Let Us Start REJOICING...

...a King will be born soooooon

"The Manger"

source: Simpsons Christmas Stories

Happy Holidays!!!!!

The Nearness of You

Seven days to go and it's Christmas time!!! *yipee* The sad thing is I haven't purchased anything (yet). *boohoo* If I have mentioned before that I won't be doing any shopping, I lied. We will try on the last minute; me & Hubi. Now that the cramps are rare, hopefully, the plan would push through and there would be no other place to go but the mass mall on top of the hill. Once I'm already Up There, that is. =) 'Though I'm not as sure whether we'd be able to find any likeable gift. Ah, bahala na! As we all know, it's the thought and food that counts. =)

I haven't felt the spirit here even if in my heart I know that it's nearly Xmas. *sigh* Not any sign in our neighborhood; only at the CBD & the shopping malls are the symbols ubiquitous & slightly exaggerated. A few days more & I shall be enveloped by the Ghost of Baguio Christmas a.k.a. malamig na malamig na hamog at ulap na hamog. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again..and again, not to mention, the food!food!food! =)

To everyone, Merry Christmas in advance and a Prosperous New Year too!!!!!

A few ways to say "Merry Christmas" ala United Colors of Benetton

source: Google

Filipino/ Tagalog [Philippines]

"Regalo ko po" *kidding* "Maligayang Pasko"

Arabic
"Milad Majid" OR "Milad Saeed"

Argentine
"Feliz Navidad"

Bohemian
"Vesele Vanoce"

Brazilian Portuguese
"Feliz Natal"

Cambodian
"Soursdey Noel"

Chinese
[Mandarin]
"Sheng Dankuai Le"

Chinese [Cantonese]
"Sing Daan Faai Lok"

Dutch
"Vrolijk Kerstfeest"

English
[American]
"Merry Christmas"

English [Australian]
"'Ave a bonza Chrissy, Mate"

English [UK]
"Happy Christmas"

Finnish
"Hauskaa Joulua"

French
"Joyeux Noël"

German
"Froehliche Weihnachten"

Greek
"Kala Christouyenna"

Hawaiian
"Mele Kalikimaka"

Hebrew
"Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova"

Hindi
"Shub Badadin"

India
"Tamil Nadu - Christmas Vaazthukkal"

Indonesian
"Selamat Hari Natal"

Iraqi
"Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah"

Irish
"Nollaig Shona Duit"

Italian
"Buon Natale"

Japanese
"Meri Kurisumasu"

Korean
"Sung Tan Jul Chuk Ha"

Malay
"Selamat Hari Natal dan Tahun Baru"

Peru
"Felices Fiestas" OR "Feliz Navidad"

Spanish
"Feliz Navidad"

Thai
"Suksan Christmas"

Vietnamese
"Chuc Mung Giang Sinh"

Shameful Insanity

Missis: "Class, what is the reason for the postponement of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu?"

The students were turbulent when suddenly the smallest in class, Thumbelina, stood up and horned in: "Teacher, Teacher, it's because of this strong typhoon expected to hit the country that could ...blah...blah...blah, hence the need to flee...blah...blah...blah"

Missis: "Very well, indeed!"

There was silence for a few minutes, then a loud shout filled the air:

Thumbelina: "Teacher, Teacher, errrrr....can I change my answer?
The truth is..."


*International Rating: POOR Credibility

(..tsk tsk..)

Lucky 9

Despite the discomfort I've been experiencing, we're, indeed, very grateful for having been blessed with our little precious. A Christmas gift in advance for both sides.

I'm at my 9th week & Bunny has obviously G-R-O-W-N ...from 7mm to 26mm.
The head is much differentiated now from the body & the heartbeat is more distinct.
Lucky Bunny! =)

Happy Ever After

Another day of "tale rolling". I have skipped this habit for quite sometime & only today had I the chance to browse through the list of stories again. Of course, from my fave Brothers Grimm.

Incidentally, my cousin just tied the knot 2 days ago & the tale seems appropriate although a little late ;p Congratulations, TinTin!!!

