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Showing posts from 2016

Hospital Nanny Diary

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Image from PIXABAY This is why nursing or medicine never appealed to me - lack of patience for a patient (oh what pun!).

Responding to Stroke | The First Few Days

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This is an account of what our family experienced this week. I'm hoping our experience will provide insights to people caring for senior or near-senior family members. If your parents are already taking maintenance meds for either hypertension or diabetes, be alert for the signs of a stroke attack. image from PIXABAY This is the story of Tatay's first stroke attack.

My De’Longhi Christmas Wishlist

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Married life has made me realize the joy of cooking. We've always thought that we can survive in "lutong ulam" (cooked food from canteens and peddlers) . It is very convenient, a little cheaper than cooking our own meals, but we always look for that  "lutong bahay" (home-cooked) taste. Who wouldn't? Anyone who has ever grown up to their parents' cooking will. Last month, I had a terrible flu. My husband cooked chicken soup for me. He could have bought ready-made soup from a canteen nearby. Cooking the soup at home took more money and time to make, but I really appreciate the gesture. Done with my chicken sopas. #breakfast #sopas A photo posted by Roy Emanuell Pajela (@roypajela) on Nov 18, 2016 at 3:24pm PST A home-cooked meal will always taste better than a store-bought meal because of all the love that goes with cooking it!

Life on Earth Log 004 | Volunteer Teachers

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Tuesday is teacher's day. That's how it has been since September. My husband and I are also volunteer teachers for Values Instruction Class. By the way, teaching values doesn't make any of us perfect. We just happened to be available and able to teach kids. Every values lesson becomes a mirror wherein we see our own spiritual situation before we can teach others. Aside from the kids learning from these lessons, we learn as well.  On our way to class! Please excuse my sans make-up face. I didn't expect my husband to sign up to teach grade school because he claims he has "little patience for children." I think he's having fun teaching he just won't admit it. 

Introducing SLEEPWALK TRAIL DESIGNS

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I published the facebook page last night. Orders came in this morning.  I feel both blessed and overwhelmed. 😊 It's a blessing to practice my passion which is DESIGN - thinking and putting those ideas out! This time those ideas are in a form of a 4" x 5" mini planner. Making mini planners is not without its challenges, but it's a badly needed escape from the technicalities and seriousness of the architecture profession. I mean it when I say I enjoy making them.

Mass Movie Trailer Review for 2016-2017

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I don't watch in movie theaters. I prefer watching at home with the convenience of having a pause button and a toilet nearby, and also cheaper food. I can work while watching too. Win-win! Here are some of the movies to consider watching in 2017

When a Dog Becomes a Teenager

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We all know that our pets age differently from us humans. For average-sized to large dogs, they age about 7 times in a year. For small dogs like a chihuahua, it's about 6 times in a year. If your chihuahua is healthy, he/she may live up to 15 to 20 years. How do you know when your puppy is no longer a puppy because it has turned into a dog? How do you identify when your furbaby is entering the adolescent age? One of the signs is when your female dog starts to fangirl over series...  Just kidding! (She has a crush on Rollo of Vikings.) Seryoso sya oh! 😁 Xena is catching up with one of her favorite series. #vikingsfan #XenaTheChihuahua A photo posted by Kye Felix-Pajela (@sleepwalkingscarlet) on Oct 7, 2016 at 2:43am PDT

Best Features of OPPO F1s

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Whether like taking selfies or taking pictures of everybody else, Oppo F1s Selfie Expert is the phone for you! via GIPHY Here's why I think it's going to be your next selfie buddy.

Excuse My Nose

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I just want to paint the tip of my nose for no good reason. Ladies, you must be familiar with nose pore strips or creams that remove whiteheads and blackheads. Since the world is fixated in looking pretty, products like these are invented, and constantly improved and reinvented depending on the target market.

