PINK, PURPLE and ANYTHING

House Encounters

2011-08-02T15:19:00.004+03:00

Motherhood can really be rewarding, sometimes frustrating, but most of the time humorous.

Now that I'm on my third trimester, I can't help but sometimes fall asleep on the couch while Heavenne is playing around. But I noticed that her daily adventures in the house is progressing a lot to new level each day- or how should I say that.

Four days ago, while Kenji and I were preparing dinner we noticed how quiet she is playing inside our room. However we never thought of checking what's going on, because we're used to expect the "tornado disaster" which makes it acceptable and normal for us. But I suddenly feel like I need to lie down on the bed for a while, so I got inside the room and noticed nothing different. After a while she came to me on the bed and showed some drawings on a piece of paper. I showed her my appreciation for her talent and gave some applause. She got so excited and told me how she liked to paint also, I said that's good we'll try painting sometimes. Then I thought that was the end of it, but she got more excited and said, "look I already did some paintings there, see? is it beautiful?" while pointing on the opposite wall. To my surprise, she used some lip gloss and lipstick and did some scribbling with it. I almost screamed, but she managed to cover my mouth quickly. Well we got so lucky on this disaster because our chemist knows how to remove stains from lipstick and lip gloss.

Today, I just fell asleep on our couch after having lunch. When I woke up, I was totally surprised to find a little creature with eye shadow of purple and matching nail polish on toe nails and finger nails too. You wouldn't guess, but if she used the lip gloss and lipstick to scribble on the wall, this time she used the permanent marker for her make up and nail polish. Anyway, she greeted me right away when she saw me opened my eye in astonishment, "Isn't it beautiful?" while posing so I can see clearly her work of art. Anyway, that is just the first, I'm still counting. I was chatting with my sister and she's back playing with her toys in the room again. Suddenly she called me and said she'll stay there and just play with her toys, and I said ok. Again after few minutes she came out of the room, dressed in layers of clothes which is not unusual, she sat on the couch and said she's baking cakes for us. Then I said ok again, and she run back on our room, and came back with lots of baby powder mixed with water on her cooking utensil toys- that's it, her very own cake recipe!

I'll still be counting, but this time I'll pay close attention to prevent humorous disasters, the day is not yet over!

Choices

2011-07-27T13:46:00.000+03:00

Choices! A simple word, a verb that's always present, every second, minute, hour, and day of our life. When I was young, I had this feeling that I'm tired of studying, and I'm very eager to finish my education because I thought by then when I got a job I'll be freed from making choices and I could just live my life the way I envisioned it. WRONG! Being a grown up doesn't mean I'd be free from making choices and tests. As grown up, you'll be given more privilege and more responsibility to make choices. The choices we're faced kind of evolves too, the younger we are the choices are simple and it gets more complicated as we age. However there is a beauty in it, it is indeed a privilege and a gift to us. Right choices will make us happy and happier, wrong choices makes our life miserable and lead us to more problems and more complicated life.

In marriage, it is not enough to make one right choice. When we are young we are encouraged to make the right choice of marrying in the temple. But if we wanted a happy family life, we must understand that it does not only begin and end in the temple marriage ceremony. As we live our life, we are faced with many choices, often hard to make, hard to contemplate, hard to figure out what is right or wrong thing to do. And some of the most difficult choices often involves timer, when your timer's up and you haven't made your choice you don't only forfeit the possible score of being happy but you also have to face the consequence as if you made the wrong choice.

Choice can be a privilege to live a happy life, or it can be a hard task that could lead to devastation or miserable life. The way we take each choice determines how we should feel in the end. It determines our integrity as a person. Adversity is very cunning and will always try to tempt us or beguile us to choose wrong, but I'm grateful for the guiding principles given to us or the so called "standards" which guides us as we make some of the most important choices in our lives. The courage to make right choices in spite of what others may think, or say about us will make us feel proud and happy for our choices in the long run.

I love and adore the story about the 2000 stripling warriors. this is how they were described:

“They were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20–21).

and to think these warriors were young, inexperienced, and yet they fought with so much courage, faith and they were men of integrity. And through the way they conducted themselves, they frightened even their enemies.

The courage to make right choices is not dependent on age or any other status. It is a gift given to all of us no matter how young, or whatever our educational attainment maybe. From the choices we make we reap the consequences, and that will determine wherever we're going be it the right path to happiness and success or the path that leads to misery- it takes courage, its all our decision.

Who Wants To Be Rich?

2011-07-02T15:07:00.004+03:00

If you ask people to raise their hands if they want to be rich, everyone will raise their hand. If you ask them who wants to receive money everyone will raise their hand. If you ask them who wants to work and earn money some will raise their hand. And still if you ask them, who wants to work hard to earn money, only few will raise their hand.

When I was young, I remember a story often told by my mother. It's about a red hen who found a grain of corn ready to be planted. She then asked her household members (A pig, a duck, and a cat) to help her plant the corn seeds, but no one dared to help her and they said they were all busy. So she planted the corn seeds by herself.

When it was time to water the corns, she asked her household again, "who wants to help me water the plants?", but no one dared help her, they all said they have things to do and they were busy.

The red hen did a great job taking care of the corn plants, and soon it was ready for harvest. She asked her household again if they could help her harvest the corn. But everyone said they can't help her and they have things to do. So the red hen, harvested all the corn and brought it in their kitchen.

The following day, she told her household members that she finished harvesting the corn and it is ready to be cooked. She asked them again who wants to help her cook the corns, the pig, the duck and the cat all said they were busy and can't help her in the kitchen. So the red hen cooked the corn by herself. And as soon as she's finished cooking she said, "its time to eat", and the kitchen smelled so good. The household members gathered together in the kitchen, the pig, duck, and cat. All of them wants to join with the red hen eat the delicious meal.

Hard work is a virtue. We cannot expect to be rich by the end of the year without hard work. Although adversity is very cunning, easy earned money which includes those from gambling will never give us the happiness and fulfillment from the rewards we get for working hard. I still believe that we are because of what we do, our choices, hard work, and perseverance are some of the things that determines success and happiness in life.

