#family in NG with the instructions that she needs them to be her new family

[kens-puku]

Y'all are gonna think I'm so weird.

But I'm running with this idea I've had for a while for my mcl ocs. Well, other than the actual other mcl ocs I've made.

It's part lazy, part bizarre.

Clones.

Yep, clones.

My MCL NG oc is a clone of the original Puku, but different. I haven't figured out the details yet, but it's like what I did with Pukun, Puku's male clone. It has the idea of a type of clone theory idea of nature vs nurture. The DNA and nature of the puku clones is the same, but the nurture is always a bit different depending on circumstances. Puku "prime" is the parent of all the clones made, but Puku "prime" had a different parentage and upbringing than the clones. Not to mention, the events of each mcl game has different outcomes for clone Puku.

This Puku has -teal- hair and is a zoomer, I guess. Raised by Puku "prime" and has the existential grappling of dealing with being a clone in general.

There's... still a lot of ironing out to do. Like... Where does Kentin fit into all this? How should I incorporate the family given to Puku 2.0 in New Generation?

Why am I giving this plot to an MCL OC!??

lol

[shomoo]

Many of you have been asking me why my shop has been closed for the last two years. Some of you may have notice I was missing from the convention circuit before Quarantine hit.

Two years ago I was told by a dozen doctors that I was a very difficult case and I was not going to make it past a few weeks.

My kidneys were failing. My heart was very weak. I had congestive heart failure. Organs were shutting off...My weight was under 80 pounds. I was anemic, so weak I could not walk. My lungs & the area around my heart were filled with liters of fluid. I was drowning inside and could not sleep for weeks. All I was left with was a huge pre medi-cal approval hospital bill.

I thought my time had come...

What happened after is a miracle of friendship.

What was meant to be one final reunion with my best friends to thank them for their friendship and to get one final hug, became a quest to save my life.

My good soul brother super awesome movie director and storyboardart.com owner, Sergio Paez & the fantastic super talented Ghost Rider Robbie Reyes creator Felipe Smith -FelipeSmith.com came together & they decided they were not going to let me die.

They temporarily set aside their very successful careers to become caregivers and make shift nurses. They cared for me 24/7. They were there every night of the many months I spent at the hospital. They washed my hair when I could not. They carried me when I could not walk.

Many of you may know I have no family here. My mother died a very tragic death, shortly before I was admitted in the hospital. My brother left this world while I was fighting for my life. I know little of my father. My sister is in Japan but she has an equally challenging immunological illness after recovering from a massive stroke. She is also fighting for her life.

My family of friends and the awesome crew at UCSF hospital saved my life.

Their dialysis team and their ER team knew me by name by my fifth visit.

There are some fantastic vocational nurses at UCSF whom really helped me through months of surgeries and tests.

At the moment I am a home hemodialysis patient with kidney failure. I am connected to a machine every other day for hours, to live. I am still fighting my way to recovery.

I am not yet tested for possible transplant. I was too weak and needed to get stronger. Then...Covid happened and everything slowed. I may need a donor if I am tested positive for transplant.

Did you know you only need one kidney to live a healthy life? Most of us came with a pair. There are too many of us with kidney failure and not enough donors. If you are curious about living kidney donations you can check the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) website: www.kidney.org/livingdonation

Super talents Sergio, Felipe, Mike Judge (Not that MJ. The other MJ Gorotoro.com) along with my awesome huge list of fantastic animation and comics community of friends, have been helping me survive for the past two years as I struggled to live.

I am blessed with a huge non blood related family of friends & they happen to be all extremely talented.

I am immensely grateful for everyone’s support. This gratitude helped me immensely to go through this journey.

You are part of my family of friends. You have been there supporting my work despite of the repetitive vault postings and the absence of new art for the last two years.

Now, my good friends are now coming together to organize a benefit show.

Healsho : Benefit Auction with art & workshops from some of the best professionals in the comic & animation industry.

If you are an artist and feel like you may like to help with the online event or donate art, you can still contribute. Contact the organizers here :

https://www.healsho.com/i-want-to-help

Check the online live event info here:

https://www.help.healsho.com/event1605398159762

Instagram @healsho

Live Event dates:

December 10-13, 2020

To be able to look at the items or bid/buy you will need to sign up to receive login instructions. Signing up is FREE.

Sign up here

https://www.help.healsho.com/event1605398159762#section--78558

Many of you patiently waited for years for my shop to open again.

I will have some rare sketches and originals up for grabs in this auction too.

And many many art prints.

This is your chance to get fantastic art from very known artists in the industry whom normally are all sold out or very hard to find & get classes from very known Animation and story directors who are too busy making movies to teach.

Some of the fantastic participating artists, film directors and animation industry pro’s are:

Dice Tsusumi, Jerome Opeña, Carlos Baena, Ted Mathot, Derek Thompson, Ronnie del Carmen, Jonathan Wayshak, Felipe Smith, 1980Who, Alberto Ruiz, Alina Chau, Anthony Hon, Bosco Ng, Chris Petrocchi, CJ Guzman, Ed Bell, Erena Shimoda, James Baker, Joel Sigua, Keron Grant, Le Tang, Martin Hsu, Mike Judge, Rhode Montijo, Robert Valley, Soosa Kim, Tom Rubalcava, Toshiko Kamiyama, Victor Gascon, Wahab Algarmi, Yoriko Ito

If you are not able to donate or purchase art, you can help just by sharing this post or the auction site. You will help me and others like me, by spreading kidney donation awareness.

Help me spread the word

Did you know you only need one kidney to live a healthy life? Most of us came with a pair. There are too many of us with kidney failure and not enough donors. If you are curious about living kidney donations you can check the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) website: www.kidney.org/livingdonation

Finding a selfless angel who wants to donate a kidney for nothing in return but the gratification of saving someone’s life (& giving the gift of life) is difficult. There are 113,000+ people on the waiting list for a kidney donor. Every ten minutes one more person is added to the list.

I am trying to get an experimental alternative treatment to heal my kidneys before opting for kidney transplant testing but it is very expensive, no insurance covers them. I do not know how many months of treatment I may need for it to work.

Super talents Sergio, Felipe, Mike Judge (Not that MJ. The other MJ Gorotoro.com) along with my awesome huge list of fantastic animation and comics community of friends, have been helping me survive for the past two years as I struggled to live.

I am blessed with a huge non blood related family of friends & they happen to be all extremely talented.

I am immensely grateful for everyone’s support. This gratitude helped me immensely to go through this journey.

You are part of my family of friends. You have been there supporting my work despite of the repetitive vault postings and the absence of new art for the last two years.

Now, my good friends are now coming together to organize a benefit show.

If you would like to donate cash, you can donate here:

www.paypal.me/healsho

The art community is comprised of some of the best people on earth and I am very blessed to have been a part of it...hopefully with your help I will be able to get back in it.

[seedystreet]

D&D characters I’ve had the chance to play! (except Aggie rip)

Brynn was the only one I’d fully drawn before, so I thought it’d be fun to have all five of them together!

Thanks for looking, have a nice day!

(more info about them below the cut for those curious)

Alvira Nailo, NG half-elf monk (way of tranquility): first character I ever played for a one-shot. i really enjoyed this character a lot! love love love the extra movement speed monks get, and having that little bit of healing ability was really useful.

she spent most of her childhood with her elven mother’s family, then in her teen years she traveled with her human father’s merchant group, before eventually settling down at the monastery. at the time of her adventuring, she is sent out in the world in search of their abbott, who seemingly disappeared over night.

Foster Goodhope, CG half-orc bard (college of valor): second character for a couple of one-shots with a group at school. bards are definitely fun, but the different play style did take a little getting used to. (didn’t help that i always forgot about relentless endurance right when i needed it)

alone on the streets, with only a vague memory of her parents and a few pages of their music, she joins a street performance group by chance. after years of putting on the same shows, they temporarily part ways to search the world for new stories to tell.

Brynn Adira Fayeth, NG half-elf warlock (pact of the celestial): character for a Death House one-shot during last year’s Tabletop Day. i’ve heard some people don’t think too highly of the warlock class, but i thought it was fun! if i get the chance to play her again, i might give one of the other pacts a try (nothing wrong with celestial, but some of the others sound interesting too)

her parents are scholars, though largely ostracized for their controversial theories on the nature of magic. to protect their daughter, they send her to study at the farthest wizard’s tower they can. there she spends many studious years, losing herself in the corners of the library, until she unwittingly makes a warlock’s pact. her teachers do not approve of “that kind” of magic, and unceremoniously kick her out. out on her own, she searches the world for forgotten places, wanting to see if her parents were right after all.

Raddika Rockfist, CG hill dwarf cleric (grave domain): played her for a couple sessions in a friend’s campaign. i love how strong the cleric class is in general, plus grave domain has some cool features (ranged spare the dying as a cantrip? heck yeah) i like dwarves too, but the reduced movement speed was a little painful to me.

Growing up in a village in the hills, she thought the quiet life wasn’t for her. young and impulsive, she took up a soldier’s banner to see the rest of the world, trading her rock breaking hammer for a war hammer. not far into her career, poor orders led to her company being nearly wiped out, a few of them only surviving by rescue from another company chancing by. no longer trusting the chain of command, she slowly broke off from the military, dedicating herself to learning to heal. though she technically works for the temple, she often finds her own way of doing things, rather than following all the temple instructions. the temple can’t deny the reliability of her results, so she takes on less public roles, and gets sent on the more unorthodox jobs.

Agnimitra ‘Aggie’ Albright, CN fire genasi monk (way of gun-fu): made her for a modern setting campaign that didn’t pan out T^T but I had her sheet all filled out, so I included her anyway. i know it’s not the most ideal race/class combo, but i liked the contrast of fiery nature vs calm environment. (backstory is slightly incomplete, but i’m gonna put it here anyway)

left on the doorstep of the monastery as a baby, the monk’s life was the only one available to her. still, she struggled against the calm and routine of the place. only one of the old monks really had the patience for her, but it wasn’t enough. as soon as she was able, she started sneaking out, eventually getting tangled up in the criminal underworld. eventually, the circle she was in sent her out on a mission as a test, but she froze, not finding it in herself to kill for no reason. she was saved from her precarious situation by her patient teacher, who intervened before the criminals could exact punishment. to repay him, she promised she would become a better person.

if you read all the way to the end, that’s it! thanks for reading, have a nice day ^0^

[quiet-night-musings]

Justine and Just Him (02)

02 - Not All Magic Wands are Pointy Sticks

2. Start a new hobby

"The first thing you need to know is how to make a slip knot for crochet. You need to cast the yarn onto the hook so you can start crocheting. It's simple. Quickly twist and loop the yarn onto the hook, wrap the yarn under the hook and pull it through the loop to tighten. It will look awkward. But don't worry. Just keep practicing and you'll master it."

"What's that?" biglang dumungaw si Tasha sa cellphone ko. "Crochet? You know how to crochet?"

"Just watching. Ang cute, eh," I reasoned out and locked my phone.

I don't know why but of all hobbies that I could think of—crochet ruled out everything else. At first, I picked cross-stitch but I realized that I'd be needing a lot of threads in different colors to complete a project. So I switched to scrapbooking but eventually gave up the idea because I'm not artistic. In the end, crochet it is. Maybe it had something to do with the crochet bikini top I found on an online shop. It's so cute and I want to own one too. When I read the reviews, others mentioned how bad it was made. And that they could make a better piece. It piqued my interest and searched how to make a crochet bikini top.

Voila! I found loads of tutorial videos on YouTube. Natuwa ako nang malaman na ang dami palang magagawa with yarns and a needle. I don't need dozens of colored threads or adhesive and embellishments like in cross-stitch and scrapbooking. Sa crochet, isang kulay lang ng sinulid at isang hook, marami ng magagawa. Maliban sa bikini top, may bikini bottom din pala. Akala ko kasi dati scarf at mga cover-ups lang ang pwede.

My excitement led me to buy a dozen of yarn, new scissors, and crochet needles of different sizes. I already have a plan. I'm going to crochet a bikini top for my best friends. A perfect present if I could finish them all before Christmas. But I'm confident. It's so easy. Or at least I thought.

"Crochet is mag burda?" tanong ni Nadia.

"Embroidery 'yon. Gantsilyo ang crochet," I informed her.

"Di ba pang-matatanda!"

"Sa matatanda lang ba 'yon?" kunot-noong napabaling si Gevi.

"It's a craft for all ages," Tasha interjected.

Thank God sinabi ni Tasha 'yun. Nahiya ako ng kaunti dahil sa sinabi ni Nadia. I almost revealed that I'm learning the craft to surprise them. Now I'm doubting if they will like it. Do they like handmade gifts?

We've known each other for almost six years now and classmates kami since Grade 7. They went to different elementary schools while I studied here since kindergarten. The bond between us four didn't start great.

Nadia envied Tasha, terribly. Tasha was from Australia and their family moved to the Philippines due to her grandmother's condition. She was so sweet and nice when we first met. Akala ko maldita kasi ang nipis ng kilay at parating mukang mataray. But she turned out different from what I thought.

My seatmate was Nadia. Akala ko ang bait-bait. I mean... she's not evil. But in the next days that we sat together, I noticed her remarks on other people, especially to Tasha. She would often make fun of our classmates who can't answer when called. Ang judgemental niya! Nang minsan pa nagkasama kami mag recess, she eyed Tasha with a raised brow, from head to toe. Her smirk and her eye roll didn't escape my sight. Napatanong tuloy ako kung tama na kaibiganin siya.

I thought it was just that one instance. But during lunch breaks, Nadia's eyes would follow Tasha and comment 'Akala mo kung sinong maganda.' Akala ko ako ang sinasabihan niya nung una. But she was quick to honestly tell me she was referring to Tasha. Wala namang ginagawa ang tao sa kanya pero bakit ang init ng dugo niya sa isa. I was hesitant to ask why she was acting that way towards Tasha. They never talked. So why?

Gevilyn, or Gevi as she prefers to be called 'coz she hates the Lyn in her name, was quiet. She would only talk to you if needed. At ang 'needed' na 'yon eh kung tungkol sa K-pop. The girl is a diehard K-pop fanatic. Ang sabi niya nagsimula lang 'yon nang marinig niya ang kanta ng Big Bang sa isang TV show. And it was the same song they danced to during an event. After that, nagsunod-sunod na ang pagkahilig niya sa K-Pop. She surprised me one day when she approached me and talked about EXO. I'm not a fan but I've heard the name. She told me about them like she's the marketing operations manager of the boy group. I enjoyed her company and realized that she was far from the person I thought at first.

Nadia's envy towards Tasha ended when they were paired for a class activity. I don't know exactly what happened and how Nadia transformed into a different person in a matter of a day. Yesterday she was sneering at Tasha, the next day they're giggling together. I didn't ask her or Tasha. The question is still there at the back of my mind though. Maybe I will when the time is right.

We're currently on a break but working on a seat work for the next subject. I studied each of them. Tasha owns knitted scarves and cardigans. I'm positive she will like a crochet bikini top too. Gevi loves to draw and print shirts. She loves the beach and even posted her photos on IG in a bikini. I guess she will love a crochet bikini top. Nadia... she loves branded stuff. I wonder if she will accept my gift.