EXAMINE THE LESSON | Christian Life is NOT a Game of Chess

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We've been taught that for God to move, we must move first. He then counteracts our move. His move will always be better than our moves. Therefore, to release His best moves, we should move better. The better we move, the better God moves. Bottomline: He will never move unless we do. WE'VE BEEN TAUGHT WRONG. This illustration is misleading! By comparing Christian life to a chess game we think: "If I serve really well, God will reward me well." "If I give a lot of money to offerings, God will multiply the money that's left." "If I pray really hard for something, God will answer it for sure." Chess works this way. The players take turns. No move, no counter. How it looks like: the believer challenges God to make a move. First of all, I am not a Bible scholar. I am just posting my personal insight on the subject. Your opinions insights, and corrections are welcome. Just leave a comment, but ple

Life on Earth Log 003

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A Birthday, A Values Class and A Music Class - what I've been up to the past two weeks of blogger inactivity. We suspended our diet again thanks to Nanay Maxima's 70th birthday bash in Bulacan, which also gave us the opportunity to celebrate for Nanay Elena's birthday. Around 30 people from our church came. Fellowship started as soon as we meet. Kwentuhan sa sasakyan. (Chatting during the travel.) We could not avoid talking about the tragedy of how our church was divided, but people are just laughing about the issue. There's a sense of security knowing that God allowed it to happen, and He knows what will happen next. Right now, we're just happy and blessed in each other's company.

Our Epic Wedding Review : IMP Sea Breeze Resort

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As I have said in a previous post, finding the venue is one of the first steps in wedding planning. Almost everything will adjust according to your chosen venue. DO NOT PLAN ANYTHING ELSE unless the venue is FINAL! We already set our sights on another venue, but it was just too pricey! The Search (READ HERE) And to give you an idea of how overwhelming married life can be - not to discourage you, of course. Our Epic Wedding Review : Introduction In the attempt to sway me to practicality, my hubby and mother-in-law brought me to IMP Sea Breeze Resort in Taguig City . I've only known the resort from some friends (mostly teachers and students who went there for outings) . I never knew it as an events place so I googled the place plus the word "wedding." The results showed several videos of a wedding which did nothing to convince me yet.

STAYCATION | Astoria Plaza, Ortigas

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My husband... having an affair with the TV. **Just kidding** ...But he really misses watching TV. Happy rainy season to all! As expected in the greater Manila area, rain showers and thunderstorms are coming in. Classes are suspended. Floods conquer some of the streets. A tornado has also been spotted this month. Yikes! What better time to book a staycation than a rainy day? And also, our free accommodation voucher is about to expire in a week. We decided to FINALLY use our voucher to avail of the free accommodation in Astoria Plaza in Ortigas.

MOVIE REVIEW | Warcraft (2016)

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I have two brothers who love PC games, so as you can expect, I played Warcraft and DOTA for a reasonable amount of time before this movie came out. My brother would show me the cg animated short films about the heroes and their respective backstories. I've always admired the detail they put in the game characters. I expected the same with this movie. Let's watch the trailer first! Hubby and I were in the mall when we saw the trailer for the first time. We were like kids drooling over chocolate cake. We really wanted to watch it. It was insane! {SPOILER ALERT} If you haven't watched the movie yet, STOP RIGHT HERE!

Recovery After a D&C (Part 03)

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edited image original image is from  PIXABAY My husband and I, with our respective families, are coming to terms with us not having a child early next year. It was quite a shock when we found out that my pregnancy failed. It's now safe to say that we're in the end of the grieving process. We've accepted what happened and we're moving forward. Raising the TMI Warning because of the theme of this post - female reproductive health. Only for adults!  KIDS, DO NOT READ THIS!

Change The Way You See Friendship

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Meet my four-footed friend, Xena. I have human friends too, but for now this post is about her! Xena is a chihuahua turning six-months-old this August. She is still a puppy but weighs over 2 kilograms and is starting to put some pressure on my lap when I carry her. Last year, I lived with my parents, two brothers and as many as seven chihuahuas at one time. I moved with my husband early this year. We got Xena after a month of being together. She was only two-months old then. Not having a pet for a whole month, I was longing for a chance to have a dog again. Even now that I have Xena, I still miss our dogs back in my parents' home. Okoy is Xena's dad. A dog is the most loyal companion a person can ever have. A dog loves unconditionally for the rest of his/her life. Xena cannot talk, but she's a good listener. She cannot give advice, but she gives joy. She cannot lend me money when I need it, but she gives me peace. She is not just a pet. She is a

Mamaya na. (Later.)

