Anyway, thanks to my pretty little Samantha and sweet Mommy Ria for asking what my 1950's name is.
| Your 1950s Name is: Gloria Naomi |
 What's buzzin, cuzzin? |
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
It's Gloria Naomi!
What do you get when you combine a supermodel and a lady president? Well, you get ME of course! LOL! At least, that's what my 1950's name says. I went into fits of laughter when I found out what I am called if I was born 59 years ago!
Anyway, thanks to my pretty little Samantha and sweet Mommy Ria for asking what my 1950's name is.
Anyway, thanks to my pretty little Samantha and sweet Mommy Ria for asking what my 1950's name is.
A New Look!
Hello everyone! I know I have been silent and absent for sometime now. No updates even since Monday, last week. Well, I have been busy moving to my new place here on Blogger and I am happy to announce that all is well! I am now back with a new look! It is quite different from my previous look but I hope you like it!
And oh, kindly update my blog URL to http://www.kikamzpera.com/.
Thanks a bunch guys!
The layout is free and designed by Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates and then I did some tweaking on the header. The scrapbook elements from the header were inspired by the Happy Go Lucky Kit from Shabby Princess Designs.
And oh, kindly update my blog URL to http://www.kikamzpera.com/.
Thanks a bunch guys!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Moving!!!
I am moving again.. this blog I mean. From a hosted subdomain, I have decided to move this blog to blogger and have it registered to my own domain. I hope it will be the last.
Please watch out for the new look of Just About Anything.. coming your way soon!
Please watch out for the new look of Just About Anything.. coming your way soon!
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Prayer Of Thanks
It is a very beautiful day today. The sun is up. The air is cool. The earth is still moist from yesterday's rain. Here is a prayer for all of you in the hopes that you realize that we indeed, are more fortunate than others.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off ris ing. Thank you, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is bu rned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, for the opportunity to work. There are many who are jobless.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, for life.
Photo credits: http://www.myspace.com/naieauxmi
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off ris ing. Thank you, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is bu rned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, for the opportunity to work. There are many who are jobless.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, for life.
Photo credits: http://www.myspace.com/naieauxmi
Yellow Monday: Which Way?
This is a lovely town called Schwangau in the State of Bavaria which is famous for the Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau, two castles built for the late King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This were taken at the village where the yellow post markers tell you which way the the restaurants, shops, WC, hotels and tourist information booth are.
There were also hiking trails in the area. The directions in the yellow one tell hikers how long it is to the next town and restaurant.
This restaurant is painted a pale yellow. The umbrellas are now folded at the end of the day. The street is now quiet but used to be flooded with hungry and excited tourists.
Can you see the castle yonder? That one is Schloss Hohenschwangau where King Ludwig II spent his childhood. It was also painted in yellow.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A Little Bloom Here, A Little Green There
image ©www.gardeningtools.us
What have I been doing on weekends lately?Our small balcony has got me a little occupied. I have been busy buying blooms and greens which I later on replanted into bigger containers. I can't believe it's been a while since I held earth in my hands and did a little gardening. And I must say, it was very relaxing despite the backache that I get after sometime of stooping or squatting for too long. I do hope our little plants will grow and keep us relaxed during those lazy weekends. The balcony is now frequented by the family... all that is missing though is a garden sofa and a table and we could spend the entire day there!
I hope I can find a second-hand furniture shop so that it will be cheaper! Gotta scour the web then! Hope everyone has a Happy Sunday!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Mommy Moments: That's My Dad!
The rest of the world is celebrating Father's Day on Sunday, June 19th. We celebrated it here in Germany last May 21st. To learn more about how we celebrated it, click here.
Anyway, it's Friday once again and another Mommy Moment to share. Because it is almost Father's Day, allow me to share some things about the Father of the house.
1. He loves his family more than anything else. Next to God.
2. His day is not complete without playing Warcraft DOTA, his week without reading Naruto Manga.
3. He is busy as a bee at work but never takes it home with him.
4. We share the same passion for traveling.
5. He loves cars, F1 and go karting with a passion.
6. He is vocal about his feelings and downright honest with it!
7. He has a different way of making lambing: he asks for a massage and always gets it.
8. He amuses me at very unexpected moments.
9. As a first time Dad, he is doing very well.
10. He always looks forward to being home with us.
11. He prefers to stay at home and spend it with the family rather than spending it with friends.
To Hanhan, thank you for being the father that you are to Sam. I know that you have sacrificed a lot for the family and that we are always on top of your priorities and at every decision that you make. Thank you for being the greatest dad there is!
