Tuesday

Desiderata

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:40:00 +0800

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata".[1]

Where do hearts go on Valentine's Day?

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:30:00 +0800

Last night, my husband and I went to a Valentine’s Day Gala. Every year, it has become a tradition to dress up and enjoy Valentine’s day for a cause.

Some married couples may say, Valentine’s day may not as exciting as it used to be compared when you were dating as a couple.

Personally, though it is still great to receive flowers from my husband every occasion, I told my husband that for practical reasons, don’t buy me flowers anymore. I would appreciate a kiss, a hug, a text message, a call and more so a simple note from him. The simple things makes me happy that does not require big flower bouquets or big diamond stones (I lied, I think I would like to have the diamond).

Like Cinderella, we danced the night away (not to mention with a high heeled shoe)

I believe it is important for married couples to nourish their relationships in moments like this, which relives the memory of the past.
But for those who aren’t married yet, where do their hearts go? Living life now with our teenager Charlize (14 years old as of this writing) I have always wondered how can we be best examples of a good relationship. Carlo and I want to exemplify how to be great partners to our kids. When our kids saw us all dressed up, they were so ecstatic! My son Charles (4 years old) was teasing his us saying over and over “Daddy loves Mommy, Mommy loves Daddy!”. Our little girls Chelsea (7 years old) and Cassandra (6 years old) said they think we are kings and queens. “It’s like a fairy tale!” They exclaimed. “You are magical!”.

I believe they see love in us celebrating moments like this. They see how their Daddy hold my hand and escort me going to the car. They see how I fix their Daddy’s tie. These are little things that we do not need to teach our kids by saying it to them but simply teaching by example.
I remember a mentor once said, “Our kids are like mini video cams, they watch you every step, record each ways and they will eventually follow what they see.”

Me and Carlo on our way to the gala. The kids are ecstatic seeing us all dressed up!

How many time in the past have you ever said to yourself and your partner, “I wish we could have done that before?” Carlo and I danced the night away. And I remember in the past when we were still dating how we spent time together. We dance, we laugh, we sing out loud. These are the moments that made us who we are right now. Living each moment together and accepting our flaws.

Carlo is a great dancer during his college days and I think until now (he does not believe so). I sing, I don’t dance. But these are differences we embrace. Little things but it is a start of accepting more flaws, more differences.
In a relationship, we don’t need to pretend, no need to hide, no need to lie. If you can embrace these little flaws, then you are ready to embrace bigger ones and love unconditionally. The person who loves you embraces your flaw because you are unique, you are special, you are YOU.

And so I end this post with a note: Where do hearts go on Valentine’s day?
For unmarried couples, enjoy that moment to know and understand each other. Pray for your relationship that the person you are with right now is the one who God wants you to be with. On Valentine’s Day, I pray that you have created memories for you to go back to when things are rough and when the relationship is not going to where you want it to be. The memories of love created on Valentine’s Day are memories that will make you stronger as a couple. These memories will help you say, “This relationship is worth fighting for.”
For singles who do not have partners at this time, take time to breath and enjoy the moment. The right person will come at the right place and at the right time. Know yourself more, nurture yourself. Love what you love to do. Develop yourself not only physically but emotionally. Grow up and learn that it is not all about you but it about you and the people around you. Love is patient and kind. Be patient and be kind. True love will seek for you.

And for married couple like us, may our hearts continue to nourish each moment of our marriage. May we always be reminded of the good times to help us to hold on and to keep our marriage going. Let the bad times work as struggles to keep the marriage stronger. No relationship is perfect. No one is perfect. But the love for each other makes a relationship perfect.
God is love. Make Him the center of the marriage to keep things going as He drives our family life. I am blessed for having a God fearing husband who honors God. And by honoring Him, I feel my husband’s love for our family, our kids and the not so perfect me.

Time is so precious and each moment is so important. Live the moment. Cherish each magical and precious time with the one you love.
Hope you also had a great Valentine’s Day!

xoxo, tuesday

Happy New Year!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 1 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0800

Happy New Year! A Blessed and Prosperous 2016 to all of us!
It's a New Year ahead and what a blessing to share this wonderful moment with the people we love. Not everyone is blessed with this luxury of time and belongingness to spend a precious moment and create wonderful memories. May we always treasure those who are important to us, for those who care and love and the ones we love and care are truly... the one who really matters.

