Andthelegendlives

Someone rung the doorbell, and then rung it again. It could not be Sis, she must have called first before coming. I hurried up to the door wondering who might it be. Then it banged on the door. Gosh. When I looked through the peephole, there was a lady I don't know who. With a 500,000 volts stun gun in hand, I had no choice but to open the door. She asked if the name was mine. Yes? She gave me a live plant/so green a gardenia with one white flower and a white ribbon, and leave. Gosh, who might had sent me flower? I read the paper pinned to the ribbon. It was really for me. I scrutinized the plant examined it thoroughly; surely there was no bomb on it? I thought. Could there be a camera in the leaves to monitor me or what? Then I found the paper was a little envelop and when I read what was inside, it was from my in-laws, hubby's brother and sister in-law, Roxanne and Duane, just thinking of me since I could not go home for Lola's funeral. Gosh! My mind was so corrupt, or overly cautious? A bomb and camera in the plant? Well. It's a very lovely plant, I like it. The thought counted so much, it is so comforting to know people around care so. No other people like family. It is very lovely, that the butterfly hides behind it.

I was talking and seeing my family through ym. We had a good time. Well, how would you face someone in the family who was gone for 35 years and just shows up and do comical things? There's another side of the story there, but sometimes life is so funny, or we take it so funny when someone acts funny things seriously, without realizing it. And I love funny things! But something struck me inside today. It's just different when we talk about what were the things a person who recently died doing in the final days. I could sigh with smile but there is still that little feeling inside. My Lola must have been so proud and happy of the dresses we bought for her for my wedding that she kept hugging and kissing it. The white dress! I didn't know that she liked it that much, and I didn't know also when was the last time she got a new dress before that. It must meant so much for her. I could not scale the excitement she might have felt with that dress even when she just sit on a chair or lie in bed all day long. But to hug and kiss the dress? That is very striking. It could be taken as a sign that she would depart already from what all she had, but that dress was the closest, dearest for her. How I wish I could be there. They were all so proud and happy of all the small things we did for them, for Lola, which we could have not done, and that is what made me feel uneasy. And we could always do better things. It's so humbling so see their pride and joy. Just the same, if we do small things for others it will make a difference in their life, how much more if we do greater things for like us ordinary people out of pure intentions, out of love. We will leave all things and possessions behind us, but it is what we have done good that really counts in the end. We might not understand my Lola's speech when she was alive, but I know she is happy lying in there, in the white dress.

It has been there for a while, but I'm so glad that I found rhenaaron's post in pinoy info recently. DXFE of the Far East Broadcasting Company has their streaming online. I was so excited and so glad I could listen to it on the background. We used to listen to the radio station at home; my youngest sister was the most avid though, but we really love it. And we, sisters, love to greet each other through it. But aside from that, there is really inspiration in listening to the good news radio, with the unchanging message in a changing world.

Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Otherwise known in many incarnations as oriental dance in Europe, oryantal dansı ("Dance of the East") in Turkey, or simply as "Middle Eastern Dance" by Some American devotees. The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899. it is popular in North Africa, throughout the Middle and Near East, and in the West.

Oriental Dance or "Raks Sharqi" in its most classical form, translated from Arabic means "The Dance Of The Orient", or sometimes raqs baladi ("national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt.. The term "Belly Dance” was first used by the French when they saw the undulations and the body isolations, "The Dance of The Stomach". Also, it was called "Danse Du Venture", or the dance of adventure. In the ancient Middle East/Mediterranean, the belly dance was first performed as sort of a birthing aid. Basically, the sisters of the women giving birth, would aid the new mother by undulating and rolling their bodies in natural, curvy snake -like movements to help with the delivery of the baby. It is a dance as second nature as breathing, and it got its start not as Entertainment, but for childbirth..

The dance does have mysterious and mystical roots. During pagan times, women danced in the absence of men—a sort of goddess worship. And as most goddesses were mothers and reproduction was an enigma, it is understandable that the dance focused on the belly.

