My first blog after more than a year

No blog for the whole of 2011! That's so lousy!

I hope I will be able to update this blog regularly from now on. Since I no longer have an excuse as I'm connected to Internet 24/7 for the next 2 years. Thanks to globe!

It's been a lot of updating to do. To share you with a good news, I'm now 9weeks preggy on my 2nd child. Hurray! I've been wanting this baby to be born in year of the dragon and it's going to be a wish come true. :-)

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. – 2 Timothy 4:18

My brother-in-law arrived home past midnight. He alighted from his vehicle and opened the gate. Two masked men approached him and declared a carnap. His wife and their teenage children heard the commotion and went out of their house. They begged the men not to get the van. When I heard their shouts and cries, I decided to go out to see what was happening. Then there was a gunshot. Then silence. Then their van and the other car sped off.
Thank God, even if the van was taken, the Lord covered us all with His protection. Some neighbors planned to help but backed out when they saw the armed men. My brother-in-law just had bruises on his arms and upper back. The carnappers pointed the gun at his wife and kids but fired up in the air. I was just about to go out of our house when the gun was fired.
It took some time before we all fully recovered from that incident. What saw us through? We continuously called upon the Lord and trusted in His saving power.
There was no trace of the van so the insurance company covered it. My in-laws are now blessed with a new car. God is good … all the time! Sol Saura (solmsaura@gmail.com)

REFLECTION:
Whom do we call when we are faced with danger?

If I should ever walk in the valley of darkness, no evil will I fear. Lord, You are always there to show the way.