Ah! Bahala na. I'll make the bikini top first and worry about it when I'm about to give it to them. Why bother now if it hasn't happened yet? Waste of energy.

**

WHAT A BOLD move to crochet a boho bikini top. I searched for patterns and it only gave me a headache. Iyong akala mong madali kasi yarn at sinulid lang ang kailangan pero sasakit pala ang ulo ko kakabilang kung ilang stiches ang kailangan gawin.

Not only do I need to count the number of stitches. After making a long chain, I have to change stitches in between. There are single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch.

Natapos ko na ang chain kasi 'yon ang pinakamadaling gawin. Dire-diretso lang hanggang makagawa ng mahabang chain. But the important part of the bikini top is the cup. Iyong tatakip sa dibdib.

"Chain one... turn... single crochet into next 9... three single crochet... single crochet into next 9..." I read the instruction.

Gosh! Ang daming numbers!

Gusto kong ipahinga ang utak ko sa mga numero pero itong ginagawa ko kailangan din pala magbilang. Hindi yata ako tatakasan ng mga numero. Sa school numbers na ang kaharap ko. Even in my new found hobby, numbers pa rin? Ugh!

I went to YouTube. I searched for the easiest DIY tutorial. Iyong less complicated at para talaga sa beginners. I was able to follow on the first two rows. But I got confused when the video skipped and it showed an almost done cup.

"What the hell? Paano naging ganyan 'yan?" I exclaimed.

I didn't notice that I began to sweat. Matindi na rin ang pagkunot ng noo ko kumpara kanina habang nagsisimula pa lang. Sino ba kasi ang hindi mamo-mroblema? I thought I'm watching a step by step tutorial. 'Yong per row ang ituturo. 'Yong sasabayan ang mga beginners sa pag crochet. I don't care how long the video is. I just want a detailed tutorial! Ugh!

Dahil sa sobrang frustration, pinatay ko ang laptop at niligpit ang yarn at needle. I don't want to see them until the week ends. It will only remind me of my impatience.

I was confident that I could finish at least one of the cups tonight. But looks like I have to put this off for the weekend.

**

NAIWAN AKO NI DAD. Hindi naman niya kasalanan kasi hindi naman talaga ako sumasabay or nagpapahatid sa kanya sa school. I forgot he was going to leave earlier than usual today. May school bus kami at gusto ko na sumakay doon. Minsan diyahe lang kung hindi ko maabutan sa labas ng village then I arrive late during homerooms.

It was only 7:15 and the school bus often passes outside the village by 7:30. Hindi ako nagmadaling maglakad papuntang bus stop. Hindi naman malayo ang bahay namin sa exit. At isa pa, ang ganda kaya ng sikat ng araw kapag ganitong oras. Hindi gaanong mainit at masakit sa mata at balat. Nakaka-relax din kasi maraming mga puno. Gusto ko maglakad sa gitna talaga ng daan pero pumapagilid ako kapag may marinig akong daraan na sasak—

Ugh! So early in the morning at siya pa talaga agad makikita ko?

I instantly halted from walking towards the bus stop when I saw him. He was standing there— one hand in his pant pocket and the other on his backpack strap. He was tapping his left foot, probably listening to a song.

Whatever! Dito na lang ako maghihintay ng bus. Malayo sa kanya! I don't know where this annoyance towards him comes from. Just the sight of him could ruin my day. Gosh, Lord. Napaka-early naman nito. Ano ba ang nagawa kong mali ngayong araw, or kahapon? Hindi ko na uulitin.

Minutes after, the bus arrived. Hinintay ko muna siyang maka akyat bago ako naglakad palapit doon.

Bwes— I stopped from mentally cursing. Hindi dapat. I shouldn't. Maaga pa masyado. Kinalma ko ang sarili pagkatungtong ko sa loob ng bus. Iyong pwesto ko kasi inupuan niya. Ugh! I don't like sitting at the back of the bus but now I need to. Ayaw ko siyang katabi!

**

"WHAT IS THE ROLE OF BUSINESS FINANCE?"

Walang laman ang utak ko. I studied last night pero walang na-retain? Alam mo 'yong buong gabi ka naman nagbasa at nag-aral pero wala kang mapiga sa utak mo. And I hate it. What if tawagin ako for recitation? Tapos wala akong masagot. That's embarrassing.

"Para kang ipis! Huwag ka magtago diyan," udyok ni Nadia pero hindi ko siya sinunod.

I ducked even lower behind Felix to hide from our lecturer's sight. Good thing Felix has broad shoulders and he sits straight. I noticed his smoothly ironed uniform. I wonder if he washes and irons his uniform. Hmm, I don't think so. Boys are lazy. Si Kuya nga, eh. Never kong nakitang maghugas ng pinggan or magligpit ng plato niya. He would even ask Ate Elvi to wash his handkerchiefs.

I discreetly tittered when I was reminded of that time. May lalaki kayang naglalaba? I glanced at Mond, the guy sitting beside Felix, and his pants were smoothly ironed too. His right socks took a peek when he moved and it was clean. Hmm, he's a rich kid. Hindi siya naglalaba.

Hmm... wala pa kong nakikitang lalaki na naglala—

Oh... I found him at the laundry shop.

I grimaced. Ugh! Bakit siya pa? Bakit siya na naman? I couldn't contain my annoyance when his face flashed into my mind. 'Yong itsura pa niya mismo na mukhang natatawa nung lingunin ko ang naalala ko.

I shook it off my head and sighed heavily before sitting straight.

"Justine, what are the scopes of financial management?"

Great. Just great!

**

"MUKHA KANG baka na kakatayin!" Nadia's boisterous laugh roared in the hallway.

Ano ba ang mukha ng baka kapag kakatayin na? Silly. I imagined a cow in a slaughterhouse. Ehh... it's gruesome. Sanay na ako sa mga panlalait ni Nadia. Mas malala pa nga noon mga sinasabi niya sa iba kumpara sa ngayon. If there's something I don't want to hear from her, it's her laugh. Her annoying, irritating, and pesky laugh. Iyong malakas na halakhak na nakaka insulto. Ganun!

One time, Gevi shoved a polvoron into her mouth and that shut her up. It was hilarious.

"Nag message ka pa kagabi. Sabi mo nag-aaral ka. Saan na napunta ang inaral mo?" tanong ni Gevi habang nasa pila kami.

I picked chicken cordon bleu for lunch. Favorite kong ulamin kapag nasa school. And we agreed to have it for lunch every Tuesday.

"I don't know really. My mind just went blank," I replied and we went to our table.

"Nasaan ba ang isip mo kanina at nawalan ng laman yang brains mo?" tanong ni Nadia.

"Brain. Isa lang ang brain ng tao, Nadia," Gevi corrected her which Nadia didn't mind. Her eyes are somewhere. "Mabuti nasagutan mo ang follow-up question. Kung hindi, baka nakatayo ka the whole time."

I sipped on my banana milk before responding. "Yeah. Ayun lang din ang pumasok sa isip ko. I should focus. Kailangan ko bumawi."

"Nakatatak ka na kay Ms. Be ready in the next meeting," Gevi advised.

"Your sweet and chili sauce, ladies," Tasha joined us with the sauce for the cordon bleu that Gevi and I forgot. Nilagyan ko naman ng tig-iisang kutsara at tinidor ang mga plato namin.

"Wait! May kukunin lang ako." We all stared at Nadia's retreating back when she hurriedly left.

"Strange," Tasha remarked and started eating.

Yeah, strange. But I just shrugged it off and started eating.

Pero susubo pa lang ako, napapapikit ako kaagad. I look stupid. Probably.

Nakapikit, nakanganga at may hawak na kutsara sa ere nang pumasok siya sa cafeteria. Of all times, why now? On my first bite pa talaga? Hindi ba pwedeng pagkatapos ko na kumain siya magpakita para naman magkaron ako ng gana?

"Are you okay?" Tasha inquired. Napansin niya siguro ang pagbuntong hininga ko. "I thought you like this ulam. Loss of appetite?"

Umiling lang ako at sinimulan na ang pagkain. Pero nawalan nga talaga ako ng gana. Nakakainis. Nasira ang umaga ko nang makita ko siya sa bus stop at umupo pa sa pwesto ko. Kanina sa klase, siya ang pumasok sa utak ko nang may inalala ako. Ngayon naman nakita ko siya bago ko pa isubo ang pagkain ko.

Nawalan ako ng gana. My mood was only lifted when Nadia came back with a box of cupcakes. She didn't tell who it was from. I didn't ask kasi masyado akong naka-focus sa cupcakes.. Nakita ko lang ang nakakatakam na cupcakes, bumalik ang sigla ko sa pagkain. I was able to finish my lunch in a jiffy.

"Ano ang masarap dito?" tanong ko kay Nadia habang hindi ako makapili kung saan sa anim ang kukunin ko. They were all yummy!

"Aba malay ko. Hindi ko pa nga natitikman yan," sagot niya.

May red velvet, may sweet corn, chocolate and ube. I asked Gevi to pick for me and she knows me well because she chose the ube flavor with macapuno on top.

"Saan tayo uupo?"

May dalawang lalaking estudyante na dumaan sa gilid ng table namin. Hinintay ko muna silang makadaan. Kasi ang awkward naman na ngumanga ako habang may paraan no!

"Dito na lang!"

I closed my eyes and sniffed the cupcake.

It smells delectable! It's so sweet at masasabi kong ube halaya talaga ang ginamit dito at hindi ube flavoring lang. Oh, when did I become a pâtissière?

I took a big bite of the cupcake. I was so happy savoring the flavors I didn't open my eyes yet.

Pero sana hindi na lang ako nagmulat ng mga mata ko. Because the second I opened my eyes, I saw him. He was sitting across from me on the table in front of us, behind Tasha.

I stopped chewing when I noticed he's staring at me. When... when did he get there? Nakita niya akong kumagat sa cupcake? Pinapanood ba niya ako habang kumakain?

As if it couldn't get any worse, I choked when he smiled at me.

**

"ARE you okay na?"

"Yeah," sagot ko kay Tasha.

"Tingin ko nabulonan ka kasi ang bilis mong kumain kanina," hula ni Gevi.

Hindi ko naubos ang cupcake. Malaking sayang man kasi masarap talaga pero nang mabulonan ako, patakbo akong dumiretso ng comfort room. Doon ko niluwa lahat ng kinain ko. Pati na ang chicken cordon bleu.

Pakiramdam ko nanghina ako kaagad pagkatapos mailabas lahat ng laman ng tiyan ko. Hindi naman ako nakaramdam ng gutom kaya inubos ko na lang ang laman ng tumbler ko.

But now, I'm famished.

Tasha offered her chicken sandwich. Gusto kong tanggihan dahil alam kong paborito niya 'yon pero paborito ko rin yon at gutom ako kaya tinanggap ko na.

We're still having our P.E. class so I restrained myself from eating the sandwich. But my stomach has been grumbling. Tinatakpan ko na lang ng book ang tiyan ko baka kasi mapalakas ang ingay.

Gusto ko na kainin ang sandwich! One hour pa 'tong klase namin at kakasimula pa lang.

I waited at least 20 minutes for the class to start before I excused myself to go out. Hindi ko naisip kung saan ako kakain. Ayoko naman kumain sa CR. Kadiri! So I went to the back of the gym. May mga concrete table and benches doon na madalas tambayan ng mga students. Medyo tago kasi sa maraming tao kaya paboritong lugar din na pagtaguan ng mga nasa in a relationship status.

I chomped the sandwich with gusto. Hindi ko na ipinikit ang mga mata ko kahit pa sarap na sarap ako sa paborito kong sandwich. Ewan ko ba pero kapag masarap talaga ang pagkain, hindi ko na ma-kontrol ang sarili kong mapapikit. It's like heaven in every bite.

Binilisan ko ang pagkain ng sandwich. If I stay out longer than the given time, I won't be excused next time. And since I left my tumbler in class, dumaan muna ako sa cafeteria para makabili ng maiinom. I bought a cup of sago't gulaman. Maglalakad ng mabilis tapos titigil sandali para makainom ang ginawa ko. I want to finish the drink before I enter back into the room.

Kakatapak ko pa lang ng third floor pero huminto muna ako para maubos ko ang inomin.

"Alonzo!"

Sh*t! The tapioca entered the wrong pipe. Sh*t! Ang sakit sa ilong!

Napaubo ako ng malakas. Gusto kong suminghal pero hindi sa hallway. I ran fast towards the girls' comfort room and tried to sneeze the sago from my nose. Ilang beses ko pang inulit hanggang sa lumabas na nga.

Naluluha ang mga mata kong tumitig sa salamin at hindi mapigilang mapaungot.

This day is infuriating! Ano ba ang ginawa kong kasalanan at sunod-sunod naman ang mga nangyayaring ganito? Ugh! Ang malas ko ngayong araw! At isa lang ang may kasalanan sa kamalasang 'to!

Huwag na huwag siyang magkakamaling magpakita sa 'kin! Kung hindi...

I groaned loudly in irritation.

**

THE REST OF the week went well. I made sure to focus on my priorities. And I made sure not to meet the dork!

Dahil malaki talaga ang paniniwala ko na siya ang dahilan ng mga kamalasan ko nung Tuesday, nagpahatid ako kay Dad sa school, we moved to a different table for lunch, and I used the other stairs going to and from the classroom. Kahit hindi nagtatanong ang mga kaibigan ko, halata sa mukha nila ang kyuryusidad.

Everything worked out. And as I planned for the weekend, I went to the village park and started my crochet project. The breeze was perfect and the sunshine was gloriously warm and mild. I occasionally glance at the kids running and rolling in the grass. They're so cute I want to pinch their cheeks.

It is indeed the perfect day to spend my alone time at the park. This is one of my favorite places in the world. I smiled. "Aside from our house, of course."

"Justine."

Literal na napatalon ako sa upuan ko. Tumigil pa yata ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa pagkagulat. Pagkalingon ko sa pinanggalingan ng boses, I immediately saw red.

I pressed my lips as I glared at the dork.

Here he is again. He's behind the bench I was sitting on with both his arms resting above the backrest.

Strands of his black hair are slightly blown by the breeze. There's a hint of amusement on his face and that annoyed me.

"Ikaw na naman?! What are you doing here? I avoided you for a couple of days tapos magpapakita ka na naman! You are the jinx in my life! Ano na namang kamalasan ang dadalhin mo ngayong araw na 'to? Ha? Ano?"

"Justine."

Napukaw ang atensiyon ko at mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanya. I tried my best to calm myself. I need to be calm so I took a deep breath. This is my me time and I don't want it to be ruined by just anyone. But... but what should I do now that he showed up in front of me again?

Don't mind him, Justine. Just act you neither saw nor heard him. Don't let him completely ruin your day.

But he has already ruined it! Just seeing his face is enough to spoil this afternoon.

Ibinalik ko ang atensiyon sa ginagawa ko. Pero agad ding napatigil. How many stitches again? What was the last count? How many rows have I already made?