Throughout history, the dance was performed by women for women, a tradition that continues in Saudi Arabia and other conservative Muslim countries. However, there was a period in the old days when the dance became performance art (entertainment) and was then performed in the presence of men and women.

Belly dance or what was long ago called the dance of the waist, does have a documented history. The dance is traced back to India through a group of gypsies who left the region many years ago and whose current generation, known in the world of dance as the ghawazee, now called Egypt their home.

During the migration from India, the dance evolved and spread throughout Asia and the Middle and Near East. Cultural exchange, whether through war or in peace, made belly dance what it is today.

Slowly Middle Eastern dance became more of an entertainment related art form. This dance was first brought to America just over 100 years ago at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893 by "Little Egypt". "Little Egypt" was the first, and more people then ever are collecting memorabilia of her famous belly dance.

Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dance are circular motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips or shoulders. Accents using "pop and lock" where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion in her shoulders or hips are common, as are feats of flexibility, rolling one's belly muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils.

The movement vocabulary of belly dance is a conglomeration of styles from many regions-Lebanon, North Africa, Egypt, the Arabian Gulf, Turkey--as a result of cultural exchange historically through trade and shifting national boundaries. While Middle Easterners make the distinction between "city dance" (stage, cabaret) and "country dance" (regional folk dances), Westerners use the umbrella term of "belly dance" to refer to a broad range of styles united in the use of certain isolation movements, the most prominent and pervasive of which are the isolations of the hips. In addition, isolations of the chest, shoulders, head, and hands as well as serpentine and undulating movements of the torso are often found. Another common trademark is a varying degree of flirtation and coquetry. The rhythms and instrumentation used from area to area often have some commonalties despite great regional variations but in all there is an emphasis on percussion.

Now, the elements that make up Oriental Dance is a combination of agility, fluidity of movement, grace, creativity, physical aerobic strength and proper Egyptian technique. Class and elegance should be the top priority, coupled with talent.
Middle Eastern dance form is as esthetic and holistic as it is misunderstood. The Belly Dance is a spiritual connection between mind and body. Belly Dancing is as majestic and regal as classical Ballet but, differs because it offers it's practitioner's a total experience, a sense of well-being, joy, freedom and most importantly, is a celebration of the feminine soul and inner spirit through movement.

Something as beautiful as the Belly Dance cannot be exploited, unless it is taken out of it's intended context and it is placed into the wrong hands. Also, with some closed-minded audiences, sometimes the belly dance itself can be misunderstood. It can be viewed as sleazy and "something a nice girl does not do". That depends on who the belly dancer is. If the individual is trashy, than so will her performance of this art, and it will be cheapened. Also, there is nothing funnier that when a dancer hides lack of true talent by constantly using ridiculous props in her shows, and never really dances. Belly Dancing is not at all a strip tease. It is just so ignorant of people who refer to stripping as "EXOTIC" dancing. Exotic means "from a far away land". The belly dancer does not remove her costume, the costume is very much a part of the dance routine. A belly dancer is proud of her costume, and it is crucial to wear the most elaborate and elegant dress to convey class and professionalism.

Middle Eastern dance is a reflection of the performer, and it can be misrepresented and in turn kills the value for other performer's who are pure artists, PERIOD! Belly Dance is a dance of the heritage of Middle Eastern culture that transcends a wide variety of nations reflecting a common art with different variations and styles. Since this is a dance of another culture, a lot of Americans fail to realize this. It is important to understand the customs, religions, ideologies, and the Arabic mind set of the people. It is also important to understand the language, in order to properly interpret the feelings, emotions and meanings of the songs. It is too easy to say you are a teacher when the instructor herself does not understand 100% the cultural dance that they are improperly conveying it impressionable students. This dance is different than tap, modern or jazz dancing. One can learn steps, but may not be able to perform it, for this art emanates from the heart and soul. It can appear mechanical and choppy if not felt on a personal, internal level. For example, Hawaiian dancing, The Hula, is more of a cultural interpretation of that region and the movements all mean something.

