Raised Toilet Seats for Granny

When my granny was still fresh from her operation, it was very difficult for her to do her toilet activities. Since her operation was on her hips, the toilet seat should be leveled wherein she is not bending her legs. That is why we are contemplating on buying raised toilet seats for her. I went to look for raised toilet seats at AllegroMedical.com. I found handicapped toilet accessories. They got many raised toilet seats model that is suitable for my grandma. Since she cannot bend her legs while sitting on the toilet seat, the raised toilet seat would provide her the level that she need for her legs. There is a raised toilet seat with arm rest where she could rest her hands when her toilet hours are extended. If we would buy her one she would not be afraid to go to the toilet anymore. Before she is very afraid on going to the toilet because she said she might bend her legs because the toilet seats are low. Aside from raised toilet seats I also browsed on quad canes and walkers since she would also be using one until her Physical Therapy sessions would be over and she would walk again on her own. That would take time because of her age, but we are happy to see her improving a little every time.

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Grow old with you

When Inay undergone a surgery because she broke her hip ball that extends to her right femur last month I saw how the song "Grow Old with you" comes to life.

I wanna make you smile,
Whenever you're sad
(When she was brought to the hospital she did not allow anyone even the doctors to touch her because she was screaming in pain, they have to wait for Itay to able to examine her)

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
(in his age, Itay is still attempting to carry her when she needs to be carried, although this time he needs reinforcement)

All I want to do, is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
(Inay is diabetic and the one giving her insulin doses every morning and evening is Itay. Good thing his eye sight is still good, he can still see the numbers in the insulin syringe)

Build you a fire when the furnace brakes
Oh it could be so nice growing old with you

I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold
Need you, feed you, even let u hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed when you've had to much to drink

I could be of the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

On the 27th of December this year they would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. It is nice to see that in a span of almost 5 decades of togetherness their love for each other still remains the same.

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Nice Try Kuya

I was about to get something to eat from the fridge last night when I saw Kuya cleaning his .45 caliber pistol. I asked him why he was cleaning his gun for the nth time (I think he always does every week, I think he considers it as his pet!). I told him that the pistol might not fire at the time that he would use it because it is too clean. He just laughed hard and even tried to pose like a model for a gun magazine. He even kidded me by saying that the reason why he decided to keep a pistol is that I can used it in finding me a hubby if ever I would still be single by the age of forty. Of course it is just a joke. He is keeping one for his firing range visits and seldom hunting engagements. Now he is asking me to get him a DeSantis Holster for his birthday. I told him, its financial crisis so he must try again asking me next year. Nice try!

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A mother and wife's grief

I got this email just this morning. The email reflects the grief of a mother and a wife that lost her daughter and husband to a very tragic incident. An incident that could have been prevented . In the email she asks the readers to help her get the justice that her daughter and husband deserves. By sharing it here in my blog I hope I could help in her quest and somehow lessen even a tiny fraction the pain and sorrow that she is dealing for loosing the two most important persons in her life.

from Lilian de Vera…please read..

Two months ago I considered myself as one of those blessed and happiest people on earth. Why not? I married a guy who was an epitome of kindness. A guy who worshipped even the footsteps I made. More importantly, our union blessed us with a daughter who not only became the main source of our happiness….more so; she was the center of our lives.

We're simple folks who led a simple life. We felt the happiest even about mundane things and inconsequential ones that most people would only take for granted. Our joy mostly revolved on simple pleasures like a sudden trip to Jollibee or a late night marauding of the fridge for any leftovers. A perfect family with simple delights, dreams and aspirations………until that fateful night on December 5, 2008.The day my husband and daughter were taken away from me in a very violent way. That Friday night on December 5, 2008 marked the beginning of all the terror, anguish and misery in my life.

In keeping with my ritual or "panata" on every first Friday of every month, I went to Quiapo Church on the above mentioned date to pay homage and respect to the Almighty One. My husband and daughter were supposed to pick me up in Pasay City after which we planned on giving our daughter a treat to Jollibee. While riding the jeep, I tried to call my husband to tell him that I was on my way to our meeting place. But despite all the calls I made, my husband remained silent. A very unusual occurrence inasmuch as he seldom missed my calls. Despite my trepidation and wonder, I took the next jeep going home and prayed that everything was alright. I even promised to myself that I would forgive my husband for not answering my calls and for forgetting to pick me up.

