Sweet Suggestions for February

Love is still in the air! Here are eight ways you can show your man how he rocks your world. Some are taken from books or articles that I've read. The other suggestions are just from my mind - yet to be fulfilled.

1. At bedtime, put some lotion on his feet to moisturize them during these cold times.

2. Celebrate the chilly nights with an ice kiss. How? Melt an ice cube in your mouth until your mouth becomes cold and then plant a kiss that will give him chills!

3. This Valentine's Day, let him mess up your clean kitchen by cooking his special gourmet thing.

4. Dab a tiny drop of your perfume on his handkerchief or collar. He'll think of you the whole day.

5. Snuggle up to him while sipping that hot chocolate or watching the sad-ending movie.

6. Learn how to whisper in his ear with your mouth open.

7. Dig through his baby pictures and frame his funny or witty poses.

8. Conduct a careful study of his erogenous zones and make use of your knowledge.

Bed Weather

January and February of each year are usually the cold months in the Philippines. But there's something different with the weather this year. I grew up in the Philippines and I've never felt this cool breeze of air in our city before. The 17°C temperature is also consistent throughout the past days and nights. We're like living in Baguio City which is the coldest place in the country. (According to the news, the temperature in Baguio is almost 07°C today.) These exceptional colder days bring out my hibernating mode... and I'm not enjoying it.

My faithful alarm wakes me up at seven in the morning but these January winds and weak light are pulling me back beneath the sheets. This somber weather also frustrates my sports minded and physically active hubby. Gilbert has tendencies to hit the couch any moment too but I'm trying to motivate him in sticking with his exercise routine.

Close friends can affirm how much I prefer warm, sunny days with the blue sky, or fruit shakes and barbeque beside the beach. But I guess, I need to live up to it especially now they're saying that the earth is on the brink of Ice Age. Whoa! Let's prepare for that, just in case. (Source: http://english.pravda.ru/science/earth/106922-0/)

I was thinking of ways on how I can stay fit and at the same time, be more creative at home when the weather is this gloomy. So here goes my list:

1. Make myself busy - First thing that came to my mind is to do my household chores. I'm hitting two birds with one stone. Oooppss, make that three! Our little home is cleaner than ever. I have a fit and toned body through stretching. I'm being productive despite this chilly weather. Yippie! I started to clear off a section in our already too cluttered closet for our cold gear - jackets, scarfs, and thick socks.

2. Drink water - EVEN IF I am not thirsty. Remember that a person can be dehydrated in the cold as in the summer season. 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday is still advisable. Besides, it'll keep myself internally moisturized and prevent dry skin.

3. Care for my skin - When temperatures drop, it also zap the moisture on our skin. I replenish it by using mild soap to clean my face every morning and before I sleep. I also exfoliate and scrub my skin before showering at least once a week. And lastly, moisturize using a lotion everyday with a natural ingredient. Organic is better.

TIP: You can apply lotion on your feet at night and cover them with cotton socks to keep them moisturized. Believe it or not, I got this idea from my brother. He's a bit vain.

4. Exercise for my heart - At the end of the day, I'll enjoy the cold, quiet moment with the person I love. We'll drink that hot brewed coffee while exchanging stories and snuggling up! Surely, this is the best cure for cabin fever.

I guess this bed weather is not that bad after all.

A Ten Minute Chat

On my way to meet my sister-in-law in Clark, I got an intriguing text message from a good friend, Inna, so I rushed to eTelecare to meet her.

I saw her from afar with a big grin. We hugged each other firmly and at an instant, we were just like crazy radio actors narrating all the highs and lows of our lives. Imagine us chatting about these topics which were flowing sporadically in averagely ten minutes.

-She shared about the current status of their employment.
-I ached for her work concern.
-She confessed how sad she felt for recently arguing with another colleague/friend.
-I assured her it won't stain their relationship.
-She declared how happy she is now as a married woman.
-I attested the truth of her statement.
-She told me about Naning's health status after a minor home accident. (Naning is Cleo's daughter.)
-I praised my friend Cleo for being a super mom.
-She broke the news that she's three days delayed!
-I was ecstatic and advised her to see her OB Gyne right away.
-She stressed that she'll take care of herself for her baby.
-I encouraged her to try thebump.com online for her baby planner.
-She reminded me of the time and my appointment with my sister-in-law.
-I squeezed her tightly and thanked her for a lovely chat.
-She beamed a wide smile and kissed me goodbye.

So I drove away with mixed emotions - wishing I could stretch the time.

my priceless blessing

Gilbert and I are seriously, annoyingly affectionate with lots of everyday hugs, winks and kisses. Today marks the fourth year of our married life and it still feels like we've just met. I learn something new from him and about him each passing time. Well, he's definitely not a saint with his flaws but his generosity and honest love overshadow them. He's a matured, sensible man with a waggish humor.

Our life together is like climbing a tall mountain. Naturally there are many inherent difficulties on our way to the peak, but we stop once in a while to appreciate the miracles we receive each day. We try not to set our eyes on the steeps, stony or icy paths we ascend because seeing only those will make our climb useless.

We do have a long way to go but just being with him in this journey is one of my priceless blessings.

a boxing event

When I saw my brothers watching a boxing event with much rapt and intent yesterday, gladness filled my heart. I can vividly remember their growing up years - mimicking boxers, committing mayhem around the house with their energy, exuberance, and ardor not simmering down.

They grew up together yet their qualities are entirely distinctive. One is laid back and lighthearted and the other is a systematic leader, full of conviction. They have one thing in common though - their sense of humor (I think it runs through our veins). Evening dinner and chit chats won't be complete without their comic antics tickling every member of the family.

Now that they're both of age, I pray to the Lord that they remain generous, loving and happy. May they counterpunch life's trials, throwing a series of uppercuts at problems, just like a professional, disciplined boxer who is utterly undefeated by a unanimous decision.

Deep in my heart, I know they were raised to be responsible and courageous. If their opponent gets aggressive and throws a jab at them, there's no doubt that they can block or slip past them and respond with an inside power punch.

They are in-charge of their own lives but I'll still be here to love them - unfailingly.