I... I forgot. I lost count.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

I continued stitching even if I already lost count. I just need to do something else and not be distracted. Minutes passed and the silence was deafening. I silently hummed inside my head any song I could think of making up a tune just to occupy my mind.

"That looks nice."

I'm the one making this. Of course, it is nice. I fought a smile after hearing praise for what I'm working on. Then I remember I shouldn't notice his presence.

Labanan mo, Justine! Act like he's not beside you.

Hmp! I don't need your compliment.

Nagpatuloy pa rin ako sa ginagawa hanggang sa hindi na ayun sa pattern ang kinalalabasan. Binuksan ko ulit ang cellphone ko at pinanood ang video tutorial kung paano gawin ang cup. Nilakasan ko ang volume ng pinapanood ko dahil hindi ako nagdadala ng earphones kapag nasa park.

I tried to focus on what I was watching but the dork's presence was so strong that I forgot the number of stitches for the corresponding rows. So I kept on moving back to the beginning of the video and memorized the number of stitches I have to make.

"You're making a bra?"

I was slightly startled upon hearing his voice. Then, my forehead creased because he thinks I'm making a bra? Nanonood siya sa pinapanood ko? I want to correct him.

"I'm making a bikini," I emphasized without glancing at him.

"A bikini bra."

"A bikini top."

"It's the same."

That silenced me. Yeah, it's the same. No use bickering with him. Ugh! Kainis!

"Are you gonna wear that?"

I paused what I was doing and pursed my lips. This... this guy is testing my patience. I took a deep breath before I faced him. But it was a bad move. Nagkatitigan kami mata sa mata kaya mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin.

Kailan pa siya nakatingin sa 'kin? Kanina pa ba? Bakit siya nakatingin sa'kin? May dumi ba 'ko sa mukha? May kanin ba sa pisngi ko? May muta ba 'ko?

Justine, calm down.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" I calmly asked, without looking at him.

"It's nice here," he answered.

"Mas maraming magandang spots kesa dito. Doon ka."

"This spot is the nicest."

Hindi pwede! This spot is mine! I wanted to yell it to him but it would be a waste of energy. Ano ba? Bakit ba siya nandito?

I took a deep breath. Again. I reminded myself that this should be a peaceful and calm weekend. This should be my time to relax after a week-long of computing, memorizing, and reviewing. And this guy beside me is not part of the relaxing week I planned.

Pero anong magagawa ko? Nandito siya. Nasa iisang village kami nakatira. And it's not like I own this park para itaboy o paalisin ko siya. And this bench isn't exclusive to me. It's unreasonable of me to think this is mine. So... yeah. I have to deal with him. Again.

Thank goodness he didn't ask more after that. I didn't even notice when he left. Well, tama talaga ako na aalis siya kung hindi ko papansin. Everybody should learn the art of deadma. It truly helps.

The next day, I went to the park again. Nag-isip pa 'ko kung lilipat ako ng ibang pwesto baka makita ko na naman ang isang yon.

Pero bakit ako lilipat dahil sa kanya? Hindi naman sa kanya ang park at lalo na ang bench na yon. So like any normal person would do, I went to my favorite spot in the park and continued my crochet project.

It was already four in the afternoon when I noticed dozens of people walking towards the village chapel. Mga magsi-simba. Marami na ring mga batang naglalaro sa park, naghahabulan at naglalaro. Pumasok sa isip ko ang mga panahon na kasing edad ko rin sila at nakikipag-laro sa kapitbahay namin noon. And then Kuya came into my mind. If the rumors were true, I bet he's here and watching over his kid or kids.

I heavily sighed. Kapag naiisip ko si Kuya, either naiinis lang ako or natatawa sa kanya. Kaya para hindi ko na siya problemahin, tinuon ko na lang ang buong atensiyon ko sa ginagawa. Hindi ko napansin ang oras sa sobrang tutok ko sa ginagawa. Napa-angat lang ako ng tingin nang tumunog ang kampana sa chapel hudyat na tapos na ang misa.

Nang ibalik ko ang atensiyon sa ginagawa, napapitlag ako. Someone's sitting beside me. Who else? The dork of course. I just rolled my eyes when our eyes met. Iyong ngiti pa niya na nakakairita kasi mukang masaya talaga siya na nagulat ako sa presence niya.

Ilang beses na akong nag single stitch and I lost count again. Kaya kinalas ko muna at para mabilang ang gagawin ko sa bagong row.

I didn't know how but I was focused on what I was doing. Hindi ko na napansin kung sino ang nasa tabi ko. Basta bilang lang ako ng bilang sa stitches na kailangan. Malapit na 'ko matapos sa unang cup nang may marinig malapit lang sa 'kin.

Napa-angat ako ng tingin at napangiti nang makita ang mga batang tatawa-tawa habang naghahabulan. Sa hula ko, mga nasa pito hanggang siyam na taon ang mga batang lalaki at babae. Ang iba sa kanila madalas kong makita sa park. Ang ilan naman ay napapansin ko lang kapag nagjo-jogging ako sa village.

"Do you want to join them?"

I just rolled my eyes. Ang wrong timing talaga ng lalaking 'to. Binalik ko na lang ang atensiyon ko sa ginagawa. Pero nakalimutan ko na naman ang number of stitches na nagawa ko na! Last five rows na lang, e.

Tinuloy ko ang pag stitch pero hindi na pantay. Hindi na kagaya sa gusto ko ang kinalabasan. Kinalas ko ulit para mabilang mula sa umpisa ang kailangan kung gawin na stitch.

"Why do you keep on untangling the thread?"

"I lost count." Wait... Pinansin ko siya. Sinagot ko ang tanong niya. Pero hindi dapat, e!

Hindi ako nagpahalata na nagulat sa sarili kong ginawa. Itinuloy ko ang ginagawa at nagsimula ulit mag crochet. This time, with the right number of stitches for the row. And when I finished the first cup, I felt relieved.

Finally, the first cup. Ang dami kong pinagdaanan para lang matapos ka. Ang daming naging sagabal para lang magawa kita. Sana kasya ka sa boobs ni Nadia.

Mahinang natawa ako sa naisip ko.

"You did right this time?"

Napatigil ako sa pagtawa. Epal talaga nitong katabi ko. Ang ganda ng moment ko, e. Nagce-celebrate ako sa small achievement ko, tapos biglang sisingit.

Bakit ba hindi siya makipag habulan sa mga kiddos?

Inilagay ko sa tabi ang natapos kong cup. Iyong tote bag ko na sa gitna naming dalawa. Tyaka kinuha ko ulit ang thread at ang isang hook para simulan ang isa pang cup.

"Is this the finished product?"

Napabaling ako sa kanya at nakitang hawak niya ang natapos kong cup. Inagaw ko at nilagay pabalik sa tote bag. Pakialamiro!

"That's just one of the two cups. Can you not touch which isn't yours?"

Kunot ang noo niya na nandoon pa rin ang tingin sa tote bag ko.

"That's small. Is it enough to cover?"

"The thing is... iba-iba ang cup sizes namin," I answered without looking at him. "Tasha and I have the same cup size. B. Pero si Nadia malaki ang cup size niya. Pareho sila ni Gevi na D. So the measurements aren't the same. I have to stitch more for bigger cup sizes."

I paused and realized, why the hell am I even explaining this to him?

Tumingin ako sa kanya. "What's wrong?" I asked when he raised his head.

His lips were tightly pressed and his brows drawn in one line. Parang may sinabi akong hindi niya nagustohan? Or ako lang talaga nag-iisip nang ganoon?

"Nothing," sagot niya sabay iling at umiwas ng tingin.

Weird.

A ball rolled near us. Agad siyang tumayo at kinuha ang bola at tumakbo palapit sa mga batang naglalaro.

Ayan! Doon ka! Sumama ka sa mga bata.

Nagpatuloy ako sa ginagawa ko. I was done with the first three rows when an elderly sat down beside me. Medyo nagulat pa 'ko dahil hindi ko naramdaman na may lumapit na pala. Inayos ko ang mga gamit ko para maka-upo siya ng maayos.

I heard her slightly groan as she leaned back. Her cane was positioned between her slightly parted legs. From holding the cane, she rested one of his hands on the armrest of the bench.

It seems to me she walked a mile and needed to rest.

She glanced at me and smiled. Contrary to what I noticed earlier, her milky eyes gleamed with energy. Her smoky-grey hair is neatly combed in a bun. Ang ganda rin ng damit niyang bistida na may bulaklak malapit sa laylayan ng mga manggas at paldang suot niya. Bagay na bagay sa edad niya. Siguro mga nasa sixty na siya or nearly seventy but she still managed to look and smell clean. Amoy powder siya actually kumpara sa ibang matatandang nakatabi ko.

I smiled back at her and nodded.

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa hawak ko bago bumalik ang mga mata niya sakin. "Naga-gantsilyo ka?"

Mahina at mahinahon ang pagkakatanong niya. Parang ang bait niyang lola.

Nakangiti akong tumango. Bumuka ang bunganga ko para sana magsalita pero nahiya ako na sabihin kung ano ang ginagawa ko. Baka kasi conservative si Lola at ayaw niya sa mga biki-bikini.

"Swimsuit ba yan?" tanong niya.

Ngumiti ako. "Bikini. Yung pang-taas lang."

Ngumiti siya na may pagka mangha. "Sexy, a. May ganoon na pala ngayon? Dati mga bonnet, bandana at punda lang nagagawa ko. Mayron na palang bikini? Ang galing naman. It just proves that not all magic wands are pointy sticks. Ang daming nagagawa ng isang hook."

"Marunong po kayo mag-gantsilyo?"

"Oo, ayan ang pinagka-abalahan ko ng ilang taon tuwing bakasyon at nang tumigil na ako sa trabaho."

"Bakit hindi niyo na po pinagpatuloy?"

Umiling siyang nakangiti. "Hindi na. Maliban kasi sa nangangalay na ang mga kamay ko, hindi na rin klaro ang mga mata ko."

Tinignan ko ang mga kamay niya. Her fingers are slim and veiny. Probably caused by years of crocheting and work. Will my hands look the same if I continue this hobby for years? Maybe. It's not a bad thing. Kung pumangit pa ang mga kamay ko, idadaan ko na lang sa manicure kagaya ng kay Lola na naka-bloody red pa ang nail polish. Huwag lang maglaba talaga.

"Sino nagturo sa'yo?"

I sheepishly smiled. "Ako lang po. Nanood lang sa YouTube."

Her lips shaped in 'o'. "Self-taught. Ang galing mo kung ganoon. Kailan ka nagsimula?"

"Last week lang po. Ilang beses akong umulit kasi hindi ko kabisado kung ilang chains ang kailangan gawin sa kada row." Napasimangot ako. Kasi naka-ilang beses pa talaga ako bago ko natapos ang nag-iisang cup lang. "Isang linggo na nga po akong gumagawa nito, pero ito pa lang iisang cup ang natapos ko." Ipinakita ko mula sa tote bag ang unang nagawa. Ikinuwento ko rin kung bakit ito ang gusto kong gawin.

Inusisa niya ang gawa ko. "Natapos mo 'to sa loob ng isang linggo? Magaling." May pagkamangha sa boses niya habang nakatingin sa gawa ko bago bumalik ang tingin niya sakin.

Tumatango-tango siyang nakangiti. "Trial and error. At the beginning, you weren't sure how it will turn out, right? Ganyan din ako noong una. Hindi ko nagustohan ang kinalabasan ng mga ginawa ko. Ang sabi sakin, 'Sige lang. Ituloy mo lang'. Hanggang sa nalaman ko kung saan ako nagkamali at inayos ko . Ang mga sumunod kong gawa, kagayang kagaya na ng gusto ko. Napagtanto kong, hindi ako makakabuo ng mga magagandang disenyo kung hindi muna naging palpak ang mga nagawa ko."

"Oo nga po, e. Medyo mahirap nga din po pala ito. Akala ko madali lang. Pabalik-balik nga po ako sa umpisa. Ilang beses ko din pinagtatanggal at binalikan ang unang stitch. Pinapanood ko ulit ang video tutorial para makita ko kung saan ako nagkamali ng bilang."

Ngumiti ulit siya. Iyong ngiti na maganda at magaan sa pakiramdam. "That is actually one of the lessons I learned in crochet. It's okay to start over. You can undo and redo your projects. You can start again if you know where you did wrong. At maganda na binabalikan mo ang pinanood mo para maitama ang pagkakamali mo."

Bumaling ang tingin niya sa mga punong nasa tapat namin. Feeling ko tuloy ang lalim ng iniisip ni Lola at bumabalik siya sa retro age. "The ability to start over. Noong minsan akala ko nasa tamang daan ako. Pero dumating ang araw na hindi ko alam kung ano na ang susunod kong gagawin. Bumalik ako sa pinanggalingan ko at humingi ng tulong sa iba. Dahil sa kanila, nakapag simula akong muli."

Bakit parang hindi na tungkol sa crochet ang sinasabi niya? Her words are coated with wisdom that she probably learned through experience and age.

Nakangiti ulit siyang tumingin sakin. "If you ever get stuck, just take a pause and acknowledge that you need help. And be brave to ask for it. Maybe that's how you can start over again."

It's definitely not about crochet anymore. Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko sa kanya. Ngumiti na lang ako at tumango para mag agree. Well, I get the message she wants to convey though and it's not every day I meet a lola.

"If you're having a hard time with the bikini top, it's never too late to make something else. Your best friends won't mind if you give them anything that you worked hard for. Magaling ka. Pero sigurado ako mas may igagaling ka pa."

Mas lalo akong napangiti sa sinabi ni Lola bago siya nagpa-alam na uuwi na. May sumundo sa kanyang batang babae, siguro apo niya o kasambahay nila.

I felt proud of myself. Someone praised what I did. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam no? Kahit hindi mo kakilala kung pinuri nila ang isang maliit lang naman na bagay na nagawa mo, nakaka-overwhelm. It motivated me to continue the hobby.

NANG maka-alis si Lola, tiyaka ko lang na-realize na hindi pala kami nagpakilala sa isa't-isa. Pero di bale, nasa iisang village lang kami. Malamang magkikita kami ulit.

Pinagpatuloy ko ang paggawa ng pares ng unang cup. Medyo naguluhan ako kasi hindi ko namemorize kung ilang stitches ang kailangan at ano ang susunod na stitch ang gagawin.

"Does it have to be a bikini top?"

Sinimangotan ko siya kaagad pagkatingin ko sa kaniya. Hindi naman nagtagal at pinanood ko na lang ulit ang tutorial. Focus na sana ako pero naramdaman kong umupo na naman siya sa tabi ko. But I shook off the bad vibes from my head. Masyadong maganda ang araw na 'to para maging maldita ako.

"Is this a bracelet?"

When I turned to him, he was holding the long chain I made. Iyon lang sa tingin ko ang malinis at pinaka-tama kong nagawa simula nang umpisahan ko 'to. Ang simple lang naman kasi kailangan lang i-braid.

"Hindi yan bracelet. Ibalik mo nga yan sa bag ko," utos ko sa kanya. Pero ang gago ipinalibot pa sa pulsohan niya ang chain.