I felt relieved when near our place my phone rung. Such relief was somehow only momentary….in fact the phone call I got was the bearer of the worst news in my entire life. My helper called, only to tell me that my husband and daughter were shot to death by "men in uniform". The same men who were sworned to protect innocent people from bad guys brutally slew the two most important persons in my life. They were the same men whose sacred duty was to preserve the lives of the public against all harm and danger. Yet…….they were the same men who murdered my love ones in the most cruel, savage and inhuman way.

My husband's face was unrecognizable because he was shot in the head at close range while he was kneeling with his head bowed down.. My daughter's young body was riddled with bullets, one hit her head, blowing her brains out.., all from too powerful guns and ammunitions fired by the "men in uniform" on two innocent and defenseless persons.

The "men in uniform" were allegedly on a mission to take some gang of robbers victimizing people at large. The police shot the crosswind van my husband and daughter were riding Based on some witnesses' narration, the police sprayed bullets into the van despite the lack of provocation or shots coming from the van. In his last effort to save their lives, my husband grabbed my bloodied daughter and shielded her with his body while trying to run away from the police and tried to get cover from a parked jeepney My husband and daughter were so defenseless. How can you mistake a child for a robber? How can you shot at someone who was already kneeling with head bowed, an indication of helplessness.

My husband and daughter are gone…….forever. The pain I feel for their lost is too much too bear. And the only thing that motivates me to go on with life is the mission to seek justice for their senseless killing. If the people who are responsible for their death will be punished, if I could bring them the justice they so richly deserve, my pain would be alleviated. The misery I will live by will be lessened. My husband and daughter will be vindicated and I will learn to live the remaining years of my life in peace.

Thus: I'm asking and begging everyone who will come across this letter/e-mail to forward the same to all your relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Help me bring my cause to the eyes of the people capable of steering the wheel of justice to the right direction. Help me make the loudest cry worthy of attention by those people in-charge in rendering justice to those who deserve it.

Strength comes in numbers; it is where the impossible becomes possible. It is also where the unattainable becomes achievable.

My heartfelt gratitude for everyone who will take a moment in their too busy lives and forward this letter/e-mail to everyone they know. May God always protect you and your love ones from all harm.

Lilian de Vera

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Beware of Sexual Offenders

Safety of our love ones is always on the top of our priorities. Everyone is always thinking for the safety of one’s family twenty four hours a day. Most of my office mates are working moms. I would always hear them worrying about the safety of their children especially their daughters since they are not with them all the time. Sex offenders are those that scare them most. Good thing that there is tracksexoffenders.net. It is the site that could help parents like them or anyone to track sex offenders. The site gives information about sex offenders near their area.they got Sex Offender Lookup where we could use to see offenders near the area.They could see the information about the identity of sexual offenders like the full name, photo, previous and present address and detailed predator reports relating to them. With knowledge of the identity of sexual offenders we can inform our loved ones to keep distance from that person and be cautious in talking to strangers. As we all know, sexual offenders’ looks and manners can deceive people so being informed about their true identity could help us and also our loved ones not to be deceived by them. We should be thankful that with just entering our zip codes we can get too much information that we could use to ensure the safety of our loved ones. We could never compromise the safety of the persons we loved most especially children. The right information and knowledge is a must for us to be at ease and don’t have to worry too much especially when at work so we can be more productive.

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Chocolates from Kathleen

Got package from Vienna last couple of weeks, Kathleen sent me chocolates (she knows my weakness!). Thanks dear!

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Birthday Gift

When I looked at my planner I saw a note that said that a cousin of mine would be celebrating his birthday at the end of the month. For sure we would be driving at his home and have dinner with his family to celebrate his birthday. I'm trying to look for appropriate gift for him. He has been with the police force for more than three years now, so I thought of giving him 5.11 Tactical accessories that could be useful for him. I think he would love a brand new holster, he collects a lot of them. I also thought of giving him tactical phone case for his mobile phone since he never leaves without it. Maybe his wife uses it to know his where about and if he is really on duty and not on extra duties lol! I know he would give his biggest laugh if he would read this!