And to my Papa, a warm Happy Father's Day too! I am very thankful that you have raised me as a good person and have taught me great lessons in life. I know you have sacrificed a lot for us to give us the best education we can have and I hope we have made you proud. I am proud to say that you have done a very great job as a Father to me and my siblings. Salamat Pa for all the love, the nurturing and the support.
To my Hanhan, my Papa, Tatay and to all the fathers and daddies and soon-to-bes in the world:
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ear Infection Anyone?
Mommies beware! Your child could get this too!
Last Monday, Sam caught a cold. At first I thought it was just the change in weather but I noticed that her walking became unsteady. She has no balance that she always falls each time she walks. She bang her head twice on the floor in the process. Also, she doesn't like to eat. She has always had a good appetite but yesterday was an exception. Not a single bite. She would only drink milk and water. Her crying wouldn't stop too as she tried to sleep last night and I thought it was just difficulty in breathing due to her stuffy nose. She was only able to sleep at around 2:30 this morning and woke up crying at around 7:00AM. My poor, poor baby!
This morning, I called her pedia and made an appointment. At 10:00AM, her pedia checked her and we found out that she has ear infection. She was given antibiotics as the infection is caused by a bacteria.
So if your little one is cranky and keeps tugging at his/her ear, has had a recent cold or sinus infection, has no appetite, has difficulty sleeping, and seems unsteady when he/she walks, chances are big that he/she has an ear infection. Children and toddlers are most susceptible to this illness because the part of the ear called the Eustachian tubes are too short and horizontal so that fluid can't drain easily. This explains the reason why we usually cover the ears when bathing babies and small children.
So I hope this helps! Have a nice evening everyone!
Last Monday, Sam caught a cold. At first I thought it was just the change in weather but I noticed that her walking became unsteady. She has no balance that she always falls each time she walks. She bang her head twice on the floor in the process. Also, she doesn't like to eat. She has always had a good appetite but yesterday was an exception. Not a single bite. She would only drink milk and water. Her crying wouldn't stop too as she tried to sleep last night and I thought it was just difficulty in breathing due to her stuffy nose. She was only able to sleep at around 2:30 this morning and woke up crying at around 7:00AM. My poor, poor baby!
This morning, I called her pedia and made an appointment. At 10:00AM, her pedia checked her and we found out that she has ear infection. She was given antibiotics as the infection is caused by a bacteria.
So if your little one is cranky and keeps tugging at his/her ear, has had a recent cold or sinus infection, has no appetite, has difficulty sleeping, and seems unsteady when he/she walks, chances are big that he/she has an ear infection. Children and toddlers are most susceptible to this illness because the part of the ear called the Eustachian tubes are too short and horizontal so that fluid can't drain easily. This explains the reason why we usually cover the ears when bathing babies and small children.
So I hope this helps! Have a nice evening everyone!
Attack of the Raging Pimples & Wrinkles
I have always considered myself as a low maintenance person. I don't spend much on beauty products and skin care because first, my lifestyle doesn't call for it, and second, I don't have a sensitive skin that some women are unfortunate to have. I do get bad skin days once in a while, with a few pimples emerging during my monthly cycle. And the occasional "sun burn" especially if have been under the sun for too long. But my worst skin days came about a couple of years ago when I got pregnant with my first baby.
Now I worry even more on how to take care of my skin and protect it from the elements. Especially now that summer is here in Germany and the day is too long and the sun only begins to set at 9:00PM! Surely, I would need to find some good skin care products that will help prevent aging and wrinkling and keep it looking fresh and young. The only problem is that there are so many skin care products available in the market today, making the search more challenging and difficult. Good thing there is www.wrinklebest.com that offers reviews on the best wrinkle cream and also gives clueless consumers like me, on what to look for in a wrinkle cream.
If you want to find out more about anti-wrinkle products and want to erase a few lines and improve the look of your wrinkles, pay www.wrinklebest.com a visit. You just might find what you are looking for.
Now I worry even more on how to take care of my skin and protect it from the elements. Especially now that summer is here in Germany and the day is too long and the sun only begins to set at 9:00PM! Surely, I would need to find some good skin care products that will help prevent aging and wrinkling and keep it looking fresh and young. The only problem is that there are so many skin care products available in the market today, making the search more challenging and difficult. Good thing there is www.wrinklebest.com that offers reviews on the best wrinkle cream and also gives clueless consumers like me, on what to look for in a wrinkle cream.