I was about to stop him until an idea came to mind. From the video I was watching, I searched for 'crochet bracelet'. There wasn't plenty of what I was expecting but I watched one tutorial and it was easy. Well, I said the same thing for the bikini top but ended up having a hard time finishing a cup. But it isn't too late to start again and try something new, right? Just like what the grandma told me earlier.

Pero akalain mo nga naman. Itong lalaki pa sa tabi ko na dine-deadma ko ang nakatulong sakin. Let's not tell him that. Deadma ko nga siya, di ba? Mabuti nga umalis na naman siya at sumali sa mga batang naglalaro ng dodge ball. Such a kid.

Kinuha ko ang chain na gawa ko at ipinalibot sa pulsohan ko para gawing wrist band. It looks good on my wrist. Nakaka-puti ang mint na color ng sinulid.

I think I can do this. Madali lang gawin ang wristband based on the tutorial I watched. I think I can finish one in less than a week. With the beads, I have lots of them at home from my old and broken bracelets. Okay, final na. I'll be making beaded crochet wristba—

Sheet! One whole sheet of pad paper!

My world rocked back and forth cutting off my thoughts after a ball smacked on one side of my cheekbone and leaving it numb. I didn't see the ball coming. It happened quickly after losing the wristband from my wrist. And when I raised my head, the ball struck me uninvited.

Mabuti na lang at nakapikit pa ko. Hindi ako nakaramdam ng sakit pagkatapos akong matamaan pero tatlo hanggang limang segundo ang nakalipas, nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa kaliwang pisngi ko at malapit sa ilong.

I opened my eyes wider and shook my head to regain awareness of what happened. Then he went near me.

"Justine, okay ka lang?"

Tinignan ko siya ng masama.

"Okay?!" Tumayo ako na medyo nahihilo pa at hinarap siya. "Ihagis ko kaya ang bola sa mukha mo at malaman mo kung gaano kasakit ang ginawa mo!"

"It was an accident. We were playing an—"

"Pakialam ko kung naglalaro kayo? Hindi mo man lang naisip na may mga tao rito sa park at baka matamaan ng bola? O baka hindi ka nag-iisip kasi sinadya mo?!"

"No! I didn't do it on purpose."

"Ikaw naman tamaan natin ng bola. Tignan ko kung hindi mayanig utak mo!"

"Look, it was an accident. It wasn—"

"Shut up! Instead of saying it was an accident, why don't you apologize? Baka sana naging maayos pa ang pakiramdam ko kung humingi ka ng sorry at—

"I'm sorry," he cut me off.

The ball in his hands caught my eyes that my jaw clenched and my fists into a ball. I'm panting from anger and I couldn't calm myself now. I already lost my temper. I can't tell if he's sincere with his sorry but even if he is, hindi ko magawang magpatawad kaagad. Masyadong mainit pa rin ang dugo ko sa kanya.

"Too late. If I didn't ask you to apologize, who knows kung ano pang excuse mo!"

Dali-dali kong niligpit ang mga gamit ko. Wala na akong pakialam kung magka buhol-buhol pa ang mga threads ko basta nilagay ko lang lahat sa loob ng tote bag at mangiyak-ngiyak na umalis ng park.

Ang sakit ng pisngi ko. I kept on pausing from kicking my scooter to softly wipe away my tears. Masakit at mahapdi kasi kapag madiinan.

When was the last time I was this furious? I've always tried to be calm because I don't want to shout or yell at someone. I know how horrible it feels, especially when being shouted at in public. It's embarrassing. But I just couldn't help lashing out at him for what he did. It was rude of me to shout at him while he remained calm.

Parang ako pa yata ang naging mukang masama. Pero masama na kung masama. Basta nailabas ko ang galit ko. Masakit kaya ang pagtama ng bola sa mukha ko. Akala niya malambot ang bola? May kasama pang lupa at damo. Bwesit!

When was the last time I was this mad again?

Oh great!

It was with him.

He hurt me again.

He always awakens the beast that I'm trying to calm inside me.

Just him.

***

Be proud of yourself if you get the hang out of crocheting or any other craft you are trying to learn and enjoy. You created something and it deserves to be celebrated; small or big.

Here is a video tutorial on basic crochet lesson:

[royal-fm-blog]

This week your glorious host sits down with a Royal returner, Kendall Jenner ( @kendallrpg ). Read more below:

NG: Gooood morning Kendall Jenner. I already feel bad for making you come in to see me this early in the morning.

KJ: I think you're forgetting I've got a baby, Nick Grimshaw, this is nothing. I could do these shows with my eyes closed.

NG: Babe, I so could not forget about the baby that throws up on my couch. Anyway. Gooooooood morning. Welcome to our little show, love.

KJ: Gooood morning! So excited to be here, this is so cool.

NG: You think our little radio is cool? That's so sweet of you, considering some of the runways you've been on in the last twelve months.

NG: So straight up, I have to ask. How is motherhood meets modelling going?

KJ: Stuff like this is always way cooler though, isn't it? It's so much more personal and sweet, I love it.

KJ: You know what? It's actually going pretty well. Her dad spends loads of time with her so when I'm off doing my thing I know she's loved and happy and safe and all of that. She's a little model in the making though, let me tell you. Such a little poser, my girl is.

NG: I like to think it's pretty cool, otherwise I might be stuck DJing your parties forever and I don't know that I quite fit in.

NG: Oh really? Are you planning on helping her follow in your footsteps?

KJ: You'll always be welcome at my parties, you know that.

KJ: Oh I'm sure her dad would absolutely love that. I dunno, to be honest. If it's what she wants and she really works for it, I'll definitely help her in any way I can.

NG: Real talk, we're not here to air anyones dirty laundry - but your her mum. You've gotta help her out, right? I don't know what I would have done without my mum growing up.

KJ: Yeahhhhhh. I mean if it's what she wants to do, then absolutely - I'll do anything she needs me to do.

NG: Let's drop that, yeah? We're here to have fun.

NG: So, love, tell me what's going on with you? What should we expect to see next?

KJ: I've been working really closely with Love Magazine at the moment to help build my portfolio and all of that so hopefully I can start shooting people rather than being shot for a change. Nothing overly exciting going on with me, I'm afraid. I'm a horrible guest.

NG: Shooting. Shot. Sounds like we're more Southern than I realised.

NG: That was a bad gun culture joke, for anyone just tuning in. So, photography then? When did that start?

KJ: You're a total nerd sometimes, you know that?

KJ: It's always been a private passion of mine, but in the past two years it's just really grabbed me. I've got a friend who introduced me to some really cool vintage cameras in 2015 and ever since then it's just been - I love it, you know? I love been able to capture sweet candid moments and have them on film forever

NG: I guess we should chuck our thanks to that friend, because some of the stuff you've put out so far really does show how much you love it. Are you planning on using your newly found talents around town? Could turn Royal into your very on CK ad if you wanted to.

KJ: Let's not give him too much thanks, he's got a big enough head as it is. Yeah, maybe! I'm shooting a bunch of models for Love Magazine so maybe once I'm through with all of that I'll start looking into doing photoshoots around Royal. Will you be my first model, Grimmy?

NG: I think we all know someone like that, so I don't mind helping you skip out on the thanks. So when can everyone expect to pop down to the store to pick up a copy of the magazine with your photos through it?

NG: Oh love, I don't know that you could handle the glare my forehead puts out.

KJ: Depends which one you're talking about, Nicholas. I'm actually in the current issue, but the one that's about to come out with Sienna Miller on the cover - I shot all her photos. I think it comes out in a week? A little over a week.

KJ: Shut up, you are perfect.

NG: Wowee, they don't start you off small, do they? Sienna is probably one of my closest pals and I reckon I might have to give her a bit of a talking to for not telling me she was working with you.

NG: What do you think is the biggest difference moving behind the camera though? What's been the big thing to change?

NG: What do you think is the biggest difference moving behind the camera though? What's been the big thing to change?

KJ: I honestly couldn't believe they were letting me shoot her. I mean, it's Sienna Miller for crying out loud.

KJ: Honestly it was the stupidest stuff that I struggled with when I started shooting people who weren't just my family. When I walk into a studio I'm usually sat in make up and hair for three hours before anything gets shot and then I let them tell me what to do and let me body do the thing. When I'm shooting though obviously the roles are totally reversed and I'm the one giving instruction and telling these beautiful women how to move and pose - it's wild. I love it though. I'm so in love with it. It was good starting out with Har - With m friend though, you know? Being able to instruct someone you know and let them be your first is important.

NG: I feel like I need to just tell the listeners at home that I've just looked at Kendall Jenner with the widest eyes possible, because she has forgotten she's Kendall Jenner.

NG: That must be incredible though, right? To have that kind of power over how someone's going to look for millions of people to see?

KJ: Whaaaaat? It doesn't matter what my last name is if I'm useless though, does it?

KJ: It really is the best feeling in the world. Seeing how the photos come out when they look good is such an incredible feeling. Is it lame if I actually kind of prefer the photos I take of my daughter though? I'll show you later. I don't wanna be that mom or anything, but honestly, I've got the cutest kid in the universe. She's my muse, so.

KJ: That was so embarrassing. She's my muse? I sound like a bad British popstar.

NG: I guess it probably would mean more if you were a Kardashian, you're not wrong.

NG: Are you about to become one of those mummy bloggers who try and talk about kale for thirty three hours out of twenty four? Because I'll have to phase you out and I really don't want to do that.

NG: Oi, shhh. You're gonna get us taken off the air

KJ: Keep talking like that and I'll never introduce you to Kanye

KJ: I've honestly considered that. I reckon I'd be an awesome mommy blogger. I've got a cute kid and the pretentious self confidence to do it, don't you think? Oh please, you love my kid more than I do most days, don't pretend you wouldn't be on the edge of your seat waiting for updates.

KJ: I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, Grim. It's not my fault they're all total cliches, is it?

NG: You've been promising me that introduction for far too long for me to believe that it's ever going to happen, but it's sweet that you keep me on the edge of my seat like this.

NG: There's nothing to lose right? Have a chat about her on the internet and post some lovely photos, I'm sure more than just a few people would be willing to sponsor you to do it.

NG: Okayyyyyy on that note I think we should wrap this lovely interview up so I can take this lady out for coffee. What do you say?

KJ: Hey, I can call him right now and get him to come visit if you want. I'm sure he'd love to come and say hello.

KJ: That's exactly what I said! It'll give me a good place to post my work and build up a new little portfolio of her life or whatever. At least you get me, Grimmy.

KJ: Coffee sounds absolutely amazing, let's do it before I get myself banned from your lovely lil radio station. Thank you so much for having me. I'm so proud of you, this is honestly so cool.

[phgq]

Davao teachers learn new skills amid Covid-19 crisis

#PHnews: Davao teachers learn new skills amid Covid-19 crisis

MANILA – To catch up with the new demands of learning, teachers in Davao City have been equipping themselves with online learning skills as classes transition into a largely digital environment amid the coronavirus disease (Covi-19) pandemic. Tessie Monterde, Junior High School teacher at Sta. Ana National High School, said teachers like her welcome the government's initiative to prepare educators like her to be proficient in learning software and applications essential in the "new normal". “There are a lot of webinars that the region (Department of Education-Region 11) offers and we take these chances because as teachers, we want to constantly improve ourselves to keep up with the changing times. Tinuturuan kami paano gumawa ng (In those webinars, we learn how to create) engaging PowerPoint presentations, how to record our classes, how to use Microsoft software,” Monterde told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview on Monday. Monterde said she and her colleagues learned various teaching modalities and managed to familiarize themselves with video conferencing applications and software such as Google Classroom, StreamYard, and Zoom as well as various learning management systems such as Moodle, OneNote, and Kotobee. “Teachers gain certificates after completing these capacity-building activities. This means we do not accelerate to the next workshop until we really know how to utilize these applications and software,” she explained. Monterde said the web-based training and other learning opportunities help them prepare while waiting for the modules to be provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) central office, which will be handed down to regional and division offices for local inputs. Because of the online learning scheme, she said teachers without advisory classes will now handle their own to further improve the student-teacher ratio, leading to smaller, manageable classes. “The (DepEd-11) director assigned us to have 25 students per teacher,” she said. Volunteer teachers Dr. Ma. Gemima Valderrama, DepEd-11 head of public affairs unit, said contingencies are available should the "new normal" puts a strain on DepEd's learning goals. One of these, she said, is the enlistment of Education graduates who will act as "back-up in case the situation becomes complex. “The region has searched for volunteers and aside from that, Education graduates will also step up once the need to do so arises. They will be given certificates in return,” Valderrama added. Under the sceme, Valderrama said volunteer teachers would earn experience and would be given preferential consideration on DepEd's available positions in return for their services. Learning for all Valderrama assured that DepEd has instituted measures to ensure that every learner has an option to continue their education even with the restrictions related to the Covid-19 crisis. “There are options for learners with access to the internet and gadgets, those who only have gadgets, and those who have none at all. If we look at all these, every learner is given the opportunity to continue learning,” she said. If the learners have laptops and other gadgets and an internet connection, they can be placed in an online learning modality, she said.

If the learners have gadgets but without an internet connection, they can have opt for digital modular modalit, she added. She said learners who have no gadgets and Internet connection but with radio and television can benefit from the radio and television-based instruction. Moreover, learners who have no electronic devices can have printed modules delivered to their homes, Valderrama said, adding: "We can also have blended learning--meaning, combination of all these.” As of July 14, DepEd-11 said the region's total enrollment for kindergarten to senior high school level learners has already reached 344,810. The schools will accept enrolment until July 16. Of the total, 309,276 were enrollees of public schools while 29,309 are enrolled in private schools. Alternative Learning Schools share 6,225 of the enrollees. 'Eskwela Davao' To ensure equal learning opportunities for Dabawenyos, the Davao City government has offered educational assistance to children belonging to poor families. "Eskwela Davao" is an educational assistance program for children whose families lost their sources of income and jobs due to lockdowns and movement restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio encouraged all parents to avail of the program to secure their children’s education. Out of the 22,000 target beneficiaries, the city government said at least 2,962 slots are still open for kindergarten pupils who will get PHP1,000 each; 9,493 slots for elementary pupils at PHP2,000 each; 4,039 slots for high school pupils at PHP3,000 each; and 4,192 slots for senior high students at PHP3,000 each. Protection To ensure comfortable learning, the Learning Resources Management and Development System (DepEd-LRMS) launched the Child Protection Policy Module Launch via Facebook Livestream on June 23. “We want to make the children be aware that if they do not make anything wrong, they should speak up. So the government and the police can help them,” Duterte-Carpio said in the dialect during the virtual launch. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CWSDO), the City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO), the City Government of Davao Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), and non-government organizations such as Tanikala also rendered their  contribution for the child-centered project. “The Department of Education has come up with this Child Protection Policy to prevent the occurrences of child abuse in the school setting. The Department of Education Division of Davao City has come up with the CPP modules to help prevent these child abuses and to help the local government unit to solve this problem,” Dr. Reynaldo M. Guillena, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Division of Davao City, said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Davao teachers learn new skills amid Covid-19 crisis." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108977 (accessed July 16, 2020 at 03:22AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Davao teachers learn new skills amid Covid-19 crisis." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108977 (archived).

