Celebrate Earth Day everyday

It is summer and people spend a lot of time cooling themselves by going to the beaches and staying out while for those who don't have the privilege of air-conditioned office rooms, staying home means turning on the cooling systems and spinning the electric meters crazy.

But wait. I've read about this Earth Day though there wasn't that much fuzz celebrating it. Could it be because there are 2 days during the year designated as Earth Day or maybe, people just take everything for granted while majority has enough problems already trying to get by each day.

Nonetheless, all of us must do our part in ensuring that future generations still do get to enjoy breathing clean air and seeing a wonderful functional Earth as it had been during our younger days. It doesn't require grandiose actions, small, meaningful ways to help will do.

My contribution: Wear light clothing when at home (or none at all, if possible) to beat the heat.

Mom and Dad are so over . . . parenting, that is

How many times have you seen or heard parents holding out their babies off environments not germ-free or not letting them discover the thrill of the playground because he or she will get sand or mud and/or they forgot to bring antibacterial wipes or lotion.

Well, know what, medical experts are pleading with parents to stop with the anti-germ hysteria because rather than preventing illness in children, it's actually causing it, encouraging the growth of treatment-resistant strains of bacteria, and preventing kids' exposure in the healthy doses required to grow a strong immune system.

Now this is an all too common example about how over-parenting is counter-productive. Read more about Katie Allison Granju and 'The Over-Parenting Crisis'. (And yes, I, too, am guilty your honor).

Check the new links in Mouse Traps, cool parents and see how your skills match against the online gurus.

Kaisa

Not really sure what the exact term means in Filipino but as far as I'm concerned, it refers to 'being at one with', to share a feeling or even deeper, empathize. The tragedy at Virginia Tech last week may not be the worst of tragedies given how people have been at war with fellow men, environment and even themselves. Yet, it doesn't necessarily negate the senselessness of it all.

But today, we're not just here at the far side of the globe. We are praying, we are hoping that families find strength, we are one with you in our thoughts, we, too, are Virginia Tech.

Portent of things to come

I've just come across a forum asking what are the things that generally make adults cry. Some list movies, others books while a number say that their kids, especially the time when they say their first words, never fail to make their lacrimals drip. Count me among them and if you want further proof, this video may be putting it quite mildly than how we envision Zaki once she straightens her vocabulary.

Be patient, video loading depends on what connection you are using, but sure is worth it.

In Nick of time

Time for another glimpse into Zaki's life, so far. (So, who is Nick Drake? )

For those who want their kids to have a head start (who doesn't?) through expensive baby products, you may want to consider more traditional play and games instead. See here. And more.

27th month

It wasn't too long ago that we were quite impatient waiting for Zaki to break out of her almost 20 hours of daily sleep and quiet inactivity for us to be able to spend waking hours to be able to play with her. Today, the irony is that we couldn't wait to put her to sleep (by whatever means, natural or artificial ?!) so we could at least get some shut eye and rest before she again darts and charges from the moment she wakes demanding full attention or else. Whether demanding to go outside the house or turn on the PC to listen and sing-along to her favorite TV themes from Batman and Spiderman cartoons or fly and jump endlessly across the bed pretending to be Superman (and dad, the projectile target), Zaki could be such a drain on a daily basis! Often times it gets too much and war ensues. Yet, at the end of the day, everything is forgiven because she really has come a long way and we're just as excited to see her progress the coming days till forever.

On another note, it is time to say thanks to family, friends and relatives who continue to provide support for Zaki. We owe a lot of people for the help they continue to provide us. Wait in the coming months for the long list to appear in this site.

Plug. Want an idea of how far Zaki has grown? Easy, just look closely at the page header, err, footer, err below header of this blog and look closely at the drawing. Just goes to show how important genetics and upbringing are to kids!

Another year in a blur!

I still haven't figured out how to tweak the template for my own liking but I'm reading a lot so expect some changes by tomorrow (or next year). Here's the banner I made for Zaki's 2nd birthday last Dec 8 and finally a vid. Happy New Year to everyone!

Zen to Welcome 2007

Change, I think it's about time . . .

3 more months to go . . .

Can't really think of anything to say right now.

Ride of her life, sorta

"(she's) a fool for the rodeo . . ."