If you want to find out more about anti-wrinkle products and want to erase a few lines and improve the look of your wrinkles, pay www.wrinklebest.com a visit. You just might find what you are looking for.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Head Banging
Ever notice your toddler head banging? It has been a while that I noticed my little one banging her head especially when she tries to sleep and when she tries to get my attention. This has worried me because she might hurt herself and injure her head. But after reading an article from Baby Center about head banging, I felt reassured knowing that it is surprisingly common at her age.
There are a number of possible reasons why toddlers do this. Among them, to quote:
Experts suggest fostering the child's love for rhythm through music. What I usually do is I try to give her enough attention when she is not banging her head and I give her lots of physical activities: running around the house, dancing, playing ball, playing hide and seek. We also do rhythmic dances and claps while listening to her nursery rhymes and songs. Sam also loves to drum her hands on any surface and I encourage her to create some rhythm while doing so. And with all these, and the experts' suggestion, I noticed that she is not banging her head as much during the night.
There are a number of possible reasons why toddlers do this. Among them, to quote:
• Self-comfort. As strange as it may sound, most toddlers who indulge in this behavior do it to relax. They bang their head rhythmically as they're falling asleep, when they wake up in the middle of the night, or even while they're sleeping. Some rock on all fours as well. Developmental experts believe that the rhythmic motion, like rocking in a chair, may help your toddler soothe himself.What should we do then to minimize the banging?
• Pain relief. Your toddler may also bang his head if he's in pain — from teething or an ear infection, for example. Head banging seems to help kids feel better, perhaps by distracting them from the discomfort in their mouth or ear.
• Frustration. If your toddler bangs his head during temper tantrums, he's probably trying to vent some strong emotions. He hasn't yet learned to express his feelings adequately through words, so he's using physical actions. And again, he may be comforting himself during this very stressful event.
• A need for attention. Ongoing head banging may also be a way for your toddler to get attention. Understandably, you may tend to become solicitous when you see your child doing something that appears self-destructive. And since he likes it when you fuss over his behavior, he may continue the head banging in order to get the attention he wants.
• A developmental problem. Head banging can be associated with autism and other developmental disorders — but in most of these cases, it's just one of many behavioral red flags. Rarely does head banging alone signal a serious problem.
Experts suggest fostering the child's love for rhythm through music. What I usually do is I try to give her enough attention when she is not banging her head and I give her lots of physical activities: running around the house, dancing, playing ball, playing hide and seek. We also do rhythmic dances and claps while listening to her nursery rhymes and songs. Sam also loves to drum her hands on any surface and I encourage her to create some rhythm while doing so. And with all these, and the experts' suggestion, I noticed that she is not banging her head as much during the night.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Sweet Little One
My little Sam has grown a lot since we arrived here in Germany. These photos were taken at the park one fine Sunday afternoon. We just heard the 12 noon mass and the weather was perfect. We decided to walk around the park near the church before we head home. We thought, there might be something interesting going on there that will be worth our while.
One fine Sunday in Schlossplatz... SWR is the star of the day.
True enough, there was. I guess it was a celebration of music by one of the leading stations here: SWR. My little one had a yellow balloon for herself which the crew gave out to children for FREE and we sat on the park grounds under the shade of a tree. We listened to good music and watched the people pass by. The most entertaining part was when Sam took some photos herself and then danced in front of us when I sang one of her baby songs.
My sweet little Sam in all her curious and adorable glory.
A photo taken by Sam.. I guess she wanted to take a photo
of her balloon but took a snap of this couple instead.
To The Rescue
I can still recall my days as a "corporate slave" and all the trainings that we had to go through for professional and personal development. Among the countless trainings was the one on fire hazards and safety. We had to learn the basics - from bandaging and first aid, firefighting and of course, rescue.
I can still remember our trainer's words: "When on a rescue mission, be it minor or major, always have the presence of mind and bring along with you the needed equipment such as first aid kits, bandages, stretchers and Medical Backboards because you never know the severity of the scene until you are there. And be sure to assess the scene before you do anything else!"
We had to learn how to strap a victim properly on a backboard, learn the different techniques in firefighting, and had a simulated search and rescue operation on the last day. It was an exhausting three-day training for me but a very rewarding one because I know now how to save a life should the opportunity call for it.
