pancakes, batangas coffee & a tuesday night

Tonight, I thought of making some comfort food. Yea, pancakes. And some hot brew-- kape barako. Not percolated, but boiled over the stove in a mini casserole. Just as rural as it can get. Pics below.

Here's to work-filled nights,

Song: The Best Thing (That Ever Happened To Me)

by Gladys Knight


I've had my share,
Of life's ups and downs,
but fate's been kind,
the downs have been few,

I guess you could say,
I've been lucky,
Or I guess you could say,
That it's all because of you.

If anyone, should ever write, my life story,
for whatever reason there might be,
Oh...you'd be there,
between each line of pain and glory,
cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me,
Oh you're the best thing that ever happened to me.

There have been times,
when times were hard,
but always somehow I made it,
I made it through,
But for every moment that I've been hurtin',
there was a moment, that I've spent.....
Oh just loving you,

If anyone should ever write my life story,
for whatever, for whatever reason there might be,
you'd be there, between each line of pain and glory,
Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me,
Oh you're the best thing that ever happened to me,
I know, you're the best thing....
Oh that ever happened,
to me.


This song played over online radio. I was taken with the message and thus decided to look up for the lyrics -- which I guess are simply sweet to the soul. It talks about one's great love for someone and how loving the person has helped see through the down and hurting times.

True Love & human affection do heal us.

Here's to the great story of love in each of our lives,

A Day's Funny Conversation

Yo' this da Hubby

Me: I spent only a few years with you in school back then since I transferred to another school after my 2nd year. I think I do not really miss our class and I didn't even like going to our high school reunion.

Hubby: Oh, but it's good you married me & stayed with me for 10 years now...

Me: Hmm, ((smile)) you can expect more years for both of us-- like 30 years more... yeah... to get exasperated & annoyed with me & my stubborn ways. **grinning

Hubby: Hahaaa.. that's a long time, I think I'm gonna die earlier with your incessant vexation.

Me: Oh, hahahaha, well let's give it 30 years more then.

Cheers, our jokes can be so awesome.

Here's to rainy days & sweet talk,

You Are Under No One's Control

I'm sure not all people have dealt with individuals who like to bring a negative impact on one's life. Yet for those who are going through this reality, here's a good read on the behavior of toxic people & how to subvert their tactics --

How to Deal With Toxic People:

• Recognize that toxic people have issues within themselves, and their toxicity has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you. In life, everyone has to take personal responsibility for their own choices, attitudes, actions and behaviors. Toxic people do not do this. You become their personal target. They habitually turn things around and manipulate you to the point where you feel bad, you feel guilty, you feel like you are at fault, therefore responsible for their problems.

Take note:

• You may even begin to feel like you’re “going crazy” or “losing your mind”, wondering if you have become the victim of a psychopath desperately trying to manipulate and control you. Once you recognize the toxic behaviors that are engulfing your life and health, it allows you to take your power back.

What you can do--

• Keep emotionally toxic people from ruining your health and happiness by setting limits and personal boundaries, assertively speaking up for yourself, and standing your ground. Don’t make someone else’s problems your own, but physically and mentally distance yourself from the negative and toxic people in your life, which may or may not include cutting the person out of your life entirely.

Some more ideas on eliminating them!

• Knowing what it means to “let go” of negative people, along with their personal demons and issues, allows you the strength and determination needed to live your life without the constant barrage of criticism that can easily erode your own self-esteem, health and well-being.

It's not easy, though...

• Dealing with family members and in-laws can be especially difficult and stressful. If there are family members or in-laws that treat you like their personal doormat, criticizing and ridiculing you for everything and anything, you may have to consider putting a strict limit on how often you associate with them, if at all.

Hold on--

• Holidays and special occasions can quickly become a dread, where just the thought of being around toxic relatives or friends causes your blood pressure to rise to unhealthy levels. You have the right to decide who to associate with and who not to associate with, who is or isn’t invited or welcome to step foot into your home, including toxic family members.

Shy away, shy away, shy away...

• Toxic people need years of in-depth therapy, not you, such as you might find at bipolar treatment centers locally. You can’t change their attitudes or behaviors, but you can change yourself. You have to decide for yourself how much pushing around you will or will not accept. Allow yourself the personal right to disengage, disassociate, and detach.

Get wisdom, to help you in your decision making...

• Use your God-given backbone when dealing with toxic friends, co-workers, family members or in-laws etc, with the understanding that detachment is not a sign that you don’t care but that you are doing what is necessary to preserve your personal health and happiness.

Out with the Nega!

• Surround yourself with positive influences, people who genuinely care about you and are supportive of you. These loved ones are a great defense and support group against the negativity of all kinds of toxic relationships or toxic family members, allowing you to choose for yourself to no longer be a victim of their malicious and abusive behaviors

Source: http://www.tellinitlikeitis.net/2008/08/toxic-relationships-toxic-family-members.html

Here's to dealing with people who burst our bubble,

Here's to organizing our life,

A Homey Kitchen

I like this traditional kitchen design. Amazing colors & just... cozy. If you are home building, you might be interested to find more ideas on rustic kitchens. Someday, when I get to build my dream home, this will be a good design. At present, I am living in the house that we bought some six years ago, and so far, life has been good.

Here's to dreams of home,

Stress Relief Day For Me

Today, I subjected myself to stress elimination session. With the body aches & pains that resulted from my long trip to the province, it was not far from me to feel under the weather.

Therapeutic Massage by blind therapists is one of the best & cheapest things you can get when you are not feeling well. Alright, in Davao, that is. Full body is offered at 200Php.

I had foot, leg, back, arm, head & facial massage - a combination of reflexology, Shiatsu & Swedish techniques at that lovely price. I always remember to give a good tip to my therapists after each session, though. It was sort of a way of showing my gratitude -- for using their skills & strength to alleviate my condition.

I hope to get relief from muscle tension & a lethargic mood. I will feel better soon.

Cheers to scientific stress-free massage,

Meeting the New Year

Hello... hello. I met the new year with peaceful simplicity. How simple? I will show you.

I bought a dozen roses from the market. And arranged it, picked some yellow flowers from my garden & set them together with the red blooms. This is the first location where I placed it. But decided, this should be on the table. So here's the next stop below:

There! My mug of roses was in its rightful location where I can see it. ((while I munch on my bar of chocolate.)) of course.

I am proud of this bowl of peanuts. I c-o-o-k-e-d it!

So, my stuff on the table. Look at the background. I m-a-d-e those curtains! I yem a homebuddey-- fully fledged taong bahay.

To set the mood for the coming First Day of the year. Hmm, a blessing of tranquility.

I wasn't mad about getting food on the table. I have enough of those daily. I wanted something that will reflect how I felt. And that is peace. I chose to not exhaust myself with the grind & chaos associated with New Year's coming.

And I quote:

To measure the goodness of life

by its delights & pleasures & safety

is to apply a false standard.

The abundant life

does not consist of a glut of luxury.

It does not make itself content

with commercially produced pleasure,

the nightclub idea

of what is a good time,

mistaking it for joy & happiness.

On the contrary,

obedience to law,

respect for others,

mastery of self,

joy in service--

these constitute the abundant life.

~ Thomas S. Monson

Here's to a simple life,

Here's to an inspired New Year!