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Mañana Habit ► also known as "procrastination" ► an annoying Filipino trait that was most probably taught by the Spanish conquerors ► "Mamaya na." [Later.] ► "Bukas na." [Tomorrow] - in more severe cases ► I REALLY NEED TO GET RID OF THIS HABIT via GIPHY

I Missed Out on Pastor's Choice

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I have been warned about him. Still, I chose him. I remember one stressful afternoon. The pastor called me up telling me, "Huwag ka na sasama kay Roy. [Stay away from him] He's b*llsh*t." He repeated the same unprintable words with more unprintable words but with the same message. I have to stay away from him. Pastor said so. Then he hung up. I was still shocked. Why would he say those things? Why would a pastor call up a church member to bad-mouth another? And why would a pastor even bad-mouth anybody? Is my friend that despicable? I couldn't respond to him while he was still ranting. After the call, I tried to internalize the conversation. There was so much disappointment and hatred in his voice. I simply assumed that the pastor and Roy had an argument and I hoped for it to be resolved. But for him to call me up and bad-mouth my friend... that really confused me. It confused me about how I see him as a pastor. It confused me of how I see Roy.

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MOVIE REVIEW | Ponyo

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Gloomy Weather + Ponyo = ♥ via GIPHY This movie is perfect for rainy days when you like to stay at home under a cozy blanket. It's a movie you drink hot chocolate or eat spicy cup noodles with. Turn the volume up while the rain pours outside. Just like any Studio Ghibli movies, I adore Ponyo! {SPOILER ALERT!}

Recovery after a D&C (Part 02)

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image from PIXABAY Back to work! It's been five days after I've undergone a dilation and curettage procedure to remove the remains of the blighted ovum I've carried for fourteen weeks. Physical recovery is easier than I thought, but not without its challenges. There's still a lot of unknowns. There's no way to know what's going on inside without the help of the doctor. We're only relying upon symptoms for clues. Raising the TMI (Too Much Information) Warning yet again. This post is mainly about the female reproductive health and may be awkward for guys to read. Gentlemen, please look away.

Back in the Ship

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I feel like being back to the ship after being washed away in the middle of the sea on a broken raft. via GIPHY One of the more common effects of loss is wanting to be isolated from the world.  Even when I remained active in social media, I maintained a distance from people, both physically and emotionally. When I couldn't avoid meeting people, I try to compose myself. There are still feelings I do not feel comfortable sharing with others, even those closest to me.

Recovery after a D&C (Part 01)

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image from PIXABAY Finally out of the hospital, home and settled. via GIPHY I was confined for almost two days to remove the remains of my failed pregnancy, a blighted ovum I carried in my womb for 14 weeks. The Firstborn That Wasn't Meant to Be (READ HERE) This is my detailed account of the procedure. Having a D&C (Journal) - (READ HERE) In case you're wondering what it was like after the operation, I assure you that it's okay. The operation itself wasn't as scary as I thought it was. The effects vary among women but I can tell you that it's manageable. If you need more information about recovering from D&C, feel free to read this article. TMI (Too Much Information) about feminine reproductive health. (Maybe okay for ladies but uncomfortable for guys). If you're a guy and still want to read on... you've been warned.

Having a D&C (Journal)

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I was praying for a go signal from God if I should go through the procedure or still wait for a natural miscarriage. It was confirmed that I had a failed pregnancy - a blighted ovum. The Firstborn That Wasn't Meant to Be (READ HERE) I know we've already discussed. Hubby and I have agreed but I still have doubts. Until the last minute at home, I was still contemplating. A Proper Goodbye (READ HERE) I DO NOT, IN ANY WAY, PROMOTE ABORTION THROUGH D&C! This journal might be of help to those who are diagnosed with blighted ovum and a failed pregnancy. Remember. You are not alone. I hope this post will help give you an idea and help prepare you if you ever decide to have a D&C. view from the bed, inside the ob-gyne clinic Sorry for the TMI (Too Much Information) This post is not necessarily gory but it has details that may be uncomfortable for people to read. If you're that kind of people, STOP RIGHT HERE. Also, this post is really long.