Blabber

Most people need to find out all the answers in dealing with life. Uncertainty is something we'd rather sweep under the rug. Yet, life isn't a guarantee, otherwise, it would be boring and will feel monotonous. It is all about risks and facing up to fears and challenges. It is holding on to visions with hope that even without a clear picture, things are definitely looking up.

Smile says it all!

Little girl has taken over, Bedtime!

I've had a gruelling but exciting 4 weeks with a new job that required me to get up at 4:15 am and out of the house before 5 am to make it on a 6 am schedule. Thought the schedule would be fine since I'd be home earlier and could spend time with Zaki. Alas, had no gas left in my tank by the time I get home and would often doze off the moment my body touches anything resembling a bed. Off to dreamland, I went for at least the first 10 days until the lil fella would have enough of it. Brilliant strategies like throwing up on my back while I was lying to riding my almost lifeless body like a horse sure lifted me off my stupor. From then on, I got the point. Bedtime is when Zaki says so.

Good thing, I have another job offer waiting for me and i don't have to get up early.

Strange

Sure, we knew that Zaki's birth meant a lot of changes in our lives, like giving up sleep and movies - not that tragic really , but I never imagined how drastically our world will be since December 2004. We've had the tsunami, hurricane, avian flu, mudslides and yes, terrorist attacks to complete the negative equation. But come to think of it, I guess more people now have come to the realization of things that are really important to them and of spending precious time doing what they love because for all we know life may just take a strange turn in a blink of an eye.

Anyway, before we set off job-hunting, here's a photo of Zaki doing what she does best . . .

Tsk, tsk

I've never had to work this hard all my life and still feel that I am doing a poor job. I've been a full-time dad to Zaki for nearly 11 months now although I still play second fiddle to my wife in terms of primary care. Physically, I think this is quite a workout. Mentally, it's driving me nuts. (Just imagine being the mother).

If all babies are like her, then a toast to all parents who have raised their child/children with their wits intact. Every day now has been a struggle to be patient while Zaki screams (and kicks) for her wishes to be carried out all the while she is in tow in the most awkward of positions. If only we could understand what it is she wants then it'll be easier. Unfortunately, we don't.

Thankfully, there also is nightime sleep. Tis the best time to carefully examine her in all her baby glory in peace. I am tired most of the day but I'd be a fool to complain. Not tonight, while most people are counting their many blessings I'm perfectly content with just having this one.

Pac Man Euphoria

Everything stopped for at least 5 hours yesterday in the Philippines. (Not for Zaki since she was her usual hyperactive self complete with intermittent bursts of shrieks and screams which could have floored even trained boxers if they spend a day with her.) This time though it is not due to some political disturbance nor natural calamity. This one is a result of Pac Man - Manny Pacquiao's historic 10th round TKO of future boxing Hall of Famer and never-been-officially-floored-before Erik Morales.

This brings back memories of many years past when I first got a glimpse of Pac doing the local boxing circuit. I was amazed at how a boxer of humble roots possess a tremendous left punch like a little Tyson. One-dimensional as boxing experts say (and belittle) but effective nonetheless. Look for him improving his place at the latest pound-for-pound rankings.

Anyway, here's to Filipinos everywhere! Unity is truly possible even if only for a day or two courtesy of Pac.

Keane

Just want to say that my wife, Zaki ( 13 months old) and I are listening for almost 2 and 1/2 years already to Keane and has shown no signs of stopping until a new album perhaps or another brilliant song/s comes along. Just saw the "Strangers" DVD and it has just renewed the sense of wonder that we have for the band. Their music truly is special and heartfelt. Reminds me of the new wave bands of the 80's that I also continue to listen to up to this day, 'cept that now instead of using cassettes and vinyl, I have a 20g Ipod Photo.

Pac Girl

For the last few months since she was born - Dec 8, 2004, Zaki was never much of an eater. Since she was diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), she was prone to throwing up almost everything she eats and drinks. Thankfully, beginning yesterday, she has turned instantly into a food deposit chamber! Whereas before, she only puts non-edible things into her mouth now she is drinking milk in good quantity and has shown unexpected interest in eating food. Finally!

With fingers crossed, I just pray that she 'll continue to eat well and make up for the lost time and gain the proper weight she needs before her scheduled surgery within the year.