My friend Wally, a preschool teacher, texted me yesterday about going to Africa as a volunteer teacher. I was a bit shocked because I never knew that she’d go all the way to Africa to help people! I thought that she’s always happy and contented with what she have here in the Philippines but it seems like it is not enough. She told me about VSO Bahaginan and how she really wanted to go abroad to make a difference in her life. I never knew that she’s seriously into volunteering although she always help people in any way that she can. She even invited me to join so I got intrigued and Google it..

VSO Bahaginan is a development organization that promotes volunteering.

We are committed to fight poverty and disadvantage through a wide range of volunteering development programs. We are the federation member of VSO in Asia and the Pacific. VSO is the world’s leading independent international development charity that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.
We provide opportunities for skilled Filipinos to volunteer overseas

VSO Bahaginan recruits, trains and sends skilled professionals to work in partnership with organizations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. We manage and develop business partnerships with companies who release their employees on short-term volunteer placements.
We support national volunteering to encourage active citizenship

Through volunteering, people – including the poor and marginalized – can participate in the transformation of their communities. We support organizations, programs and advocacies that promote volunteering for development. We do this by developing products and delivering training to help national volunteering partners to practice good volunteer management. We involve young people and give them a chance to make a real difference in their exchange communities. (vsobahaginan.org.ph)

Wow! This is a huge thing. Helping people change their lives to a better one and make them truly happy – is for someone with a big big big heart! I don’t know if my heart is that big or if I’m already READY for a life changing experience :undecided I wish I’m brave enough and has a big heart like my friend Wally

If I really wanted to make a difference I would..

Volunteer my time for something I believe in.

Selfless giving fused with enthusiasm is a powerful combination. That’s why so many people have chosen volunteerism as a way to make a difference. They have learned that joining with others to address a certain need or issue – whether practical or philosophical, local or global – multiplies the degree to which they can affect change. It’s also an excellent way to make friends with those who share an interests.

If you have never considered volunteering, the best time to get involved is now. Action infused with passion can change the world!

I have a sweet tooth. Sweet tooth is a colloquial term to describe the common psychological condition in which subjects feel an unnaturally strong urge for foods which are sweet. (Wikipedia) . I eat a lot of sweets – cakes, ice creams, donuts, chocolates, etc. – and some of those can really make you twist out of your seat or make you numb for a couple of minutes! No kidding! Crazy, noh?!

candies, anyone?

what about ice creams?

or cakes? ooooh yummy!

I’m going to buy a Yorkshire Terrier. It’s a bit expensive so I really need to work-work-work hard to buy my cute little Moomin.

Did you know that Yorkshire’s have hypoallergenic coats? No need to worry about asthma or allergies anymore! The Yorkshire Terrier breed is also bold and active. They do like to please their owners so they are very easy to train. They can be a lap dog, after playing they will cuddle up with you.

Can’t wait to buy my Moomin! Look at the picture soooo cute and adorable!

The song that keeps on playing in my head is…

“Broken” by Lifehouse

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is there healing
In your name (In your name) I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hanging on another day just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be ok

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, haven't forgotten my way home

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name (In your name) I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on,(I'm still holdin)
I'm holdin' on, (I'm still holdin')
I'm holdin' on, (I'm still holdin')
I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')
I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')
I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')
I'm barely holdin' on to you...

Have a 15-minute “silly” break :P

View your childhood photos. It will surely bring back happy memories!

Snack on “Cocoa-nut” bananas. Slice a couple of bananas, roll each slice in cocoa, shake off the excess, and dip in grated coconut. Yum yum!

Burn an incense stick. Breathe in jasmine, vanilla or sandalwood scents to help you relax.

Try “Black and Blue” meditation. Visualize your breathing in blue, calming air and exhaling black, angry air. Drain stress out of your body with every breath.

Give yourself a foot massage. Roll a tennis ball under your bare feet. It’s a technique that gets to all those reflexology pressure points.

Go for a quick jog around your neighborhood for a change of scenery.

Have fun!

My today’s advice is..

Take a break

Yesterday I started doing Body Combat. Body Combat is the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed. This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi and Muay Thai. Supported by driving music and powerful role model instructors strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness. (lesmills.com)

It is the total body 20-minute workout! The more you move, the better you feel about losing weight. Do it at least three times a week and I’m sure you’ll be a vavavoom! I’m already imagining what I would look like three to four weeks from now.. Ooooh sexy!

What’s the big deal about Adam Lambert losing the American Idol? Everyone seems disappointed and depressed, why??? I mean, sure a lot of people says he’s sooo good, the total performer blah blah blah.

But Kris Allen really deserves to win! His voice is more of a top-of-the-hits-radio-friendly kind of thing. Pure talent. He has a great voice and doesn’t need to shout the song (just to get more attention) all the time! For me, it looks like real talent wins over theatrics!

If I really wanted to make a difference I would..

Be careful not to assign blame.

It takes humility and courage to own up to our mistakes and admit that we are (go ahead, you can say it), “wrong“. It isn’t an easy thing to do. But taking responsibility for your actions and refusing to pass the blame to someone else can make a big difference in your life and the lives of others.

Bottom line: Stop blaming others!

Have you seen the reality series Jon and Kate plus 8? Well if not, it’s about the Gosselin family, consisting of parents Jon and Kate and their eight children—a set of fraternal twin girls and a set of sextuplets (three girls and three boys, all fraternal). The show follows the family through their daily lives, focusing on the challenges of raising multiple children.