Most Americans believe that all belly dancers are female. Traditional belly dance is preformed by both sexes. In the Middle East, men perform more of the folkloric dances, like the men's stick dance. Some male performer's include: Yousry Shariff (NY and Egypt), Mahmoud Reda (Egypt), Ibrahim"Bobby" Farrah (NYC), etc.

Health and belly dancing
The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. As with starting any new exercise routine, people would be wise to consult their doctor before starting a belly dance regimen. It's also important to talk with the belly dance instructor to find out the level of difficulty in the classes. The practice offers mental health benefits including an improved sense of well-being, better body image and self-esteem, and the generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise.

Aside from the joy inherent in learning a beautiful dance art, enthusiasts report a wide variety of benefits gained from the practice of Middle Eastern dance:
· Satisfaction from achieving new levels of physical mastery
· A feeling of camaraderie, community, making new friends
· Strengthening, reshaping and renewed acceptance of one's body
· Greater freedom and range of self expression
· Relief from back pain
· Familiarity with different musical styles and cultures
· Spending time for yourself
· Bringing joy to others
· Girl time
· Fun Fun Fun!

1. The first step to growing long, beautiful hair is by far the most important. It is absolutely non negotiable for anyone who wants healthy hair at any length, but it is also by far the hardest step you will have to follow. In order to have long healthy hair you absolutely have to start with healthy hair. You must cut off every inch that is damaged. If you are going for extreme length, from that point on you will have to treat your hair like delicate, antique lace at all times. Remember, once your hair is at your waist the ends can be as many as six years old. Your hair will go through a lot of trauma in six years no matter how careful you are with it. You *must* start out with healthy hair to have healthy hair when it's long, there's no way around it.

2. Trim your hair often. Damage to your hair will move up from the ends and the only way to stop the damage in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens. Trim hair a half inch every month or so (the average rate of hair growth) if you are maintaining your length. If you are actively growing your hair, trim it a half inch every three or four months. In between trims it is beneficial to sit in bright light and snip any splits off the ends of individual hairs with a good pair of hair cutting scissors that you explain to the men in your house are absolutely not to be used for anything else, especially prying off bottle caps when they can't find the bottle opener, which is of course in the drawer where it belongs if they'd just look. I digress. If you are persistent with this method, regular trims may be able to be postponed even longer. If your hair begins to show damage, it is important to trim it more often! Damaged hair doesn't grow, it breaks, and damage will only increase with time.

3. If you don't have someone you trust implicitly to trim your hair for you, find a salon that caters to long hair or at least has a long hair specialist. Remember, it is not in the best interest of most salons or stylists if you rarely make visits to their salon! If your hair is short and styled, you are always there spending money for maintenance. If your stylist tries to convince you that your long, healthy hair should be cut, run screaming from the salon immediately! Make sure that anyone whose advice you consider, be it a stylist, friend or family member, has only the best interest of YOUR acknowledged hair growth goals in mind. Otherwise smile politely and ignore every word they say. You absolutely are not too old, too thin, too short, too gray, too anything to have long hair..

4. Avoid using any heated appliances whenever possible. No blow drying, no curling irons, no hot rollers, and especially no flat irons or crimpers! If you absolutely must blow dry, do so minimally. If you must use hot rollers, use flocked or soft rollers, not spiked plastic rollers. If you insist on using curling irons, flat irons or crimpers on a daily basis, really long healthy hair isn't in your future.

5. Don't use any harsh chemicals on your hair. Definitely no perms and no peroxide! If you must color, use non peroxide color or henna (but not if you have very dry hair... henna tends to be drying but does help to "plump up" fine hair). Hair color with low peroxide is more tolerable, but using these products again and again will eventually affect the health of your hair, it is unavoidable. No perming or straightening ever for any reason. These chemicals actually break down the structure of your hair and rebuild it. Don't do it.