Pinoy Q & A

1. Q: "Ano sa Tagalog ang teeth?"
A: "Utong!"

2. Q: "Kung ang light ay ilaw, ano naman ang lightning?"
A: "Umiilaw!"

3. Q: "Kung vegetarian ang tawag sa kumakain ng gulay, ano ang tawag sa kumakain ng tao?
A: "Humanitarian?"

4. Q: "Sina Michael at Raphael ay mga."
A: "Ninja?"

5. Q: "Ano ang karaniwang kasunod ng kidlat?"
A: "Sunog!"

6. Q: "Magbigay ng sikat na Willie."
A: "Willie da pooh!"

7. Q: "Ang mga Hindu ay galing sa aling bansa?"
A: "Hindunesia?"

8. Q: "Anong hayop si King Kong?"
A: "Pagong!"

9. Q: "Magbigay ng mabahong pagkain."
A: "Tae!"

10. Q: "Saang bansa matatagpuan ang mga Canadians?"
A: "Canadia!"

11. Q: "Kumpletuhin - Little Red..."
A: "Ribbon!"

12 Q: "Ano ang tinatanggal sa itlog bago ito kainin?"
A: "Buhok?"

13. Q: "Magbigay ng pagkain na dumidikit sa ngipin."
A: "Tinga!"

14. Q: "Anong oras kadalasang pinapatay ang TV?"
A: "Pag balita?"

15. Q: "Ano ang tawag mo sa anak ng taong grasa?"
A: "Baby oil?"

16. Q: "Saan karaniwang ginagawa ang mga sweets na ginagamit sa halu-halo?"
A: "Sweetserland?"

17. Q: "Sinong higanteng 'G' ang tinalo ni David?"
A: "Godzilla?"

18. Q: "Ano ang mas malaki,itlog ng ibon o sanggol ng tao?"
A: "Itlog ng tao!"

19. Q: "Anong 'S' ang tawag sa duktor nag nag o-opera?"
A: "Sadista?"

20. Q: "Blank is the best policy."
A: "Ice tea?"

21. Q: "Anong parte ng itlog ang masarap?"
A: "Yung tangkay?"

22. Q: "Saan binaril si Jose Rizal?"
A: "Sa likod!"

23. Q: "Fill in the blanks - Beauty is in the eye of the ____."
A: "Tiger?"

24. Q: "Ano ang kinakain ng monkey-eating eagle?"
A: "Saging!"

25. Q: "Kung ang suka ay vinegar, ano naman ang Inggles ng toyo?"
A: "Baliw!"

26. Q: "Anong tawag mo sa kapatid ng nanay mo?"
A: "Kamag-anak!"

27. Q: "Saan nakukuha ang sakit na AIDS?"
A: "Sa motel?"

28. Q: "Kung ang H2O ay water,ano naman ang CO2?"
A: "Cold water!"

29. Q: "Sinong cartoon charcater ang sumisigaw ng 'yabba dabba doo'?"
A: "Si scooby dooby doo?"

30. Q: "Heto na si kaka, bubuka-bukaka."
A: "Operadang bakla?"

31. Q: "Ilan ang bituin sa American flag?"
A: "Madami!"

32. Q: "Ano ang tawag mo sa taong isa lang ang mata?"
A: "Abnormal?"

James Yap breaks his silence

By Patricia Bermudez-Hizon – July 1st, 2010

James Yap has remained mum about his marital woes, even after his wife, Kris Aquino, went on national television and aired their dirty laundry. But today, he released a statement which says a lot about his character, and reveals his intention of keeping the family intact.

“Kilala niyo po naman ako. Tahimik at simple lang akong tao. Tingin ko din itong lahat na issues na naglalabasan siguro dapat kami na lang mag-asawa ang mag-aayos in private. Ever since naman, never niyo akong naringgan ng kung-anu-ano tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Kris.

“Kaya konti lang ang gusto kong sabihin.

“Naniniwala ako sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng buo ang pamilya. Kaya ipaglalaban ko na mapanatiling buo ang pamilya namin ni Kris anuman ang mangyari. Alam ko walang pamilyang hindi dumaan sa ganitong pagsubok. Marami na kaming dinaanang pagsubok ni Kris before and I don’t think na ngayon pa kami susuko. Gusto ko talagang i-save ang pagsasama namin dahil syempre, may anak kami at hindi biro ang halos anim na taon naming pagsasama. Umaasa pa rin ako na darating ang tamang panahon na maaayos ang lahat.

“Marami nang lumabas na mga balita at mas pinili ko na manahimik muna bilang paggalang sa ating bagong Presidente Noynoy Aquino.

“May nagtatanong din tungkol sa hindi ko pagsipot sa inauguration ni President Noynoy Aquino. Nagkausap kami at nag-text ako kay President Noynoy at naiintindihan niya ako. Ayokong makadagdag pa sa napakalaking problema na kakaharapin niya bilang bagong presidente ng ating bansa.

“At isa pa, nangako ako kay Mom Cory na hindi ko pababayaan ang pamilya namin. Na-aalagaan ko si Kris, si Josh at si Baby James. Nangako rin kami ni Kris sa harap ni Mom Cory na hindi kami maghihiwalay.

“Alam kong mahirap para sa anak ko ang nangyayaring ito sa amin ng Mama niya pero alam kong darating ang panahon na maiintindihan niya ang situwasyon. May tamang oras at panahon ang lahat.

“Baby James, ginagawa ko ito dahil sa pagmamahal ko sa pamilya natin. Gusto kong mapanatiling buo ang pamilya natin.

“Kris, marami na tayong pinagdaanan na mas mabigat na problema pa rito pero hindi talaga ako bumitaw. Nanahimik ako palagi bilang respeto sa pamilya natin na hanggang sa ngayon ay gusto ko pa ring manatiling buo. Mahal na mahal ko kayo ng anak ko, pati na si Josh na tunay na anak na ang turing ko.

“Inuulit ko, it’s final, ipaglalaban ko ang pagsasama ng pamilya natin. At sa tulong ng Diyos, alam kong malalampasan natin ang pagsubok na ito.”

Kris Aquino hints at the last straw that did her marriage in

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
June 29, 2010, 2:17pm

Although Kris Aquino has resolved to keep silent on her separation with James Yap, it seems she can’t stay completely mum on the matter.

In an article by Ricky Lo published in The Philippine Star on June 29, the Queen of All Media revealed tidbits about her marital problems through a text message that she sent him.

In the message, Kris hinted at the straw that broke the camel’s back.

"It was what James told Baby James in front of me,” said Kris, contrary to claims by “people close to the couple” that it’s their “basic differences” that caused their marriage to crumble.

The source who claimed so told Lo on June 28: “They always clash because of Kris’ tendency to control James… Their differences are irreconcilable. Every time they fought, Kris would threaten to separate from James, saying, ‘Ayoko na talaga; sawa na ako. Hiwalay na tayo!’ This time around, James retaliated by saying, ‘Hiwalay kung hiwalay!’ I think they have reached a point of no return, no reconciliation.”