I can still remember our trainer's words: "When on a rescue mission, be it minor or major, always have the presence of mind and bring along with you the needed equipment such as first aid kits, bandages, stretchers and Medical Backboards because you never know the severity of the scene until you are there. And be sure to assess the scene before you do anything else!"
We had to learn how to strap a victim properly on a backboard, learn the different techniques in firefighting, and had a simulated search and rescue operation on the last day. It was an exhausting three-day training for me but a very rewarding one because I know now how to save a life should the opportunity call for it.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mommy Jac Loves Me!
I have been blogging for almost a year now. If I can still remember, I wrote my very first brief blog post last June 25th 2008. And from that short blog post came countless others. My blogroll and online friends even grew, thanks to the many mommies I encountered along the way.
One of them is Mommy Jac and her blog, Mum's Special Diary, which is turning a year old on July 1st! WOW! I guess that calls for a celebration! Mommy Jac is a Pinay mommy blogger from Japan who writes passionately about life and her family, and never forgets her friends when she gives out awards and tags. She is a very proud mommy to her two beautiful princesses Kei and Rio. Do check her blog out for more of Mommy Jac.
As for the awards, I am so honored to receive the Creative Mom Blogger award from her!
Here's the simple rules:
♥ Take your award and put the logo on your post.
♥Link the person who awarded you.Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to Mom's Special Diary to copy and paste the award.
♥Put your own blog title and link.
♥Nominate at least five deserving moms.
1.Mom's Special Diary 2. Just About Anything 3. You're NEXT!
And this equally beautiful "Your Blog Makes Us Smile" award:
Now, I am passing on these awards to my fellow mommy bloggers:
One of them is Mommy Jac and her blog, Mum's Special Diary, which is turning a year old on July 1st! WOW! I guess that calls for a celebration! Mommy Jac is a Pinay mommy blogger from Japan who writes passionately about life and her family, and never forgets her friends when she gives out awards and tags. She is a very proud mommy to her two beautiful princesses Kei and Rio. Do check her blog out for more of Mommy Jac.
As for the awards, I am so honored to receive the Creative Mom Blogger award from her!
Begin Copy
Here's the simple rules:
♥ Take your award and put the logo on your post.
♥Link the person who awarded you.Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to Mom's Special Diary to copy and paste the award.
♥Put your own blog title and link.
♥Nominate at least five deserving moms.
1.Mom's Special Diary 2. Just About Anything 3. You're NEXT!
And this equally beautiful "Your Blog Makes Us Smile" award:
Now, I am passing on these awards to my fellow mommy bloggers:
Mommy Juliana of Pinay WAHM
Mommy Iceah of Chicken Heart
Mommy Mira of A Moment to Exhale
Mommy Joe-Ann of My Life
Mommy Cecile of Down Home with the Kenyons
Yellow Monday: Window Shopping
From a pharmacy's window.
Nice yellow dresses from one of the many fashion boutiques in the shopping street.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Mommy Moments: Outdoor Fun!
Today's theme I love, Hubby loves, Sam loves! Outdoor fun indeed! Even as we were going out as a couple, we see to it that we get to see new places every once in a while. More so now that Sam is here. There is just nothing like going someplace new with the family.
Excursions in Germany. She enjoys our outings all the more because
she can now walk and can recognize things, animals and people.
We love going on trips and traveling to places. I guess that is one of the perks of living abroad and each time Hubby gets to have long holidays, expect that it is bound to be spent somewhere else. I guess I am one lucky Mommy. Always able to see new places and try new adventures!
Sea Paradise, the first (L) and second (R) time around! She has grown!
I guess the first time we took Sam outdoors was when she was only two months to Sea Paradise in Yokohama. More trips followed: the Giant Buddha in Kamakura, Showa Kinen Park in Tokyo, Tokyo Disney Land, Zoorasia in Yokohama, and the beautiful shrines of Kyoto to name a few. Of course, there are the usual weekend strolls at the mall or at the park, which she equally loves.
Travels around Japan: Yokohama, Yamanashi, Kamakura, Tokyo.
At our neighborhood park in Yokohama, Japan: Sam wearing her yukata (L).
I know that little by little, Sam becomes aware of the places that we go to. She even gets excited each time we ask her "Uban ka? Uban?" (Want to come with us?) And she would be content sitting on her stroller or her car seat.
More outdoor fun here.
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