Everyone wants to be successful but only few becomes such. The problem with many is that they know what they wanted to be but they fail to establish their course by working hard on how to get to their goal. They know what they want and yet they feel its "too hard" and find many excuses not to finish what they've started, and some are even too lazy to start it.

There is beauty in work, there are lots of joy after work. As a mother, I discovered the limitless opportunity to use the hand and the mind, and it does bring so much joy to be able to create something.

There's so much opportunity to work, if we would open our minds and learn to love the beauty of hard work.

They said there is no royal road to education, and I believe the same thing is true with success. There is no easy way to be successful. Those who attained success are the ones who truly learned to love work, and who have forsaken idleness. We can find so much excuses not to work just like the cat, duck and the pig in the story, and in the end find ourselves starving. While those who worked really hard can enjoy something good and special, just like the red hen, from their hard work by the end of the day.

"Without hard work nothing grows but weeds".-G. Hinckley

Training Our Little Girl To Be Modest

2011-06-04T15:11:00.003+03:00

Its been more than a year since my last post. Anyway some updates, Heavenne and I are back in Jeddah since November 2010 and we're expecting a baby boy soon, we found it out Dec. 27 - and considers it as the best gift of 2010 to our family. Although Hevyn is telling she really wants a baby sister,with a serious face, she has now accepted the fact that its a boy unlike before when she would sob every time we explain to her its a boy and not a girl.

She's a grown up girl now, we think she is, and she always surprises us with her humor and thoughts. Training and teaching her is becoming a real challenge now that she's learned to reason out. Most of the time she wants to do things herself, this is what we often hear from her, "I can do it by myself". Yes, she does most of the things by herself now, she wants to take a bath alone and wash herself; change her own clothes countless times a day; and use the computer, she even claims that the laptop is hers since the time she asked Kenji if she could have it, who noded and said yes because he didn't thought that her daughter is asking it seriously.

Few nights ago, we decided that we need to take a walk outside and Heavenne dressed up, as usual she picked her own dress. Kenji noticed that the dress is cute but too sexy, which I thought would be just fine because it's really humid outside. While the little girl is looking at herself in the mirror, posing this way and that which is cute for a little girl. The father decided we need to talk to the little girl and ask her to put something that would cover her back and arms and its not too early to teach a child how to dress modestly- and I agree with him. Thumbs up daddy!

I wonder what happened to the fashion now. Most girls would take modesty as old fashion. I highly respect those girls who could keep their way of clothing modest and still be fashionable. The way we dress up outside does reflect on our virtue and our values as an individual. When we watched the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, I noticed and adored how the royal family has preserved the elegance and modesty when it comes to fashion. That's the fashion that many women forgot as they cling to fads. I don't think the world needs to dictate what is beautiful based on how much we reveal our bodies. The high cost of textiles nowadays might also be the reason, but the value of each square inch on our body is worth covering too, and far more expensive than what you will spend on every yard of textile. Beauty is within every woman, it is in the way she conducts herself around people, it is in the words that comes out of her mouth, it is in her pure thoughts, and in the skills and talents she strive to develop, and it is on how she considers her body as a temple of God, how she treats it with respect and take care of her health. The way we dress sends a message to the world how much we value ourself, and our body. The rich and wise man doesn't flaunt with his treasures as he walk down the street, else he'll end up being robbed by it.

“Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you. …

“Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, ‘Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?’ ”
For the Strength of Youth (pamphlet, 2001), 14–16.

This song about virtue sang by Jenny Phillips is for our daughter, I hope you will find your way on it, and find your own way being beautiful.

The X-expat Life

2010-06-04T08:53:00.007+03:00

Two days ago, I dreamed I was still in KSA, doing my daily routines in the house. Its hard to think that we're no longer living there, although the future gives a brighter hope for our small family. The place we used to call home is miles away and we're far from going back there or living in the same house if ever we got the chance to go back there.

Hevyn would still ask at times to go home, and we knew what she meant by that. Life seems very strange now, and it feels like our small family of three is floating homeless in our own country while we wait for our next destination wherever that maybe.

There are some who thinks that the life of an expat or OFW family is easy and would define it as comfort. Yet there are many sacrifices unseen by many who do not understand what it's like to live in a foreign land, adhere to their culture, and leave the place or places you've once called home. I envy the Filipinos who has the chance to stay and fortify with what they have. They don't have to leave anything behind, they don't have to move to a new place every now and then.

Right now, the most important lesson I learned is to hold on together as family no matter what happens and wherever the Lord brings us.

With whatever we have, the only way to be happy is to recognize and be grateful for the smallest blessing we are enjoying no matter how different our life maybe from what we desire it to be.

Leaving and Living

2010-05-13T10:07:00.003+03:00

In less than a week our family will be leaving Saudi Arabia for good. And although living here may sound so tight for me, having to wear abaya and everything that prohibits a woman from doing so many things, I surely will miss this place. This has been our home for the last three years and I sooo love being here. I love the way it makes me feel safe, and respected.

I don't know if my daughter will ever remember living here, but this is the place where she was born. It seems like she doesn't have a clue why there are many boxes scattered in the house that was once neat and tidy looking. I know she will miss it here, her playmates and good friends. The place where many of her first first happened, first birthday, first step, first everything. And because its not that easy to come over here for a visit unless a family member works here, I'm not so sure if she or our family will ever see the place again. But the memories will always stay with us, this had been our home, our first home.

Last night we went to Al Rashid Mall to buy some stuffs and to take Hevyn for some rides in the amusement. We had good time, Hevyn rode the carousel which is her favorite. And before we went home we also had some pictures taken at a booth. We had a great quality time together and we're all tired by the time we got home, and we realized we forgot to buy the stuffs that we came for.

Wherever we go after this, will be another adventure for our small family. And as we leave, the memories will continue to live in our hearts with our friends that we also call our family in Saudi Arabia.

A Burden Not Ours To Carry

2010-04-24T00:15:00.007+03:00

I realized I haven't updated my blog for almost a year, and maybe it's time to redeem it. Although I've been quite busy taking care of my baby who is now a little girl, I do miss the times when I simply feel like posting something here and I find time to do it.