Byzantine Bouquet by Marc Simmons

Phew! The 5th among us who got married this year. I founded the legion & soon the followers came pouring in *hehe*

So here it is:

BRIDES ON THEIR TRIAL

There was once a young shepherd who wished much to marry, and was acquainted with three sisters who were all equally pretty, so that it was difficult to him to make a choice, and he could not decide to give the preference to any one of them. Then he asked his mother for advice, and she said, “Invite all three, and set some cheese before them, and watch how they eat it.”

The youth did so; the first, however, swallowed the cheese with the rind on; the second hastily cut the rind off the cheese, but she cut it so quickly that she left much good cheese with it, and threw that away also; the third peeled the rind off carefully, and cut neither too much nor too little.

The shepherd told all this to his mother, who said, “Take the third for thy wife.” This he did, and lived contentedly and happily with her.

• my other personally picked tales

Aside from these tales, I'm starting to like the Aesop's Fables now. So what's next? The Nursery Rhymes??

..hmm, mukhang tumatanda nako nang paurong =)

Inhale...Exhale...

The symptoms are getting serious and I'm starting to dislike them. I survived 3 days symptomless. I thought I was getting by when suddenly things got worst. Sabi na kasing wag batiin..

It's the evemorning sickness that kills. Good thing I am already at home by the time the feeling bursts. I have no appetite at night but still I force food inside my mouth so that Bunny can absorb something from me even if after 10 minutes, I evacuate the morsels out up to the point of throwing up nothing but sound.

I have no specific cravings yet; only yesterday: Star Cafe's saucy Pancit Canton loaded with lotsa Baguio veggies + pork + liver + madami pang sahog =)

Since it doesn't come handy, Bunny was deprived. *sigh* So, I resorted to a bland and bare pancit bihon + luncheon meat + sunny-side up. Weird combination, ey? Well, it sure does taste good with pickled chilli except yesterday. Scoopfuls of the chilli & a squeeze of lime can't do any trick. I had to share 3/4 of the meal with the litter bin. I had no choice. =) Sorry, but I'm not in any way related to Asyong Aksaya *wink*

I guess I will have to bear everything. I'm not even halfway & I think I wanna give up already. Ok, ok, I admit, I am a sore loser =)

There's no more turning back 'though, I have to keep the white flag down whether I like it....
....or else.

Boiling Point

I'm truly saddened by the Nth tragedy being faced by the P.I., previously the ferry mishap & now the mudslide in Albay. I just don't know if news are exaggerated by the media, however, just by looking at the clips, it is, indeed, a sorrowful sight.

There is melancholy in the air but it appears to have passed the one seated Up There. Oooops! I couldn't see her! ..more seat cushion please. There...much clearer. Thumbelina, oh, Thumbelina! Sorry, I can't help but despise Her. Di na kasi sya nakakatuwa!

And now, she ordered a Commission to look over Mayon "to stop the further devastation of adjacent towns and cities from lahar and mud flows and determine whether any of these population centers should be abandoned"

Hello? You should have done that on Day 1 when Mayon started to erupt or days before the volcano showed signs of possible eruption. Darna, too late the hero! On the otherhand, IF this was implemented earlier, I guess, the effect of the calamity would still be the same. Residents are stubborn to listen. I understand that it's so hard to leave behind our "riches", but it pays to listen (sometimes) to semi-semi-credible politicians/leaders. Makinig na lang kayo para walang sisihan..

And then, some more, She orders the release of a billion bucks for the victims. Wow! I didn't know that we still have that much. How many percent would go to the recipients? Will it rest for a while on the hands of the middle men & tira tira na lang para sa mga nasalanta? It's the truth & I am so unhappy. *sigh*

I know people would be more content if the mudslide/mudflow/flood whatever detoured & gushed towards The House instead. Only a quarter of the place is buried and Thumbelina is already out of sight. *harharhar*

I was still browsing through the net & saw another story much to my dismay. It read: "First Gentleman stable after angioplasty" Why, oh, Why? I know I am bad. Well... wouldn't you agree? =) It just goes to show that mahirap mamatay ang masasamang damo. OOPS! As I used to say, "Walang personalan, blog-bloggan lang." *honk*honk*

I have to release the fury or else Bunny might come out full of rage and anger. =)

Whatever fate the P.I. would have, whether we like ot or not, we have to love it. Let just all be positive. There's still hope...