It's been a great year dear God & we know it will be better and more successful this 2016!! We are looking forward to a more productive and a more successful 2016! May God always use our family to be an instrument of His blessings to others. A Prosperous and a Blessed New Year to all of us! God bless us all for a fruitful and productive 2016! To God be the glory! Let us keep our faith, hope & love always! With all our love.. xoxo, tuesday

A Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all of us!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0800

A Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all of us!
May the season bring us continuous faith, hope and love. Sharing this moment from our home with all our love, Carlo, Tuesday, Charlize, Chelsea, Cassandra and Charles xoxo

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Happy Birthday Cassandra and Charles!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sat, 7 Nov 2015 13:30:00 +0800

23 months and 3 weeks apart.. These two just told me and Carlo that they had the best day ever. Thank you God for these blessings..
Thank you Mama Mary for taking care of us. It was indeed a great weekend.

xoxo, tuesday

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Adventures in Chicago, Illinois

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:30:00 +0800

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Celebrating in the Cabins and Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Tue, 1 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0800

We go to Disney almost every month (Thanks to our Annual Passes!) The Cabins and the Animal Kingdom Lodge are our favorites!

xoxo, tuesday

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Are you multilingual?

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:30:00 +0800

Bilingual or multilingual nurses? Do we have an advantage? I was in Miami this month of August for some reasons concerning my job as a nurse and I had a chance to practice my Spanish skills. I have always thought that being multilingual is always an advantage as this allows a person to become diverse and open with communication. Diversity is important not only in healthcare but in our everyday lives as well. One thing is for sure though, speaking a different language is always an amazing way to discover yourself and to discover others as well. xoxo, tuesday

Social Networking: TO POST OR NOT TO POST

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 6 Apr 2014 08:55:00 +0800

I admit it. I am an internet person. I don't want to say I am addicted to it but for some fact, I cannot live without the internet. I call it a necessity. This is the world of information, the world of networking. There is never a day that I would not post in my Facebook account or in my Instagram. I have a Facebook page, which I originally created for nursing students, anonymous blogs about different things, parked a few domains for virtual marketing, a tumblr account, a foursquare, my own YouTube channel and yes, the most famous twitter for mini-blogs. Why do I use social networking? I make money out of it, do business, utilize marketing and most importantly share information by connecting not only to my family but to my friends, my acquaintances, and to anyone in the worldwide web.

So why I am blogging about this now? I came across two articles today while browsing and thinking what to blog and at this time I realized, its about time to blog about this. What am I talking about? It's about social networking. Here are some points I noticed in the articles I bumped into.

Annoying post

In a certain article, it says that people may be annoyed about what you post. (See 15 Reasons why you are the most annoying person in Facebook). How many times do you post in a day? Do you flood other people's wall? (See How to flood a wall with up to 200 posts!) How many selfies do you do? How much attention do you want? This brings me to the question. Why do you do social networking? Why do you Facebook, do you twitter or do you Instagram? Why do you post the food you are about to eat, the activity you are doing, or the people you are around with? We all have our reasons why we do these activities, but if you are annoyed by other people's post, stay away. Unfriend. Block or whatever. It's your problem. Posting in a wall is a freedom of expression. Some says its attention seeking, some says its narcism. But then, it's your choice. Like them, unlike them. Ignore them. Move on. If you find a post annoying, maybe you are not in the right social media network. Why not try other social media with your own interest? Like a network about your job, about your hobby, or something else. But if its the person itself is the one that totally annoys you, ask yourself, why are you friends with this person anyways? I love my friends flooding my wall!

Information overload

I always believe in responsible posting. If you post your location and you post your activity, don't be surprised if somebody knows everything about you. (See The Social Media Experiment by Jake Vale). At one time, I checked in through foursquare and realized someone has checked in the same location. I looked around and yes, there she is! In the same gasoline station! At some point, I made friends with another foursquare account wherein we were both competing for mayorship. Only to realize, we belong in the same university! Some says it's creepy. So if you are not ready for such acquaintances, again, stay away. Block your location. Change your settings. Don't make yourself searchable. Don't check yourself in a place where you want to be found. Again, it's about your choice. Don't be sorry. Remember there is always the setting BLOCK. Block the person if you don't want them to be part of your network. But since no amount of privacy settings will hide your information, the best is to hide your location if you don' t want to share it with someone. Besides, making new friends and networks can be sometimes fun. If its mayorship and badges that is why you are checking in, don't hesitate to click that check in button!