For the last year, I have to admit, I felt terribly hurt by some people who I trusted, some people I almost consider as my family. My hubby who is my very best of best friends know everything about this and he's been the shoulder I cried on to for so many months, I'm more than grateful for having him, for his patience and counsels to help me get through this. He would always remind me to let things go, forget, and forgive, I would agree that he is right. And I also thought I had forgiven these people, but now I think I didn't. There were times I still feel terribly bad about what they did, and I would find reasons and excuses why they did it but could not find comfort in doing so. Why can't I just forgive and forget just like a child. My PPD added to what happened brought so much sadness and tears that I've been trying to conceal from those people around me.

A couple of months ago, I asked my hubby, why would the Lord command us to forgive our neighbor seventy times seven, we're not the one who sinned why give the commandment to us? Why not command those people to ask forgiveness to those they hurt? And why forgive if they haven't ask for forgiveness? Its not making much sense, because first of all you aren't the one who did wrong, its actually you who were hurt. And just as I ponder about it, I understood why. We were asked to forgive because the burden of the sin of other people isn't for us to carry. It's something we don't deserve to carry after all. Maybe that's why we are always counseled to "forGIVE" and "forGET". We have to GIVE that burden to the Lord as we obey his counsel to forgive, and when we do we will GET that peace and comfort for our sorrows. Now it doesn't sound unfair anymore, I know that that commandment is given to us for our own happiness. There is no other way to move on and ease the pains others have inflicted on us, but only through forgiving and forgetting their wrongs. I learned from this experience that we don't have to keep it in our hearts to grow into hatred, make us feel depressed or unhappy, it is something we have to let go, and we don't have to suffer more by carrying that burden with us.

I feel embarrassed as I write this, but I hope you'll learn something that might add up to the smile of happiness and peace in our lives in case there is someone you haven't forgiven yet.

As Elder James Faust said : "If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being."

‘When Is Success a Failure?’

2009-05-26T11:17:00.005+03:00

When Is Success a Failure?

President Hugh B. Brown

When you are doing the lower while the higher is

possible,

When you are not a cleaner, finer, larger man on

account of your work,

When you live only to eat and drink, have a good time,

and accumulate money, then success is a failure.

When you do not carry a higher wealth in your

character than in your pocketbook,

When the attainment of your ambition has blighted the

aspirations and crushed the hopes of others,

When hunger for more money, more land, more houses

and bonds has grown to be your dominant passion,

When your profession has made you a physical wreck—

a victim of ‘nerves’ and moods,

When your absorption in your work has made you

practically a stranger to your family,

When your greed for money has darkened and cramped

your wife’s life, and deprived her of self-expression, of

needed rest and recreation, of amusement of any kind,

When all sympathy and fellowship have been crushed out

of your life by selfish devotion to your vocation,

When you do not overtop your vocation,

When you are not greater as a man than as a lawyer, a merchant, a

physician or a scientist,

When you plead that you have never had time to

cultivate your friendships, your politeness, or your good manners,

When you have lost on your way your self-respect, your

courage, your self-control, or any other quality of

manhood, then success has been a failure.

(In Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 113.)

Ripples Of Life's Decision

2009-05-01T04:52:00.003+03:00

Life is full of choices. It allows us to be happy, and to learn right from wrong. No matter how insignificant we may think those choices are, the consiquences of it will always have a rippling effect on the eternity of our life.

At an early childhood, I was thought that I must not drink coffee or tea. The things I partake can either benefit or harm my body and I have to be wise on it. As a Latter Day-Saint, I know what to do when the time comes and somebody offer me alcoholic beverage, or asked me to smoke, or partake of anything which can be harmful for my body. A friend of mine asked me to drink tea one time when we were eating at Tokyo Tokyo, and she's briving me she won't tell anybody and she'll give me one thousand pesos if I do. That I have to think of (haha), but I had made my decision prior to the offer, and I must stick to it. I'm grateful for that decision, I'm blessed with good health, aside from minor cough, cold, or flu, I experienced nothing soo serious about my health.

When I was in college, I had a very meager allowance, its not more than a thousand pesos monthly ( year 2001). I had packed lunch everyday, and I try to be as thrifty as I could. I also decided, that I must pay my tithing as soon as I receive it. There are times that I know it'll never be enough to meet the expenses, I don't know how but I was never in financial debt. I was able to buy some things I wanted at the end of the month.

We gain friends on our journey, they always come and go. I witnessed how some stopped coming to church simply to avoid someone who offended them. Right then, I promised myself, no matter what people do, no matter how hurtful it maybe for me, I will stay in the church and never be offended. So far, I never had been offended, and if I do one day, I know there will only be one place where I can gather strength... my home and the church inseparable.

As part of the Young Women organization in the church, almost eight years ago. My teachers taught me how important family is, that our family can be together forever for all eternity. I know there can be something more than "till death do us part" when we marry, and I wanted it to be "for all time and all eternity". I understand a standard must be set when dating, the kind of people you date, definitely has something to do with the kind of person you will marry. The choice of whom I will date, and many more has helped me finally find my eternal companion now. We now have our one year old daughter and when I look at her and hold her I know she'll be a part of me forever, for all eternity and so is my eternal companion.

There are still lots of choices to make. No matter how difficult the choices maybe, it is choosing the right one that leads us to the abundant blessings in life. When we prove ourselves in doing what's right, we prove ourselves worthy of these blessings.

Happiness In Marriage

2009-04-27T07:58:00.008+03:00

There are so many things I do miss for the last two years of being here in the Middle East with dh. First is the Temple, the place where we got married. Second is the singles ward where I used to attend and the institute classes. Third lots of friends and family members. Fourth, lots of foods specially young coconut (buko) and more.

We're trying to resolve on each one. We decided to go on vacation before the end of this year so we could go and visit the temple, see our friends and families, and eat the foods I miss. There's nothing better than being physically present in an institute class, but for now I'm trying to read some of the online institute student manual.