A Proper Goodbye

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Image from  PIXABAY Up to last Friday I was still conflicted whether to wait to miscarry naturally or to go with the d&c (dilation and curettage) or raspa . One of my concerns is the fact that d&c is a procedure also used in abortion and I am STRONGLY AGAINST abortion.

The Firstborn That Wasn't Meant to Be

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I wish I never had to go through this but it seems that God has another plan... Forsaken by his brothers, didn’t fit the scene Being made a slave was not what Joseph dreamed The coat of many colors was stained with blood and lies But from this divine appointment, a ruler would arise  When God has another plan, walk on and just say yes When God has another plan, be assured that He knows best When all your dreams are shattered, rest in His sufficient grace We don’t have to understand, when God has another plan Alone and broken hearted, questions fill your mind Changes can be hard that come by God’s design But if you could see tomorrow with a view from Heaven’s Throne Every unexpected struggle has led you closer home It's funny. I learned this song around the time I was two weeks pregnant. As you noticed, the title already projects sad vibes. I do not intend to bring discouragement. I'm writing this because

Sentenced to Bed Rest (Continuation)

There's no such thing as a sick selfie. #stayingpositive #hopeful #MegTheCuddlyBear A photo posted by Kye Felix (@sleepwalkingscarlet) on Jul 1, 2016 at 9:08pm PDT Spotting can be very scary even when it's common. It's scarier during the first pregnancy. Some women even experience heavy bleeding! I've asked people and read forums. A lot of them go on to have healthy pregnancies, while some are not as fortunate. At this point, I am scared of having a miscarriage. Multiply the fear when I experienced spotting in my 13th week. Pregnancy - Bleeding Problems (READ HERE) Internet can either uplift your spirit or make you paranoid so it's best to stay away from it whenever you're anxious or confused. Hopefully my experience will not add to other mom-to-be's paranoia.

Our Epic Wedding Review : The Introduction

It's been months after our wedding and this is the only time I'll be writing a review about it. I was too happy... AND BUSY to write a review. Hubby and I even had to skip on our honeymoon. Besides processing marriage-related papers, we were also busy passing requirements for starting a new business and setting up a new home. via GIPHY Maybe it's a blessing that I'm only writing this now.  Our reviews will be less exaggerating and more insightful and objective for couples who are yet to marry. Married life can be overwhelming. In our case, it all happened so fast, it's hard to slow down and just remember where it all began. In a month, we launched a store, moved into an apartment unit, and got a furbaby - a chihuahua named Xena. The following month, we got pregnant (and eventually lost the baby) . It felt like being catapulted to harsh reality as soon as our wedding ended. The magic isn't supposed to end after the wedding day. It isn't s

Sentenced to Bed Rest

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Ink blots and coffee stains never scared me, but this did. It seems my pregnancy is not as chill as I thought it would be.  My only symptoms (READ HERE) image from  PIXABAY I doubt I'll be experiencing morning sickness any time soon but there came another symptom. Something I could not ignore - spotting .

A Chill First Trimester

It's an all familiar plot in Filipino dramas. When the leading lady starts vomiting, and her mother finds out, the audience automatically assumes that she is pregnant. All drama hell breaks loose. Leading Lady: (Nauseated; pukes on the kitchen sink) Mother: (Sees daughter puking; instantly goes beast mode) Buntis ka?!?! Sinasabi ko na nga ba eh! Nakakahiya ka! Malandi! Haliparot!   Leading Lady: Mahal ko po siya, Nay...   Mother: Anong mahal mahal?!? Ni hindi pa tayo nakakaahon sa hirap nagagawa mo pang maglandi?! Lumayas ka sa pamamahay ko!   Next Scene: Mother drives daughter out of the house, throws her an empty bag and some of her clothes. via GIPHY My pregnancy is not as exciting and dramatic as other women's pregnancy. Why?