According to Kris “that snippet of a conversation you printed occurred on April 26.” She admitted that she and James had a “fight,” but cleared that “I didn’t provoke that.”

She also apologized for declining to divulge the exact words James said in front of their youngest son.

"That’s why I kept my silence on ‘The Buzz’ last Sunday. At three-years-old, my son is vulnerable and can be emotionally and psychologically damaged," Kris said.

The controversial Aquino confessed that even though she and James have had fights in the past, "I have never involved our son."

"We were keeping our distance from each other for several weeks when James exploded," she related. "Yes, I am guilty of many times saying I wanted out. But I have never involved our son. I have never said words that would hurt Baby James and negate his value as my child. I am trying to be decent and proper."

She also refuted the allegation that she’s a “controlling” wife.

“I have never controlled James. More than one year na nga akong hindi nakikialam sa kanya. We have been living under one roof but totally separate lives,” she related.

Now that the legalization of their separation is already being worked out, Kris said she simply wants a “chance to heal” after feeling tired “of lying to the world and lying to myself... presenting an everything-is-OK picture to the world when my home life has been so unhappy for so long."

She added: “Akala ng lahat ako lang ‘yung madaldal at pwedeng masakit magsalita. Hindi nyo lang alam lahat ng insultong inabot na rin ng pagkatao ko sa years na pinagsamahan namin. I have shared all this with off the record. I am not asking you to take my side but just to see why I am firm in saying this is a separation that will be legalized and finalized.”

The host-actress seems to regret that she and James did not have a prenuptial agreement.

“Under the law, because of the kids I do have a right to our condo in Makati but if he refuses to vacate, ayoko ng gulo. My Mom was insistent before that the practical thing to do was to ask for a prenup. James is smarter than you all give him credit for. He told me then na-in-insulto ang pagkatao nya and I was stupid enough to not insist,” she said.

Since moving out on June 22, Kris and her sons Bimby and Joshua have been staying at a hotel in Makati, while James remains in their condo which they purchased last year.

Kris said that her lawyers will meet with James’ lawyers in the coming days to discuss the details of their separation.

Sore Eyes

JM has sore eyes since yesterday.

Last night I wasn't able to detect that he has na, since he's already sleeping when I arrive home from work. Then this morning it was his Dad who noticed the redness of his left eye. Still I'm more on in denial pa rin. I'm still hoping that it was cause of sleeping position lang. But hours had passed and the redness is still there pa rin. So we decided to bring him to his pedia na, but the list is too long na. Kaya we brought him to my pedia na lang, nagbabakasali na may clinic sya at around 4pm, buti nalang at nandon sya so we were able to get medicine/eye drops for JM's eyes. We can't just buy over the counter since eyes is a very important part of our body. Hirap ng magbakasakali.

About Marriage

just wanna share this article...nice reading..

Is there an "aching spot in your heart" that is breeding resentment between you and your partner? Are you "walking on eggshells" in your relationship? Have you tried to be funny, gentle, creative but still can't get the response you want? Your wife is being difficult.

The Difficult Wife

What is a difficult wife from a husband's perspective?

Nagging is the number one complaint of men. A difficult wife hounds her husband until he gets it. If he remains unaffected, she will resort to name calling. If unsuccessful, she will scold him like a child.

A difficult wife claims that her husband is not doing anything in the house or does not understand what is needed in the house. A difficult wife thinks a husband does not do anything right. A difficult wife accuses her husband that the reason they are in a bad situation is because of his bad decisions. A difficult wife makes her husband feel that he is in a "no-win situation". A husband feels that his difficult wife does not see the sacrifices made. He feels unappreciated. All the actions of a husband seem insignificant. She treats her husband like a child who needs to be fixed. To avoid confrontation, the husband avoids interaction with his wife. A difficult wife is ungrateful. She does not know how hard he works to provide for them.

The Reality

Is it an issue of the wife being difficult or is it because the husband lacks an understanding of his role as a leader?

No one taught a man to bring out the innate leadership skills in his family life. So, the children in the house are confused. They need clarifications from their parents on what it means to be the leader of the house. If their expectations are unclear, these sons will continue the cycle. This son will be a future husband who is withdrawn and passive.