How about names? Are you using your own name or a nickname? Don't be surprised if people know who you are if you put all your information in the web. One time, I was searching for an article I need in my blog and saw a bunch of people's resume uploaded in Docstoc. And since Docstoc is a website where in a library of documents may be found, I won't be surprised that other people may follow the same resume format this person has. Simply because she uploaded her's in a public site. Sorry or not sorry, well this is social networking. For resumes and CV, I have Linkedin to take care of these information about me. Believe it or not, I found a job at some point in my life through this network. It is the power of social media networking.

Hashtags

Do you hashtag? I do. I sometimes create a million hashtag and put a hundred in my post simply because I benefit from hash tagging too. I know someone who is so annoyed by hash tagging and said it's a sign of attention seeking. For information, a hashtag is a label content. If you are new to social media and you are new to networking or the internet, you will find it crazy while people hash tag.

Hash tag creates information. Hash tag allows a reader to search for ideas, images or even articles that may be beneficial to someone who uses the internet. A hash tag may be a word existent already, or you may be able to make your own or create a vast of ideas about that certain hash tag. And why to internet people hash tag? Simply because there is business to hash tagging. When not to hashtag? When your message cannot be read at all, since hash tag is all over the place. Remember, you have a vast population in the internet. Your information should be understood.

To post or not to post?

Social networking is a place to meet new people, connect to people known to you or to find people, information or places with your interests and needs. Would you believe me if I say I make money too using social networking? There is a vast of social media available to everyone and is specific to our needs and interests. (See Top 10 Social Networking sites.) Social networking is a place to gain sense of belongingness. It is a community, a group, and a place to build friendships and nurture friendships and for some, make a living.

I don't see anything wrong with people sharing a lot of information not only about themselves and the world they live in but then, we should all be responsible enough to know the effect of our actions. This is a new era of Generation Z. As it is said, the generation Z is the generation of internet and high technology. Do you want to be left behind? Post it, share it and be responsible.

What else can I tell you.. Oh, don't believe everything you read in the internet.

Send me your thoughts, comments and opinions.. I love to network!

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Stop bullying! No to bullying

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 4 Apr 2014 16:01:00 +0800

She was so excited coming home from school today. Our conversation:

Chelsea: "Mommy, you know that girl in school I was telling you, she keeps on talking to me non stop while I was doing my work. I can't finish at all. But I told her, please stop I'm finishing my work. I think she does not want me to finish."

Me: "Why is that?"

Chelsea: "I don't know. She always says to me, you cannot finish that!"

Me: "Did you finish your work?"

Chelsea: "Yes, I ignored her."

Me: "That's good. You did a good job in finishing your work then. You have to really focus."

Chelsea: "I'm working really, really hard!"

Then she started telling me about what she ate for lunch, her excitement in her book fair wherein we all need to come so we can all buy the books that we want.

Chelsea struggled heavily with bullying in school during the first few months when she entered Kindergarten. And until now, she is coping up with it. She did entered school in the Philippines before through preschool but this is her first time to enter school in the United States. Because she entered Kindergarten at 5 yrs old and less than one month (her birthday on July and school starts August) and with her classmates almost reaching 6 or some going 7, her young and small structure sometimes intimidates her especially if some would ask her questions like, "Why are you so small?" She will just mum about it and until such time that, at one point, she never wanted to go to school.

But now, somehow she has learned a few strategies to cope up with bullying. She was crying in one of our conversations before asking me the same question. "Why I am so small, Mom?" And I said, "Well you are. But it does not mean you are less than other kids you know." There was even an incident in school before when a kid told me something while I accompanied her in the cafeteria to have breakfast. "So, you are her mom! Why is she so small?!" I was like... Excuse me? But I did not say anything. I wanted Chelsea to deal with it on her own and learn how to thrive in this challenging world we live in.

How did she start fighting her challenge? Each day, I asked her what she thinks about herself. And everyday she would be sad and how to get the best adjective about herself. I encourage her each day, help her with her tasks and homework but then still, she struggles each day. But then at sometime while we were watching Alice in Wonderland, she had amazing thoughts about being small. Then, she came up with the idea that she is small but then she is smart and pretty! Well, I cannot deny it, not because I am her Mom but truly she is! One of my precious is truly small but smart and pretty! Today she still struggles but knowing that each day she continues to fight, I know she will get better each day.

