Rest in Peace, Kongkong

Life is short. Maybe for others, but not for some.

 

It was the eve of Thanksgiving day when we learned that my husband’s grandfather passed away. I was not lucky enough to get to know him a little bit more but by the way he is described by my husband, I can say ‘Kongkong‘, as we call him, has indeed lived a good long life of 86 years.

He was a good provider to his family. A strict and disciplined man. I can only hear so many good things about him. His whole family is a reflection of who he is – a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle.

 

Looking back, I can still remember Kongkong’s happy face on our wedding day, almost exactly 2 years ago. I could see that he was a proud ‘Lolo‘. Who would have thought that from that day of our wedding, we will only have a couple years left to be with him? We would have said everything we wanted to say to him, we would have expressed how much we love him, we would have not left…

I did not get the chance to meet my own grandfathers. I don’t know how it feels like to have a Lolo. It’s a pity that I just met my grandfather-in-law but lost him as well.

 

It was Thanksgiving day. For one second, we didn’t think of celebrating the joyful holiday but we thought, it is a time to celebrate and be grateful for the life of Kongkong and for the gift of the opportunity to have him in our lives.

Dearest Kongkong, may you rest in peace in God’s loving arms. We will see you in heaven.

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;”

John 11:25

Shopaholic Amazing Deals

I love shopping. Of course, that is if I have money to spend I love to shop but I still keep in mind that I need to be spending wisely. For me, nothing compares to knowing that you were able to buy something cheaper than what it should have been.

 

Recently, I’m getting intrigued about a reality show called ‘Extreme Couponing’. People amaze me when they can get their $1,000++ grocery bill to go down as low as $20, that is a whopping 98% savings! Well, I learned that in order for me to do that, I need to subscribe to at least 4 newspapers with coupon inserts and cut and organize coupons for at least 30 hours per week – which I realized is almost a full-time job. Extreme couponers also need to buy too many products like 20 bottles of shampoo or 20 frozen dinners to avail the savings that their coupons offer. Since we don’t have a big family yet (it’s just me and my husband for now), I figured ‘Extreme Couponing’ is not for me.

 

So here are some of my own little ways of saving on my shopping sprees. It may not really save a lot like the extreme couponers but it is still saving me dollars or better, free stuff!

1. I would occasionally cut coupons of products or deals that I know we are going to buy on the next trip to the store. I don’t subscribe to newspapers, but I get my coupons from coupon inserts of neighbors that don’t use them. Internet is also a great source of printable coupons. Just print the ones that you know you’ll use to save ink and paper.

2. I would also patiently answer surveys from receipts to get great deals on my next purchase. But be careful, you need to force yourself not to make it a reason to buy again so you can avail the deal. Businesses actually have this survey thing to tempt you to buy again because you got a great bargain from them. What I do is keep the offer codes I got from answering the surveys and use them if and only if I have seen something I need to buy from that store or something I want is on sale/special price.

3. Since I am always in front of my computer, I subscribe to mailing lists to receive deals and offers from my favorite brand products. If you don’t mind receiving emails regularly from your favorite brands, then this is a great option. You can get amazing deals from free shipping to discount coupons. In fact, I want to share some current offer codes I received from different popular brands so you can use them too on your online shopping.

 

STEVE MADDEN
Free Shipping on orders over $75
Offer code: SMFREESHIP
Duration: Limited time (no date specified)

 

SEPHORA
Free chic sleeve for Iphone or Ipad with Free download of Sephora App on Iphone or Ipad
Offer code: MOBILE
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Receive a Deluxe Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss Sample in Midnight Cowboy with any Purchase
Offer code: UDGLOSS
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Receive a Free Deluxe Sephora Collection Full Action Mascara Sample with any Purchase
Offer code: FULLACTION
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Free Bobbi Brown Eye Cream with any $25 purchase
Offer code: BOBBIEYE
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Get a Free Too Faced primer sample with any $25 order
Offer code: PRIMED
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Get a Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color deluxe sample in Confidence free with any $25 purchase
Offer code: CONFIDENCE
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Free YSL Toning & Cleansing Micellar Water deluxe sample with any $25 purchase
Offer code: YSLCLEANSE
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

 

OLD NAVY
25% off everything
Offer code: ONSAVE25
Duration: 10/24/11 to 10/30/11 until 11:59pm EST

 

MAC COSMETICS
Free standard shipping
Offer code: ICE
Duration: valid thru 10/30/11 until 11:59pm EST