6. Avoid chlorine and saltwater. If you go swimming in either, shampoo your hair as soon as possible after exposure. If you are blonde, you may want to consider using a shampoo specially formulated to remove the green tinge that can come from exposing your hair to chlorine. If you swim very often, invest in a good bathing cap (and to be really kind to your hair, apply deep conditioner and take advantage of the body heat that will be generated while you're wearing it). If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use a conditioner that provides SPF protection against the sun's rays, or cover your hair with a hat or scarf.

7. Be *extremely* careful of what kind of hair jewelry you use. Never use metal barrettes (the "French" style) and absolutely NEVER use rubberbands, they will tear your hair when you try to remove them. Avoid anything that has sharp or rough edges, such as plastic combs with rough seams or hair claws with metal hinges. Never put anything in your hair that attaches with Velcro or springs. If you take anything out of your hair and hair comes out with it, don't ever put it back in your hair. Scrunchies are great, and several can be used if your hair is very long. Need I mention the most fabulous hair accessory of all? Hair sticks of course!

8. Never put your hair in any kind of style that will put undue stress on the individual hairs... no tiny braids, no extremely tight coils. If you pull all or some of your hair into a braid or a ponytail to create your hairstyle, make sure it isn't pulled tight enough to put stress on the roots of your hair. Pulling hair tight repeatedly commonly results in bald patches!

9. Avoid extreme diets. If your body isn't getting enough nutrition, neither is your hair. Even if you try to avoid fat, it's essential that you don't completely eliminate all fat from your diet. Your hair (and body) will surely suffer for it. If you tend to restrict calories then be sure to take a multivitamin (any comprehensive one will do) to make sure both your body and your hair get the daily nourishment they need.

10. Be *extremely* gentle with your hair when it is wet. Don't rub your hair vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze the towel down the length of your hair. Turbie Twists are a great alternative to twisting your hair in a standard towel (I can get all my hip-length hair into one, but just barely). NEVER brush your hair when it's wet, this is when your hair is at its most delicate. Use a very wide-tooth comb to smooth wet hair. In fact, it is best to avoid brushing your hair at all, a wide-tooth comb is always better with the exception of the next step.

11. Be very careful with what you choose to style your hair. When you use a brush, use only natural boar bristle brushes, which are useful in distributing sebum (your hair's natural protective oils) to the ends of your hair and to remove loose hairs. If your hair is so thick that a boar bristle brush won't penetrate, there are several smooth wood brushes on the market that will be kind to your hair. Using a wide-tooth comb is far less damaging but it is important to choose a comb that is molded or has smooth seams (use a bit of sand paper to smooth rough seams if necessary). Comb your hair to detangle it often throughout the day. Work in small sections, always starting close to the ends and working your way up. Knots are hard on your hair and it's best to avoid them at all costs. Tiny knots that absolutely cannot be removed by any other means should be cut from your hair, not torn. Also, nevernevernever back comb or tease your hair with a fine-tooth comb. This will destroy the healthiest of hair in a very short period of time.

12. Comb your hair to ensure all knots have been removed before shampooing. After the knots have been removed, use a boar bristle brush to remove loose hairs, which will also cut down on knotting during shampooing (not to mention keep your plumber at bay).

13. Let your hair get dirty once in awhile. That's right... permission to be lazy, what more could you ask for? Don't shampoo, spend the entire weekend in bed drinking Moet, eating chocolate covered strawberries and watching Out of Africa for the umpteenth time (live vicariously through Meryl Streep by rewinding and watching Robert Redford wash her hair a few times), all while those wonderful natural conditioning oils work their magic. Don't forget the boar bristle brush before shampooing to distribute those oils and for heaven's sake don't forget not to answer the door before shampooing for any reason! Well, unless of course you are expecting Bob to drop by.