I came accross Elder Joe J. Christensen's thought about marriage from the Eternal Marriage Studen Manual, and I want to post it here. He shared eight practical suggestions to strengthening marriages and I also added some of my thoughts on each one.

1. Remember the central importance of your marriage.-

“There is nothing in this world as important as the creation and perfection of family units” (“Salvation Is a Family Affair,” Improvement Era, June 1970, pp. 43–44).

What could be more important than marriage, our family must always be at the top of our priorities.

2. Pray for its success.-

Elder Kimball shared this wise counsel: “Well, don’t just pray to marry the one you love. Instead, pray to love the one you marry. ”

And so the need to pray. Many Church leaders and marriage counselors indicate that they have not seen one marriage in serious trouble where the couple was still praying together daily. When problems arise and marriages are threatened, praying together as a couple may be the most important remedy.

Its explained well and I agree 100%. I remember when we got married, my honorable Grandma and Grandpa Meyer wrote on their letter to us: "Be kind to one another and talk over any disagreement. That way no ill feelings build up. Keep it friendly and never go to bed unhappy". When time comes that you don't feel like talking to each other, its the best time to ask your partner to kneel down and pray. Prayer changes the way you feel, and it enlightens us to understand each other.

3. Listen.-

Make the time to listen to your spouse; even schedule it regularly. Visit with each other and assess how you are doing as a marriage partner.

Do you do family counsel? Family home evening? Every monday evening all things are set aside in our home. We sit together as a family, sing hymns, and talk about improving ourselves, resolving concerns and problems.

4. Avoid “ceaseless pinpricking.”-

Don’t be too critical of each other’s faults. Recognize that none of us is perfect. We all have a long way to go to become as Christlike as our leaders have urged us to become.At times it is better to leave some things unsaid.

The problem with me is that I leave things unsaid almost all the time, you know the quiet type when you're mad or hurt. When we often leave things unsaid, as kenji said, you can't resolve the matter and it keeps on being repeated. We have to find way to communicate in a nice way, and if you can't go back to number 2.

5.Keep your courtship alive.-

Make time to do things together—just the two of you. As important as it is to be with the children as a family, you need regular weekly time alone together. Scheduling it will let your children know that you feel that your marriage is so important that you need to nurture it. That takes commitment, planning, and scheduling.

It doesn’t need to be costly. The time together is the most important element.

Once when my father-in-law was leaving the house after lunch to return to the field to work, my mother-in-law said, “Albert, you get right back in here and tell me you love me.” He grinned and jokingly said, “Elsie, when we were married, I told you I loved you, and if that ever changes, I’ll let you know.” It’s hard to overuse the expression “I love you.” Use it daily.

We always have a night out, but not 'just the two of us'. I wonder if this applies if you have one year old. I think we should start looking for someone where we could leave Hevyn so we could go on a date together.

6. Be quick to say, “I’m sorry.”-

As hard as it is to form the words, be swift to say, “I apologize, and please forgive me,” even though you are not the one who is totally at fault. True love is developed by those who are willing to readily admit personal mistakes and offenses.

When differences do arise, being able to discuss and resolve them is important, but there are instances when it is best to take a time-out. Biting your tongue and counting to ten or even a hundred is important. And occasionally, even letting the sun go down on your wrath can help bring you back to the problem in the morning more rested, calm, and with a better chance for resolution.

Dh is good at this, no question. I really admire him for being so humble, apologizing even if it isn't his fault.

7. Learn to live within your means.-

Some of the most difficult challenges in marriage arise in the area of finances. “The American Bar Association . . . indicated that 89 percent of all divorces could be traced to quarrels and accusations over money” (M. J. Ashton, “One for the Money,” Ensign, July1975,).

Be willing to postpone or forgo some purchases in order to stay within your budget.

Pay your tithing first, and avoid debt insofar as possible. Remember that spending fifty dollars a month less than you receive equals happiness and spending fifty more equals misery. The time may have come to get out the scissors and your credit cards and perform what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland called some “plastic surgery” ( “Things We Have Learned— Together,” Ensign,)

Heads high on this. We don't have any credit card at all. And we agreed, never to quarrel about finances. Let your husband try do the budgetting, at least he'll have an idea of the actual financial needs of his family, his role is to provide for the family at least get him involved in this. You'll be surprised, it will make him more responsible financially.

8. Be a true partner in home and family responsibilities.-

Don’t be like the husband who sits around home expecting to be waited on, feeling that earning the living is his chore and that his wife alone is responsible for the house and taking care of the children. The task of caring for home and family is more than one person’s responsibility.

Find time to study the scriptures together, and follow this sound counsel from President

Kenji, thanks for washing the dishes every night.

I've known a lot of brethren who do things in the house, who's willing to work specially in the kitchen. These are the men we should admire. They're not lazy and not stubborn, specially when you ask them for help in the household chores.

As Pres. Kimball said: “When a husband and wife go together frequently to the holy temple, kneel in prayer together in their home with their family, go hand in hand to their religious meetings, keep their lives wholly chaste, mentally and physically, . . . and both are working together for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God, then happiness is at its pinnacle” ( Marriage and Divorce [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], p. 24).

Another Weird Dream

2009-04-25T10:00:00.012+03:00

Sleeping seemed so hard for me the past few weeks. I don't know why I can't get myself to sleep although I feel really tired and sleepy. Anyway, I miss being able to sleep and dreaming. The last dream I had is kind of weird. I'm writing it here as a counsel from dh to write down all the dreams I can remember each night. lol. Ask him why, every time I wake up I have one or more stories to tell from the dreams I had.

Of course this dream has something to do with the 72 hour kit just like the previous dreams I had. In my dream I can see New York City, although I've never been there, I can see four nuclear power plants at the same time and all those four started to melt-down and there's a big explosion. Then news started flashing on tv about it telling that the radioactive wave has reached Thailand and almost 3/4 of the earth is affected. In my dream we( dh, hevyn, and me) happened to be having our vacation in the Philippines and we're safe but we're warned to be alert, stay together and be ready for any possibilities. Also I didn't worry much about my 72 hour kit, having it right beside. And when I woke up, I told dh about it, and asked him how many nuc power plants are there in NY. He advised me to google it and to my surprise there are four just like in my dream, of course its just a coincidence. Again a product of my not too wild imagination, and worries.