Tell me about your thoughts about bullying, make some comments and suggestions. I love conversations!

Florida Brain Cancer Walk 5k, Stand up to Cancer!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 11:30:00 +0800

Showing our support to the survivors and to the research funding for brain cancer. How about you? How do you stand up to fight cancer?

Tell me your thoughts.

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Earth Hour

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 21:30:00 +0800

Before turning the lights on. The #earthhour2014 March 29, 2014 8:30pm to 9:30pm Eastern Time.

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Celebrating 100 days after the Typhoon Haiyan

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:04:00 +0800

I care for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan by being an advocate in providing mental health services, giving utmost priority in providing psychosocial services to children through play therapy. Together with our group ZERO DISTANCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES, this is our advocacy. Sending my support to World Health Organization Philippines celebrating more than 100 days after the typhoon Haiyan.

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Merry Christmas Day to everyone! From our family to yours!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 09:25:00 +0800

Selena Gomez and the kids at work

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 04:03:00 +0800

We are the World (For the Philippines)

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sat, 7 Dec 2013 12:13:00 +0800

I have not blogged for a while. I was looking at old photos to upload from our trips in Tacloban but then when I clicked on my youtube channel, this video was shown in one of the links. Sharing to you a tribute to the Philippines. This is one of the heart breaking video I've seen about the Philippines.

We are the World (For the Philippines)

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Zero Distance From The Philippines

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 1 Dec 2013 12:29:00 +0800

Sharing to you a group supporting
the survivors of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Introducing to you, Zero Distance From The Philippines is a group dedicated to help the Filipino people.

Goal:

To provide crisis intervention to both children and adults affected by typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region by using talk and play therapy for 3 days organized by nurses from Baguio City,Canada, and USA (as well as Australia and UAE) to be implemented by a core group of nurses from Baguio City and groups of nurses to be established or linked with in the evacuation areas.

Furthermore, to provide linkages to conduct crisis interventions for both children and adults for the continuity of care.

Objectives:

1. To be able to provide crisis intervention to adults through talk therapy.

2. To provide crisis intervention to children through play therapy.

3. To be able to teach healthcare workers to continue follow-ups with talk and play therapy.

4. To be able to establish play therapy areas in the evacuation centers for continuity of care.

The group will have their first pilot project soon and we are soliciting your help for this pilot

project.

We have printed T-shirts sold @ 250Php each. Available in S, M, L sizes; pink, gray, and white.
The pink and white shirts show the front part while the gray shirt shows the back part of the shirt. For outside Baguio and La Trinidad buyers, amount to be paid must include the shipping fee in your respective area. For orders, please contact 09163058524. Proceeds will be for the purchase of additional Play Therapy Kits and school supplies for the children to be visited in Samar. Thank you!

For other details on how you can send help, you may visit the group's Facebook page:

Zero Distance From the Philippines

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Helping Hands presents a fundraising project for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 02:30:00 +0800

Helping Hands, organized by the healthcare workers of Palm Beach Florida will hold a fundraising event, "GARAGE SALE", for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Purchase good finds and different items while helping our countrymen. Food and drinks will also be sold in the event to help raise more funds. See you on November 30, 2013, Saturday 8:00AM to 5:00PM! See flyer for more details on how you can help onsite or online. Let's make it happen!

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Anderson Cooper in the Philippines

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 06:42:00 +0800

A lot of things has been said about the Philippine government and it has truly affected not only the people in the Philippines but also the Filipinos all over the world. A lot are tormented about what has been happening, which I have to be honest includes me. Filipinos from all over the world gathered to organize groups, try to keep in touch with their families, help in any way they can and most of all, try to very best to be hopeful and continue to have strength in all the hardships happening in the Philippines.

I have heard Anderson Cooper in a lot of blog site most especially in the news. It is through one of his broadcast that made me really hopeful of what is happening in the country. Unlikely as it is, that Filipinos are resilient, we never give up but his news about the goods not being sent to the typhoon victims absolutely broke my heart.

Today is a different story. I am sharing this blog because just like what I blogged before about typhoon Yolanda, Anderson Cooper's broadcast in his AC360 blog shows the real picture of a Filipino.

"This site made me cry... Remembering the Filipino people and how we cope up with our challenges. God bless the Philippines..." - me

Click on the link for Anderson Cooper's site.