[ravingmadmanjourney]

Ravings of Madman, A Journey 186

The clouds gathered unnoticed by me, and in all honesty I wouldn't have cared anyway. I was active, doing rather well for a person slowly collapsing into himself. The coloring helped settle me down for a while. A thousand different ways of finishing a design presented itself to me every time I turned a page. What I felt, I colored. And I watched in awe as the colors I selected seem to animate the picture. Slowly, it rose from just an outline to just a little substance, to gradually as I filled in the places taking on its own life. To be honest with the reader, I felt this same magic when I wrote poetry or work on those designs on the computer. My talent flowed from my soul through my fingers and out my chosen instrument until it burst into life in its final form. But I admit that I quickly grew bored. My creativity desperately sought a new vehicle to express itself. I needed more freedom to express myself. Those pictures in the books seemed so tamed. I started scanning and printing black and white images from old pulp magazines, old comics, whatever I could find. But after a while, even that grew old. I really wanted to write something but my efforts towards that end frustrated me!

I believed that my artistic expression kept me going through those black times. It kept my mind, my soul from sinks ng below the point of no return. But I needed some new challenges to satisfy me! In my apartment building I often visited this one person. Just two lonely people talking. But in her apartment she hung a dreamcatcher. Wow. It intrigued me almost instantly with its beauty and design. I spent quite a well studying it, figuring out its secrets. What a more perfect thing for me to create, but only if I figure it out. I believe in chasing your dreams. And to have a dreamcatcher of my own design? It definitely was not easy. All I possessed to help me build my own was a few demonstrations on Facebook, which was no help at all and some instructions that I thought was pure stupidity. In the end, I studied some pictures of dream catchers until I felt ready to make one and just dove in!

That first dreamcatcher took me four days to complete. It kind of resembled one if I kept my good eye close. Maybe, I tried to follow the instructions too much! I felt a little disappointed and decided to just freestyle it. I understood enough of the theory behind its construction to just wing it. Let me say this now, I did not destroy any of my prior mistakes. They were passable dreamcatchers, but I felt I could no better. It took me a couple of weeks before I made my first passable one. Not perfect mind you, but good enough to encourage me. I demand my best efforts on any project. Man, I had dreamcatchers hanging from every conceivable spot in my apartment. I knew they were good enough to sell, but I somehow believed that to be wrong. I put so much of myself in crafting then, it seemed I was selling myself! So I gave everyone away. But her is the magic. Each and everyone went to the right place at the right time to brighten a person's day! That was my payment. The look of joy shining on their face when they realized I was giving it to them free more than compensated me for my time.

Magic. That's what I wanted to give. I wanted to let people know that there is still good in the world. That has been my chief drive for so long. Maybe I am weird. But I enjoy giving more than receiving! And somewhere in the back of my mind I began to realize that there might be a storm brewing.

I improved on the art of crafting my dreamcatchers every time I made one. I started designing them for specific people. Not too many. But then after a chance remark from my cousin Mary, I decided to test my abilities in a very special project. Or I might have finally gone insane. By 2017, I realized that my hernia really needed to get fixed but with so many other things happening, I delayed seeing about it. It was stupid. Maybe, I wanted it to end my pain and suffering by having one big blowout! Not getting better, not getting worse and not feeling any joy in my life, yeah I just wanted it to end, or at the very least return some feeling to my dead soul. More on this later. Some many things came to ahead in a relatively short time!

Anyway, for some reason, I decided that I could make dreamcatchers to be given away at the family reunion that year. Some one hundred and twenty dreamcatchers none of them too identical to be finished in two months time. By this time I could make at least three ten inch diameters dreamcatchers a day! Should be enough time. It was barely. Not because I bit off more than I could chew, but because of three, maybe four, different things going on at the same time.

I think I should mention them now, and then end for this entry. Everything bled together so much that there is no way they can be separated. Also I need to figure out just how to approach it.

The first of the three things were the finishing if the building's remodeling project, than in its third year, my manager her finally pushing me too far, and having to move to my new apartment. The second thing was, of course doing that dreamcatcher project, and the third was my hernia reaching critical mass.

[angsarapblog]

I never had imagined a trained Le Cordon Bleu Paris chef would someday be following a humble home cook blogger like me. I have all sorts of followers that I knew and most of them are home cooks like me but I guess Frances would be one of the most legitimate and the most professional in terms of culinary art that follows Ang Sarap. It was such a pleasure having her to guest post here specially that she is just residing over the Tasman Sea in Australia, a close country to New Zealand that shares a lot of common culinary influence mostly from the European, Asian and Pacific Islands.

Fran is not just a chef but a food blogger at G’Day Souffle a blog like Ang Sarap that showcases different dishes around the world like this Spanish ham croquettes with jalapeño peppers, her rendition of the Mexican Pulpo a la Brasa by Javier Plascencia and the French Lamb en croûte with Provencal Vegetables. Everything is mouth watering and done with great skill and precision. So without further ado let me present to you Fran who will be making a dish that is well-loved to both Australia and New Zealand.

Is it a disaster if your Pavlova turns brown? Should you cry if the meringue cracks? I’ll be answering these questions for you soon thanks to Raymund’s invitation to do a guest post for his blog Ang Sarap!

I’ve been following his blog now for several years and have been enthralled with his huge range of recipes- my favorites being his Mozzarella-stuffed Meatballs and his seafood stew, Mutya Ng Cavite. I live in Adelaide, South Australia, ‘just over the pond’ from Raymund in New Zealand. More than once I’ve felt like zipping over on a plane to taste his delicious recipes!

I’ve decided to present this recipe for Pavlova with Mixed Berries for two reasons. First of all, I used to be a dancer at one point in my career and this recipe was named after the Russian ballet dancer, Ana Pavlova. Second, this recipe was invented in Australia after Pavlova toured Australia in 1926- or SO I THOUGHT!

There is still an ongoing debate of whether the dessert was invented in Wellington, New Zealand or in Perth, Western Australia. Some researchers even say that this meringue-based dessert was first invented in Germany, before being brought to America by immigrants in the 1800s. In any case, the Pavlova is one dessert you’ll want to make to impress your friends and family, with its crisp outer shell and creamy marshmallow interior!

Making the Pavlova

This was the first time I had ever made a Pavlova and it took me three tries to get it right! The first time, the oven temperature was too hot and my Pavlova burned and turned dark brown. The second attempt was a bit better, but the color was still too brown for my liking. For the third attempt, I was so intent on my Pavlova being snowy white in color that I kept on opening the oven door every five minutes to check the color (not recommended)!

For my Pavlova, my optimal oven temperature turned out to be 140 C (pre-heat) and 130 C for the 1-hour actual baking time (conventional oven). The idea is to first have the oven hot enough to crisp up the exterior when you first place it in the oven, then reduce the temperature to produce a creamy, marshmallow-like interior. Since each oven is different, you may need experiment a bit before finding the right temperature for your Pavlova.

Nigella’s says it’s OK for Pavlova to be brown and slightly cracked!

You may notice that a lot of photos of Pavlovas appear to be very white, which I was trying to achieve. However, Nigella Lawson’s video shows that her Passion Fruit Pavlova turned out light brown in color with some cracks. She says that it’s the taste that matters, not the color! It turns out that I didn’t need to worry after all!

Method

First, trace an 8-inch circle on a piece on parchment paper and then set this aside (increase the size of the circle if using more egg whites). Whip the egg whites and sugar together until stiff peaks form, add the corn flour and lemon juice, then spread the mixture inside the circle using a spatula.

Continue to spread the meringue, creating a well in the center to hold the whipped cream and berries for later.

You can make a smooth-shaped Pavlova:

Or, create some ‘peaks and troughs’ for a more rustic look!

Bake the Pavlova for one hour, then turn off the heat and let cool in the oven for a further one hour. Spread the whipped cream on top and add the mixed berries; serve immediately.

What fillings do you prefer for your Pavlova? Enjoy!

Pavlova with Mixed Berries

Author: Frances Flint

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour 20 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 medium or large egg whites

170 g (3/4 cups) granulated sugar

1 tsp corn flour (corn starch)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

1Tbsp sugar

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc)

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 140 C (280 F). Trace a 20 cm wide (8 inch) circle on a piece of parchment paper and set aside (I used a plate to trace around).

Using a stand mixer or hand-held mixer, beat 4 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form-approximately three minutes total. Fold the corn flour and lemon juice into the egg whites and transfer the mixture onto the parchment paper containing the circle.

Using a spatula, spread the egg white mixture inside the drawn circle, making a well in the center to accommodate the cream and berries later. You can make the sides and edges of your egg white mixture smooth, or feel free to make a few ‘peaks and troughs’ for an interesting texture. Transfer the parchment paper onto a baking sheet, anchoring the 4 corners of the paper underneath with a few small dabs of egg white. Place in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 130 C (265F.)

Bake for about 1 hour until the outside of the Pavlova is slightly crisp to the touch. Turn the oven off and let the Pavlova sit inside the oven another one hour to cool, with the oven door closed.

In the meantime, make the creamy filling for the Pavlova. Whip the thickened cream and sugar together at high speed until thick and spreadable. Be careful not to over beat or the mixture will become too ‘buttery.’ Remove the Pavlova from the oven and just before serving, spread the creamy filling over the top of the Pavlova, then add the mixed berries.

3.5.3251

  Guest Post: Fran from G’Day Souffle featuring Pavlova with Mixed Berries I never had imagined a trained Le Cordon Bleu Paris chef would someday be following a humble home cook blogger like me.

[whittlebaggett8]

Indonesian Suspect Freed 2 Years After Killing of Kim Jong Nam

Indonesia’s government had pushed really hard for her launch, arguing she was “manipulated by North Korean intelligence.”

By Eileen Ng for The Diplomat

March 12, 2019

One of two women accused of killing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s 50 percent-brother by smearing VX nerve agent on his face was freed just after two yrs of detention Monday when Malaysian prosecutors unexpectedly dropped the murder charge against her.

Indonesian Siti Aisyah and her Vietnamese co-defendant, Doan Thi Huong, have stated they assumed they ended up taking part in a prank for a Tv set exhibit.

Prosecutors did not give any reason for the exceptional retreat in their scenario from Aisyah in the killing of Kim Jong Nam at a hectic Kuala Lumpur airport terminal.

Making the most of this post? Click on right here to subscribe for whole accessibility. Just $5 a month.

Indonesia’s govt experienced lobbied continuously for her release. Vietnam has pushed much less tough on behalf of Huong, and recently hosted leader Kim Jong Un for an formal stop by and a summit with President Donald Trump.

Aisyah cried and hugged Huong in advance of leaving the courtroom and being ushered absent in an Indonesian Embassy vehicle. She informed reporters that she had only acquired Monday morning that she would be freed.

She flew again to Jakarta, Indonesia’s funds, afterwards Monday and thanked the president and other officials for their assist.

“I experience happy, really happy that I can’t convey in phrases,” she advised reporters at Jakarta’s airport. “After this I just want to get with my family.”

Huong, who continues to be on trial, was distraught.

“I am in shock. My thoughts is blank,” she instructed reporters soon after Aisyah left.

The two women had been the only suspects in custody immediately after four North Korean suspects fled the state the morning of February 13, 2017, when Kim Jong Nam was killed.

The demo is to resume Thursday, and prosecutors are predicted to reply to a ask for by Huong’s legal professionals for the government to withdraw the murder cost towards her as perfectly.

The Substantial Court docket judge discharged Aisyah without the need of an acquittal on Monday immediately after prosecutors utilized to fall the murder demand versus her.

Prosecutor Iskandar Ahmad explained that usually means Aisyah can be billed yet again if there is new evidence, but there are no this kind of options now.

Aisyah’s launch comes just a thirty day period just before Indonesia’s normal election and is witnessed as a enhance to President Joko Widodo, who is searching for re-election.

Aisyah, surrounded by govt officials and a mob of reporters at Jakarta’s arport, struggled for text as journalists shouted questions. Soon after a prompt from Indonesia’s regulation and human legal rights minister, she thanked the president and Cabinet ministers.

Indonesia’s government mentioned its continued substantial-level lobbying experienced resulted in Aisyah’s launch. Its overseas ministry claimed in a statement that she was “deceived and did not comprehend at all that she was remaining manipulated by North Korean intelligence.”

It mentioned Aisyah, a migrant worker, never ever had any intention of killing Kim.

The ministry claimed that around the past two years, Aisyah’s plight was elevated in “every bilateral Indonesia-Malaysia conference,” which include at the presidential degree, the vice presidential amount and in typical meetings of the overseas minister and other ministers with their Malaysian counterparts.

Huong’s attorney, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, reported following Monday’s court session that Huong felt Aisyah’s discharge was unfair to her since the decide final year had observed sufficient evidence to continue on the murder demo in opposition to the two of them.

“She is entitled to the very same kind of thought as Aisyah,” he mentioned. “We are earning representation to the legal professional normal for Doan to be taken equally … there will have to be justice.”

A Significant Court decide last August experienced observed there was plenty of evidence to infer that Aisyah, Huong, and the 4 missing North Koreans engaged in a “well-planned conspiracy” to destroy Kim Jong Nam. The protection period of the demo had been scheduled to start off in January but was delayed right up until Monday.

Legal professionals for the girls have previously reported that they were being pawns in a political assassination with obvious links to the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and that the prosecution failed to clearly show the girls had any intention to kill. Intent to destroy is crucial to a murder demand less than Malaysian legislation.

Malaysian officers have never officially accused North Korea and have built it very clear they do not want the demo politicized.

Kim was the eldest son in the present-day technology of North Korea’s ruling relatives. He had been living abroad for years but could have been witnessed as a menace to Kim Jong Un’s rule.

By Eileen Ng for the Involved Push. Affiliated Press author Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

The post Indonesian Suspect Freed 2 Years After Killing of Kim Jong Nam appeared first on Defence Online.

from WordPress https://defenceonline.com/2019/03/11/indonesian-suspect-freed-2-years-after-killing-of-kim-jong-nam/

[clementwainewrig-blog]

Bihar Base Pay W.e.f Oct 1, 2013.