...maybe if Thumbelina is ousted but that won't happen. How many attemptssss have We made? Except under the circumstances that the alipores and galamay are completely inactivated then can we succeed. Otherwise, Her kingdom reigns.

Boohoo...*tissue please*

"It's the thought that counts"

22 days to go before Christmas and obviously everyone is busy shopping presents for their loved ones. Some who are not used to the habit are forced to because of company parties where each has to participate in exchange gifts. It has been customary. Besides, who doesn't want to receive gifts anyway? We all need to pacify the kid in us, hungry for fun & surprises.

I guess, it would be totally different for me this year. As much as I would want to sweep all the showcase windows, I cannot. I need to isolate myself from all these people rushing about; prevent myself from rubbing elbows with the busy bees whilst carrying bags & bags of goodies. Shoo, stress, don't bother me! I am not fussy, but I am a crowd hater, not to say, "the risky condition." Just like the weather, it directly affects my temper. Hot/Crowded = 100 degC
For now, it's better to heed the doctor's advice than to regret later on. At least I can strongly attest that I did do my part to nourish the pregnancy. *knock on wood*

Btw, I prefer to shop alone. There are many things on my Xmas list now and all I can do is stare at them. Yes, there's internet shopping but I have this attitude that I must have a look at the product first with my bare eyes & hands before I purchase it. Then can I be contented. Hello? Looks can be deceiving. =)

So definitely, I would have to pass up the chance this time. Sacrifice Eileen!! Perhaps, wishing & greeting all the people close to me would already suffice. I'm sure they would understand. Pakilista na lang po muna! Again, I'm not used to it. Hmmm...I guess a small keychain is enough. Hey, it's the most common pasalubong of Pinoys you know *hehehe...kidding* We'll see, we'll see. When I have set my foot back home, things might change. Chocolate crinkles lang ang katapat...o walis o peanut brittle! *wink*

Finding gifts for our folks or in-laws has always been troublesome. It seems to be the hardest part. *sigh* This time 'though, there won't be any problem. And to think, I didn't even do any window shopping prior. I have found a present & it will be this simple:

Eileen, on the eve of Christmas:

"Maligayang pasko po! (habang nagmamano). Eto po ang regalo namin sa inyo...(while pointing at Bunny)

See? soooo simple. Looks like my pregnancy is such a good timing.

Aba! wais ata si Lumen! ;p

source: stencilstyle.com

To quote one petition from this Sunday's Prayer for the Faithful:

"May this Advent Season not be a time
for mindless consumerism, but a time for re-creation of human
hearts..."

This one so struck me for there are a superficial few who tend to forget what Christmas is all about. You, yes you...do you really know what we are celebrating for?

Anyways, enjoy the Holidays people. See you when I see you, Fwends!!!

I'm a little teapot, Short & stout...

...Here is my handle
Here is my spout.

When the water's boiling
Here me shout.
Lift me up
And pour me down.

Pregnancy has truly made a difference in my lifestyle. As the weeks go by, I'm becoming more & more restless and more & more. I can't even stand staying in front of the PC and update my blog even for only a few minutes. Looks like my brain cells, too, have been flushed down the drain along with my vomitus. I have high tolerance, but for now, I am having a damn hard time. The cramps, the back pain, headace and the morning/afternoon/all-day/anytime/anywhere sickness. Or are some of these symptoms already a marker of reaching "The New Age". I am really struggling. *sigh*

For the past days, I, too, had been sorting out my clothings since my tummy has been increasing & increasing in size. Only 2 roomy pants left could fit me...I think . The rest is history. I am not even sure if I would be able to go back to my size now after the Labour of Love. *huhu* Salvation Army, hello? I'm still in denial. My clothes have not been pre-shrunk that's why. =)

Anyways, just for the record, this is Eileen's first time to wear....*ta-daaaa*

...palaki ng palaki pa!

Agony

The delightful and perky aroma of freshly brewed coffee seems to intoxicate my senses now. I'm D-O-O-M-E-D!!!

It's killing me softly. 'Til when? I dunno..