Anderson Cooper: The Philippines is an awesome country. I'm in awe of the strength and spirit of the people I've met. Mabuhay Philippines! Maraming salamat!

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My #YolandaPH and #PrayforthePhilippines tags. A true reminder of the Filipino spirit.

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Fri, 8 Nov 2013 11:11:00 +0800

Overwhelmed with the courage about how Filipinos handle stress, I have decided to compile my favorite #YolandaPH and #PrayforthePhilippines tags. I have also decided to post this to remind myself of the true Filipino values instilled in each one of us.

From shameless selfies to drinking sessions happening while the typhoon is happening, Filipinos have their own way to overcome this catastrophe. Photos are not mine, credits are from the owners. Photos are compiled from hashtag #YolandaPh and #PrayforthePhilippines which were posted in Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here goes my list:

1. Do you want to know how courageous a Filipino is? Watch this man walk along the shore while the typhoonYolanda is at large. Photo not mine, taken by Philippine Star in Albay, Philippines. This is my top favorite because this photo shows that Filipinos remain strong amidst any storm. Filipinos are born to have good coping mechanisms that remains unique and genuine within us.

2. Atom Araullo. Formerly the Ovaltine ambassador when he was a little kid, now a broadcaster. Kudos to you and to your team! Amidst the heavy rain and strong winds, he covered the story for all of us to see. A true service to the Filipino people. A reminder that Filipinos work hard not just for the money, but we work hard because of our dedication with our work. Not because we see a job as a means to earn money, but a means to self fulfillment and happiness.

3. A photo posted on Instagram where rescuers standby for people in need. Filipino's spirit, Filipino's faith, Filipino's heart. This reminds me how helpful Filipinos are. We are ready to help to people in need even if it has to risk our own lives.

4. Bayanihan at its best! Photo not mine. Taken in Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines. Filipinos strive hard to help each other especially in these times of need. In comes naturally to every Filipino. No effort needed, No regrets.

5. One of the most famous post and status all over Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Retweeted and Regram by famous celebrities and even the former US Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney. It is true, we have been having typhoons from A to Z all throughout the year and nothing can bring our spirit down! As it has been trending in twitter and other social media, they shouted: STRONGEST TYPHOON: YOLANDA! STRONGEST PEOPLE: FILIPINOS! STRONGEST NATION: PHILIPPINES!

6. Also one of the most famous status, a comment from CNN site. I am not really sure if this is from CNN since I have been looking at their site but I cannot find it. Nevertheless, this meme posted by a lot of Filipinos and foreigners makes us all proud to be Filipinos. May we keep this spirit forever in our hearts. A reminder to myself saying that no matter what happens, I shall never forget my roots. There may be bad times where Filipinos may be picked but these are just bad apples in a basket. The good ones will always outnumber the bad ones. So no matter where I may be, I will forever be proud to be a Filipino.

7. A brother's love. Photo not mine. No location stated on the caption but this is a reminder for us Filipinos that whenever someone needs help, we are always available. We are brothers and sisters to everyone. We are one with everyone.

8. Saddened about this photo. Photo not mine and taken in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. This place is one of my most favorite place. Why my favorite? Because no matter what happens, the people of Tacloban will continue to rise and shine in this battle. Filipinos are born to rise, not with revenge but with strength to show who we are but spreading our wings and soaring high. We are born to win! We are born to succeed.

9. A photo of a place in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines posted on Instagram. Sad but these are the realities of life that makes us strong. A reminder that Filipinos use our trials and hardships to strengthen our spirit. It is not to overwhelm us with anger, sadness and depression, but for us to use these hardships as our stepping stones to move to a higher ground.

10. A photo of a mother and her children in Cebu City, Philippines going to the evacuation site which is posted in Instagram. Filipinos, as they said are water-proof. The truth is, we endure the pain, we overcome the hardships because we are flexible and resilient. We just laugh it out or sometimes just think of our troubles as a joke. We believe that everything will pass and that there is always a rainbow after every rain. The truth is, life is like any storm. As they said, we can only appreciate the sunshine after every rain.

11. This is Yolanda from space. Looking at it, the weather channel said, if it happens to North America, it will be from Canada to Florida. Upon seeing this photo last night, it made me realize that this storm is truly bigger than the Philippines. But no, God is bigger than any storm. The Philippines is truly a blessed country. We are one prayerful country. No matter what faith we have, we all do believe that we have one God who is bigger than every hardship, every trial, and every storm.