I'm happy that we have our 72 hour kit ready, but to be prepared means more than the 72 hour kit, I know its important to stay together and be ready in all things as family. If our family has to stay together we have to do things together in unity. Our preparedness always starts with our family.

Elder Henry B. Eyring said: "In our own time, we have been warned with counsel on where to find safety from sin and from sorrow. One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated. . . . When the words of the prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time.

"Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith."

How grateful I am for the leaders that we have to guide and counsel us.Happiness is when we obey the Lord and the counsel of his servants, there is no other way to be truly happy except when we try to live a righteous life.

We often talk about how uncertain things seem to be these times, global crisis and slipping moral footings. Those who stand for their beliefs and fought in defending their values find themselves picketed, ridiculed or persecuted by so doing, I'm happy we found this place where we can find common moral values with the Muslims.

As Pres. Monson said "It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful or what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell on only which is wrong in the world and in our lives"

"My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

I think the best thing we can do, is to continue doing what we know is right, continue in faith, and stand firm in our values and for what is right. Wherever we are in world, there is no other place we can trust to be safest other than our homes, with our families and the key is to strengthen it and keep each one united. Nothing can influence our children more than what we teach and do inside our homes.

Global Launch of the 2009 Pinoy Expats-OFW Blog Awards

2009-04-21T20:13:00.001+03:00

Any successful endeavor is worth repeating and much more sustained. Especially when it touches and inspires the lives of the people for whom it dedicate its toils, pain, and achievements. Such are the motivations for which the 2009 Top 10 Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Award (PEBA) is once again being launched online. Wikipedia mention of PEBA here.

In its second year, PEBA will recognize Pinoy Expats and OFWs bloggers making a difference in their lives, workplace, community, the Philippines and the world in general.

This year the theme is

“Filipinos Abroad – Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World”.

Cognizant and directly affected by the brunt of global financial crisis, Filipinos continue to anchor their hope and trust to their family members abroad as herald of better news and good tidings. Thus, reinforcing the OFWs and Filipino expats role and image as new heroes and saviors.

PEBA also recognizes that Filipinos wherever they are, be it land-based, sea-based or air-based as the case maybe, are shining examples of dedication, diligence, and excellence in almost anything they do. It is not uncommon for them to be praised as assets to companies and organizations contributing to the social and economic well being of their host country.PEBA considers the more than 12m overseas Filipinos scattered abroad as gifts to make this world a better place to live.

The award which started last year had a very simple objective. It was created to award bloggers who infuses enthusiasm and inspiration for others to do good and be hopeful in this world of hopelessness. Filipino expats and OFWs with their talents, means, resources and blogs unfailingly served as voice and beacon of hope. Ten top bloggers were identified from around the globe such as theAmericas, Europe, Africa and Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific, who, up until these days continue to blog and their commitment re-ignited in contributing change through their own little ways.

So for this year with the valuable help of numerous individuals from around the globe, the search is on again. Filipino bloggers and netizens are invited to recognize Pinoy Expats/OFW who tireless blog in making the blogosphere a better space and place for exchange, discussion, and service of the Filipinos and the citizens of the world alike. It is worth knowing and learning those stories of Filipinos overcoming difficulties and challenges. Although it is a reality that not everyone is successful but still their stories are way for others to gain insight from their life lessons and experiences.

From May to October 2009 any Filipino blogger can nominate or be nominated except for last year’s top 10 PEBA awardees. Guidelines are available from its official blogsite (click here). By December 2009 winners will be announced in a public event in the Philippines whose details are still being prepared and ironed out. Sponsors, supporters and volunteers are very much welcome to make this endeavor a success.

Be part of another historic event of Pinoy Expats and OFWs!

Creamy Chicken Squash Soup

2009-04-01T16:02:00.005+03:00

I learned this recipe when I was in college, because it's easy and requires only few ingredients. Hubby requested for this yesterday, and he enjoyed it together with Hevyn.

Creamy Chicken Squash Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo chicken breast

3 cups water

1 medium size butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes

1 small can evaporated milk

1 tsp salt

1. Boil 3 cups of water, put the chicken and boil for 20 minutes in low heat or until cooked and tender, add the squash.

2. Remove the chicken breast while cooking the squash. Let it cool, debone and flake the meat.

3. Let the squash boil in the chicken stock for 10 to 20 minutes on low heat, or until tender. Mash it or puree the squash. This will thicken the chicken stock.

4. Put back the flaked chicken meat in the squash soup and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pour the evaporated milk and stir gently.

Power Of Name

2009-03-29T14:52:00.003+03:00

What's in a name?

My husband always ask me this. Whenever we go shopping, I always look for certain brand names. I always remind him though that there are brands worth looking for, brands that has established good impression to customer not because they are sooo expensive rather because of the unquestionable quality of goods they sell. Its better to spend more for an item that can stand wear and tear than buy that which is cheaper and gets worn easily.

I wonder if it's the same when it comes to our names. Does it also give an impression of who we are. As to what I know names have their own meanings. My name is an Irish name which means blind and beauty; my husbands name means a leader- which I can assure you true based on the things he's doing now and even before. Beacause I'm a little paranoid about the meaning of my name, I did make a careful research on names when I was pregnant to make sure my daughter will have a name with good meaning which is heaven's wisdom.

Only today did I learn the names also has its power, and here are ours.

This is my daughter's name power:

Your Name's Power is Perception

Your name's power is that it helps you be perceptive.

Your name conveys both wholeness and wisdom.

People who meet you can't help but think you are enlightened.

You try to live your life with flexibility and insight.

My husband's:

Your Name's Power is Beauty

Your name's power is that it helps you be beautiful.

Your name conveys both a pleasant and kind attitude.

People who meet you can't help but think you are delightful.

You try to live your life with honesty and affection.