14. Don't pile your hair on your head when you wash it, that's just asking for knots. Apply shampoo only to the roots and wash your scalp, then work the shampoo to the ends. You may find adding a bit of water to your shampoo or very quickly ducking under the shower spray after initially applying it to your hair will increase lathering significantly, making it easier to work the soap to the ends of your tresses. When you apply conditioner, work it through to the ends of your hair, smoothing and detangling gently with your fingers as you go. Continue smoothing your hair as you rinse. This will make combing your wet hair much easier.

15. If you wash your hair often or have very dry hair, you may want to consider using only conditioner to wash it on occasion. If your hair isn't very dirty the conditioner will easily rinse away surface contaminants while allowing you to avoid daily use of the harsher solvents found in shampoo.

16. Rinse your hair in as cold water as you can stand. Not only will this make the cuticle lay flat and less likely to snag and break, but by the same token you'll get the added benefit of very shiny hair that's easier to comb wet. Yes, you will get used to doing this, even in the shower, and it is wonderfully invigorating for your whole bod, not just your hair. I know, I know... I couldn't convince Hubby either, but it's true, I swear! Trust me.

17. If your hair is especially coarse, extremely curly, or if you didn't heed my stern advice in Step 1 (don't make me come over there) and your hair is damaged, you may want to consider using a leave-in conditioner in addition to a regular rinse-out conditioner (I recommend Infusium-23, but there are many good ones out there). In some cases, leave-in conditioners may replace rinse-out conditioners altogether.

18. Become familiar with the ingredients in your styling products. Once you know what affects your hair positively or detrimentally, you will be able to effectively choose products that contain ingredients that are best for your hair type. For instance, some people find that their hair does not respond well to silicone products (found in most "smoothing" or "anti frizz" products and many conditioning shampoos), if used over a long period of time. Any ingredient that ends with the suffix "cone" in the ingredient list is usually a silicone derivative and should be avoided by those sensitive to it (I am not decrying products containing silicone, only stating an example... I regularly use some products that contain small amounts of silicone with no ill effects on my own hair). Products that nourish your hair with natural ingredients that are available at most health food stores are excellent alternatives to the chemical laden, overpriced high-end lines sold in department stores and salons (I can personally recommend Nature's Gate products, of which there is a wide variety from which to choose). Either way, what matters most is to use whatever works best for your hair, not what is necessarily the hottest trendy product or for that matter, the most cost efficient product. This is one of those steps to growing long, healthy hair in which common sense plays a huge role.

19. Deep condition your hair at least monthly, even if it's in good shape this will help keep it that way. If your hair is dry or damaged, deep condition weekly. Hot oil treatments are a good alternative for very dry hair or for extra conditioning (but be forewarned, to some extent hot oil treatments will lift any non permanent color you've added). You might want to try washing and applying conditioner at night, wearing a shower cap to bed, and rinsing in the morning for a really intense conditioning treatment as well. A word to the wise... conditioning nights have been conclusively proven to be detrimental to romantic evenings with the significant other. Use this information to your own best advantage.

20. Lessen the friction on your hair whenever possible. Don't sleep with your hair loose or if you must, use a satin pillowcase. If your hair is very long and prone to getting caught in car windows, seat belts, doors, or even under your butt when you sit down, it's important to remember that all these things can cause damage to your precious locks. Wear your hair braided or in an updo hairstyle (did I already mention hairsticks?) whenever possible to avoid daily wear and tear. And we all know, no matter what promises hair product manufacturers claim, the ONLY way to fix damaged hair is to CUT IT OFF... perish the thought!

http://www.longlocks.com/how-to-grow-long-hair.htm.

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

[Chorus:]
Beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.
Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown.
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

[Chorus:]
Beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.
I know he'll say that he's in love.
But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

[Chorus:]
Beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.