...boo...hoo...hoo

Metamorphosis

Here's a paparazzi shot =)
At 6 weeks, Bunny measuring 7.8mm.

I couldn't explain how ecstatic I was upon seeing the pumping heart. Cuteness! As I left the room, I was already humming this song on my mind. Weird..and soon I realized it's a creepy tune.

Hush, little baby, don't say a word. Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird

And if that mockingbird won't sing, Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring

Psycho

I was partially bedridden yesterday and there was nothing to do but slump myself on my bed & watch!watch!watch! I still am being visited by the irritating cramps and it does make me prove that being preggy is not absolutely a 100% happy journey *huhu* =) Now, I can truly grasp why mothers would kill for their babies and why they truly grieve when betrayed by their children later in life. Of course, we do know that no matter how upright you foster your kids, external factors could induce the twist and turns. The media, books, school teachings, peer pressure and tv shows all take part. Well, I am not in authority to say all these things 'coz I haven't passed stage 1 yet. We'll find out soon.

Staying in bed isn't that bad 'though. Later at night, I was able to finish one movie that has long been sitting in my Drive D. 16 Blocks starring Bruce Willis & Mos Def. Such a deviating role for Bruce. I find it a very good movie, goofy yet touching. When bad turns good. As Mos reiterates it : "People change.." Nice! Nice! Nice! How I wish Bunny would be as talkative as Mos. Phew! Watch it and you'll know why. And if you've seen the movie, am i right? *wink*

Prior to this, I also had the chance to catch a local show called "Tab Chat". Last night they tackled on the unusual behaviour of teenagers today. As I've mentioned earlier, the peer pressure factor. It dramatized why some teenage girls (those in secondary school) go for self mutilation; that is, slashing. The habit occurs often even if the previous wounds haven't healed yet. They try to mask the slashes from their families by wearing wrist bands.

The reasons: self satisfaction, to be "IN"/cool, diversion of emotional pain, adrenaline rush synonymous to riding a rollercoaster. There was one scene when the 3 girls dared each other to cut their wrist deeply. Girl 3 who wanted to be in inflicted the deepest much to the amazement of the other girls. Blood was oozing out heavily so they were forced to call the emergency hotline. Funny but poor thing.

We rarely had this when I was in highschool, although a few did try I know. I could remember that during our medical check-ups, the nurse would check our arms & legs for the possible occurence. We were all girls by the way. Once caught equals red mark & expulsion if repeatedly done.

That was before and it is different now. I am suprised myself. These are some issues which youngsters face today that parents couldn't handle. Their time is mostly spent outside their homes and we cannot blame anyone. The only key is conversation: to be able to follow them up after school and counsel them about their problems. But since most teenagers are hesitant to open up especially to their parents, maybe these experiences could be their teacher already.

Hopefully.. hopefully..

If you decide to mutilate yourself, you MUST have superficial veins like me inorder to succeed. *kidding*

hi? hello? shut up!

All of us are blessed with friends, but only a few are blessed with true friends. In whatever situation we are put into, true friends are always there on standby. No need to ring the bell; mere ESP does the work. No matter how long the years of absence, it wouldn't make a difference. 1st meetings are always a communion. The friendship bond will never be shattered because it is well established on granite. The misunderstandings have honed it more. Maturity and open-mindedness have nourished it well.

Grateful I am to have good friends til now. Those who have stood by me since secondary school, and have swayed along with my topak moods. Luckily, they aren't by my side now otherwise it would be thrice the "fun". *wink*

Of course, I wish them all well, kung saan mang lupalop sila ng mundo. Thanks to the power of electronic mail...saying HELLO has never been this easy. Yes, thaaaat e-a-s-y, and yet, some "friendly friends" find it hard to get back to you when it was their initiative in the first place. The irony. Maybe they are busy, or there was a change in address, or no postage stamp & the recipient doesnt want to pay for it upon receipt =), or no internet access, or pretending not to receive any mail, or hatred to sender or deadma ako, kiber!

Ok, we must give 'em the benefit of the doubt. We all have our reasons.

"Silence is the most powerful scream" ~Anonymous

*sigh*ns

Phew!