Articles about or worrying Parenting, Youngster Advancement, Little One Defense, Little One Behavior, Learning Disabilities, HYPERACTIVITY & Procedure, Self-control, Working Parents, Family Members Relationships, Stepparents and youngsters, Little one Security, Youngster & TELEVISION, Learning. Without water, the max span of time an individual could make it through is 10 days. Ngunit wala akong magagawa, Kuya Jer, masarap kasi ang sexual activity. In team-oriented business, people from distinct functionalities are going to work together on the difficult tasks, successfully taking the major http://zdroweprzepisy-joanna.info choices concerning the whole item advancement procedure in the initial style period. On the one hand, it is unjust to fully blame the parents for the bad choices their little ones help make. Kapag nanghingi naman ako ng chocolate bar ay ibinibigay niya. The effect of this particular is actually that it helps youngsters make additional enlightened choices concerning exactly what they've viewed. The elder youngster was a little lady, which, because she was from a tender as well as moderate personality, and also was actually thought to be very stunning, her moms and dads, and people that knew along with her, utilized to phone Violet. The beginning from a child's lifestyle is actually necessary, something understood in any good Gold Shore Montessori facility. I possess possessed a huge escapement from acne on my jaw, chest and shoulders and also been nesting, but rather than the sniffles I have actually been actually crowded and hacking the final pair times. D. During the third phase from giving birth, which begins with the birthing of the newborn, the nurse would promote parent-newborn communication by putting the newborn on the mama's mid-section and also urging the moms and dads to touch the newborn. As well as that was actually merely within times of the mystical vanishing shuck and jive of those twenty-seven missing pages that a brand new disturbance" tale was actually grown through number of years Jackson family frenemy" Stacy Brown relating to inaccurate as well as libelous accusations concerning Jackson's nephews. These signs will sometimes reveal themselves numerous hours, nay days, just before the spell happens; could be looked upon as premonitory; as well as if timely noticed, as well as appropriate medical assistance resorted to, the event of a match may be entirely prevented. The 4th stage of labor lasts off 1 to 4 hrs after birth, during which opportunity the mom and also newborn recoup coming from the physical procedure of birth and also the mama's body organs undergo the first readjustment to the nonpregnant condition. For instance, if your little one yearns for a glass of water, instruct them to inquire for it by label or even indicate this. Additionally, you could design a feeling card which reveals a glass of water as well as your child could lead to it. Some children utilize a non-verbal device from interaction to indicate their prefers and needs to have.

This also means estrangement coming from my grandchildren 15, and 12. At 18 I wed a handsome but troubled and also over used child exact same age as me. I arise from a nurturing, quiet household and also while my moms and dads accepted him they bothered with his state of minds, flare-ups, cold shoulders.Service could be aspect of a little one's lifestyle coming from a younger grow older. The kind of individual you kid has actually ended up being on today is actually a collection of all the years, expertises and events leading up to this. This was additionally the calling time for the child, as West African custom claims this takes eight days for a little one to create its heart.As you understand off emails I have actually composed you I extremely may relate to many of the reviews your visitors have actually left you regarding really feeling overlooked or even unpopular. All 3 little ones that possess instructors for moms and dads rest as a lot or even in some cases much more.

[socielengagementactsc-blog]

Day Seven, 28th of April

The seventh day marked the last day of us spending our time with the kids at Shelter Home 1. Each and every one of our social engagement group were present on this day, we had to take two grab cars from UM. 

When we arrived, the kids were still finishing their pau for breakfast. We started the beautiful saturday morning with some fun origami! We assigned ourselves to each one of the kids so it will be easier to focus on at one kid at a time. We thought them various origamis! The kids were so happy showing off their masterpiece! I personally made a sword and a belt with Sammy! We spent a solid two hours doing origami.

We proceeded our day with a closing ceremony, Dr Amizah joined us for this part. We played a video we’ve made specially for the kids, reflection on all of the activities we have conducted with them ever since day one. It was so nostalgic i swear there were actual tears in my eyes! hahahha. Jun Hong and Arifah also prepared a speech for the kids and the caregivers. We also managed to prepare some gifts for the kids. Our director, Jun Hong called up their name one by one for them to receive a pencil box full of color pens and sweets! Then, we called upon Dr Amizah to deliver our token of appreciation to the Shelter Home. 

The hardest part was saying goodbye to the kids knowing we wont be seeing them anytime soon. At this point, we were so close with them they truly felt like our own blood sisters and brothers. But every good thing must come to an end, so we bid our good byes, hugged each one of them and be on our way back to UM. 

REFLECTION

On the last day(28/4/18), we have cutting paper crafting with the kids. From here, the kids start to give out their ideas in creating the craft they want and they managed to do it successfully with the help of us. From here, I learned that we should be independence and don’t always depend on others to generate ideas so a better craft can be design. I’m proud of them. And we have a video for them and they are excited to watch it and they thanks us for guiding them throughout those 7 days we have with them. I’m sad to leave the kids but I tell them I will be back to see them again if I’m giving a second chance to do this type of project again.

-Kelly Ng Zhi Wei, SIQ170008-

On the last day(28 April), some of the older kid was absent because they had other program at school. I felt a bit sad as I couldn’t say goodbye to some of the kid as I kind of feel attach to them already.

-Noraqilah Zainudin, SIQ170022-

Today is the last day visiting to shelter home. Our main activity was paper cut activity. This activity also enhanced the creativity of the children and also teach the children to be more patient. We taught them to cut out flower, snowflake, leaves and many others. We watched the video from youtube and cut. Some of the children even make out a Christmas tree. After that, we had our closing ceremony. We gave the children to watch the video that prepared by bureau marketing. This video represented our memory visiting the shelter home. Next, we gave each child a set of stationary. We also gave some fruits to the person in charge as appreciation for giving us visit the shelter home. Lastly, we had photographing session as a memory visiting shelter home. And this marked the end of our project.

 I still remembered that initially, the children were not welcoming us, do not want to participate with us. From time to time, our relationship became closer and closer. Some of the children even remember my name. One of the children, Nickson asked me whether will come in future or not. This made me feel warm and heart-touching. And I answered him that if I were given a second chance to visit the shelter home, I surely will come. I was very surprised and happy because many children liked to stick with me like Jojo, Sammy, Suzane and Christal. During the first time, I felt that they were very naughty, did not want to follow our instruction. But from time to time, I felt that they were not naughty, they just want to attract for our attention. They need love from us. I felt very pity to them because some of them are being abused. I also had communicate with some children, actually they missed their mother so much. This make me feel very sad because they only can miss their mother but cannot see her. This also make me to miss my home so much. From this social engagement, I also learned to cope with my teammates so that the activities can be carried out smoothly.

-Lee Ai Ning, SIQ170009-

On the last day, I enjoyed crafting using the coloured A4 papers with the children. I had fun with them. However, when it was almost time for us to go, I felt sad because it was hard to let them go after spending a lot of time with them during our previous visits. Though our visits were a short one, I hope they enjoyed the entire time we spent with them because I did enjoy and I definitely miss them. It was something that I have never experienced before and it was indeed a great experience. Throughout the visit, I have learnt to be more responsible and develop more understanding on everyday-life of children at shelter home.

- Nurhanani binti Abdul Rapa, SIQ170026-

On 27 April, it such a heart-breaking day.  We were not able to meet all the boys and Emily for our last time. I cannot give my last goodbye to them. I cannot give advice to them. I cannot ask them to study hard and smart. I cannot hug Emily and ask her to take care of other kids.

I asked Pohyin whether she want all of us to come again. Would she miss us? Did she enjoy all the activities. And I could see from her eyes, she loved to be with us. She such a smart girl. She expert at multiplication and Bahasa. Lastly, I hugged her because this girl stole my heart.  

- Puteri Saffawani Mohd Yunus, SIQ170028 -

It was our last day with the kids. We did paper craft activity with them so that they can remember us when they look at the craft we made together. For our closing ceremony we watch a video about our activities with the kids at Shelter Home. Then, we gave a gift to each of them. They were very happy to receive the gifts, but sad at the same time because it was our last visit. They said that they will missed us and asked us to come again. I was overwhelmed because I never thought that I will feel attached to them because of their mischievousness but at the very bottom of my heart, I knew that I will miss them dearly.

- Nurul Syuhada binti Awang Da, SIQ170027 -

On last day (28th April), not all the kids are at home because they had a sports day at school. Every moment at the last day we share each other, we did some art and craft. I teach some of them to be superhero that help people. This is to encourage them to become helpful to others. The important thing I get is on the last day, we have to love each other to ensure our bonds with the children are long lasting forever.

At phase post,  the time to visit the Shelter Home is not divided correctly among us and this is our weakness and I learned something from this which we must always give the full commitment to our program. Overall, from this social engagement program is, I learned the most important things which as human beings, we must love each other especially the children who are younger than us and respect the older person. This is the most important lesson that I learned because not there are many people outside there did not get the affections from someone especially their parents. We must grateful because our parents still with us and we can have their affection.

- Mohd Afiq Irfan bin Mohammed, SIQ170016 -

My last visit to this orphanage was on 28 April 2018(Saturday). It was the last day of our project which I had to say goodbye to the orphans , the happier time always went faster. As we reached there at 9am sharp , we then carried out our activities which is the craft paper , we taught the orphans the way to cut the paper into a various amazing shape and some of them even built a ‘castle’ using the paper we provided. It’s a new experience for me to teach people paper crafting , and I felt satisfied seeing them finishing the paper crafting under my guidance. After this, the orphans had to collect the mess which they’ve made and put in the bins , and some of them also put their ‘masterpiece’ above their cupboard. After that , it’s sharing session with the orphans there . We shared our video during the time we were with them . Our lecturer Dr Amizah also came to this orphanage and gave away the token of appreciation to the manager there . Also , we distributed souvenirs to each of the orphans there and lastly, we had a photo-shooting session. This means that our project have come to an end. I hope the children there can live happily everyday . I even felt grateful as I was born in a happy family .

- Lee Zhijie, SIQ170010 -

On the last day, before closing ceremony and photography session, we did craftworks with the children. The children at there were really hyperactive and smart. The thing I actually learnt the most from them is ‘to be patient’. The child I’m sitting with were hyperactive and she nearly gave up with the craftworks as she cannot differentiate between 2D and 3D. However, after I said some encouraging words to her, she smiled, giggled and continue. Although she still not able to do the whole craftworks by herself ,at last, she was able to make a square from an A4 paper and fold the square into a small triangle by herself without my help and guidance.  I believe if sufficient time was given to her, she can make her own craftworks and even teach other younger children too!

- Lim Zi Earn, SIQ170014 -

On last day, actually it was very sad to know we cannot meet some of them because they have sports day at school. We learn how to craft several things with paper and scissors. Nickson asked to me create shuriken so I did it for him. He is so happy. We watched memories video with them before we ended this project and we gave gifts to them.

- Muhammad Faiz Hilmy Bin Hazam, SIQ170017 -

On the last day, we got into paper craft and we make some mesmerizing crafting like snowflakes and flowers. Its truly a pity that some of them couldn’t be with us in our last day as they had sports day coincidentally. We ended the project with gifting them small gifts and present the video of our funs together. We took a group photos together and we left shortly after.

- Muhd Nazman bin Nazrun, SIQ170020 -

It was the last day of our visit here at the Shelter Home. It saddens me as this visit could probably be the last visit and also the last time I engaged with the children. As usual when we arrived, the children was having breakfast. After they finished their breakfast, we played origami with them. The programme and protocol members provide coloured papers and some scissors to the children. We watched tutorials from Youtube together with the kids to do our origami. The children was a fast learner as they are able to follow the steps accordingly. Some make boats, trees, flowers, hat, telescope, swords, belts and many more ! It amazed me of how creative the kids were. They also coloured their origami with coloured pencils and coloured pens. Then, we proceed with the closing ceremony. I set up the projector along with the multimedia and technical members. We present videos of us with the kids from Day 1 until the last Day. The children laugh when they see their faces. After the closing ceremony ends, we then packed our thing to go back to University of Malaya. It was really hard to say goodbye to them. I will definitely miss them a lot !

- Nur Adriana binti Che Johari, SIQ170023

The last day is on 28/4/2018 which is the closing ceremony. We have paper cutting session which they cut paper into different items they wanted. For example, some of them made Christmas tree, shield, gun and even knife. Of course, after they managed to make them, we will teach them that they could not use these weapons to harm others when they grow up. Instead, they have to do good things to others so that they can bring peace to the humanity. Lastly, we have a small ceremony session to give the kids some gift as an appreciation. If I have a second chance to be involve in this type of activity, I’m willing to join because is the time where you can gain something new. As time passes, the children started to be familiar with us. They eventually paid attention to what we said and participated in the game sessions. It was pretty challenging to make sure all the kids are listening to the instructions as most of them are hyperactive. However, thanks to the person in charge there, we successfully carried out all the sessions and we can see the kids were enjoying the games. Along the process, we realized our bonding with the children is getting stronger. Sometime, they asked us to not to go back as they wanted to spend more time with us. Sometime, we wish to stay with them a little more longer.

-Teo Jun Hong, SIQ170032

Time flies so fast as we finally reached our last day with them. Arts & Crafts was the last activity we played with them before the closing ceremony starts. Through this activity, I can see that they were so creative as they constructed various shapes using coloured papers. In my point of view, this is the most interesting activity held throughout all sessions. The reason why I find this as the most interesting activity is because it awakened me towards something. Although some of the kids do not develop interest in education, which I can observe during studying session, but I can see that the kids were really into art works. They paid full attention to their hands-on crafting works and created different kind of creative collages. They are undeniably good in this field which makes me believe that everyone is born with their own unique skills and abilities. As adults, we should encourage them to go for what they love and passionate about in their life. Education is indeed an important tool to success in life but that does not make arts field unimportant because everyone is brilliant in their own way. There is a saying that mentioned ‘If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

Lastly, we had closing ceremony and photography session. Our supervisor for Social Engagement course, Dr Amizah Malip came as a guest. We gave all the kids a gift so they can keep them as memory with us. Watching them smile really warms our heart and it signals us that we successfully achieved our goal to spread love and motivation to the children. Photography session has ended and now it is the hardest goodbye. We hug each other and gave some positive advices to the kids before waving them goodbye. It was really a hard but life must go on. Kids, I will miss all of you…

- Arifah binti Mohd Noordin, SIQ170001

Jasmine Faiqah 

SIQ170007

[focussg-blog]

Get Your Teen to Love Talking to You

Communicating with our teens doesn’t have to be painful

By Cheryl Ng

They would not listen

They did not know how…

Do we catch ourselves dredging out these lyrics from a time long ago when we feel very misunderstood, or in exasperation trying to communicate with our teenagers?

Quite a few parents I’ve met are rather perplexed why a previously gregarious and chatty eight-year-old might suddenly reply their “Had a good day?” with “mm…orh…ah…”, or why their compliant pre-teen might unexpectedly assume a passive-aggressive streak by ignoring instructions.

Communicating at every opportunity

Our family has a ‘talkative’ culture where we engage one another in conversation at every opportunity to share our lives and thoughts.

We have worked to make conversation a priority at family meals, even though such times have dwindled from a daily affair to a weekly event as they grow up. Nevertheless, touching base with the family at the end of a long day at school or work helps each of us release the pressures of the day to debrief or decompress.

On top of that, leisurely Saturday dinners or long lazy Sunday brunches provide the perfect setting for casual chats about our daily encounters. Discussing how we handled them opens the door to reinforce values and pre-empt tricky situations. This is also a platform for encouraging the young ones’ endeavours and affirming their good decisions.

When we get together with our friends, we appreciate it when the children are engaged in the conversation. They learn life’s lessons and also become comfortable in interacting with people who are not their peers in varied social settings. Such situations honour the children as we believe that they can hold their own with other adults.

As a mum on a flexible work arrangement, I enjoy taking my kids out on scheduled one-on-one dates after school or when other activities end. We really look forward to these times as it is indulgent and fun to connect over shared favourites of tea and cakes or in the mutual delight of browsing toy/ clothing stores and bookshops. In such relaxed atmospheres, the kids speak their minds and from their hearts. And listen with intent too. I find that they are more receptive when they feel affirmed and loved.

