rare opportunity.

Of the ads that i had seen already, i like the "We Speak Your Language" ad. It almost sounds the same as the "Define Pants" ad and the "Historically" ad. Just one thing: i love the sound track!

So, come on guys, tell your friends,family, and relatives and make a Dockers Commercial. Get the chance to be popular!

What I Love About Britain's Got Talent

Of course, i love the fantastic judges. I love Amanda Holden's sensitivity and down-to-earth character. Uhmm, and not to mention her outstanding outifts! Just "bloody brilliant!". I always love Simon's phenomenal and spontaneous, very frank remarks and Pierce's honest, intelligent observations. The three judges are just perfect making the show a much awaited event in British social media and all over the world in general. And the hosts? They're superb as ever.



But what i really love about this show is the diversity of the acts. It's not just all about singing, or dancing, or acting,etc... It is everything you can imagine! It is fullpacked of talent that it is very,very difficult to judge who will gonna emerge as the winner. And the ultimate winner this year GEORGE SAMPSON? He's just so adorable and he really deserved it, realizing that he never even make it to the semi-final round last year. But he is the teenage boy who never left his dream unattended. He go on and just wow! What a winner! We are very,very delighted with the result. Ah, i also adore the Michael Jackson style dancers! hehehehe. They just make me happy! They emerged as second. And the other performers? I should say they are world class like the Scala. The rest of the finalists are winners in their own field. What more can i say? Just, Wow! what a spine-tingling event!

But the most important thing why i love this show? Because it is multicultural. It is not just about the dancing, the singing, the magic, the martial arts, the outfits, the stunning moves, etc... etc... it is about the spirit of unity in diversity. Look at how a Filipino or a Sheikh Muslim can perform in the British soil! What a broader idea of universality and i am loving it. You cannot find anyone contesting or complaining, "why did he participate, he's not a resident from here? he does not have a british passport?" Wow! Just amazing feeling! Everyone just wanted a good time, a good show and it never failed to deliver that message. The idea of changing the life of a teenage boy who needs money to pay mortgage because he came from a very unstable background? Wow! Just splendid!

I think that this is the essence of this show : turning the life of a person with great talent 360 degrees. It doesn't matter where he came from or what her/his color is --- what matter is the talent that he/she can present in front of the British public,in the British soil and all over world. The essence of the show is changing a life who deserved to be changed forever.

The winner will receive 100,000 pounds(8.6 Million pesos) plus the chance to perfom in front of Prince Charles in a Royal Variety Show. George Sampson together with the other finalists will be doing lots of tours nationwide. We can't wait for them to come to Aberdeen!