 

VICTORIA’S SECRET
$15 off $100, $75 off $250, $150 off $500
Offer code: FALL11
Duration: valid thru 11/17/11 until 11:59pm EST

Free PINK tote with PINK purchase
Offer code: PINKTOTE11
Duration: Limited time (while supplies last)

Free Secret Reward Card (for Angels credit card holders only with $10 purchase)
Offer code: ANGELS1ST
Duration: 10/31/11 until 11:59pm EST

 

BANANA REPUBLIC
20% off Women’s styles
Offer code: BRSAVE20
Duration: 10/29/11 until 11:59pm EST

 

There you go! Personally, I like to get free stuff, who doesn’t? So I usually take note of deals that offer free items. Just keep in mind to spend wisely and don’t use these bargains as reasons to buy something you really don’t need. I hope you find these few tips and great offers to be useful and I will try to post some more amazing deals in the future.

Happy shopping!

My Pink List

It is that time of the year again when we see pink everywhere – from ribbons to shirts to bags.

Every October, major breast cancer charities organize the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to increase the public’s awareness of the disease as well as to raise funds for research regarding its cause, diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention – and PINK is the official color.

 

So how did Pink became the symbol of the campaign?

The pink ribbon campaign was launched in 1992 by Evelyn Lauder and Self magazine’s Alexandra Penney. They were giving little pink ribbons to women shopping cosmetics to remind them to schedule their breast exams. It was not that famous before that some people even thought that it was for AIDS awareness. After gaining lots of publicity such as in magazines with Estee Lauder as an advertiser, the little pink ribbon became the topic of every woman’s conversation. Since then, many other foundations and organizations were initiated to help raise funds for the cause.

 

Besides, pink maybe is the one color most women love because it speaks femininity, and so I am not really surprised to see that most of my stuff are pink Here are some of them.

Victoria's Secret PINK with a Splash Pretty & Pure $8

 

It’s a little pink body mist that is always in my purse. It smells fruity and is just about right for everyday fragrance.

Bath & Body Works Berry Body Cream $12

 

A non-greasy body cream with berry scent and a hint of cool vanilla. It is perfect for moisturizing dry spots like elbows and knees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinique Quick Blush in Pronto Pink $22.50

 

I was not actually sure why I bought this but this is a cool blush. It is like a lipstick tube but you need to twist before opening to let the built-in blush brush pick up some blush product inside.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo (left) & Milan (right) $6 each

 

I’m not really a fan of glossy lips so when I found these, I can’t wait to try them on. Here’s what it says – It’s not lipstick nor gloss..it’s lipstick cream that goes on silky but looks soft matte. – Based from experience, you might need to apply some Chapstick or any lipbalm first before applying this to prevent your lips from flaking/drying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in Sky Pink Pearl $3

 

Shimmering loose powder that can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips.

my make up crate $0.50

 

This I got from WalMart. Besides the cheap price, I was just really attracted by the pink color

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marc Jacobs Laptop Sleeve $40

 

Got this from Apple store. Again, the striking pink color got me

Ice Watch

 

I bought this in the Philippines a few years ago. It’s a nice watch to wear when I’m feeling sporty but girly.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Kitty Microwave Oven

 

Saw this at Target and was tempted to buy it ha-ha!

But I still have some sanity left so I didn’t and besides, we have one already – a plain black one..and my husband would probably not talk to me for ever if I bought this.

Cuisinart Frying Pan $15

 

And my favorite pink frying pan! A nice tongue twister, isn’t it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then to cap off my pink list, I decided to paint my nails pink! I used OPI in Pink-ing of You from ULTA Beauty.

My Pink Nails

OPI Nail Lacquer $8.50

 

 

So what’s your PINK this month?

I’m posting every week starting now!

Today I’ve decided I want to blog more. So rather than thinking about it, I’m actually going to do it now. I will be posting on this blog once a week for all of 2011. I know it’s late in the year already but it’s better late than never!

It’s true that it won’t be easy, but it sure is awesome, fun and inspiring. Therefore, I’m promising to make use of TheDailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.

Signed,

Carix

Late night questions..

Have you ever felt that feeling of wanting to help someone because you are afraid it might also happen to you and that you may also need help to get through it?

Have you ever felt that feeling of doing somebody a favor because you somehow think they can do you a favor if you need one in the future?

Are you kind to someone because she was nice to you before?

