Eid 2012

 

 

Whenever my brother organizes something, it's always a certified success. He's the brains behind our Eid break. We stayed at a hotel in Dubai that's situated near Dubai Mall. The kid in me got really excited over the sweet treats at Candylicious. Then came lunch. I had cheeseburger at Burgerfuel and malt shake at Johnny Rocketts. I enjoyed the iced lolly I bought at The Works while watching the Dancing Fountain in front of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.   The place was lavishly decorated with lights which reminded me of Christmas in Pinas. Then came dinner. I really liked Yo Sushi's concept of taking whatever dish you fancy from a conveyor belt. The food is tops as well. Here's a sample video of the amazing Dancing Fountain in Dubai:

 

 

 

Just wanna make a quick post to inform everyone that I'm still alive and kicking, just insanely busy. Got really sick this week which prompted me to visit a doctor. Being a doctor myself, I'm ashamed to admit that I only go to a doctor when it's extremely necessary. I wanna thank Doc Peng for taking care of me as usual. I subjected myself to a load of lab tests to make sure that I'm healthy and ready for my Pinas vacation which is scheduled real soon. I hope the results are okay. Keeping my fingers crossed ... I miss blogging. There are just a lot of things on my plate right now. For instance, my daughter will start KG 1 this coming week. I still can't get over the fact that she's ready for school. How time flies ... There's no time for anything these days except work and my kid. It's actually a good thing because I just want to think about the present for now. I don't wanna get overwhelmed by what lies ahead. I know that whatever happens, I'll be fine. I'll be happy. And I'll be at peace. That's what we call FAITH.

In life, there are no rules. You simply have to do what should be done at a given moment.

Source of Pic: missphattypants.com

The more problems you have, the less you take life and yourself seriously. I guess that's how people survive best. :-)

Source of Pic: thesunnygirl.com

Never Gonna Leave This Bed - Maroon 5

My current LSS ... And it's my brother's fault. Hehe.

As the day comes to a close, let's offer a prayer to our friends, relatives and fellowmen fighting to survive in the Philippines. Countless homes are presently submerged in flood water. Thousands of people have no food and shelter. Lives have already been lost. Our bayanihan has been put to the test once more. I believe that we will survive this nationwide tragedy. The rain will stop soon and our land will become dry. In the meantime, let's be safe.  

I'm the queen of shrewdness. I have always believed in cost-effective shopping. However, these products are worth the extra bucks:      

I have sensitive skin and it's hard for me to find a product that my skin doesn't react to. Shiseido products work really well and they last for a year.

Prestige Lipstick is longwearing so there's no need for frequent touch-ups. I also found a perfect shade which I can use from day to night.

  

Fitflop sells the most comfy footwear I have ever tried. I can use them for hours without suffering from tender and sore feet. A must-have for those who love to walk. I bought my first pair 3 years ago and it hasn't shown any obvious signs of wear and tear yet. A really good investment.  

Whenever I feel like my days go by without meaning or purpose, I set out to make other people happy. We don't live our lives for ourselves alone. Sometimes we have to reach out, make people smile or offer a hand to others in need. Making others happy actually ups our happiness scale. That's a fact. Ramadan gives us countless of opportunities to do just that. If we lack time, the easiest way is to drop off our old books, clothes and household items in designated areas in the mall for less fortunate people.

Source: http://campaign.dubib.com

Rather, I have the power to wish: by Eshla

Can I help you with that?

I wish I could.
I wish I could grant you peace.
I wish I could create joy for you.
I wish I could take your worries.
I wish I could digest your fears.

For this is not merely empathy,
This is love,
This is friendship,
That too in its most crude form.

For I bear no gifts.
I don't bring presents.
I don’t have those. Nor can I afford them. Nor do I believe in such pleasantries.

Rather I have the power to wish
And the will to make it real.

So, I will wish for my friend.
I will wish for you.
For it is the only thing I can give- a hope, a dream.

Because reality says I cannot wipe out your sorrows,
I cannot lift your pains,
I cannot rectify the injustices.

I cannot.
That is your path, I’m told. That is your journey to endure.

But I will rest my hand on your back,
And I will wish,
Wish that it were not so,
Wish that my feet fit in your shoes.
Small or large,
I wish that I could drag them along a foreign path,
So that you may rest your tired soles.

For it’s only a wish that I can gift you. But that wish encapsulates every bit of my being.

I wish,
And I believe.
I believe that such kindness makes wishes bear fruit.

What Matters Most - Philippine Madrigal Singers

A beautiful song performed by the very talented Philippine Madrigal Singers :-)

Heal the World - Michael Jackson

This world has become such a cruel place. This is an appeal to everyone ...

Med Student Syndrome

Haha!

If I Could - Celine Dion

For my daughter ...

If I could
I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
Give you courage in a world of compromise
Yes, I would

If I could
I would teach you all the things I've never learned
And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
Yes, I would

If I could
I would try to shield your innocence from time
But the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow
So I could let you go

If I could
I would help you make it through the hungry years
But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would
If I could

If I live
In a time and place where you don't want to be
You don't have to walk along this road with me
My yesterday
Won't have to be your way

If I knew
I'd have tried to change the world I brought you to
And there isn't very much that I can do
But I would
If I could...
Oh baby... mummy wants to protect you
And help my baby through the hungry years
It's part of me
And if you ever... ever need
Sad shoulder to cry on
I'm just someone to talk to
I'll be there... I'll be there
I didn't change your world
But I would
If I could!