And mine:

Your Name's Power is Creativity

Your name's power is that it helps you be creative.

Your name conveys both purity and skill.

People who meet you can't help but think you are charming.

You try to live your life with people you trust, surrounded by nature.

What's Your Name's Power?

Another Face of Pride- Gossip

2009-03-15T13:04:00.008+03:00

As the days go on, everyday gets busier. Household chores, Hevyn, some part time jobs, and some of dh's heart warming project to help a friend who is in need... these are only some of the things that takes my time. I still feel depressed (due to PPD) at times, and the more I feel depressed the more I try to isolate myself from a lot of people I know - my social absence with them has given them time to develop the wrong impression of me being unfriendly . The impression turned into false rumors and now into really dirty gossips, which I think is not really healthy.

I'm venting here because I know they wouldn't be reading my blog anyway unless they know I do blog. At a point I do hope they stumble upon this blog and read this. There's a feeling that I wanted to confront them but I don't want anything hurtful to come out of my mouth, and the thought of an argument which might end up to contention involving a lot of people doesn't really fit my personality. It feels like I'm a hollywood star, they are the producer of course. The production will never be a hit, with the contract unsigned, story unacted by the actress.

How could someone find pleasure making up stories and spreading it. As President Benson said, "We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them." Gossip is another face of pride we should never welcome, and if it ever knocks on our doors we should put end to it and not pass it on.

Gossip is another face of PRIDE- the universal sin, the great vice. It is the same pride (or gossip) that offends people, cause contention, results to broken families, destroys our relationship with our friends and those we love, it is that destroyed the Jaredites, Nephites and many civilizations in the scriptures. Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. "It is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."-(Beware of Pride- E.T. Benson)

It results in secret combination to get power or gain the glory of the world.

Gossip is a very hurtful and destructive thing you wouldn't want to get your hands dirty with. Lets get rid of it, and try to find and share good things about others instead. There's really nothing good we can get from it.

Back Again

2009-02-14T08:53:00.004+03:00

Yup, I'm back and to those who thought I abandoned my blog- I didn't. We switched to another internet/dsl line which took more than a month, sigh, so today I'm scrubbing my in-box and I know this is the most late holiday greeting, but I still want to say it here, I hope everyone had merry Christmas and happy 2009, happy Chinese new year too, and happy Valentine's Day. For those who visited my blog and for your kind comments thank you.

A lot of things happened for the almost two months when I was missing in the blogosphere... lets start with the little darling who will be turning 10 months tomorrow. She's never as active as she is now, crawling most of the time, holding on the edges of every furniture as she tries to walk on her own... and not to forget, she has her two lower-front teeth and she uses it to wake up her father by biting him on his nose, lol, poor kenji. Her first word aside from "mama","papa", or "dada" is flower and she pronounces it as "flo-wa". I also learned some new recipes during the holiday, and I'm glad I can now cook roasted chicken, and I'm still learning my baking skills for cakes and bread. Hubby says my cooking is doing better, its so nice that he can tolerate it even at times that I myself can't understand the taste of the food I cook. haha.

For the last two days the sand storm is really really terrible, my sinusitis hurts really bad yesterday coupled with severe headache and sore throat. Thanks to dh for taking care of me, and I feel so much better today. Hevyn is still sleeping and would probably wake up around 11:30 or 12 noon, I better cook my lunch now.... until next post. :-)

Another Day To Remember

2008-12-04T15:12:00.004+03:00

Today, after I bathe my seven-month old daughter, I made sure there's no box of pretzels or anything that she might reach and mess with. She's dressed, clean and there's no chocolate around, I placed her in her walker and off I go cleaning the bathroom. Few minutes and I'm finished, she's not crying as I can hear she's even humming happily. As I entered the room I saw her in the corner of her closet, her clothes messed around and she's waving a plastic bag to me with a smile.

What happened, it's as if somebody ransacked the room? I placed some of her small clothes in a plastic bag for me to sort out. She managed to reach it, I know I didn't close the bag which is really full but I can't figure out how she manage to get everything out and spin the clothes around, its a bit heavy for someone her size.

Happy Pretzel Day

2008-12-03T14:10:00.008+03:00

There are tons of clothes that needs to be washed today. I first bathe Hevyn, and then dressed her and started washing the clothes. I put her in our bed and put lots of pillows around and gave her some toys. As I was washing, she seems too quiet so I didn't bother what she is doing. I thought she was just playing with her toys. When I entered the room, I found her not with the toys, but with the box of pretzels her father bought last night, she reached for it because Kenji put it beside the bed. When I took the box, it was empty already, the pretzel sticks are all in our bed, chocolates melted staining the bed sheet and pillow cases. Her face covered with chocolate, as well as her dress and her hands holding lots of pretzel sticks and licking on it at the same time.

Now, I have to do another batch of laundry and wash the bed sheet as well as the pillow cases and blanket which are full of chocolate stains from the pretzels.

The mess is outrageous, I can't help but smile. She has grown up fast. She's now capable of messing around the house.

When I look at her, she just smiled and continued on her pretzel fantacy.

My Failure As A Wife

2008-11-24T05:35:00.003+03:00

When food gets burned, or too salty or bland, or sometimes we just can't explain why we still call it food I'm glad I can still make some "decent" meals and have control of other things.I have to admit, I often try to justify to my husband these unfortunate events and I try to convince him and myself that the things that go wrong aren't all my fault. But this time there is no way out, I have damage nearly everything, from his socks to his favorite shirts even his bath towel 90% of his clothes are faded looking like I tie-dyed them. Last week he bought another shirt, so he could have something that doesn't look tie-dyed. I washed it on Thursday and as usual it looks tie-dyed again. This time this is not an excuse, but honestly I didn't put bleach on it nor on the past laundry, I changed my detergent powder for the third time because some friends here said it also happens when they wash their clothes and the powdered detergent has lots of bleach on it. Still I'm getting the same faded-tie-dyed results. I still don't know what the culprit is, but I'm starting to blame the water now. It smells like there's too much chlorine or bleach on it.