Throwing up is absolutely hormonal. My throat has exercised enough evacuating while keeping the food intact. No more bits to thrust maybe.

Nausea/Vomitting: (+)
Frequency: anytime, anywhere and now more often; no pattern
Borborygmi: (+)
Frequency: max
Sensitivity: (-)
Cravings: (-)
Psychological ek-ek: (-)

Please stop the clock..

Again and again and again....

I know, I know, The Infanticipation Story shall be long playing from now til I dunno when. In one way or another, the need to document. It's not that I am exaggerating; I (we) am (are) simply overwhelmed by IT, that is. This reason is only secondary 'though. Well, I really want to prove whether some symptoms are real, reel, sociological or merely psychological. It may still be early to assess, especially the paglilihi part. I don't crave for anything unusual yet, maybe because I eat anything? I just wish I won't yearn for something exotic or else Bunny might not forgive me when he/she comes out. =)

We'll see, we'll see..

....freshly picked Benguet strawberries please!! FEDEX a.s.a.p.! *kidding* ...pero pwede rin *wink*

"Strawberry Girl"

source: www.imagesphilippines.com

Eileen = O.A.

Is there something wrong with the pictures OR only my eyes playing tricks on me? I dunno about you but I feel sad upon staring at the images. *sigh* WHY???

Notice that the cup isn't empty.

What can you see inside? Water! Water! Water! ...plain ol' water!

H+H+O = H2O *boohoo*

Aren't mugs made for Coffee, just like boots are made for walkin'?

Grrr! I've been cursed for 9 months! ..make that 8 months. =)

For a while, I felt like my world stopped from spinning around after having known bout the goodnews. Doomsday has come! I had to give it up. IT = coffee = kape = caffeine (and any consumable, for that matter, with a trace of it). FYI, I'm addicted to anything (minus Coke) with caffeine & Hubi can attest to that. Although, there isn't any strong evidence that drinking coffee while pregnant is a mortal sin unless overdone.

Therefore, the million dollar question is:

Do I have to give up caffeine now that I'm pregnant?

According to BabyCentre: "Not necessarily. You can still enjoy your favourite caffeinated drinks as long as you don't overdo it. Guidelines issued by the Food Standards Agency recommend that women have no more than 300mg of caffeine a day while pregnant. This is equivalent to three mugs of instant coffee or six cups of tea or eight cans of cola per day. Although moderate amounts of caffeine are
unlikely to harm you or your unborn baby, some women choose to cut out caffeine completely."

Oooh..There's, indeed, light at the end of the tunnel. *grin* Hmm...but then, I would rather not jeopardize my situation just to feed my (selfish) urge. Better to be safe than sorry. Besides, I don't feel like drinking coffee yet. Perhaps, this could be a phase of the 1st tri when you become a little fussy on what you take in.

Come 4th month, I am not sure if it would still be the same. Can somebody just hand me over a caffeine patch please? The dark side might take over you know. *wink*kidding*

• my coffee chronicles

The Pencil Story

Here's a forwarded email sent by a friend worth sharing. Thanks Marline!

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

1. You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
4. The most important part of you will always be what's inside."
5. On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

"The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

1. You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
4. The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
5. On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable of the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

Plain Pencil by Vince Giuliano

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

Season 6 of Smallville may have begun 6 weeks ago and yet I haven't gotten a sneak of any episode since then. Being 85% bum, I decided to start a marathon to kill time in bed. As the (Filipino) saying goes: "Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din."

So I spent the entire day catching up with Clark, Lex, Chloe, Lana, Lois, Martha and Lionel plus Jimmy Olsen and Oliver Queen. I could have missed the euphoria of watching the premiere telecast, however, it was more filling to digest 6 episodes straight less the commercials.

I only pity Clark for not being able to get over bitchy Lana yet. Hello? Is it: First love never dies OR You're just too stoopy to see =) Well, I can't blame him. I have become stoopy for once, err...make that thrice, in my life too. *gag*

Nevertheless, the entire ride was absolutely mighty and very addictive. But it looks like I will have to count chickens while waiting for the red-caped man to soar. haay..matagal pa 'to! Komiks na lang, dear!

Patience is a virtue somehow.