This may be a historical event for all of us, knowing that this is the strongest typhoon ever recorded in this lifetime. But most of all, this event proves that we are one as a nation. No matter where we are, Filipinos are close to each other's heart. We care for each other. We have one spirit, one heart and one faith. And that the Filipino spirit lives on.

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My husband is nicotine free!

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Thu, 7 Nov 2013 11:31:00 +0800

I am dedicating this blog post to my husband who tried his best to quit smoking and yes, he is nicotine free! After smoking for more than 10 years, it was a struggle for him to stop smoking. He said he started at the age of 20 and was a smoker of at least 4 to 5 cigarettes a day. But today, his blood work showed he is nicotine free!

How did he do it?

I am sharing with you his secret. Partly because I used to smoke cigarettes too before and quitted smoking for almost 7 years. Yes, clean for 7 years. But mine was a different story.

There are plenty of ways to quit smoking. I could be by using alternatives such as nicotine patch, nicotine gum or an electronic cigarette. But you see, since smoking is more of psychological rather than physical dependence, motivating yourself to quit is the most important. There are also studies saying that the use of electronic cigarettes are not proven to be safe and that some are found to cause cancer. Although my husband did use the electronic cigarette for some time, he found it to be distracting so he quitted it too. Here are the ways how he quitted smoking.

How to quit smoking:

1. Set your goal and know your reason.

My husband's goal is to quit because he said our kids are growing up and he does not want any of our kids to engage into smoking because of the bad effects of it. There were even instances before when our youngest child will get the cigarette box for him and this really touched him. Kids should know that cigarettes are not good. This reason, he has to keep in mind.

2. Set your time frame.

It is very important to know how long you will try to quit. My husband set a goal of 3 months. He started with cutting one stick a day from his usual cigarette smoking. When he had the urge to smoke more, he uses the electronic cigarette, exercise, eat or just keep himself occupied.

3. Focus.

There will be instances where friends who use to smoke will invite you to go back into the habit. What do you do? Stay focused. Do not engage yourself at any chance. You have exerted too much effort. Don't let peer pressure cut it's way. Or maybe you are stressed too much and you realize soaking is a way to relieve stress, look for other ways like deep breathing, jogging, strength building exercises (like going to the gym) or worst suggestion is to eat. Since quitting for some makes them fat, eating is an alternative way to satisfy the oral need, synonymous to smoking. In any way, find a way to stay focused and do what you can do to avoid smoking.

4. Look for your support system.

Our children and myself are my husband's support system. When at times he wants to smoke, we would remind him not to. Also since cigarettes are quite expensive, I try to motivate him by counting all the money he is saving from all the cigarettes that he did not buy. With $52 to $56 per 10 packs, he was able to save almost $300. He did not realize it at first but when he did, he started saving it so he can use it to reward himself.

5. Reward yourself.

My husband bought his new car after quitting. He bought his new playstation. He started rewarding himself with little things each day. An extra hour of sleep, an extra meal, loafing, or shopping. And to this day, he never smoked even a single cigarette.

As for me, if you want to know how I quit, I can share to you just one thing. One day, I realize I want to quit and I did. IN a snap, I never touched a single cigarette. True enough it gave me cold turkey feeling for a week but I never regret it from happening because up to this time, I am smoke free.

Healthy and happy.

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Halloween 2013

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:00:00 +0800

Sharing our Halloween Photos! Happy Halloween to all of us!!!

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The Great Giraffe Challenge

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 23:31:00 +0800

Did you answer the great giraffe challenge?

I posted it in my Facebook page and personal account to know how many will react to the question, take the challenge or just simply read and listen.

For those who has not encountered it, it went viral on October 28, 2013 and here how it goes:

"Try the great giraffe challenge! Comment if you have already sent a message. The deal is I give you a riddle. You get it right you get to keep your profile pic. You get it wrong and you change your profile pic to a Giraffe for the next 3 days. MESSAGE ME ONLY SO YOU DONT GIVE OUT THE ANSWER. Here is the riddle: 3:00 am, the doorbell rings and you wake up. Unexpected visitors, It's your parents and they are there for breakfast. You have strawberry jam, honey, wine, bread and cheese. What is the first thing you open? Remember... message me only. If you get it right I'll post your name here. If you get it wrong change your profile pic into a giraffe. Just for fun!"