My husband’s best vehicle for communication is driving the children to school. It’s the perfect space to listen to the news on the radio together and exchange views on what’s happening in the world around them. It’s also the perfect time to check out their day’s programmes, and pray with them for a great day!

Communicating from young

Once, I asked my children what they think about teenagers’ communication with their parents, in general. Several of them pointed to a great relationship with their parents from young as a crucial starting point. Strong and clear communication lines need to be built early.

“You can’t expect teenagers to suddenly desire telling their parents about their friends or activities now that they’ve become more independent, when their parents didn’t have time to hear the stories of their teacher’s cats or their playground escapades before.”

“Or when they were just given instructions all the while they were growing up.”

“Or if the parents always brush aside their views.”

“Or ignore their feelings.”

“Communication lines need to be built early.”

Part of that great relationship is trust. Children need to know that they are taken seriously and that parents make real effort to address their questions and doubts. They cannot bear to be mocked at for their requests for answers, advice or help. In her early teens, my daughter asked me the big question on what I thought about dating, I did not tell her to wait till she was older nor did I raise my eyebrows at her. I immediately — and as casually as I could — sat her down on the sofa with me. I did have to ask a few questions first to find out what angle she was coming from, before having a heart-to-heart discussion on what each of us thought about dating and how it works for different stages.

Communication is a two-way street. Parents have to listen as much as they want their teenagers to listen. Listening to what their hearts are crying out for and not just to the words.

Listening without judging. Don’t think the worst, or the least, of your child.

Listening without giving unsolicited advice. Usually, the teenager is interested to hear dad and mum’s opinion.

“Communication is a two-way street.”

A good sense of humour helps to lighten the mood as well.

Perhaps they’ll listen now.

And talk too.

© 2017 Focus on the Family Singapore. All rights reserved.

Cheryl is the Principal Trainer at Focus on the Family Singapore, and believes that children are the future and family the nurturing ground. She and her husband have four children.

Whether your child is a pre-schooler or a pre-teen, be equipped with skills at our Parenting with Confidence workshops to lay a strong foundation for your relationship so that the teenage years will not be fraught with tension and exasperation.

This article was first published on family.org.sg and republished with permission.

[trendingnewsb]

The 20 Most Inspiring Books from the Last 10 Years That Every Woman Should Read

I am woman, hear me roar!

Oh yes, I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price, but look how much I gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong

I am invincible

I AM WOMAN!

~Lyrics from “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy

Women are strong, sexy, intelligent, resourceful, nurturing, intuitive and resilient. Sometimes being all of these things (and more) comes at a price. As women there are times when we become depleted and we need to be inspired, rejuvenated and our fire needs reigniting.

Reading is one of the most empowering things any person can do for themselves. A good book–I mean a really good book–can touch your soul, heal your heart and stir your creative juices.

Below is a list of 20 books that every woman should read. They will inspire, educate, transform and bring back your roar!

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I had to begin with this epic and well penned story. To be more exact, this isn’t just a book, it is an emotional journey.

Katniss, this book’s title character, epitomizes Helen Reddy’s anthem for women. As a protagonist, she exhibits strength during her weakness. She is outwardly fearless while inwardly she is petrified. She is you in hero form. You may have seen the movie but the movie is vastly inferior to this work of art by Suzanne Collins. This book is a timeless classic. You will cheer and cry. You will walk away inspired.

2. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

This New York Times bestseller is set in the 1970’s and is described as being, “A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing…[it] is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.” It is a story that shows how to survive loss and tragedy without losing yourself.

3. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Bad Feminist is as a sharp and funny funny collection of essays that provide an accurate look at the ways in which our culture consumes us and snatches our identity. Roxane Gay takes us on her journey and describes life from the lens of a black a woman. She comments on trends and recent events and how they have effected feminism. In the end, this book is really an inspiring call-to-action and highlights areas in which we as women need to do better.

4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tart

The New York Times describes “The Goldfinch” as “a rarity that comes along perhaps half a dozen times per decade, a smartly written literary novel that connects with the heart as well as the mind…. You keep waiting for the wheels to fall off, but in the case of “The Goldfinch,” they never do.”

This is a historical fiction story that recounts the experiences of a young boy loses his mother in a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This story is perfect for women as it explores the meaning and purpose of art as well as love, friendship, and the pain of loss.

5. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

This New York Times Bestseller is a practical guide for helping women gain and maintain self-confidence. The principles in this book are based on time tested research on gender, behavior, cognition and genetics.

6. Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi

Set in the 1950s, Boy, Snow, Bird opens on the Lower East Side of New York City, with a young white woman named Boy Novak running away from her violent father. She finds her self in Massachusetts where she meets a widower, a jewelry craftsman, Arturo Whitman, in Flax Hill, Mass. They marry and she becomes obsessed with her new stepdaughter, Snow.

This novel is a remake if not hugely reminiscent of the famous fairy-tale, Snow White. The interesting twist in this novel is that Boy’s husband is a very light-skinned black man, who “passes” as white. This novel poetically discusses the the themes of color and race relations, self-love and acceptance wrapped in the familiarity of a well-known tale.

7. Knowing Your Value: Women, Money and Getting What You’re Worth by Mika Brzezinski

This New York Times bestseller is a collection of interviews from the world’s most successful business women. This book uses the stories and success of other women to show you how to thrive in your career and financially and understand your self-worth as a woman.

8. Drink by Ann Dowsett Johnston

Drink is part research reporting and part memoir that delves into the realities of the rising rates of women alcoholics. This book looks at the psychological and social pressures extreme and risky drinking behaviors has had on women in general. This book, while addressing alcoholism in women, is a picture of how society can shape and manipulate the behavior of an entire species.

9. The Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary

The 21-Day Financial Fast, written by award-winning writer and The Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary, challenges women to look at finances differently. For twenty-one days, participants will put away their credit cards and buy only the barest essentials. The challenge is designed to not only change how you view and manage your money but also why you do what you do. Michelle challenges you take an introspective look at your relationship with money. It will end your dysfunctional relationship with money.

10. The Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is the ultimate motivational tool. Once you put it down, you will feel inspired to tackle that project, write your book, open a bakery or change careers. Elizabeth Gilbert is the award winning author of the wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love. She is all about unlocking your creativity and living fearlessly.

11. The Life Boat by Charlotte Rogan

This is a poignant novel is a gritty, naked look at what being a survivor really means. This book opens with a newly married couple being ripped apart by a horrible accident at sea and only half of the couple survives. This book follows the perils of what the survivors must do in order to survive. It shows the inner strength that lies within all of us. But it also shows that we are all capable of being horrible sadists.

12. I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This by Kate White

Kate White, who is also the author of Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead…But Gutsy Girls Do, has written another wise, witty and straight-shooting career guide for women. In this book, Kate inspires women to chase their career goals–no matter how lofty. She serves as a champion for high- achieving career- driven women.

13. Ask For It: How Women Can Use Negotiation To Get What They Really Want by Linda Babock and Sarah Laschever

This book tackles and explains the art of negotiation from a woman’s point of view. Negotiations look and flow differently for women in the workforce and this book gives a four-phased approach to negotiations. It is designed to teach women how to maximize their bargaining power and how to silence their negative inner self-talk. You will become a more confident and powerful go-getter.

14. Swamplandia by Karen Russell

Karen Russell has struck gold with her first novel. This tale about a girl’s courageous effort to preserve her grieving family’s way of life, is infused “with humor and gothic whimsy.” The New York Time’s praises Russell’s “exuberantly inventive language and her vivid portrait of a heroine who is wise beyond her years.”

15. Becoming Wise: An Inquiry Into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett

This book is a culmination of wisdom gained from years spent interviewing scientists, philosophers, theologians, activists and poets on her award winning NPR podcast. She has taken all that she has learned, condensed and distilled it down to create a “master class on living.” This book encourages and instructs women how to live, love and exists on their own terms.

16. The Immortal Life of Henerietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Described by NPR as “a remarkable feat of investigative journalism and a moving work of narrative nonfiction that reads with the vividness and urgency of fiction. It also raises sometimes uncomfortable questions with no clear-cut answers about whether people should be remunerated for their physical, genetic contributions to research and about the role of profit in science.” This book will cause you to think and it may just cause a shift in your worldview.

17. Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself by Melody Beattie

This wildly popular, Amazon best-seller is what every woman needs to shake loose of codependency and to have healthy, drama-free relationships. Through a series of interactive activities and funny anecdotes, Melody Beattie, walks you through her simple and direct approach that leads to a path of independence, wholeness and satisfaction.

18. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Who doesn’t love Tina Fey? And this is all Tina Fey. This book is a light yet deeply insightful easy read. In this memoir of sorts, Tina takes us into her life and dishes the “tea” on what it’s like to be a woman in the male dominated comedy business. Expertly told, this book is full of the witt and humor you’ve come to expect from Fey but it is also a heroic tale of a woman who found success in the face of numerous obstacles.

19. Better Than before by Gretchen Reuben

This book is written by the New York Times’ bestselling author of The Happiness Project. This book is all about helping you to change by addressing your habits. She offers women a methodical approach to recognizing and changing dysfunctional behaviors, attitudes and habits that sabotage their success and rob them of happiness. She shows women how to tackle their number one enemy: herself.

20. Come To The Edge: A Love Story by Christina Haag

Every woman loves a good love story and Haag definitely delivers with this book. Christina details her five year romance with John F. Kennedy Jr. The Washington Post says that Haag’s story “lyrically and precisely recaptures the frenetic ecstasy of early love.” This book shows how true love surpasses wealth, status and fame. We all desire to love and be loved passionately and Haag expertly captures and exposes this all encompassing love in this well written story.

The post The 20 Most Inspiring Books from the Last 10 Years That Every Woman Should Read appeared first on Lifehack.

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[dubredofanfics]

Six Years

Part 6 - Digong meets the Robredo Kids

It was a typical busy day for Digong, it has been like days since he last saw Leni or spent time with her as her boyfriend. He concluded that she might be busy with work and he didn't want to interfere until Bong knocked on his office and informed him about Leni's presence.

"Si Leni? Sige papsukin mo." He uttered in surprise.

Leni humbly entered his office, Bong closed the door next to her.

"Napadaan ka mam? Sana nagtext ka." He began. "Actually..." She sustained as he checked on his smart watch making him realize that he had three missed calls from her. "... kaya lang mukang busy ka so, dumiretso nalang ako dito." She continued and smiled awkwardly at him.

"Sorry, Leni." He felt bad. "Marami lang talagang inaasikaso. Bakit? How can I help you?" He asked. "Okay lang, ano ka ba!" She replied.

"Eh gusto ko lang sana tanungin if free ka ba bukas? Saturday evening?" She attempted. "Mmm, we don't stop working pero ano ba yon? Baka naman pwedeng gawan ng paraan." He sounded uncertain.

Leni hesitated a bit but she knew she had to at least try asking him about it. "Eh... kase sila Aika." She began nervously. "Gusto kase ng tatlo ko na mameet ka sana... for a dinner." She continued, Bong snorted at the corner.

"Oy, lumabas ka nga muna." Digong jested. "Sige, Digong. Mam Leni. Excuse muna." Bong chuckled as he gave them privacy.

Leni exhaled heavily. "So..." she uttered softly already expecting a rejection by looking at his hesitant face. "Okay lang naman kung hin—"

"Sige." He cuts her in; she was stunned. "Ha?" She uttered in confusion. "I'll go. Nageexpect yung mga bata, I don't like to disappoint them." He replied. "Sigurado ka? Wala kang gagawin ng araw na yon?" She asked.

"Okay man yan. Ikaw ba mam? Tingin mo okay lang?" He asked worrying her children might not like him. "Ha? Oo naman, syempre." She retorted. "Tingin mo okay naman sila saakin?" He asked. Leni was uncertain but then she knew that her children are mature enough to deal with it.

"Ehm... oo naman. Mature na naman yung nga yon." She stammered. "Maganda narin siguro na mameet mo sila since nameet ko narin naman yung family mo." She continued. "Sige mam. Sabi mo e." He smiled giving her much relief.

—

Leni and Digong took the private chopper to travel to Leni's residence in Naga where her children are waiting for them.

Their vehicle entered their parking space and as the engine stopped, Leni looked at Digong nervously.

"Ayos ka lang?" He asked. "Handa na ba talaga tayo?" She retorted, he took her hand and kissed the back of it. "We'll get through this. Di naman kita iiwanan." He assured easing her relentless anxiety.

They went down the car being welcomed by her kids as they entered the house. "Good evening president," they greeted him professionally.

"President— sus." He snorted. "Ay ano po ba?" Jill asked. "Tito Diggy?" She jested. "Tito? Tatay nalang." He replied making them chuckle but they preferred calling him tito.

Aika was kind of cold towards him — probably wary. They settled on the dining area together. Digong has been very cordial with them, he also assisted them as they ate their meals.

"Medyo hindi man magandang opening pero kamusta naman po pala kayo ni mama?" Aika asked. Leni and Digong looked at each other wondering who would answer her. "Okay naman kami ng mama mo. We're going out often." He replied, Leni discreetly exhaled.

Silence crept in as nobody was in full courage to speak first.

"Tahimik ba talaga kayo?" He asked making them chuckle weakly. "Hindi yan, nahihiya lang siguro." Leni replied. "President po kase." Jill jested shyly. "Sus, wag kayo mahiya magsalita. Say whatever you want." He encouraged them.

"Gano kadalas po kayo lumalabas ni mama?" Aika asked. "Saan po kayo pumupunta usually?" Tricia butts in. "Usually sa bahay pangarap lang, mahirap naman kase na public masyado." Leni answered. "Bahay pangarap kayo lumalabas? Sa bahay? Anong ginagawa niyo doon?" Aika asked.

"Aika!" Leni blushed for a moment, Digong chuckled. "Kumakain kami nito ng sabay doon, minsan sa Malacañang, we talk, nagbobonding." Digong clarified. The kids felt uneasy, he was sensitive with it.

He paused eating and leaned his back slightly on his chair. "You know kids, Aika, Tricia... Jill. I know you're being wary of me. Syempre nanay niyo yung nililigawan ko—"

"Akala ko po kayo na?" Jill asked. Leni smiled weakly. "Eh... Oo. I mean, I'm with your mother... Kaya naiintindihan ko na hindi madali sainyo matanggap lahat especially that — I must admit — your father is irreplaceable. Jesse is a very good guy, taas ko man paa at kamay ko sakanya sa galing niya." He began, Leni hoped that he won't slip on words that would displease the children. The three listened closely.

"But the only thing I can assure you, ipapangako ko sainyo that I will not take your mother for granted. I will protect her hangga't kaya ko. Mahal ko si Leni and if you're worrying about what would your life be nang nandito ako..." He sustained for a moment and held Leni's hand in front of their eyes.

"Parte kayo ng buhay ni Leni... kaya tatanggapin at mamahalin ko rin kayo tulad ng pagmamahal ko sakanya." He looked at them, his sincerity struck them. Leni couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Aika, Tricia and Jill. Mark my word, mamahalin ko kayo ng parang sarili kong mga anak. I'll do that because I want to and because I am sincere about this woman." He looked at Leni.

