Happy Birthday, Anne!

Make A Wish On Your Birthday
Make a wish and give it wings
Dreams of bright and beautiful things
Dance through all the fun filled hours
Don't forget to smell the flowers
Share some love and birthday cake
All life joys are yours to take
And when evening comes to view
Thank your blessed stars you're you.
And then thank God, He created you!

Happy Birthday, dear Daughter!

Goodbye, Ditche!

                                                                                    November 19, 2009

Dear Diche,

How can I describe and reminisce about a wonderful sister in just a few simple words?  Not in a few words, I can't.  I can only hope that the following words will be adequate.

 

When Caying, and I were, I think,  about 9-10 years old, I remember we used to climb up into our bedroom’s high wall and peek into the living room, where you entertained your persistent suitor.   Caying and I remained quiet as we peeped and  I  recall being so amused to see your smiling, happy face  as you and your suitor joked with each other, sometimes even giggling quietly.   Your suitor was none other than Lando, who later on was to be your husband and father of your children.   Then, of course, you proved to be a steadfastly devoted wife, and a caring mother to our nieces and nephew.  I was not surprised that you became such a devoted partner and mother.

 

You did have quite a number of suitors then, and why not? Consider these: You  and kuya were the  “brainiest” both in school and in our family.  Physically, you were modest, very feminine, especially with your long hair which you always tied into a bun.  You were attractively slim, fair skinned, and, always very proper. As we say in tagalog “ di ka makakabasag pinggan”. 

 

People familiar with the “Sim” sisters said 4 of us were feisty, loquacious, and talkative…but.they also said, you were our complete opposite. 

You always laughed softly,  while the rest of us laughed loudly and boisterously.  We talked fast, oftentimes using colorful language; you spoke in a soft, mild tone, and would only gently raise your voice if extremely necessary!   Our fashion sense was geared towards what was fashionable and current style; your clothes taste was simple and ordinary, and to a certain extent, quite old fashioned. We liked attending parties; you would rather read a good book.  The list of our differences in attitude and outlook in life between you and us can go on and on and on…. You have proven true what someone said that “Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.”

During parties and gatherings, wherein you just had to be present, while the others fleeted to chat around with guests, you preferred to remain quiet and watched the happenings, and unless you were approached and greeted,  you seldom, if ever, went out of your way to start a conversation. Yet, you were not a total loner, nor a snob…you were simply timid and shy!  Of course,  you also had your own good and true friends.  But,  perhaps you just  preferred to keep a handful of  tested, quality friends.

 

When you migrated to the US, you kept in touch with us only through cards and through our eldest sister, Ate Josie, ,who was a constant traveler to the US and who became our source of news about your new life in the United States.  During those early days, there was no email for quick connections,  nor cell phones for convenient chats.    But in spite of the distance, you remained ever faithful and thoughtful—and never failed  to send special occasion cards during birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and so on. You also never forgot to find out how my own children were and what was going on with my own life.  The change in lifestyle here in the US did not prevent you from sending handwritten letters  with your familiar signature “Ditch” --as you called yourself to us– just to keep in touch and to let us know you cared!

 

During the late 90’s, I also remembered the time when you wanted to organize to clear up your patio because we were preparing for a get together where my former officemate, Frank, was invited to play the piano and provide live music.  Caying and I were there to help you carry, sort out, throw, and move packages of assorted stuff.  Funny, but you would ask Caying and me to carry certain packages up into your room, or elsewhere in your house,  or throw them out, only to find out in the end, that we were just moving the packages from one part of the house to the other because you did not seem decided to part any with the stuff. You would reason “ I still have to read that..I still have to use that…I still have to fix that…oh! I was looking for that….etc… In short, we failed to help you organize and get rid of unwanted stuff!  Finally,  we  stopped and ended up laughing with you!

 

Over the last 3-4 years, we wrote each other and exchanged classical music CDs that we both enjoyed.  You never failed to send me scribbled thank you notes when I sent you those kind of CDs.   And I honestly always thought of you, Diche, whenever I came across classical CDs,  because I knew you would be delighted to have them.  That was also my simple way to let you know that I, too, cared and wanted to share simple things with you as a reminder that I was thankful to have you as a sister.  You truly were a very understanding and generous sister in your own way.  I have experienced your giving heart on numerous occasions.  

 

Only last Thursday, November. 12, I received a letter from you along with 2 CDs of piano music.  You wrote that you knew I would like them and surely, I did!   I quickly encoded a reply to you which I was to mail the following Monday and planned to enclose 3 local CDs of Original Pilipino Music.  I wanted to tell you that, for a change, you may want to listen to something new from our local popular artists from the Philippines.   I never knew that your November 8th letter with CDs were to be your final sweet remembrances to me.  

I never guessed you would be gone so suddenly and quietly.  In fact your leaving totally shocked all of us! And even in leaving this world, you so quietly departed --as quiet as you had been in life!.