• The characters: what to expect
• a related past chronicle

The Queen of Pain

The O&G and I confirmed the fetus' AOG this morning to be ~4 weeks. I paid an unscheduled visit for the cramps had already exceeded my pain tolerance. I guess, it was the worst among the worse fits for the past week. I had to bear the pain lying down while waiting for my turn. The nurses there promised to squeeze me through the long queue since my appointment is supposedly on Friday. They did, 'though it was almost 3 hrs after. *sigh* But I am really thankful for their warm reception coupled with a friendly smile & a courteous manner of assisting preggies.

So there, in between, I had to rush slowly (yep, Ill teach you how, just prompt me ;p) to the X-ray Dept and do the U/S scan. The tech did a tummy scan at 1st, however, opted for a trans-V since the sac was still young. To-&-Fro, To-&-Fro...it feels awkward & at the same time quite painful. I felt like a guinea pig as I looked at the tech while she was making facial expressions of uncertainty & a heavy sigh of incompetence. =) Yes! I was done. 10 minutes after, the tech handed the result over to be given to my O&G.

As I was on my way down inside the lift, my impatience ruled. My hands went ahead and pulled out the result from the envelope. I saw the report & it was tragic. I have seen a similar format before when they diagnosed something odd affecting my Right appendages and now on the Left minus the tube. *sigh*

Time's ticking & I felt so tense. I was worried actually. The past kept flashing back. How I wish I never peeked. Too late the hero.

10 minutes after, they called me in. The O&G wasn't there yet. Maybe she had her lunch break. They instructed me again to prepare myself for another (endless) scan. I was there lying down half clothed for another 10 minutes, staring at the glaring warm light. I had scary thoughts running through my mind as I heard the tingling sound of the metal paraphernalias being arranged by the nurse. D & C & the fetus' condition were all I could ever think of. Really bad thinking! Well, it's so hard to be in this field. With all the pre-disposing factors, you can't help but be paranoid.

Alas! The O&G has arrived. She has seen the result and assured me that I and Bunny would be fine. Perhaps, the cramps have been caused by my previous incision & the presence of his thingy on my Left appendage which accdg to her is normal for preggies.

While comforting me, she did the tummy scan at the same time. She smiled & pointed to me the sac we saw 3 days ago. It has increased in size & much more vivid now. It is absolutely alive. The O&G said I need not be alarmed. I was relieved...so relieved. *phew!*

I have lain on the OR table twice and was able to bear the aftermath. Hopefully, I will be able to withstand again the anguish and the solace of infanticipation.

Eventually...eventually...

My Blog *mwah*

I am forced to make myself semi-bum for the next couple of months. The need to do all things at a very slooooow pace is a must for me. *sigh* I am not used to it, honestly. My butt couldn't keep still even for just a minute. But at this time, my attention deficiency should better take a backseat or else...

What to do? What to do? I dunno what to do!

I'm beginning to parrot a piglet, being bred & domesticated, in preparation for a future verdict, i.e., death by slaughtering *wink* Well, it's wise to listen than to regret later on. Hubi and I are optimistic & we're keeping our fingers crossed and palms clasped while gazing through the skies.

Good thing I have this space to abuse to keep Eileen rust-free. =)

Thank Heavens, indeed!

Mummy

This is definitely good news. After months of anticipation and 1 negative, 1 slightly positive, 1 negative(for confirmation) and the last, a plus plus, a little Angel appears to have fallen from Up Above and has landed on the doorstep of Eileen's home. An unexpected yet consoling blessing.

Being 50% female (minus my right appendages) has indeed made me phobic. Having been fed with vital tidbits at work, I couldn't help but think about the "what if's", the possibility that a sperm can hit the egg and shall remain viable or the presence of healthy eggs. For now, I need not worry. Our prayers have been answered. Thanks to HIM!

Yet, if you think, it is that easy. I guess not. I have been experiencing on & off cramps and stabbing pain which is not really normal. Although as of this time, it has already decreased from little to nil. 'Coz if the pain still persists, it could be ectopic, but luckily, it is not. *yipee* But still, Eileen has to take extra extra care.