Sing me a song again, Daddy
Sing me a happy verse
Teach me those clever rhymes you sang
As you carried me on your shoulders

Sing me that hymn that you so loudly
Sang in church with Mom
Sing it again to me and fill me
With all your words of wisdom

Comforting words I've loved when I
Would get home from school in tears
Somehow your songs have stayed within me
Down through all the years

Once when my younger heart was broken
Your shoulder was there to cry on
Sing me those songs I know will linger
Long after you have gone

I am standing at the threshold
Of the chapter in my life
I am asking for your blessing
As I'm about to be the wife

Of a man I know who loves me
And I'm proud to be his bride
Dad, the time has come for me
To leave your side

So, sing me a song again, Daddy
Sing me a lullaby
Wrap me inside your arms, Daddy
Though this is not goodbye

Your songs will live forever
In my heart when times get rough
The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love


(Your songs will live forever
In my heart when times get rough)
The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love.
(Jose mari chan)

We are now waiting for my final paperwork this time before I can legally leave and enter the USA, and we are planning already for me to go home once I got that. It's been my heart's desire to go to my paternal clan and visit with them since we seldom see each other. But just this morning I was told that my Lola, my paternal grandmother, passed away today. I was torn between sadness and joy for her. So sad that we lost her and since we are still on the flesh, can't help but cry, but also glad that she finally rested from such what might have been a very gloomy last years of her life. She had a stroke, and half her body was paralyzed from a heart attack due to fear when someone opened her door one evening, and it was so hard for her to talk, and for us to understand what she was saying. It has been so hard for us all, and I know it was much harder for her. God take care of her soul.

The graveyard does not respect ages of people and we don't know when is our time, only God can tell. It has always been in my "life list", since we can not avoid it, to have these songs sung on my day: My Redeemer Lives (Vineyard), Just a Closer Walk With Thee.

My Redeemer Lives
(John Willison)

For I know my redeemer lives
And in the end He will stand on the earth
For I know my redeemer lives
And in the end He will reign on the earth

Though my flesh it be destroyed
Yet with my eyes I will see God

For I know that my redeemer lives
And I will stand with Him on that day

Oh my heart it yearns within me
For the day when Jesus returns
Oh my heart it yearns within me
For the day when Jesus shall reign

Though my flesh it be destroyed
Yet with my eyes I will see God

For I know that my redeemer lives
And I will stand with Him on that day

Copyright © 1993 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Though this flesh it be destroyed, yet with our eyes we will see the One who formed us from dust, and we will live with him, forever.

Hubby had just been in Dubai when he sent me a very amazing email: Dubai, another world. So rich and great that they use it for engineering the place so make it so unique and beautiful. So interesting! Vast structural projects here and there in the past, present and the future. Growing rate is so fast. Look at the homes in the leaf of the palm! Engineers are flooding! And my fellows and classmates in college have been there. Well, that's good, so many Filipino engineers are employed there and I am happy for that. "Can you imagine the problem in operating these cranes?" Well, one day, we will be the one to take charge of the operation, lol. But in the mean time, I am engineering with my sweet sweet husband.

They call it human nature, (that's bad a nature!) that there are people who are "raised eyebrows" when others seem to be successful, or just getting a bit higher than what they used to be. Instead of supporting them morally, rejoicing with them, and be happy for them, some seems to get bitter over it, and in their very depths, afraid to be emulated in what they're trying to be unique. People whose hearts are governed by greed and pride that will never get release unless they do something that will demoralize or embarrass the other, or something that will prove that they are still at the top. Bad and sad but that is first hand. There is no malice in the heart, yet, someone over there is about to burst by what we obtain. There is nothing to be insecure about if we get what we have with pure intentions. Those who envy are those who have malicious minds. Hecks, they are not our business, and let their pride consume them; still, we cannot keep silent if we are stepped upon. We pity to those people who are dealing with their own personality difficulty. They want to be the only one in the position and get all the attention; superficial people as they are, deep inside, they are empty and lonely that is why they are full of insecurities especially over those who are peaceful. One’s passion of anger, pride and envy will never be sated unless we are of accepting heart, secure in our own selves and happy over others’ gain, and with that, we will be lifted higher still, just as pride consumes the envious heart more.