Five months ago I noticed my baby had dry and rough skin and she smells more like bleach after bathing. So, I started using the drinking water to bathe her... (if ever you are reading this, yes that explains why our consumption of commercialized drinking water is like that, but you have to thank me, she doesn't smell like bleach and her skin never gets dry like before). Maybe I have to test my theory about the tap water and try to wash our clothes with the drinking water now, but that will be too expensive I guess... yeah I know its not a "guess", its a fact.

Yesterday he looks mad, just half (50%) mad because he's afraid it will make him look old if he ever gets mad(100%). But I completely understand how it feels when you bought something and not being able to wear it decently, I also ruined one of my favorite pink dress after the third time I wash it, it just happened that he wasn't able to wear it decent not even for the first time. He still has one favorite shirt that's not damaged and I'm looking forward to not damaging it when I wash it today. And if ever it will end up looking tie-dyed again, I think I'll be doomed.

Maybe I have to try to hand wash it? Or maybe I can start selling tie-dyed shirts now.

At least with my failures in laundrying, I get the assurance that I'm still human and not a Stafford wife. I wonder if Stafford wives wash with their hands or they use washing machine?

One way or another I promise I'll take control of the laundry too, if I have I'll use the commercial drinking water and find other ways of doing the laundry. And maybe try to invent some type of clothing that doesn't get faded even if I wash it with bleach instead of water and detergent. Oh if I can clone clothes then he doesn't have to know what happened, and I don't have to worry what will happen the next time I do the laundry.

What Is The Little Lady Thinking?

2008-11-18T15:48:00.005+03:00

Last week while a nurse was getting blood sample for my CBC test, we had this cute experience with our little lady who is turning 7 months few days from then. She has this amusing stare at me and the nurse, her eyebrows raised as usual. As soon as the nurse pricked my arms with needles she screamed cheering happily. When the nurse was done, she clapped her hands. The nurse herself can't help laughing. We don't know what to think, does she have a clue what's going on?

She's now seven months, able to sit without support. She still enjoys sleeping with us and trying to call papa once she knows he has fallen to sleep, while her little hands clung to his arms and sometimes tapping him on his back. That's her way of telling him wake up we're not done playing papa.

Above is her 7 month birthday picture taken after we arrived home from our whole day visit at Ate Cris' house.

A Thought About My Family

2008-11-01T12:41:00.010+03:00

Three days ago while we were walking along the many stores in Al Khobar and dh is pushing the stroller, Hevyn reached my abaya(black muslim gown worn by women), later she was holding my finger and we were holding hands while walking. I told dh to take a look at us, the people on the streets are also looking at me and my 6 month old daughter on how sweet she holds my hand while she is being pushed on her stroller and I walk beside. Of course dh was jealous of me because Hevyn doesn't want him to touch her hand what more to hold hands with him.

Yesterday, Friday, wasn't as good as three days ago. I'm trying to nurse Hevyn to get her to sleep, but because she ate a lot of soup she refused to be nursed. There are times like that, and no matter what I do, there is no place like papapa's arms. Dh took her, and in no less than five minutes she's not moving but her pulse are good, she's sleeping I can't believe it. I must admit, I can't get her to sleep without nursing her and dh can do it without difficulty. Well, I think Hevyn is not treating me unfairly with it, because once she wakes up and I'm not around no matter what papapa does she wouldn't stop crying but once she sees me, crying is over mama is here.

There is a big difference between a mother and a father, they do have different roles to fill inside the home particularly in rearing children. Both have unique yet equally imporytant roles. For Hevyn, mama is the great friend and food, and papapa is the great playmate and sleeping bed.

I must admit, there are times that she just wants her father, and there are times that its me and not her father.

The Family A Proclamation To The World states :

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

By divine design man and woman have different responsibilities inside the home, we cannot change nor justify it with same-sex marriage.

This is not a battle on equality, this is about morality. Equality and balance comes as husband and wife fills their unique roles and responsibilities in the home.

To those who say that traditional marriage cannot and will not be affected by same-sex-marriage. I can't imagine raising my child in a society where same-sex marriage is legally accepted, and yet teach my child about morality, chastity, and the importance of family in the divine plan of happiness. How do we sustain a law that we believe is not teaching the moral principles of marriage and directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ?

Proposition 8 is not a discrimination to homosexuals. But same sex marriage is immoral conduct, and this is not what we wanted to teach our children. We wanted to teach our children to abhor sin, and to learn to love everyone as a child of God. And loving means teaching the right ways, and guiding if necessary toward what is right.

Same Sex Marriage, A Civil Right?

2008-10-28T06:03:00.012+03:00

Today I felt compelled to say something about my stand, about what I believe regarding the issue of same sex marriage.

For the past couple of weeks, I've read blog posts regarding Proposition 8, and the legalization of same sex marriage. There are those who view it at as a civil right, some said its a matter of freedom to choose who you want to marry- and everyone both the religious and civil group should have that freedom to exercise marriage in their own way.

Is same-sex marriage a matter of civil right?

Way back in 1999, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley has addressed this issue and this is what he has said:

"Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others question our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out.
Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.

I commend those of our membership who have voluntarily joined with other like-minded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. As part of a coalition that embraces those of other faiths, you are giving substantially of your means. The money being raised in California has been donated to the coalition by individual members of the Church. You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct but which nevertheless lies at the heart of the Lord’s eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort.

...We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. Such is currently the case in California, where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God...

...We shall go on pursuing the path which the Lord has marked out before us. We shall try to be strong and faint not as we pursue those programs and practices which have been established and maintained through generations of time."

The world is constantly changing, at least let our voices be heard. That is our right. And we have to do something, because somehow what's going to happen will have a great impact on the kind of world where our posterity is going to live. Could we afford to let it just happen when we can do something now? If we want to make the world a better place, specially for the future generation we have to uphold the moral values of our society.