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Upgrade for our Den

I was thinking of having furniture for our den. Now that the year has come to a close and the pressures of work and reports are starting to pile at my desk, I think it would be nice to relax on cold nights. Having coffee and my tasty muffins and cookies while listening to my choice of music would help me regain the energy that I lose at work. Relaxation is essential for me to cope up and meet my deadlines. It would also be good for those small talks that my friends and I share every time they would drive at our house for dinner and bonding times. I browse for furniture sites and I happen to drop by this furniture site that has a range of Conservatory Furniture. I prefer their Rattan Furniture for my deck. The designs are contemporary and nice which I always prefer. The cushion seems to be very comfortable and they have wide selection of fabrics to be used. Appropriate for long seating times, which my friends and I always have because of the never ending stories about work, family and others that we share over foods and drinks.. And rattan has been known for its durability. In these times, durability of the furniture that we would be planning to purchase should be considered for us to save money for repairs and other maintenance. I’m sure my mom would love my idea of having this furniture, can’t wait to tell her!

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Baked again

I finally touched the oven again last New Year Eve. I haven't been baking for a long time. I made 5 dozens of these banana crumb muffins. Mom was very happy that she gave away the 3 dozens to some of our relatives and hoard the remaining two dozens. My mom love these muffins that she would always nag on me to make those.

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Christmas Family Bonding

It has been part of our family traditions to gather every Christmas Day to eat together and bond. We have been practicing this for more than a decade I guess.

We usually have our reunion in the evening but last Christmas day we have it in the afternoon, maybe because the oldies are getting older and it would be difficult for them to stay late at night. And since we are multiplying, some would still go to their other families (the other side I mean.).

I would share to you some pictures taken. I just grabbed these from Kuya Alvin because I forgot to bring my camera (Blame it on my headache :) ) and some family trivia.

Brgy. Mulawin (our family; Mulawin is the name of the barangay where we reside)

We are missing one family! My Kuya Greg's it's their 5th missed reunion. They went home last year but failed to attend the reunion because they arrived December 31.

The Brgy. Gen. Trias Family

They are one of the biggest family in the clan. Their first Christmas without their father who passed away last October. They are also missing one member, my Ninang Tessie who is in the US with her family. All of the Arca siblings are married except for Ate Cecil (the one in brown tank top) We all hope next year there would be someone new in the picture! hehehe! I love you ate!

The Brgy 4-Bantolino Family

The smallest family in the clan.

The Brgy. 4-Capio Family

With their newest addition, baby Rein! It is actually my first time to see Kuya Jonee's son and wife, he is based in Baguio (he works in Texas Instruments) so they seldom go down here in Cavite. There is Kuya Alvin, my favorite actually our favorite (the one in the stripes polo shirt!) I gave out a loud laugh when he answered back when he was kidded that its okay to bring one's girlfriend/boyfriend.

The Brgy 4-Tahimic Family

Unfortunately the two cute kids are sick and went home early (Thomas and Veniz) You see the boy in red sando, such a brave boy, he just undergone a series of heart operation and after the holidays, he will again undergo one more.

The Brgy. 4-Tahimic Family

The youngest family in the clan. My favorite Uncle Boyong hehehe! The fun starter! The title holder of the "Batya at Palo-palo" award! hehehe! This year he is giving it away to Kuya Nanu and Kuya Pet but the crowd don't like!

The Tahimic Siblings of Leoncio and Leonora Dulce-Tahimic

L-R Simeon and Amelia Tahimic, Pert (represents his father Basil) and Anatalia Tahimic-Arca, Teddy and Francisca Tahimic-Bantolino, Gusing and Rowena Tahimic-Capio, Elvie Tahimic (married to Cresenciano Tahimic) and Leani and Virgilio Tahimic (aka Uncle Boyong! remember the commercial for duty free philippines? it is where we got his nickname) not in the picture (deceased) Sofia Tahimic-Cesa



Pictures pictures again while waiting for the next game!

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Manny the Great

I woke up late today. I noticed when I went out only few jeepneys, trikes and cars are passing by. Yeah I remember, Manny Pacquiao's fight today. No wonder my grandfather was glued in front of the television (boxing fanatic all his life). He was frustrated because the local TV is very much delayed. Thanks to the site that I found we were able to get a live feed. The connection was not that good but atleast he could get updates to lessen his frustration.

Well congratulations Pac-man! You made my Lolo happy! (My lola is annoyed because she can't sleep in the bedroom, the TV is still on on full volume because my lolo still intend to watch the telecast in the local TV! Too fanatic! Later I expect an argument hahaha!)

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