I remember the movie ‘Pay It Forward‘ – where a child designs a pyramid scheme based on kind deeds to people, rather than earnings, to change the world for better as the recipient of a favor does a favor to other people instead of paying the favor back.

Brilliant idea, isn’t it?

Another famous movie comes across my mind. ‘Evan Almighty‘ – where God tells Evan, a newly elected congressman, that the way to change the world is to do one Act of Random Kindness (ARK) at a time.

If only we could all do it..

Did you ever think about how many acts of kindness you’ve done today?

Have you realized that there are people whose lives where changed for the better because of you?

Did you ever think about your purpose in life?

And..did you ever reflected on why you are still alive?

Feeling blessed? Read on..

During this morning’s homily, a guest priest who supports an outreach ministry program talked about the reality of poverty in the world. Coming from a third world country, I am very much aware and not so stunned of the poor condition of some of our fellow Filipino citizens. I noticed some of the Americans seem to be unexposed to this reality, probably because the American definition of poverty is different from how we (people from third world countries) understand it. I looked up ‘poorest Americans’ in my hopes to understand American poverty and here is an excerpt of an article I have read.

The Census Bureau’s annual poverty report presents a misleading picture of poverty in the United States. Few of the 46.2 million people identified by the Census Bureau as being “in poverty” are what most Americans would consider poor—lacking nutritious food, adequate warm housing, or clothing. The typical “poor” American lives in an air-conditioned house or apartment and has cable TV, a car, multiple color TVs, a DVD player, and a VCR among other conveniences. While some of the poor face significant material hardship, formulating a sound, long-term anti-poverty policy that addresses the causes as well as the symptoms of poverty will require honest and accurate information. Exaggerating the extent and severity of hardships will not benefit society, the taxpayers, or the poor.

- http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2011/09/Understanding-Poverty-in-the-United-States-Surprising-Facts-About-Americas-Poor

Then a fleeting thought in my head made me realize that it is indeed sad and ironic that food kills people – in rich countries because of its abundance as well as in third world countries simply because of the lack of it.

The American people overwhelmingly responded as the guest priest requested support to help those in need. He told stories of very poor people from countries such as the Philippines, Haiti and Africa, among others that the ministry is helping; like how they struggle each day to survive and wait for the day’s garbage truck load to look for food. Flyers were then distributed to us with images of our unfortunate brothers and sisters and information of their outreach ministry and how we can be of help.

With our impoverished fellow Filipinos in mind, I posted the pictures and information here with the hope that my blogging would at least reach a few more people and touch their hearts to offer their assistance.

So if you are feeling blessed, I hope this can help you to show your thanks to the Lord for all the blessings no matter what.

A Haitian boy comforts his frightened younger brother. Both of them struggle to survive under the crushing weight of poverty.

A group of young children make their way along a drainage ditch in one of Africa's largest and most destitute slum communities.

Housing in many poor villages is terrible. Families rarely have electricity, basic sanitation or access to safe water. For the poor, a "home" is little more than a patchwork shack fashioned from scraps of wood, cardboard, rusty metal sheets and other discards rescued from the local dump.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ~ LOVE IN ACTION ~

Cross International Catholic Outreach is a Christ-centered ministry founded to help the poor throughout the world. We assist these desperate families through a network of church-based ministries: feeding centers, orphanages, schools, clinics, job-training centers and home-building programs. We also serve as a disaster relief organization when the need arises. Utilizing churches to distribute this aid has an important spiritual impact. It empowers local religious leaders, strengthening the Christian community’s ability to share the Gospel with those who need it most. By meeting the urgent needs of the poor with a cost-effective approach to purchasing and distribution, Cross Catholic ensures that more of your contribution reaches the poor.

~ MAKE AN IMPACT! ~

Cross International Catholic Outreach  effectively multiplies the buying power of your contributions. Here are a few examples of how you can make a major impact in the lives of the poor.

$25   Can fees 250 poor children. That’s just 10 cents per child!

$50   Can provide life-saving medical care for infants in impoverished communities.

$100   Can help sponsor a self-help project, allowing families to break the cycle of poverty.

$500   Can help sponsor a water project, delivering safe drinking water to a poor village.

$2,500   Can build a multi-room house for a family in desperate need. Change their lives forever by providing shelter, security and hope!