Together with Paula of A-Large Room I say this to you:

" In our society, it is our children, born and unborn, who bear those consequences. Our nation was founded on principles of freedom, virtue and self-sacrifice. We who hold its destiny in our hands today. We, who will determine the world our children will grow up in and inherit, need to embrace all three of those values. Sometimes what I want must be set aside in favor of what my society needs. And right now our society does not need for the meaning of marriage to be further diluted. Marriage, as the life-long union of a man and a woman who will bear and raise the next generation of children, must be preserved. We cannot afford the loss of meaning that will occur if we re-define marriage to include same-sex (and inherently infertile) relationships. We as individuals make choices. We as a society also have a choice to make. We must choose the future. Support America's families. Support America's future. Please vote yes to protect traditional marriage in California, Florida and Arizona."

YES on California Proposition 8 http://protectmarriage.com/
YES on Arizona Proposition 102 http://yesformarriage.com/
YES on Florida Proposition 2 http://www.yes2marriage.org/

She Call's Him Papapa

2008-10-26T11:46:00.003+03:00

Hevyn turned 6 months last Oct. 15. She's now a talkative darling. I don't know how she learned it, on her fourth month she first said "mama" while we we're staring at the closet mirror with Winnie the Pooh sticker. She touched the sticker and said "mama"- obviously that's not "mama", but at least she learned now that I am "mama". When she turned 5 months, she became more talkative and seemed to immitate a conversation with us by mumbling (really sounds like she's conversing with us). That's when she learned how to call her father "papapa" in a very sweet darling tone as if saying "helo". Since she's a baby, we're trying to teach her to call him "dada", but this is how she wanted to call him "papapa"....

We co-sleep by the way, and every morning she wakes up she would touch my face and hold my messy hair and say "mama, mama". How sweet, it just feels like heaven to wake up this way. In the afternoon, my dh also takes a nap once he gets home and Hevyn does the same to him, of course he wouldn't be able to sleep. Her sweetness just makes us want to play with her more.

Home is truly a heaven on earth. I couldn't ask for more. I'm grateful for my dear husband who's working really hard to sustain us with our needs. Of course I could choose to work prestigiously as an accountant here. But its truly a blessing to be a stay at home wife and be able to take care of my families needs personally, see my daughter grow each day and be there for her anytime she needs me.

72 Hour Kit Haunts Me In My Dreams

2008-10-06T13:15:00.007+03:00

My dh is always amazed by how I can remember dreams that I have each night, sometimes I can tell him 3 different dreams I had at the same night. Anyway, for many months I keep on dreaming about calamities happening back in Philippines, sometimes earthquakes, hurricane, flood, etch. And in all of those dreams I'm always left behind carrying 72 hour kit or looking for it. I always tell my dh to help me organize our 72 hour bag in case whatever happens we can pick it up quickly, and he always responds yes but I'm still the only one who ends up organizing it. Maybe its my paranoia why I always dream about it.

Last night I dreamed about it again, there was a fire and the whole city is burning. People are running here and there and as usual I'm carrying our 72 hour bag. I was left behind and I'm looking for my dh and baby who run their way without anything, my greatest worry was that they don't have any food and water with them. There was even one dream when I was pushing a small food storage full of foods and water and some people are asking me to share some water with them because they were'nt able to bring any with them.

You might be wond'ring that I have a 72 hour bag well prepared... sorry but you are wrong. These are the only things I have in the bag:

all our important documents in two plastic folders wrapped in plastic bag
some canned foods, (2 cans tuna, 2 cans sardines)
3 bars of chocolate and a pack of dried fruits
flashlight
first aid medicines (band aid, alcohol prep pads, paracetamol tablets, ibufropen)

Today I've decided I have to add other things I might as well need:

3 pcs baby blankets and some baby clothes, wet wipes and 9 pcs. diapers
2 big blankets for the family
500 grams corn flakes cereals
2 cans whole kernel corn
lighter and candle
jewelries and some money
paper, pen, pocket knife and lots of plastic sheets
disposable dish utensils for 3 days

And together with these I have a 2.5 galoon water we can easily pick at the kitchen.

"Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been counseled to have a food storage and be prepared for an emergency which includes having a 72 hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one."

Now I'm worry free and I hope this 72 hour bag won't haunt me in my dreams anymore. I don't know if I've forgotten anything, please leave a comment if you have additional suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Cleaning The House The Easier Way

2008-09-13T08:19:00.006+03:00

There are quite many things that keeps me busy lately, first is my growing daughter who is really very very active that I have to keep my eye on because I'll never know or figure out what she'll be doing. And of course, if I say taking care of my daughter and my husband, I can never ever separate that from cleaning the house. Now, I have so many excuses why I have to spend more time in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in the house just to keep it clean and as much as possible not germ over- populated! lol.
People change, I don't know what's going on with me, I wasn't like this before. A huge difference to what I was when I'm still single, I would admit that I'm very disorganized back then. I would do the cleaning and other household chores routinely after I got home from work and there are "that" that I simply forget. You know what I mean, in other words I never get anything finished as in finished. But life does change, and now I'm no longer my normal self (I guess). "Germs" and "bacteria" had been part of my daily vocabulary. lol. And killing them had been part of my daily action.
Anyway, here are five cleaning tips I learned as a home maker.

A galoon of water mixed with half cup of baking soda and disinfectant cleaner can keep your floor (tiles or linoleum) germ free and well polished.
Vinegar diluted with water does great polishing job for your faucets, sink and stainless fixtures.
Alcohol can be diluted with water to clean and disinfect (but a no no for plastic varnished furnitures).
The best way to clean mirrors is to use a damp cloth, wipe it and wipe dry with newspaper. You don't only clean, you also recycle.
To keep your bathroom mildew free and, its good to wipe it dry everyday or at least two times a week. I use a dishwashing scrubbing pad, detergent cleaner, and after washing the walls wipe it dry. This way you don't have to do it the hard way when mildews and soap scums has started to build up.
When you fry or saute in the kitchen it's good to wipe the walls and fixtures near your cooking are with detergent and some diluted vinegar to avoid the build up of oil. I used to place some wall papers or plain papers on top of kitchen cabinets, and have it regularly changed.

As of now, my hardest challenge is folding the clothes and ironing it. I hope I'll find my own way of organizing it the easier way. sigh.