It is typical for the husband to go home from work tired. He goes to a world of his own by watching his favorite sport. He retires to the couch. He rationalizes his need for rest. His wife realizes that this is unfair. She wanted her man to have the energy to deal with the current family issue and not ignore it.. She starts to let him know her frustrations. The husband knew it was coming and labels his wife as a "big time nagger".
Lacking in leadership skills, he feels that his wife knows the problem better than him. Thus, she can handle it better. He loses his desire to be present. He feels uncertain about the issue. He will unlikely initiate an action. He will bury himself with work and stay late in the office. He will go out with his friends and drink until the wee hours of the morning. He will go to golf games with his buddies the whole weekend. He will even take separate vacations.

The husband is actually leading himself away from his wife. If the wife puts her foot forward, the husband gets upset. He feels that the wife is preventing him from becoming the man he should be. His bitterness turns to rage. He attacks and loses control. He hurts his wife. He feels guilty then further withdraws. He feels inadequate to be a family leader. He allows his wife to lead. He stops desiring to take charge. The wife takes over. The husband complains "Geez, you do have a problem."
6 Secrets to Deal With Your Difficult Wife

Dr. Ric Barr , Pastor and Christian Counselor of Christ Counseling Center in Simpsonville, SC said that the main secret to deal with a difficult wife is to be the "priest" of your household. A priest leads his flock in his desire to do God's will. A husband should desire to be the leader of the home. He must trek the unknown and lead. Husbands may feel no confidence in this role for his own father did not step up to the plate. However, the husband must lead in spite of his insecurities. All great men experience some fear of unfamiliar experiences. Leading a family is not in the comfort zone of most husbands. The modern husband's concept of leadership is about being "macho". He feels his life experiences did not prepare him for this role.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinsin, in his video series called "A Biblical Portrait of Marriage", explains the roles that a husband must take to be an effective leader of the house.

1. Make your wife feel secure.

Your wife expects you to rescue her from the all day stress of child rearing, house chores and errands. She treats you as her "fearless protector of the unknown". Don't you notice how your wife relaxes upon seeing you after work? She wants you to tell her "It will be alright. Let me handle this. Relax. Here is a book. From now on, your fears are over." Kiss her and then take over "Mr. Knight and Shining Armor"!

2. Provide for the material needs of your family.

Your wife may be very skilled and talented. She may want to work. She wants to take a big load from your shoulder. Shield your wife from the worries of bills, rent or mortgage and other expenses. Do not push her to work and give her a guilt trip just so you can afford the luxuries of a good home, a new car, vacations, travels, hobbies or keeping up with the "Jones' ". The family must live within your means.

In an economic downturn, the temptation to work is great and sometimes a necessity. But, the family needs to downsize and want less of material things. Though the feminist movement insinuates that women must be equal with men in terms of capabilities and opportunities, the man must lead the wife to discover her strengths. The exceptions to the rule are circumstances involving illnesses, death, and major financial crisis. But these are temporary circumstances. Once everything stabilizes, the wife must become again a helper of her husband.

3. Direct the family to where it should go.

The husband must survey the direction where he wants to take the family. A husband who knows how to lead is sensitive of the desires and goals of his wife. He will take into consideration her feelings. Like a commander-in-chief, the husband may be unpopular. He must make tough decisions for the family
4. Heal and uncover the need of your wife for love and strength.

A husband needs to be like a doctor. He must take into consideration her physical fatigue and limitations. He must be attuned to her emotional needs and stress levels. He must always offer a "should to cry on". He should recognize that his wife needs his strength.

5. Be a good, tender king

A husband won't be happy until he feels he is "the king of his house." However, he need not be a dictator. It does not mean the wife will worship the ground you walk on. A husband can be a good, tender king to his family. He will take aside his stressful days that his boss gave him. He will look forward to his castle at home. A husband must be like a king with a generous heart.

6. Lead the family spiritually

A husband must pray for his wife and his children. He must lead his family to prayer on a daily basis. He must encourage his children to appreciate the blessings bestowed on his family. He must recognize that he cannot rely on his own strength but from God.

CONCLUSION

A difficult wife stems from the failure of a husband to lead. Unless there is a psychological disorder, the husband must be courageous to take charge of the family. He must provide for his family's needs and seek the help of his wife. With many broken marriages, it is obvious that many men have not discovered the 6 secrets to handle a difficult wife.

Finally Rank 1

After a very long time of waiting, I was able to increase my rating to 1.

I'm still behind by 2 points to gain my previous rating. But I'm already happy with my achievement.

I will try to be more active this time.