 

Typical of your nature, you probably felt pains here and there but  never complained to your children.  Again, true to your nature, you probably did not want them to fuss over you, or cause them to worry about your health----that is why you left fast with nary an advanced warning or clue! 

Ditch, I  know you are now happy to meet our dearly departed parents, Ate Josie,  and the other  dear souls who have passed on.  I  know too that you are now at peace, but will still quietly be watching over your children, grandchildren, and the rest of us, your sisters and brother,  who will immensely miss you!  Rest in everlasting peace…you are now beyond physical pains, worries, and hurts , and remember that I will always love you! 

 

This poem is for you… it speaks for all of us!

You never said "I'm leaving"
You never said goodbye
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knew why

A hundred times we needed you,
A hundred times we will cry
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died

In life we loved you dearly
In death we love you still
In our hearts you hold a place,
In one corner that you fill

It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone
For a part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

So long, and see you again some heavenly day! 
Your sister,
Lita

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI)

As published ina  health column by Dr. Paul G Donahue from the Daily Record Newspaper.

To determine body mass index or BMI:

Divide your weight in pounds by height in inches squared.  Then multiply that answer by 703.  Multiplying your height in inches by itself (ex: 68 x 68) gives you 4,624.  Dividing your weight (ex. 185 pounds by 4,624 yields .04).  The next step is to multiply that number by 703 to arrive at a BMI of 28.

Body mass index provides an estimate of how much of your weight is muscle and bone, and how much is fat.  A normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9; 25 to 29.9 is overweight; 30 and above is obese.

Although BMI is a better health gauge than weight alone, it is far from perfect.  Heavily muscled individuals end up classified as obese.

BMI also is not completely reliable for people oldeer than 75.  At that age, much muscle tissue has shriveled, and these people are classified as normal when their body fat is highter than it should be.

 

 

Some Healthiest Foods on Earth

These food health tips are from a local newspaper column. 

Banana - Increases fat burning, lowers risk of colorectal and kidney cancer, leukemia, reduces asthma symptoms in children.

Pineapple: Speeds post-surgery healing, promotes join health' supports colon health.

Blueberries:  Restores antioxidant levels' reverse age-related brain decline' prevent urinary tract infections.

Spinach: Helps maintain mental sharpness; reduces the risk of cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate' top nutrient density.

Red Bell Pepper: Reduces risk of lung, prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer; protects against sunburn; prmotes heart health.

Broccoli: Reduces diabetic damage; lowers risk of prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric and breat cancer; protects the brain in the event of injury.

Apple: Supports immunity, fights lung and prostate cancer' lowers Alzheimer's risk.

Butternut Squash: Supports night vision; combats wrinkles, promotes heart health.  (This is our local kalabasa)

Carrot: Antioxidants defend DNA' fights cataracts, protects against some cancers.

Cauliflower: Stimulates detoxification; suppresses breast cancer cell growth; defends against prostrate cancer.

Cabbage: Promotes healthy blood clotting; reduces risk of prostate, colon, breast and ovarian cancers; activates the body's natural detoxification systems.

Kale: Counters harmful estrogens that can feed cancer; protects eyes against sun damage; and cataracts; increases bone density.  (This green leafy vegetable is similar to our Philippines' dahon ng gabi).

Kiwi: Combats wrinkles, lowers blood clot risk and reduces blood lipids; counters constipation.

Mushroom: Promotes natural detoxification; reduces the risk of colon and prostate cancer; lowers blood pressure.

Strawberry: Protects against Alzheimers, reduces bad cholesterol; suppress growth of colon, prostate and oral cancer.

Sweet Potato: Reduces stroke risk; lowers cancer risk, protects against blindness.

More Tips for the Housewife!

I can't help but share useful  and tested info like the following  tips to make us be able to "cure" some  household common problems. These are courtesy of Martha Stewart:

How to Whiten linens with lemons: Damask napkins, linens, even white socks can be whitened on the stove - Fill a pot with water and a few slices of fresh lemon (or calamansi as the case may be) and bring to a boil.  Turn off heat, add linens and let soak for up to an hour; launder as usual.  For extra brightening, spread them out in the sunlight to dry.

How to store candles: Candles should be kept in a dark, cool, dry place.  Why? Because light can cause the colors to fade, as heat can cause the candles to warp and moisture can make the wicks difficult to light.

How to keep cut flowers fresh and alive: For cut flowers to survive, give them sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient like lemon-lime soda or aspirin, which allows the plant to absorb water more easily.  A drop of bleach prevents bacteria and also lengthens their life

How to remove melted wax: Candlelight is romantic, but there's nothing lovely about prying or scraping melted votives out of their holders.  Instead, place the glass holders in the freezer for a few hours; the wax should shrink just enough to pop right out.