More than 96% of donations go to program services that benefit the poor. With your donation, you may enclose your prayer requests and they will pray for your needs. For more info, please contact:

CROSS INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC OUTREACH

370 W Camino Gardens Blvd., PO Box 273908

Boca Raton, FL 33427-3908

1-800-391-8545   www.crosscatholic.org

We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.     1 John 3:16-18

It is indeed a great feeling to share the blessings we continuously receive and make a huge impact to others in the most humble way we can. We can’t take our money when we die, but we can share it just before we do.

GOD BLESS US ALL!

A Weekend Away From Irene

It was one fine morning when I heard the weatherman in the morning news that a hurricane is approaching US east coast – a large, powerful, category 3 Atlantic hurricane named ‘Irene’. Being used to the stormy weather in the Philippines, I was not too worried at that time. What I was worried about was our planned weekend vacation with my husband’s college friends who will fly to New Jersey from different locations. As the weekend (and Irene) approaches, headline news features announcements of state of emergencies and mandatory evacuations of residents along the coastal area but we are lucky enough to be living at least an hour away from New Jersey shores. So we headed to Wal-Mart to get some more stocks of food for our visiting friends only to find too many people at what seems to be a panic buying scenario. Apparently, the basics such as water, milk and eggs are sold out! So we went home with a little of some things we think we need for the trip instead.

We re-planned our trip as friends arrive and upon reaching consensus, we started driving to our first stop: Hershey’s Chocolate World. We learned a little bit about its history and how their chocolates were made. I’m kind of a chocolate fan, but I force myself not to eat more when I think I’m getting too much. I never let our pantry be chocolate-free. I don’t know why, but I find it very convenient to have some come in handy when I crave for something sweet after a sumptuous meal. We enjoyed creating a chocolate candy bar made with our choice of shell and fillings and with our own names printed on the packaging. Awesome!

Our next stop: Niagara Falls, New York - a 6-hour-long drive from Hershey, PA. Indeed, the strong winds and rains did not prevent us from having fun! We spent the next 2 days exploring the oldest state park in the US and watched a short film about the legend of the Niagara Falls. It consists of 3 falls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the biggest one – the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls. It felt so amazing as we came closer and closer to the great falls aboard the Maid of the Mist. Walking up to the Cave of the Winds, it felt like I was a teeny tiny speck of creature compared to the majestic Niagara falls.

American Falls

Canadian/Horseshoe Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

We took advantage of our Canadian visa expiring on the next few weeks and crossed the US-Canada border to see the view of the falls on the other side. Canadian customs didn’t really ask too many questions and besides, we got the required documents like passport, visa and car rental papers so our crossing the border was pretty easy. The only problem we had on the Canadian side was parking space. It took us around an hour looking for a place to park near the good spot to take pictures of the falls. The nearest parking area charges you a ridiculous $20 per hour! So we went to the farthest one with $4 parking fee per hour and patiently walked to the picture taking spot. The difference basically is the view. On this side, you can see the whole front view of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can be near the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls but not as near as you can get when you are at the US side. I suggest you still cross the border if you do have the required documents already.

Canadian/Horseshoe Falls

American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

And oh yes, we then went on to our next destination: Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York – 3 hours away from Niagara Falls. It offers unique museum experience as we got to explore and interact with glass. We watched a live glassmaking show, explored a wide variety of glass exhibits – from artifacts to modern glass products such as lenses and optic fibers – and shopped in their enormous glass market. If you’re in the area, you might as well consider visiting this interesting place.

The last leg of our trip was the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We started at the Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market Streets and got our free tickets for the Independence Hall tour. We had 15 mins before the tour starts so we went in first to see the Liberty Bell – an iconic symbol of American Independence - with its famous ‘crack’ or ‘gap’. It is said that the bell cracked when it was rang so hard at the declaration of Independence on July 4th of 1776. Though some say it could not have possibly been rung on that day, the story is generally accepted by many. Although you can be so close to the bell, touching it is strictly prohibited. We patiently try to wait for our turn to take good pictures as it is extra difficult since many people also want to take pictures with the bell. After the bell, we continue to the Independence Hall where we saw the old Supreme Court room as well as the Assembly Hall where the US Declaration of Independence and Constitution were drafted and signed. It felt good to learn other country’s history of independence from their very own people, just like hearing a firsthand story and learning another culture different from what we are accustomed to. The tour guide was so knowledgeable about their history and has good sense of humor that we were all ears.