Leni felt so intoxicated by his words, she felt how shook her kids was with his courage to speak up. She was all hands up for him as nobody dared to do that for her, for their love, not even Bolet was able to do that for her despite that they have been together for years already and met her kids a couple of times already.

Silence swarmed the dining area for a moment as it sank to them what he just said. "Thank you..." Tricia courageously broke the silence.

"Thank you po." Jill followed, Leni started to feel half confused and half relieved. "Thank you, tito Digong." Aika joins in.

"Tatay Digong." She corrected herself making Leni extremely relieved. "You're welcome mga anak." He replied and smiled at his new three girls.

The dinner ended warmly. Opposite than they expected, the girls actually developed trust for Digong after spending some time and words with him. Soon then, the day ended, Digong bid his goodbye for the three and to his woman.

"Sige, pumasok na kayo. Ako nalang maghahatid sakanya sa labas." Leni instructed her kids and walked with him outside.

They paused for a moment outside the house' doorsteps. "Sobrang thank you!" She exclaimed and hugged him tightly. "Grabe, kabang kaba ako pero mukang okay naman." She expressed. "Eh... mature na naman sila and napalaki mo naman ng tama kaya okay man sila saatin." He smiled.

"Basta, thank you kase sobrang sincere mo. Baka kung ibang lalake ka, nako." She compared. "Anyway, sige na, gabi na uuwi ka pang Davao 'di ba?" She asked.

"Oo, weekend e. I need to be at home." He replied. "Mmmm, eh... sige lumakad ka na para di ka gabihin masyado." She retorted.

"Okay, good night." He replied with a hopeful smile. She had a hint of what he was hoping for. "Sige, good night." She hugged him and leaned close to him to kiss his cheek but he moved his face.

She pulled back before their lips met by accident. "Oy!" She laughed. "Sa cheeks lang!" She followed and leaned again to kiss his cheek but he was being playful attempting to kiss her lips.

"Rodrigo!" She warned him playfully but he kept competing. "Sige na, isa lang." He puckered his lips. "Isa! Sasampalin kita diyan." She facetiously slapped his face. He stole a quick kiss on her lips. "Good night!" He cheered.

"Hoy! Ikaw— nako." She complained but she actually found his stealing of kisses so cute. "Good night, Leni." He smirked and walked towards his van. Their PSGs and assistants were silently blushing over them.

She glared at him, "Humanda ka saakin sa Monday." She threatened him. "Bakit? Kiss mo ako ulit?" He joked. "Rodrigo!" She nagged him. "Ingay nito." She followed making them cackle.

"Sige na po, i-uwi niyo na po yung presidente niyo." She brought a humor to the assistants and guards. "Bye na," she told him. "Bye," he replied and slid close the car's door.

He brought down the car's window and waved at her. "Love you, Maria." He professed loudly. "Hoy," she felt shy amidst her blushing. "Love you, Maria." Digong repeated urging her to reply but he was actually just being playful, he's not expecting anything.

"Sige na, baka gabihin ka na masyado." She swayed the subject slightly. "Sige, bye." He settled on his seat and closed the window. Leni watched his van and convoys to drive away before she went back inside the house.

Leni checked on the kitchen to see if there are still plates to be washed but it was already empty. She decided to go upstairs but as she stood in front of the staircase, she remembered Digong professing in front of her.

Love you, Maria.

A smile grew on her lips. She slightly regret not reciprocating the professing but she knew she still have other chances. Hence, she felt so relieved to think that her kids are now cordial with him.

Grabe, kahit pretension lang, ang sarap sarap sa pakiramdam. I never thought magiging ganito kagaan sa loob.

[phgq]

LTO’s plate-making facility a safe workplace for PWDs

#PHnews: LTO’s plate-making facility a safe workplace for PWDs

MANILA – The overly long wait for the release of new license plates is now over with the continued operation of the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) new plate-making facility inaugurated last year.

The facility not only produces more and improved license plates in less time; it is also safer for operators and has become a conducive workplace to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In a web episode of TransporTalks by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTO chief, Asst. Sec. Edgar Galvante, said since the inauguration of the new plate-making facility, anyone who can read and understand instructions is capable of working in the new facility.

“May kapansanan pero sa process namin may maitutulong sila, open kami doon. Katulad sa plate-making, hindi mo kailangan magsalita ka—nakakabasa ka, nakakaintindi ka—'yung mga instruction nababasa mo naman at magagawa mo naman (Has a disability but is capable of helping in our process, we’re open to those. Like in plate-making, you don’t need to speak—you can read, understand—read the instructions and do them),” Galvante said.

They have hired four PWDs to date, one of which is quality assurance inspector, Edwin Sherwin Milanes.

As an amputee, Milanes has been hired by the LTO as inspector of license plates released by the facility.

“Kami 'yung nagche-check ng plaka, kung tama ba 'yung nasa QR code niya, kung 'yung plaka ba ay maayos, walang gasgas, tapos kung 'yung RFID niya match ba sa plaka (We are those who check the license plates, if the QR code is correct, if the plate is proper, no scratches, and its RFID matches the plate),” Milanes said.

One of his co-workers is Maricar Perez, who is capable of speaking through sign language, is one of the facility’s hot foil machine operators.

She said that through her work, she has since learned to be responsible as a government worker and now happy for being able to provide for her family.

“I am happy because I can help in supporting my family. And I am proud of everyone who is working here in LTO,” Perez said.

Since their hiring, Galvante said the LTO is open to more PWDs.

“Kaya sa ngayon meron kaming apat. At in fact, kung pwede pang dagdagan, dadagdagan namin (For now we have four. And in fact, if we could add more, we will),” Galvante said.

Aside from allowing the hiring of more PWDs, the new facility is also safer to all personnel.

Arjay Añasco, a hydraulic press operator, said since the installation of IDeROBOT or the facility’s automatic embossing machine, operators are more secure and safe because the machine itself is covered in polycarbonate glass.

The automation process has also lessened the number of human errors, speeding up the release of license plates, he said.

“Mas marami kaming nagagawa sa tulong ni IDeROBOT. Mas mabilis namin naibibigay 'yung mga plaka nila (We can do more with the help of IDeROBOT. We can release license plates faster),” Añasco said.

The DOTr said the robot can produce around 700 plates an hour which totals to almost 6,000 pairs of plates in an 8-hour shift.

Aside from IDeROBOT, the facility also houses seven manual embossing machines, five hot foil stamping machines, and five units of RFID printers.

To date, the transportation office said about 1.9 million pairs of license plates have been made and are being distributed by the LTO.

How to check if your license plate is ready

For those who are waiting for the release of their plates, Galvante said there are two ways of checking if yours are ready.

One is to call your car dealer and check if your license plates have arrived.

Another way is to check it at www. lto. net. ph through the plate backlog inquiry option.

“Ang gagawin lang nila, pumunta sila sa website ng LTO. At makikita nila sa menu nun, merong plate query (Just visit the LTO website and on the site menu, there's a 'plate query'),” Galvante said.

Just key in the 15-digit motor vehicle (MV) file number, he added.

Aside from inquiring about the status of license plates, one could also schedule a license renewal appointment at a local LTO office within the website.

For car dealers, the website also houses a payment assessment tool which also allows online payment to skip the lines at LTO offices. (PNA)

  ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "LTO’s plate-making facility a safe workplace for PWDs." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081191 (accessed September 26, 2019 at 04:49PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "LTO’s plate-making facility a safe workplace for PWDs." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081191 (archived).

[trendingnewsb]

The 20 Most Inspiring Books from the Last 10 Years That Every Woman Should Read

I am woman, hear me roar!

Oh yes, I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price, but look how much I gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong

I am invincible

I AM WOMAN!

~Lyrics from “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy

Women are strong, sexy, intelligent, resourceful, nurturing, intuitive and resilient. Sometimes being all of these things (and more) comes at a price. As women there are times when we become depleted and we need to be inspired, rejuvenated and our fire needs reigniting.

Reading is one of the most empowering things any person can do for themselves. A good book–I mean a really good book–can touch your soul, heal your heart and stir your creative juices.

Below is a list of 20 books that every woman should read. They will inspire, educate, transform and bring back your roar!

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I had to begin with this epic and well penned story. To be more exact, this isn’t just a book, it is an emotional journey.

Katniss, this book’s title character, epitomizes Helen Reddy’s anthem for women. As a protagonist, she exhibits strength during her weakness. She is outwardly fearless while inwardly she is petrified. She is you in hero form. You may have seen the movie but the movie is vastly inferior to this work of art by Suzanne Collins. This book is a timeless classic. You will cheer and cry. You will walk away inspired.

2. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

This New York Times bestseller is set in the 1970’s and is described as being, “A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing…[it] is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.” It is a story that shows how to survive loss and tragedy without losing yourself.

3. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Bad Feminist is as a sharp and funny funny collection of essays that provide an accurate look at the ways in which our culture consumes us and snatches our identity. Roxane Gay takes us on her journey and describes life from the lens of a black a woman. She comments on trends and recent events and how they have effected feminism. In the end, this book is really an inspiring call-to-action and highlights areas in which we as women need to do better.

4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tart

The New York Times describes “The Goldfinch” as “a rarity that comes along perhaps half a dozen times per decade, a smartly written literary novel that connects with the heart as well as the mind…. You keep waiting for the wheels to fall off, but in the case of “The Goldfinch,” they never do.”

This is a historical fiction story that recounts the experiences of a young boy loses his mother in a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This story is perfect for women as it explores the meaning and purpose of art as well as love, friendship, and the pain of loss.

5. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

This New York Times Bestseller is a practical guide for helping women gain and maintain self-confidence. The principles in this book are based on time tested research on gender, behavior, cognition and genetics.

6. Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi

Set in the 1950s, Boy, Snow, Bird opens on the Lower East Side of New York City, with a young white woman named Boy Novak running away from her violent father. She finds her self in Massachusetts where she meets a widower, a jewelry craftsman, Arturo Whitman, in Flax Hill, Mass. They marry and she becomes obsessed with her new stepdaughter, Snow.

This novel is a remake if not hugely reminiscent of the famous fairy-tale, Snow White. The interesting twist in this novel is that Boy’s husband is a very light-skinned black man, who “passes” as white. This novel poetically discusses the the themes of color and race relations, self-love and acceptance wrapped in the familiarity of a well-known tale.

7. Knowing Your Value: Women, Money and Getting What You’re Worth by Mika Brzezinski

This New York Times bestseller is a collection of interviews from the world’s most successful business women. This book uses the stories and success of other women to show you how to thrive in your career and financially and understand your self-worth as a woman.

8. Drink by Ann Dowsett Johnston

Drink is part research reporting and part memoir that delves into the realities of the rising rates of women alcoholics. This book looks at the psychological and social pressures extreme and risky drinking behaviors has had on women in general. This book, while addressing alcoholism in women, is a picture of how society can shape and manipulate the behavior of an entire species.

9. The Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary

The 21-Day Financial Fast, written by award-winning writer and The Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary, challenges women to look at finances differently. For twenty-one days, participants will put away their credit cards and buy only the barest essentials. The challenge is designed to not only change how you view and manage your money but also why you do what you do. Michelle challenges you take an introspective look at your relationship with money. It will end your dysfunctional relationship with money.

10. The Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is the ultimate motivational tool. Once you put it down, you will feel inspired to tackle that project, write your book, open a bakery or change careers. Elizabeth Gilbert is the award winning author of the wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love. She is all about unlocking your creativity and living fearlessly.

11. The Life Boat by Charlotte Rogan

This is a poignant novel is a gritty, naked look at what being a survivor really means. This book opens with a newly married couple being ripped apart by a horrible accident at sea and only half of the couple survives. This book follows the perils of what the survivors must do in order to survive. It shows the inner strength that lies within all of us. But it also shows that we are all capable of being horrible sadists.

12. I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This by Kate White

Kate White, who is also the author of Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead…But Gutsy Girls Do, has written another wise, witty and straight-shooting career guide for women. In this book, Kate inspires women to chase their career goals–no matter how lofty. She serves as a champion for high- achieving career- driven women.

13. Ask For It: How Women Can Use Negotiation To Get What They Really Want by Linda Babock and Sarah Laschever

This book tackles and explains the art of negotiation from a woman’s point of view. Negotiations look and flow differently for women in the workforce and this book gives a four-phased approach to negotiations. It is designed to teach women how to maximize their bargaining power and how to silence their negative inner self-talk. You will become a more confident and powerful go-getter.

14. Swamplandia by Karen Russell

Karen Russell has struck gold with her first novel. This tale about a girl’s courageous effort to preserve her grieving family’s way of life, is infused “with humor and gothic whimsy.” The New York Time’s praises Russell’s “exuberantly inventive language and her vivid portrait of a heroine who is wise beyond her years.”

15. Becoming Wise: An Inquiry Into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett

This book is a culmination of wisdom gained from years spent interviewing scientists, philosophers, theologians, activists and poets on her award winning NPR podcast. She has taken all that she has learned, condensed and distilled it down to create a “master class on living.” This book encourages and instructs women how to live, love and exists on their own terms.

16. The Immortal Life of Henerietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Described by NPR as “a remarkable feat of investigative journalism and a moving work of narrative nonfiction that reads with the vividness and urgency of fiction. It also raises sometimes uncomfortable questions with no clear-cut answers about whether people should be remunerated for their physical, genetic contributions to research and about the role of profit in science.” This book will cause you to think and it may just cause a shift in your worldview.

17. Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself by Melody Beattie

This wildly popular, Amazon best-seller is what every woman needs to shake loose of codependency and to have healthy, drama-free relationships. Through a series of interactive activities and funny anecdotes, Melody Beattie, walks you through her simple and direct approach that leads to a path of independence, wholeness and satisfaction.

18. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Who doesn’t love Tina Fey? And this is all Tina Fey. This book is a light yet deeply insightful easy read. In this memoir of sorts, Tina takes us into her life and dishes the “tea” on what it’s like to be a woman in the male dominated comedy business. Expertly told, this book is full of the witt and humor you’ve come to expect from Fey but it is also a heroic tale of a woman who found success in the face of numerous obstacles.

19. Better Than before by Gretchen Reuben

This book is written by the New York Times’ bestselling author of The Happiness Project. This book is all about helping you to change by addressing your habits. She offers women a methodical approach to recognizing and changing dysfunctional behaviors, attitudes and habits that sabotage their success and rob them of happiness. She shows women how to tackle their number one enemy: herself.

20. Come To The Edge: A Love Story by Christina Haag

Every woman loves a good love story and Haag definitely delivers with this book. Christina details her five year romance with John F. Kennedy Jr. The Washington Post says that Haag’s story “lyrically and precisely recaptures the frenetic ecstasy of early love.” This book shows how true love surpasses wealth, status and fame. We all desire to love and be loved passionately and Haag expertly captures and exposes this all encompassing love in this well written story.

The post The 20 Most Inspiring Books from the Last 10 Years That Every Woman Should Read appeared first on Lifehack.

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