The twins – Cara Nicole and Madelyn “Mady” Kate Gosselin were born, six minutes apart on October 8, 2000. The sextuplets – in birth order: Alexis Faith, Hannah Joy, Aaden Jonathan, Collin Thomas, Leah Hope and Joel Kevin were born on May 10, 2004 via Caesarean Section within a span of three minutes with more than fifty doctors, nurses, and other specialists involved. (Wikipedia)

Lately, Jon & Kate are all over the news due to being unfaithful to each other. Both are allegedly having an affair – Jon to a slut teacher and Kate to a loser her bodyguard. They have serious marital problems and the issue will be addressed in the upcoming season of their television show, premiering May 25. How sad for the kids, mommy and daddy doesn’t love care about each other anymore! Tsk tsk tsk!

Do you have a hard time feeding your child or making him do homework/study? Well, all you need is some play time and pleeease stop the constant nagging. Psychologists say that it is through play that your child learns more about the world. For example, running and kicking teach the child balance and coordination. To teach your child how to count, why not make a game out of counting things. Always remember to praise your child – the more praises the better! He will gain confidence knowing you are interested in his activities.

Hard to feed child? Get your kids involved in food shopping and preparation. Nagging children to eat “healthy foods” can be very stressful and may give them the feeling that eating is a chore. Teach them the benefits of food to the body. Also, mealtimes should be relaxing, fun and pleasant!

Do you have this stubborn neck and back pains specially when working? I have good news people! You don’t have to get out of the office to exercise. Stand in your area in the office, raise your arms up, reach for an imaginary object that is high above your head. Do this one arm at a time for 8 counts each. Do this again, this time, sideways. Simple exercises like this help develop muscle tone and contribute to a relaxed body.

Stretch like a cat – this is the painless way to ease neck and back pains. Meow!

If  I really wanted to make a difference I would..

Encourage others to pursue their dreams.

Make a wonderful difference by helping others keep their dreams alive. Encourage them to evaluate what practical planning and preparation must take place before their dreams become reality.

Inspire someone to reach for the stars. It could be that one day someone you know will find the courage to do something remarkable because you were there to urge them forward.

Do you have this weird thing about a particular song stuck in your head? Then you heard it over and over bugging your brains out?! Sometimes you hum along, then, you heard yourself singing out loud and you can’t help it anymore it’s repeating again and again.. Well, it’s LSS (last song syndrome) for you guys who doesn’t know what it’s called.

I have a daily dose of LSS and I’m going to pass it on share it to you My LSS of the day is…

Someday We’ll Know by New Radicals

I bought a ticket to the end of the rainbow
I watched the stars crash in the sea
If I could ask God just one question
Why aren’t you here with me tonight?

Someday we’ll know if love can move a mountain…

These particular lines keeps on playing in my head. Aarrgh! Someday we’ll know…

According to CNN as of late Sunday, Mexican health officials reported 568 cases and 22 fatalities linked to the flu. WHO says it has confirmed 506 cases and 19 deaths in Mexico.

The world has 898 confirmed cases of the virus, known to scientists H1N1 virus, in a total of 18 countries, WHO said Sunday.

The United States has reported 226 confirmed cases in 30 states. The U.S. cases include one death — a Mexican toddler visiting relatives in the United States.

According to WHO, Canada has 70 confirmed cases; the United Kingdom has 15; Spain has 13; Germany has 6; New Zealand has 4; Israel has 3; France has 2; and Austria, China, South Korea, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Ireland each have one.

This is getting very very serious and really scary so please everyone take care of yourselves! And let us all pray for those who are afflicted with H1N1 Virus (and those with other health problems) and pray, pray real hard that the Philippines, our country will be free of this virus. I know there are some cases here that are being monitored and if ever the virus will spread, that’s the scariest thing because we are not ready. We all know that we are not ready, even if the government says we are, but truly we are not! Cases being monitored and the Department of Health needed the help of other countries because we don’t have the capability to identify if it’s the H1N1 Virus or just an ordinary flu (the symptoms are almost the same) so it’s very difficult.

I pray to God that a vaccine or a medicine will be available soon to cure those who have the virus and it will be over. Pray people, pray!

My today’s advice is..

When you lose, dont lose the lesson.

I was looking for James Morrison’s lyrics when I saw this 25 saddest songs in the whole world (spinner.com). I got very curious and view all the songs but much to my dismay I didn’t know most of the songs. There are explanations though as to why it is one of the saddest songs.

Here are the list of the 25 saddest songs in descending order:

25. The River – Bruce Springsteen (1980)

24. Nothing Compares To You – Sinead O’Conor (1990)

23. No Surprises – Radiohead (1991)

22. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke (1964)

21. Space Oddity – David Bowie (1969)

20. That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be – Carly Simon (1971)

19. Lost Cause – Beck (2002)

18. I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You – Bee Gees (1968)

17. Back To Back – Amy Winehouse (2006)

16. Shilo – Neil Diamond (1968)

15. My Mom – Chocolate Genius (1998)

14. Anyone Who Had A Heart – Dionne Warwick (1963)

13. Naked As We Came – Iron and Wine (2004)

12. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning – Frank Sinatra (1954)

11. Brick – Ben Folds Five (1997)

10. In The Real World – Roy Orbison (1989)

9. Concrete Angel – Martina McBrride (2001)

8. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross (2003)

7. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (1994)

6. He stopped Loving Her Today – George Jones (1980)

5. I Know It’s Over – The Smiths (1986)

4. Hurt – Johnny Cash (2002)

3. Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles (1966)

2. Gloomy Sunday – Billie Holiday (1941)

1. Chicken Wire – Pernice Brothers (1998)