So a few did not follow the instructions and placed their answer on the comment box, while some sent a message asking for the answer and said, they will not change their profile if they get the correct answer but they are just curious what the answer will be. Some will bribe, some will bargain but what is the challenge all about?

The test is originally just for fun. Especially that the answer to the question seems not to be philosophically and logically correct. The answer according to the person who sent me the riddle is EYES. Other says the answer should have been the DOOR.

I personally answered EYES and the DOOR to my brother who I first saw the riddle but changed my answer to DOOR when I saw the same post through my cousin. So there you go, I became a giraffe for 3 days.

A lot of my Facebook friends became giraffes that day. Some did not change their profiles. Some just ignored the challenge. In my Facebook page, a total of 490 Facebook accounts saw the post (since you can see the number of people reach if you have a webpage), only 55 answered the riddle, 20 of them had the correct answer. What happened to the other accounts who saw the riddle? They either ignored the post, did not really see the post or was too afraid to answer the riddle and that probably they will be a giraffe.

One of my respondents said, I won't allow myself to be a giraffe for such a stupid riddle. Another said, the answer is not correct. One even asked me, if I invented the riddle.

Well, all I know is that in this world of social media, if you are not open minded and you are full of judgement, try to do away with the internet. The internet is a world of different opinions, different behaviors and different beliefs. Social media as it typically states is mingling with other people in this digital world.

Take everything as a fun experience.

The link to my Facebook webpage account about the great giraffe challenge

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Do you celebrate your birthday?

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:38:00 +0800

Birthday, a noun that means the annual anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically treated as an occasion for celebration or present giving.

I may have forgotten its my birthday, but I still accept gifts. *wink*

When I was younger, probably in my childhood, which is much more younger, I do enjoy celebrating my birthday. I still remember my first birthday with my yellow cocktail gown, round gold stud earring and a yellow ribbon sticking to my scanty, thin hair. I remember the pictures of people I saw in my album, with my parents, family, relatives and friends. And each year, my birthday album is updated. From one month old to I believe 18 years old. Each year is a memorable one. Each year brings happiness seeing family and friends, celebrating the occasion with them.

But as I grow older, (well just by age) I started to realize I neglect having birthday celebrations. I remember in 2011, I was almost 8months pregnant with Charles, I booked for a speaking engagement on the day of my birthday. I did not realize it first but when I was about to check in with my ticket and identification card, the lady said "Happy Birthday" How awkward can that be? Traveling alone on your birthday, when people thinking you're going to have a vacation but honestly going for work. But God must be watching me. When I arrived in Butuan, the staff prepared flowers and a cake for me. God celebrates my birthday still.

Click for my story about my birthday on September 18, 2011

It was a different story last year, since I celebrated my birthday with needles and labs. I forgot it was my birthday too because its been a crazy week for us moving to our new place. God gave me one of the greatest gift on my birthday in 2012. I signed my employment contract and started my lab works! I only knew it was my birthday when the laboratory technician scanned my identification bracelet, asked for my birthday and said, "I'm asking for your birthday, not the date today." And I was like, "So its September 18 today?" The universe is celebrating for me.

This year, since I am celebrating in different time zones, I am trying to recollect angels along the way, who celebrated my birthday for me since I totally neglected this day. I believe that I even though, I did not prepare anything for my birthday, God just like in the past years, has instructed my angels to celebrate the day for me. Here goes my recollection list:

1730 September 16, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0530 September 17, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #1: It was 2nd day at work for my 12 hour shift since I work 3 days in a row.

Since its my second day not seeing the kids fully awake, they woke me up at 1730 which not usually my waking time. ( I wake up 1800) All four of them cuddled me and were shouting "Mommy, mommy" on top of their voices like seems they haven't seen me for ten years! One of the happiest recollection of my thoughts that day because I know and felt how much they miss and need Mommy. But Mommy needs to go to work and Daddy stays with them. They will always be my babies no matter what.

0125 September 17, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0125 September 18, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #2: Even though I did not prepare for anything, I ate spaghetti pinoy style on this day!

Remember that saying that you need to eat "pansit" or spaghetti on you birthday for long life? Who would have thought, my friend Erica, a colleague and Filipino co-worker brought a Filipino style spaghetti? She shared a part of it to me and everybody. Thank you! I ate spaghetti for long life on my birthday!