It was very early in the 90's morning and the fog was still around my cousin's house when I woke up. Mmmhhhmmm, what's that smell? So fresh and so fragrant! I couldn't help but inhaled the perfume repeatedly! No other smells could compare to it! It felt like I was in paradise! So very fragrant, rich and deep with notes of rubber and custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli! My cousin Miss Louie said it was ylang-ylang. Hubby bought me seeds to plant since it's my favorite fragrance/flower and researched this for me...


Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) a.k.a Perfume Tree.

Originating in the Philippines, ylang ylang means “flower of flowers” or “fragrance of all fragrances.” This fragrance is traditionally used in aromatherapy to sharpen the senses and to temper depression, fear, anger, and jealousy. For these reasons, and also because of its reputation as an aphrodisiac, the flowers are spread on the beds of the newly married in Indonesia. Modern aromatherapists find the scent strongly sedating, easily sending the most reluctant sleeper off to dreamland. Science, on the other hand, regards ylang ylang essential oil more as a mental stimulant. Can it be both? Quite possibly it stimulates people’ s minds in one way while relaxing them in another.

Ylang ylang is also widely used as a cosmetic when mixed with coconut oil. People throughout the tropics use it to protect their hair from salt water damage. Today, as one of the most abundant and least expensive of the true floral-smelling essential oils, it is a favorite in perfumes and cosmetics and is even added to some beverages and desserts. The essential oil varies greatly due to climatic and botanical differences. As a result, there are several commercial grades with distinct scents.

Therapeutic properties of ylang ylang: Antidepressant; stimulates circulation, relieves muscle spasms, lowers blood pressure, relaxes nerves.

Uses for ylang ylang: Of all the essential oils, ylang ylang is one of the best at relaxing the mind and the body. Simply sniffing it can slightly lower blood pressure, although taking a bath with the oil or using it in a massage oil greatly enhances the relaxation experience. It can be helpful in cases of stress, shock, or anxiety. When used as a hair tonic, it balances oil production. Add about 6 drops to every ounce of hair conditioner. Note that when one buys Ylang-Ylang oil on the Internet, he or she has to pay 10 to 20 times as much as it costs in the Philippines. That's enough profit to think about growing one's own groves of Ylang-Ylang.

I FLEW TO THE USA!!!
I had to leave my family and live with my husband and fly with him to the USA. That was a great decision and we bade tearful goodbyes, and separated ways 2006. We arrived in NAIA and I was just thankful he was with me, for I knew it would not be that easy if I had to fly alone. We landed in Guam at night and stayed there for several hours since we caught the earlier flight from Manila; better early than delayed. In just few hours of flying I was out of the Philippines and in the US Territory already, I could not go home that easy!. I had no hard time with the immigration port of entry in Guam, just a question or two and I was cleared with my fiancé with me. Aloha, Hawaii! We had to check through our baggage again and groom ourselves and change clothes. Such long hours of trans-pacific flying, that meant I was getting farther from home. The flights were comfortable and smooth and after seven long hours in the aircraft, we arrived to Houston Airport. It is huge and the automated train is a darling. Peoples were white and black and with colorful hairs; that knocked to me as a reminder that I was in America already. Then the last of the five flights we would take to get to my fiancé’s home. It was in a much smaller plane with propellers. At last we arrived to Louisiana, the state name that before I took as the most beautiful and wish could go there. Boarding passes would go to my scrapbook later on as remembrance.

My first impressions of the US right from leaving the airport.

My first observation upon going out of the airport was that the drivers rarely use horns not like in India. Everything was smooth. Roads are good, and the countryside is pretty, with the trees and the trimmed grasses. It is a lovely expansive place. Big people are evreywhere. God is gracious.

Meeting family members
At long last we arrived to his lovely home. My father-in-law then was there to greet us. What a welcome. Just when I got out from the truck he hugged me. And everyone hugs a lot! I was not used to that actually. Except with my hubby, though. After resting a while we went down to his parents’ house and met my mother-in-law. She’s a smiling woman and hugged me, had to hug her too. I gave her presents, a native product of the Philippines, a shoulder bag, with personal accessories inside which hubby told me she likes to wear. I felt welcome (they should) and glad that they are so nice and good people.

