These Days

I have exercised 2x per week consistently in the last 4 weeks.  Yey!!! =) This is the longest time that I've stuck to a regular exercise schedule.  I intended to do this so many times in the past but was unable to persist for longer than a week.  The difference this time? I got myself an accountability partner. Four weeks ago, I asked Nang Lani* to check on me every Monday and Wednesday and ask if I exercised.  That has really helped.  I know I would feel really bad (like failing at something) if I reported a 'No' and so I forced myself to move.  Some occasions were easier than others with regards to motivation but all days have ended with rewards of sweat and good energy.  I see the light now.  I believe it's really possible for me to stick to an exercise schedule.  Also, scheduling actual days to do it has helped.  Setting aside Monday and Wednesday is better than planning for 2x per week.  If the days are movable, it also bec...

Photo-a-day project for July following the prompts from Fat Mum Slim .  Please see Part 1 here .  My final count for July is 27/31. July 31. Workspace . At home. July 30. Friendship . I had no idea yet what to take a picture of for this day but then I saw this posted in Neil's classroom.  Perfect! July 29. Perspective. July 28. This is new. July 27. Black + White July 26. The everyday July 25. Ground July 24. D is for... dreamland July 21. Fave food .  Two versions. July 19. Building . Salcedo Park July 18 . Number . Found this coin on the ground. July 17. Inspirational . Currently reading. July 16. Bottle .  Wine and leftover cake from Neil's birthday.   

God's Not Dead:  Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty is a new book written by Rice Broocks, one of the founders of Every Nation Church.  I read the first few paragraphs at the church bookstore, bought it and eagerly read the whole thing the next few days.  I love this book.  Pastor Broocks explains everything in a straightforward, matter-of-fact way.  He explores the usual arguments by leading atheists and then presents the answers or proofs of God for each of them.  In the Philippines, we are rarely confronted by atheistic arguments and having to defend our faith.  Majority are brought up knowing about God, go to church and have an environment of people with the same general beliefs.  But exposing ourselves to the arguments of those who see things differently, like what this book does, forces us to study more and examine more, which can lead to stronger faith.  According to Dr. Broocks, "Real faith isn’t blind, it’s evidence-based....

Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo (at iba pang technique kung paano maka-move on sa wasak na puso) by Ramon Bautista .  I borrowed this book from an officemate because I needed a break from the general seriousness of my recent book choices.  I wanted a short and light book for the waiting rooms I find myself in.  And I am a closet  Ramon Bautista fan.  I like his brand of humor - witty, sarcastic and apt for these times.  He just gets it.  He has a big online following, being a self-proclaimed Internet action star.=)  I follow him for my regular dose of funny. Ramon Bautista teaches in UP and doing that for a job entails a level of seriousness and responsibility that is quite the opposite of his showbiz character.  You know that there is more to the him than the apparent shallowness that he portrays in public. From an online article : It turns out that he’s also a filmmaker, producer, and a UP film professor. Comedy is only a sup...

I have a regular meeting with my team every Monday and depending on the host, we would have one-liners just for fun.  Last Monday's question was a choice between "What's your greatest regret?" and "What's the best thing that somebody has done for you?"  I have problems with superlatives.  It pressures me to think back through my whole life and really pick the greatest/best.=)  But that was impossible given the time and state of my memory.  I rephrased the question to "What is one thing you regret?" and "What good thing has somebody done for you recently?" I answered the regret question.  I did not have a ready one for the second question then but I did realize that somebody did something nice for me recently.  And here is where the story about the 4 phones comes in. We're late adopters.  You can judge, it's ok.=) Rich has been using this red Nokia phone for years.  I got the Blackberry (work phone) in 2011.  The S...

We were in Alabang on July 13, day before Neil's birthday, for several appointments.  He had his regular dental checkup  at Asian Hospital and I'm happy to report that there are no new cavities since his last visit.=) One big front tooth is a bit loose and the dentist thinks he might lose it in 6 months.  I hope it stays in longer. I'm not ready! We also scheduled an impromptu appointment with the orthopedic doctor for Neil because he was saying his right leg was 'owie' and he's not able to run and walked with a little limp.  It was a quick checkup, the doctor just told us there was nothing to worry about.  Maybe just a bruise since there was no problem with the range of motion. Then we went to  Festival Mall  to meet his Ninong Caloy, Ninang Charm and Kuya Eli .  Neil was asleep though so he did not really get to see them.  Btw, he finally ate and liked spaghetti !  Breakthrough.=)  We also had his birthday banner printed and ...

I still have a birthday hangover from celebrating Neil's 5th on Sunday.  We attended the 8AM service at VCF where he was moved to the green room in Kids' Church with the 5-6 yo kids.  I was a little anxious because of the new environment but he was fine.=)  Then we went to S&R for lunch after buying a few things.  We took naps back at the condo before driving to BGC again for the pakain with friends from Intel and Victory. Rich and I hemmed and hawed for weeks if we should have a party for Neil.  The last big one was when he turned 1.  All his birthday celebrations after that were simple, just with family or a few close friends.  Finally, week before the big day we decided to have a bigger celebration.  The invites were sent out and we settled on Racks as the venue. We just ordered off the menu, no formal program.  Rich offered a thanksgiving prayer, Neil blew his birthday candle and enjoyed his cake, we had 1 puzzle game for ...

I'm following the daily  prompts from FatMumSlim .=) July 15. Outside the window . View from the office July 14. Edible . Neil's birthday cake. July 13. 4 O'Clock . He ate spaghetti! Breakthrough. =) July 12. A bad habit .  I can easily mess up a desk. July 11. I wore this! July 10. Smooth . The newly revived iPad. July 9. Three things . New posters on the wall.   July 7. Where you are . Church, Pastor Jeff demonstrating a point. July 6. Fave smell . Bagong ligong bata =) July 5. Love . Love nurtures. Saw this family under a car. July 4. Red, white or blue July 3. Cold .  This office is cold! July 2. Shoes .  New office shoes made in Marikina. July 1. Happiness Is ...