The Liberty Bell

Supreme Court Room

Assembly Hall

Then for lunch, we tried their famous Philly cheesesteak at Geno’s Steaks. Practically across the street is its rival Pat’s King of Steaks – another famous Philadelphia restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks which was established 30 years earlier than Geno’s. Pat’s was so crowded because Rachael Ray was there taping her show at that time so we opted to try Geno’s instead. Going to the area was so difficult. I suggest you do a research first on parking locations before you head to the area to save time and gas. We could not find a space on the street parkings that we ended up parking at a distant drugstore parking lot and walked up to the restaurant under the scorching heat of the sun. For $9 you can get a Philly cheesesteak sub with a choice of Cheez Whiz, Provolone or American cheese. For me, there was not much difference with the other cheesesteaks I have tasted. It’s just that it’s my first time to try it with Cheez Whiz instead of the regular cheese we know. And it was good, as expected.

   

Then it was time for our friends to go. Though it was short, everyone had a blast!

We were lucky to have escaped the powerful hurricane Irene though at the back of our mind, we were thinking about our stuff back home and just continually prayed that everything is fine. Fortunately, all is well when we came back, but we feel for those who experienced the devastating effects of the hurricane. In any case, just remember that we can always satisfy our crave for travel as long as we carefully plan and calculate the risks to be safe all the time.

Forgive and Forget?

I was a college freshman on the other side of the world when it happened. I remember waking up to a frantic news from an international TV news channel regarding the tragic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, popularly regarded as the cultural capital of the world. 10 long years had passed but the scars of the past are never forgotten. It is indeed a different feeling as now, I can personally witness how people who are most affected by the tragedy, really feel about the painful incident on that fateful morning of September 11, 2001. Watching the media coverage of many stories of loss and sadness is so emotionally draining as I try to comprehend how cruel people can be to be able to plot and execute such a horrible and heartless act of violence towards innocent human beings. I am deeply moved by the stories of the victims’ families as well as the courageous firefighters and policemen who offered their lives to save so many people. I salute all these men of honor for their ultimate act of nobility.

As people remember the victims and fallen heroes of 9/11, we sympathize with them during this time of recollection. Below are some pictures I took as I drive around our neighborhood.

Streets are filled with flags and ribbons commemorating the fateful event.

 

     

Our neighborhood Fire Station honors their fellow firefighters.

 

Locals pay tribute to the fallen lives in their own different ways.

Cars honk their horns as they drive by this Blues Clues mascot to sympathize.

 

A TV ad pays a beautiful tribute to NYC firefighters. It shows the different famous places and landmarks in NYC and features how the Ground Zero looks like today.

9/11 Memorial is open to the public on September 12, 2011. For more info, visit http://www.911memorial.org/

 

Today’s Sunday morning mass readings and gospel are all about forgiveness. The Lord said we must forgive seventy times seven times; that we must forgive our neighbors for the wrong they have done so that our own sins will be pardoned when we pray. Then I thought, how could one possibly forgive whole-heartedly in this case? It sure does take a lot of everything to be able to forgive…but people will never, ever forget.

Friends With Benefits

I have been staring at this blank page for a while now as I don’t seem to know what to write about for my first blog, at least something that would catch the interest of my readers that they won’t close my blog site window at the fleeting glance of my blog title. Well, I guess with this title I got your attention.

As I have been away from home since last year and awfully missing our dogs back home, I will talk about them on my first blog. I believe anyone who has strong fondness for their loving animal friends can relate.

For sure everybody remembers the experience of having their first pet like the feeling of firm sureness as you decide to get that one cute little puppy that won’t let go when you were trying to pick out ‘the one’. My husband and I were not yet married when we got our first dogs. He was the first to have one then I wanted my own so I got one too. I remember as he scanned websites and forums about dogs and breeders to study and figure out what breed he would get. Then finally, he called me up and his best friend to accompany him to a kind dog breeder somewhere in Pandacan, Manila. After being lost in the midst of several houses in the area, we finally made it. There we found four cute puppies running around as the owner holds their mother while telling us their funny stories and good behavior. My husband’s affection turned to the one that is not hostile and always runs towards him for petting. His name was ‘Angus’ but is later named ‘CHIMMI’ from Chimara – a popular movie snack store in Greenbelt Theaters in Makati where we had our first movie date, Star Wars III. As he carried Chimmi on his lap, he peed on my husband’s pants and he drooled in the car the whole time we are driving him home. The breeder said he probably has a feeling that he is leaving and will be separated from his siblings. From there, the roller coaster ride of owning a dog started.