I admit that, unlike my mom, I'm not maternal by nature. It's simply not one of my inherent traits. I had to learn and develop it over the years. I was used to being taken care of and not the other way around. I was always my mom's little girl and I kinda got stuck in that role for a long time. When I found out that I was going to be a mom, I felt so emotionally unprepared for the seemingly daunting task of rearing a child. When my baby was born, I was scared to hold her for fear that I might drop her precious, fragile body. I didn't know how to change her nappy, when to feed her, what to do whenever she cries. It was a constant guessing game, a very challenging trial-and-error thing. I thank the people who answered my 911 calls whenever she wouldn't stop crying, whenever she's sick and whenever I was being a frantic clueless mom. How time flies. Mishka's 3. I may not have aced my first 3 years of mommyhood but I think I'm doing fine. I actually think I'm getting quite good at it. :-) The ordeal I had to go through this week in order to make my daughter stay in the UAE with me involved lots of tears, sweat, guts, faith and determination. With the help of my family and friends, I did it, we did it! To my daughter, I love you more than my life. Wherever I'll be, you'll be with me, no matter what it takes. That's a promise.       

A Brief Lesson in Flow Charts

HAHAHA!

Source: Outside the Interzone

Stress Busters!

Don't let stress get to you. Fight it. Learn to live with it. It's part of life. Here's my personal list of stress busters:

1. Take a walk along Corniche.
2. Jog in the morning.
3. Drink your favorite coffee while reading a good book.
4. Listen to music, lots of it.
5. Shop but watch your budget. If your budget is nil, go window-shopping instead.
6. Smile even if you want to scream or throw things around. Just smile. :-)
7. Be with someone who makes you laugh and laugh out loud at every opportunity.
8. Go bowling.
9. Go to a nearby arcade and play hockey or basketball.
10. Watch a feel-good movie.
11. Go to a bar and sing along with the band. Watch the people go crazy on the dance floor.
12. Go to the salon and enjoy a bit of pampering. Again, watch your budget.
13. Watch a fun TV series like New Girl.
14. Read some lines from your self-meditation book.
15. Pray.
16. Act like a kid. Thanks to Mishka, I'm starting to be a pro at this.
17. Videoke. I find "What's Up" by 4 Non-blondes a very effective song. You can scream "WHAT'S GOING ON?!" at the top of your lungs. 
18. Eat cake. I love Costa's New York cheesecake with caramel topping and blackforest cake.
19. Grab a bag of potato chips.
20. Get kikay with your friends and take lots of pics for FB.
21. Travel.
22. Blog.
23. Read funny comic strips. Gulf News has Garfield, Dilbert, Wizard of Id, Andy Capp and Calvin and Hobbes. We have our very own Pugad Baboy.
24. Watch anything jologs on TV. The more jologs, the better.
25. Take deep breaths. Stretch out those tired muscles.
26. Cry for a LIMITED time period only.
27. Get lots of sleep.
28. Watch Just for Laughs. Simply hilarious.
29. Watch Barefoot Contessa, Unwrapped and Everyday Italian.

Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer

Butterflies in my stomach, fairy lights, petty fights, burning the phone lines, love letters and poems, bouquet of flowers, puppy love ... THE KILIG SONG of my teenage years!

Ramadan Rules and Regulations for Non-Muslims

Source: Yahoo News

During the 30 days of Ramadan, fasting Muslims around the world will observe strict rules, including abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations between sunrise and sunset.

Non-Muslims, too, will be expected to respect the local culture in many Islamic countries, and should be aware of certain rules and regulations…

There are strict fines in some Islamic countries, as well as possible jail time, for eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum in public – including in their own cars - during daylight hours. In the UAE, for instance, fines can range from AED2,000-2,500 and/or a one- or two-month jail sentence. Getting let off with a warning is a possibility, but not guaranteed. In Egypt, citizens and foreigners can be arrested for a misdemeanour offence if caught, while in Indonesia penalties can include flogging.

While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, showing courtesy and consideration for those who are fasting is expected.
During the day, non-Muslims can eat in designated areas, usually behind screens. Some hotels, shopping mall food courts and restaurants will remain open – but discreetly – so it is best to plan ahead by calling them to find out. Most outlets will deliver food during the day as well.
Similarly, most offices have designated areas where you can eat or drink. It is considered common courtesy not to do so in front of your fasting colleagues.
Learning a few Ramadan greetings can show your respect for the Islamic culture. In Arabic, it is customary to say "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak", which basically translates into "May you have a generous/ blessed Ramadan".

Do accept Iftar invitations from friends or colleagues, as this will provide you with a way of learning more about the customs and traditions of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month for peace and piety, so abstain from swearing and using offensive language or gestures in public, as this is considered disrespectful.

Ramadan is also a time for giving and charity, so do your bit by donating to your favourite charity or volunteering.

Because fasting also includes abstaining from sexual contact, any public displays of affection are considered disrespectful, too.

Modest dress is advisable, so do cover up. Women should wear loose, long-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts or trousers, while men should wear long trousers.

Work hours

for most banks, offices and government organisations will be reduced by at least two hours, so make sure you find out the new timings. Public transport schedules (such as for the Dubai Metro) and paid parking hours will also change during the month.

Live music is banned in public places during Ramadan but recorded music may be allowed. While bars remain open at night, most night clubs are closed. Likewise, playing loud music either in cars or in private residences is considered impolite and should be avoided.

Some Muslims are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, so do not be surprised to see them eating as usual. These include the sick, elderly, pre-pubescent children, nursing mothers, pregnant or menstruating women and travellers.