The first thing I did in the US
In total we flew a total of 22 hours plus the time of waiting in between. The first thing I did was to sleep and sleep and let my body adjust to the different time zone. Sleep pattern was not right plus I was experiencing jet lag. I am 14 hours in the latitude away from home. I woke up every 3:00am, why at 3:00am I had no idea, and it took me three to four days in experiencing it.

Shopping for the first time.
We shopped for groceries at Wal-Mart and Super1. Wow! It is so expensive here (compared from home) though they are of low prices already! Gosh, I could do so much already with $300 worth of groceries at home. Okay I would not convert again. The vegetables! Wow, the eggplants are so big like an “upo” I can’t help but laugh in surprise. God is gracious. The clothes! So expensive, and we had hard time looking for my size. Everything is big. So we had to shop in the Internet next time to find the right size for me. Ohmy, I just didn’t comment when I saw the VS bill. We could buy motorcycle at home with that. And the footwear! Well, I would just not try to convert it. Cost of living is high. I had to teach my self to stop converting the figures if I would have to have peace of mind when shopping. Everything is expensive. But the quality is at it’s best.

First food.
He cooked for us the first days I was here. Lasagna, he grilled chicken quarters, and grits with butter, egg, cheese, and bacon in the morning. I thought that was too much. I didn’t like it that much at first but it tastes so good now.

First restaurant.
We ate in a Mongolian/Chinese restaurant that gives fortune cookie upon giving the bill. It was so nice buffet and everything is good in the eyes but too much for the stomach. It was very good.

Meeting other Filipinos (Pinoys)
I met Rainelle on the embassy upon our interview day. She would be headed in Florida. We communicated through email, and when she finally here, we called each other. We have not met though since then. The first Filipina I met was Joy, through her neighbor who is my mother-in-law’s friend. With her husband and Fil-Am kids, they went to the house and it was through her that I knew Asian/Oriental stores here. Then my brother-in-law Jamie met another Pinay, atë Marilou and she came to the house also and great that she knows my husband before then. They’re so nice ladies, upon the first meeting we are feeling close. It was good to know and meet them, and by chance, they’re also Bisaya..

I finally made it! My Internet connection just dropped down, totally lost. Maybe a bug anything brought successfully despite the updated protection we have, or maybe a mess I have just gotten into. It became worse and a highly technical thing. I must fix it or I will not be able to connect. I didn't have any know-how about OS and all other configurations, and if I don't have to sleep for two days to fix it, so I was sleepless. We spent long hours over international phone calls just for hubby to assist me. What a relief when it finally connected. We might have not fixed it with the technician over the phone, but he really helped and hinted me ideas which made it worked. It was my ever first time doing that. And I learned a lot from it. A lot. It was just easy after all.

Finally, I'm done with my old posts! I wanted to concentrate on here and get rid of my dummies, copied all previous ones. Been busy for two days in a row to construct my site, and at the same time, studying html and css, gosh, I just stayed on the basics for now. I don't know if it has something to do with my template but I couldn't get it collapsible/expandable in the main page after following the codes. And the posts in the second page of my blog all has "read more". Maybe it's a bug or something in my codes, but I'm quite contented for now. Today actual posts start. Thanks for visiting my site, you can drop a line or leave a comment. Thanks.

This Sunday the Daylight Savings Time will begin. Hubby reminded me to move the clock up one hour, and he will be home earlier by one hour, and I said, "I would move it to five weeks!" I wish he would not go, but we have to deal with it, it's not the first time, but I am kind to empty when I go back home from the airport and be alone, except with Lady Gishi. At least now, I have more things to attend to to keep me busy. Hopefully my tulips will all grow and yeah, what a welcome for hubby when he comes home with the flowers blooming. I will make sure of that!