How to steady a wobbly chair: Once they've done their duty as wine-bottle stoppers, corks can come in handy elesewhere in the house.  In the kitchen or dining room, they are a simple solution to an exasperating problem: a wobbly chair.  Simply cut a slice of cork horizontally and slip it under the troublesome leg.

How to make your mirrors sparkle: Commercial window cleaner evaporates quickly, making it better for mirrors than homemade solutions.  Never spray the mirror itself with the cleaner, instead spray a clean, lintless cloth, wipe down the mirror.  To avoid streaks, dry immediately with another clean, lintless cloth.  (I personally use damp old newspapers to have a better sparkle.)

How to store tomatoes: Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes should always be kept at room temperature.  In a shallow ceramic bowl, they look beautiful on the kitchen counter, or even as a centerprice.  Place underrripe tomatoes in a sunny spot or in a brown paper bag for about 2 to 4 days to ripen.  Check them every day to catch them at the right time.

How to remove red wine stains:  Fear of red wine stains probably keeps more lfine linens ont he shelf than on the table.  Here's a sure, easy way to get rid of red wine stains.  Wet the stainw ith lukewarm water, then add a layer of table salt.  Rub and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Pull fabric taut across a heat-proof bowl and secure with a subber band.  Place in sink and carefully pour boiling water on the stain from a height of 3 feet.  The combined pressure & heat of the water will eliminate the stain.

 

 

DO IT NOW!

I chanced upon a 2003 issue of Reminisce, a magazine about old times.   This poem caught my interest.  It is worth sharing:

"If you have work to do, do it now.  Today the skies are clear and blue,

Tomorrow, clouds may come in view, Yesterday is not for you,

Do it now.

If you have a song to sing, sing it now.  Let the tones of gladness ring

Clear as the song of a bird in spring.

Let each day some music bring...Sing it now.

If you have some kind words to say, Say them now.

Do some kindness while you may, Loved ones will not always stay,

Say them now!

If you have a smile to show, Show it now!

Make hearts happy, roses grow, Let friends around you know the love you have before they go.  Show it now! "

 

 

HOW TO PREVENT HOME FIRES

I came across this useful article in a local newspaper.  To me, these tips are very useful and worth keeping in mind especially during the typhoon season in the Philippines.  Or if you are living outside the Philippines, these tips are also surely helpful in keeping your homes and families safe.  

It said that largely, home fires are something that can be prevented.  Here are some safety precautions that can prevent a fire in your home.  And if you are quite friendly with your neighbor, it is worth sharing these tips with them:

Many fires break out in the kitchen. Always keep an eye on what you are cooking sot hat food does not ignite or splatters from the stove do not cause fires.  Keep kitchen towers or oven mitts away from the stove.

May people do not know that fires can start from lint trapped in dryer vents.  While it is important to empty lint trap after eachload, it is equally important to check the actual vent and tubing for trapped lint.  this should be done every 6 moths to a year.

Faulty electricial wiring is a leading cause of house fires. Have a professional electrician check the wiring in your house and replace any, if needed, to prevent a fire.  Also, do not overload outlets.  This is something often done during the HOLIDAYS when lights and decorations are plugged into extension cords.

Keep drapes and other cords away from radiators, baseboards or electric heaters.  Do not leave electric heaters on unattended. (This last one is applicable only in houses other than the Philippines).

Regularly clean and maintain fireplace chimneys.  Creosote buildup in the chimney can ignite and cause a fire.

Do not leave candles burning overnight or when you are out of a room or the house.  Candles are a large contributor to home fires. Today, they make candles with real wax that have an LED light in the middle to simulate a flame.  These can be safer if you're weary about candle use.

Keep a FIRE EXTINGUISHER charged and on each floor of the house, especially one close to your stove.

Routinely check the battery life of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

Develop a fire safety plan with your family, highlighting the safest exists and where to meet should a fire break out in the home.

Do NOT store pains, newspapers, rags or other chemical materials next to a home's furnace or heating system.

Never use the kitchen stove as a source of heat.

Replace old or faulty appliances promptly.  Watch foods in toaster ovens which are notorious for igniting greasy foods if not properly cleaned and maintained.

Don't sit down or lie down when smoking.  Standing up will usually prevent you from falling asleep while smoking.  Getting too tired? Put out the cigarette thoroughly in an ashtray or water-damp sink and go to bed.  Cleaning out the ash tray? Place the ashes in the sink and dampen them then scoop them up and place them in the trash can away from the house.

Do not pile up lawn clipping near a building.  Fermenting lawn clippings can create heat and catch on fire.  Barn fires start this way from bales or hay with no electricity.  Some house fires have been started from a pile of lawn clippings.

Confine pets when you are away from home to prevent them from chewing on electrical cords.

Keep matches away from small children.  Some small kids have a tendency to play or experiment with matches.  Educating them of the danger of playing with matches  is important.

And the most important of all, common sense and being safety-conscious is the best prevention to avoid home fires to keep your family safe!