I'm Sure This Isn't Just Bloat

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Estimated between 9 to 11 weeks pregnant now and I'm still in shock. image from  PIXABAY When I found out, I was on the fifth or seventh week. My husband and I never thought I would conceive this early in our marriage. He's diabetic. I have long and irregular cycle. My age is at the end of the calendar. We were actually conditioning our minds to accept the possibility of not having a child. Until I found out...

A Non-Catholic's Opinion on Oratio Imperata

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image from  PIXABAY No. I'm not Catholic, but as a Filipino citizen, I have an opinion. By the way,  I'm a Bible Baptist . Since we won't agree on faith and beliefs, I'll try my best to express my opinions in the most secular way possible. See the news: Tagle issues 'oratio imperata' for incoming gov’t officials Oratio Imperata has already been implemented in Catholic churches in Metro Manila, and other municipalities in the country. It's a specific prayer for the government recited during the mass. I'm basing this information from the news. I think you'll agree The government NEEDS prayers. Prayers work wonders if you have faith. Implementation of Oratio Imperata: A Political Move?

Connected

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Finally! DSL Connection!!! I totally forgot we were waiting for this for three months since we applied. One day, the PLDT guys showed up and decided to grant us our magical internet connection.  We waited THREE MONTHS to get connected. THREE MONTHS...  Wow. What a test of patience. via GIPHY Now I'm catching up on Grimm and occasionally, youtube. Good thing is we survived on prepaid internet while waiting for dsl. It wasn't so bad living without being updated all the time. I still don't mind not having television, but a reliable internet connection is kind of a big deal... Especially when I had this moment weeks ago via GIPHY Yup. I guess modern pregnant women need internet because my most recent google search keywords are "_________ (insert food/drink/beauty product/item) safe for pregnant" So I guess, Thank you PLDT! 

Life Without Wifi

Right now, I am taking advantage of the wifi at my folks' place. I miss blogging and internet surfing, but I realized I can live without them. For now, I just have to rely on free wifi, and occasionally mobile internet for checking emails. PLDT has been stalling us for an entire month. For now, we're sitting ducks. {We don't even have a TV.} I wonder when we can enjoy internet again. By the way, married life is great! I wish to blog again soon!

RSVP + Philippine Culture = ?

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RSVP is short for " Respondez, s'il vous plait ." Translated from French to English, it means "Please respond." How does it work? You simply have to confirm your attendance on or before a set date prior to the event. You should also inform the celebrator if you are uncertain of attending or won't make it to the event.  How should a guest respond? Most invitations include a response card which will be returned to the sender. Some invitations have contact numbers printed on them. The guest may send his response to the said contact number. If he is meeting the celebrator frequently, either they are neighbors or workmates, he may personally respond to the invitation. Why is a response important? The celebrator needs to know the final count of guests so he can inform the management of the venue, set seating arrangements, and inform the caterer. Is it necessary for a guest to provide more details than the response itself? Usually, t

2015 in Perspective

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The holidays, and 2015 have been good to us, just as God has intended. In the beginning of 2016, I have a design project and several other project opportunities, Roy and I are preparing for our wedding, and our church is continuing to move forward. God is definitely healing us from all the pains of 2015, and guiding us to a better 2016. 2016 will be the year when everything changes. This fact is finally sinking in. God's Goodness in 2015 view from the balcony Who would have thought what happened to our church would be a blessing in disguise? Yes, we burned bridges, but we also built new ones. It was painful to experience a church being split, but God has restored His church and is continuing to do so. It is not worth holding on to the identity of a 'religious' sect that worships the 'pastor' more than the Lord and Savior of our souls. It is not worth holding on to 'properties' and 'facilities'  that are substandard, cost

MOVIE REVIEW | Wolf Children

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I thought this was going to be a cute movie. I was wrong. {SPOILER ALERT}

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