0631 September 17, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0631 September 18, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #3: Nursing is a really tough job unless you enjoy it.

Since I worked on this day, without realizing it was my day, God made this day so memorable. It was almost change of shift and yes, an admission! I would say, this is one of the most memorable shifts in my 9 years. I believe my angels are truly watching me. When you are a nurse, critical thinking helps a lot. But genuine care and understanding to your patient's needs is most important. I cannot tell you what happened, but let me assure you, nothing serious, no codes, no rapid response! But oh God is absolutely watching me and made me an instrument of His love and care. I started my shift at 1915 and I went home, 0924am. That's 14 hours of work! Oh God, Thank you for making me love my job! (I can do 16 hours in the Philippines, but this is America! Nurses in America, you know what I mean!)

0017 September 18, 2013 (Eastern time zone) 0017 September 19, 2013

Recollection of thoughts #4: Erica brought "pansit" this time. I did not tell anybody about my birthday and I remember not putting my birthday in my facebook timeline, (since I really do not like attention) but it seems the universe sends a lot of good vibes. I haven't eaten "pansit" in while when it was shared, I took a part! Long life, long live! Part 2!

Recollection of thoughts #5: My husband called me to remind me it's my birthday today. I don't usually answer calls but I was on break and messaged that Charles was having diarrhea. I was so worried but to my surprise, he reminded me too that it was my birthday! Then I opened my email and found a lot of messages and greeting from family and friends! As I have said, I may speak my mind a lot of times but I am a really a shy person. "Mahiyain po talaga ako, di lang halata." (Translation: I am really shy, only that it doesn't show.) *wink* I was overwhelmed with happiness and felt totally blessed. Thank you for all the well wishes!

And now as I am writing this, I cannot explain my emotions. When Carlo and I attended mass after work, I felt the presence of God on me and found myself crying and weeping with tears for no reason. As I say thank you to Him and express my praises, tears roll into my eyes like they would never stop. As I count my blessings while I pray, my tears drop like Gretchen Barretto. (Just kidding, I am getting too emotional here.) Our blessings as a family are overwhelming. It may not be riches with material wealth but riches that can never be bought or replaced. God has been so good and amazing. He is continuously watching me and my family each day and blessing us with the providence of our needs and enough to share them to others. As I always pray, may He always make me an instrument of His blessings. And yes, HE is always faithful. Thank you God for your amazing grace.

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Eleven boxes and the American dream

www.twitter.com/tuesday_rn (@tuesday_rn) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 08:23:00 +0800

Today marks our one year in the United States. Yes exactly today. And even though I feel so very tired from work, wherein I really don't whine at all because I love what I do, I had to stop and make this blog to remember this special day.

August 27, 2012

We left Manila for the United States. The American dream is about to start. And what did we bring with us? Eleven boxes. To count, it may be our whole house back home. Brought old pictures, old clothes, old stuff. My husband and I thinks that this trip is not a vacation. This is another chapter of our lives. A change of place, a change of environment and just a continuation of our goals.

All boxes properly labeled. Box 1 to 4 with our clothes and shoes, 5 to 7 with groceries, 8 to 10 with our old frames, pictures and memorabilia's, and kid's toys and 11 with all the other little tiny stuff that we need to bring, which includes our paperworks and other important documents. Yes, eleven balikbayan boxes.

Name it, we brought our clothes hanger, iron, hair dryer, 2 laptops, portable dvd player, kitchen utensils including spoons, forks and knifes (where knives are extremely very expensive here in America), plastic plates (melawares), all sorts of grocery from canned goods, noodles, cookies, biscuits, infant's milk (Charles is only 8months old), powdered full cream milk, chocolate powdered milk (Milo), 3 kilos of rice, salt, sugar, coffee and many other basic stuff, which allowed us to live our life in America for at least 6 months.

When we migrated through an agency, I was the only one hired by the hospital and they said it will take 2 to 3 months before I can finally start since I need to wait for my socials and other paperworks, so this made us brought everything that we may need.

And we were right. We don't have to buy clothes for the kids for the meantime. Food was enough even after 6 months. It's like preparing for a war to happen and we are just happy we prepared for it well.

Looking back, it feels good to have these humble beginnings.

I want to share to you our first pictures via my Facebook account. Just click the link and may this serve as an inspiration for all of us...

Click here to see our humble beginnings!

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