Here's our "Bunny" at 3 or 4 weeks: (age is yet to be reconfirmed next week ;p)

Stupefying

2 interesting random pics taken on a not so long ago hazy R & R.

*Photo credit: Hubi

IN

Varanus komodensis (Endangered)

*source: nature.ca

The Komodo dragon is the world's largest lizard species. It is found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar, and Flores. There are only an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 of these monitor lizards living today. Reaching lengths of up to 3 m or more, and weighing up to 126 kg, these reptiles are swift runners and climbers with great appetites for deer and wild boar.

Although often regarded as pests, they are not a serious menace to humans. In order to protect the dragon, the Indonesian government has made the islands of Padar and Rintja into nature reserves for both the lizard and its prey. Commercial trade in specimens or skins is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

A young Komodo Dragon loittering around the streets as we drove the Caddie Cart around. Gee! So lazy to use the sidewalk. Very inconsiderate! *tsk*tsk*

OUT

Blattella asahinai (The Asian Cockroach)

*source: Wikipedia

Tropical cockroaches are often much bigger.

I guess I need not elaborate since we are all knowledgeable about them.

Next topic pleez! *eew*

Cemetery Hopping

It's again the time of the year when we get to pay honour to our deceased relatives, friends and foes by dropping by their abode, bringing extravagant flowers and food (just like a 1st timer nagpapa-impress suitor) and spending some time with them while prayers & good intentions are being offered. Some non-believers find the practice ridiculous and superficial. They often say that we must already leave the dead alone. How on earth can an inanimate respond?!? Hey! "I can see dead people!" *wink* Of course, we are all entitled to our own religious beliefs and opinions; but, but, but, we also need to respect what believers observe, right?

Besides, it's not solely the death we are commemorating. In fact, it is also a celebration of life for only at this time that people get the chance to commune with the extended members of the family and other friends (aside from the other holydays & holidays). Also, this special day is our way of saying Thanks to all the people who had made a difference in our lives.

Did you ever know that All Saint's Day is also known as "All Hallows," or "Hallowmas" ("hallows" meaning "saints," and "mas" meaning "Mass")?

Thanks to Wikipedia!!

Trick-Treat/Treat-Trick?

*sigh*
I don't know if I am the only adult in the world who hasn't experienced "trick or treating" as a kid? As far as I can remember, we didn't even have any mini celebration in my primary school unlike its contemporaries. No jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and ghouls, costume parties, no mention ever! Blame it on the strict conservatives. hmp! *just kidding* More so, in our neighborhood where house hopping in the middle of the night was almost impossible. Unless you are ready to withstand the cool temp & keep your body warm by running away from stray dogs, then you are "IN".
Just by mere imagination of Eileen dressed up in the scariest or whackiest costume she could get hold of while donning a exaggerated face paint is already satiating. It seems the kid in me is so frustrated 'til now. Believe it or not, I have been fantasizing over the idea for years. But who says, it's already too late? Nevah! Sooner or later, I shall have the chance to knock from door to door too with a bag of goodies, while uttering, "Trick or Treat?". However, would people just get scared upon seeing a grown-up mimicking youngsters once they open their gateways? 911 to the rescue! At least, I need not disguise. =)

I may have this longing but I am uncertain as to which character would I be. A Princess? A Gnome? A Witch? A Superhero? A Mermaid? A Fairy? hmmmm....perhaps a Clown. Since Clowns can be unpredictable especially with that indelible smile. You won't know when Clowns are at their happiest or loneliest. But looks like, I need not wear a costume. The Clown you see, is the Clown you get.

If I tap on your door, would you let the Creepy Clown in?

Happy Halloween!!!

THE CLOWN PAINTING

*source: john zaffis museum of the paranormal

This painting depicting a sad clown was purchased by a woman from an estate sale. The woman hung the painting in her living room. Soon after putting the picture on a wall in her home, the family allegedly witnessed the clown's eyes following them around the room. The painting would allegedly fall off of the wall without any visible explanation. Although the history of the painting is unclear, it could be reasonably suspected that there is some sort of spirit attached to the painting, causing the strange occurrences in this woman's home.

Still alive and kickin'!!

I'm moving in!!! ....WHY????