~ CHIMMI ~

 A smart, stubborn and spoiled wiener dog.

Breed: Miniature Dachshund

Birthday: June 1, 2005

He usually gets into trouble like always getting his fat wiener body stuck any where but big spaces.

And he figured that he is the Alpha Dog in the house.. so he knows all too well to be a couch potato and take over the TV remote control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now when my turn came to get my own, I really didn’t know anything at that time about dog breeds. I just like what all girls want – cute, cuddly and pleasing to the eyes. So I found myself and my sister’s friend battling our way to get to Malabon where I found 8 cute, cuddly puppies in a big cage. Unlike Chimmi, the one that caught my attention doesn’t want to get any closer to me. He was distant, shy and different from his siblings. Judging from this, I thought he will be a well-behaved, quiet and good dog, so I chose him. I brought him home and that started our friendship. I named him ‘OBI’ – yes..from Obi Wan Kenobi, still from our first movie date. My father sometimes call him PacMan, which I don’t approve of since dogs can get confused with what their name really is, as he says Obi looks like Manny Pacquiao because of the droopy eyes. At first, my mother didn’t like Obi or any other dogs at all. But when I was assigned to work in Arizona, US for a year and had no choice but to leave Obi with my parents, my mother learned to love and care for him. In fact when I came back, got married and was planning to move Obi out of my parents’ house, my mother was the first one to object. Apparently, she and Obi had bonded strongly while I was away. I remember a funny story when my mother was walking Obi out on the neighborhood, someone asked her what kind of dog Obi is, she said “Pucker Spaniel” She must have heard it differently from me when I told her what breed Obi is. Like a first time parent, I had my share of difficulties in raising Obi.. several sleepless nights because he still wants to sniff around, play and chew my shoes, pee and poo just about any where he likes..

~ OBI ~

A playful, snob and mama’s boy err..dog.

Breed: A mix of Cocker Spaniel and Jack Russel Terrier

Birthday: December 3, 2005

I tried to look for his picture where he is so cute and tiny when I first got him, but all to no avail. So here he is all grown up. I know! I did not expect this too.

He can sometimes be left to watch the 'sari-sari' store.. but no sales are usually made because he barks at the customer to let my mother know someone wants to buy something from the store.

And so because my mother won’t let me have Obi back, I realized it’s time for me to get another one. During my time in Arizona, I had a chance to stay in the home of a very kind American friend (Peggy) who has 2 very sweet and beautiful giant Schnauzers: Fritz and Frankie. Seriously, I have never seen dogs that big! They are so dear but huge that they can knock you down during playtime.

          

I began to love these dogs that I wanted to have the same breed but the smaller one. So when I saw a cute little Schnauzer just like Fritz, I was determined to bring him home on that same day. We named him ‘CHANSI’ – from a California hotel with a unique name ‘Chukchansi’ where my husband and I stayed during our 2008 US West Coast tour. The first few months for Chansi is difficult. He had scabies all over which we initially thought were puppy flakes (as told by an ignorant pet shop owner). Fortunately, we were able to save him from this contagious disease and he is now a very healthy, active 2-year-old dog.

~ CHANSI ~

A very sweet, loving and gentle dog.

Breed: Standard Schnauzer

Birthday: April 13, 2009

His favorite pose as you can see..

A well-behaved dog who wants to lay around and sniff for food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s nothing so fulfilling like seeing a super excited Chimmi greeting us at the door when we come home from work, a perky Chansi everytime I open a bag of chips while we watch TV or a noisy barking Obi with a wagging tail when he sees a mischievous cat pass by the street. I can confidently tell them my problems, frustrations and disappointments without prejudice.

There are several studies that support the idea that having dogs (or any pet for that matter) can provide many health benefits unless you really can’t stand dogs or you have so much on your plate that you are not able to properly take care of one.

• They can improve your state of mind.
• They can instantly take away your stress
• They encourage you to go out and walk them everyday, as a result, you get to exercise.
• They teach you to be disciplined and responsible as you follow feeding, pee and poo schedule as well as behavior training.
• They can reduce stress as you can talk to them about your problems and their mere presence can be as supportive as people can be.

However, always keep in mind that having a pet comes with an immense work and responsibility – from their food, vaccinations, veterinarian check ups up to their training, shelter and of course love and attention, but all of these are definitely outrun by the benefits of having a fuzzy friend by your side.