Creating an Adventurous date

Look around on each category to see which idea best interests you.

Museum. Museums are both fun and interesting and can really make great conversation between two people. It is a wonderful way to learn how your date sees things and how their imagination works!

Camping/Hiking. You do not necessarily have to stay overnight, but camping and hiking can be extremely fun and adventurous! The two of you can agree on what food you will take on your trip and you can even rent some movies, if you decide to stay in a cabin with a VCR. If barbecuing is permitted, you might want to consider having a sweet barbecue for two! Go hiking together and explore the beauty of nature. Oh yes, and take pictures!

Travel. If you both feel ready for a trip together, traveling is one of the best things a couple can do! Have a discussion on what places interest you most. Find a time that is convenient for the both of you and then book it. You will have a fantastic time exploring a new place together and it will build a stronger bond! If you need assistance in finding a destination, click here for ideas!

Game Date. If it is fun you are looking for, then try having a game date! Choose a nice and warm day to head down to the beach and try challenging each other to a game of volleyball! You may also accompany this date with a picnic lunch afterward, or a lunch on the pier! Many people like to clean up and meet later for a movie, if the date goes very well keep that in mind!

Zoo. A zoo is not too active, but it is fun! Enjoy looking at some adorable, interesting and exotic animals together! Take pictures of the animals and each other. Remember to choose a day that has pleasant weather, so that you and your date can fully enjoy the experience and take your time!

Idea! Take a picture of your date, with a certain animal in the background, or ask someone to take a picture of the two of you together. When you get your film developed, frame it in an attractive frame, and give it to your date one day, as a sweet memory the two of you shared!

Peace and Quiet

I'm here in my room resting. I'm glad tonight is my last night to go on duty for this month but sad to say just have one day off. But that's the reality of life. I'm thankful though that the Michigan Mission will soon be over and our patients would be discharged soon, hopefully there would be no complications. If you kept track on my previous posts, I kept on complaining bout tiring work, if only I have a choice..I would likely to choose blogging that working in a hospital. Surely blogging gives me a lot of credit but then it's not forever. Just like today, i received a letter from Izea informing that they are auditing blogs again and my bravejournal account was finally deleted from their system. Nah, even though I have PR blogs but getting opps is difficult on my part but then again I was reminded with the purpose of my blogs (not really to monetize but to get in touch with my self by writing my life's story). I just hope everything will work out right..real soon..

Boost your blog Traffic

One good reason to have higher traffic is to submit your website to the best blog directory. And by checking myblogdirectory.com you can have the chance of becoming the blog of the day and receive lots of traffic. When you submit your site, there's no hassle at all because of easy submission and all blogs are listed randomly. So if you want to boost your traffic, have your site listed with myblogdirectory.com.

Dealing with the Heart

After a year of working in a heart center institute, I found very essential to check on them from time to time. At times they experiences chest pain, dyspnea, stomach pain and many more. I know that one must perform keen assessment to know what they are going through. And at times, we checked on them very healthy but after a few minutes go into cardiac arrest. One reason to check is persistence of chest pain and when he goes into valsalava...that's why we usually give them stool softener to prevent them from straining.

alcohol detox center

It's been a pleasure for Pat Moore Foundation, to help thousands of people, recover from drug and alcohol addiction through their alcohol detox center. They have been operating this center for over twenty years helping men and women combat chemical dependency and alcoholism.

As a nurse working in a hospital, I know how important life is and what every alcohol dependent runs into. It's not that easy to give up a hard habit and soon you'll realize that undergoing alcohol detox program is not that easy. But hey, with Pat Moore Foundation, you'll find the best deal of help you can get. They have been in this service offering programs that are licensed and certified by the State of California. You'll see ones, their client is admitted or avail their services you'll see how flexible they are in addressing each clients needs and at the same time assures safety of each client and as far as I know they provide their clients with comfortable home like atmosphere very suited to achieve phases of recovery. Just additional information, guys this center provides non medical and medical programs for detoxification and this includes Suboxone, Subutex and Buprenorphine.

So if you want to help your loved ones ease their pain and suffering then have them check through Pat Moore Foundation.

help please

I'm thinking of trying a good business, but don't have much idea. I don't really have that big capital, just enough to start a small business. Guys, if you have any idea please help me with it. I guess, it will be a good start of earning money this year. I hope and pray that it will work out great as me and boyfriend will be the one financing it.

Blood letting

Last Sunday, Assumption Parish had our quarterly blood letting program. It was perfectly suited for the Medical Mission we had in our hospital. As many patients scheduled for operations were required to have numerous blood products. Just like in the case of our patients who will undergo Mitral Valve Replacement, more or less they need to have 15 bags of PRBC, FFP, and Platelet Concentrate. They usually need to have lots of blood products becuase they will undergo open heart surgery and bleeding tendencies is very visible.

What is your stress level?

Click here to find out your stress level.

Although everyone responds differently, major life changes are some of the biggest causes of stress, both positive and negative. This interactive tool gauges your stress level based on the number of life changes you have had recently. Your score shows a rough estimate of your current stress level and the likelihood that you will have health problems due to stress in the next 12 to 18 months.

Short-term (acute) stress can keep you awake at night and make you feel irritable and edgy. High stress levels over a long period of time (chronic stress) can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, and it can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight disease. Stress is linked to health conditions such as depression, heart disease, and asthma.

What does your score mean?

After you take this interactive tool, you will be better able to see how much stress life changes are causing you. Your score will appear as one of the following:

• You have low stress.
• You have mild stress.
• You have moderate stress.
• You have high stress.

If you have a moderate or high stress level, you are more likely to develop a stress-related illness in the near future.

As with all screening tools, the results of this tool are only an estimate. The way you deal with stress depends on several factors. These include your ability to cope with change (resiliency), how significant life events are to you, and how much support you get from family and friends. There may also be events that cause you stress that are not included in this tool.

Your results can give you a rough measurement of your stress level due to life changes. If you have moderate or high amounts of stress in your life, consider what you can do to avoid adding more stress to your life and what you can do to cope with current stress.

i'm sorry

As you see, I've been busy lately with work. And just yesterday, one patient of our still for OR died. I felt sorry for him and his family. He was too young to die. He even said before " kahit na paabutin na lang ako till graduation". As you know they have prepared for his OR, as his parents were able to have lots of blood donors and to sum up he was transfused 10 units Fresh Frozen Plasma prior to his procedure which is Mitral and Aortic Valve Replacement, he also have around 15 bags of PRBC, FFP and PC for or use, all are readily available. But unfortunately he didn't make it. I just hope he'll be happy now and with the Lord. May his soul rest in peace.

i'd rather blog than work..

Been tired lately with hospital work. Doctors, patients, watchers and everyone seems in a rush with something. I felt stressed out and can't take the stand of it. I know working in a government hospital is not that easy but honestly been tired already. but I don't have any choice either. It's difficult to find a good job here in our place and working in this kind of institution gives me more compensation rather than in private hospitals. nakaka awa lang ang mga nurses, everyone seems to be our "bosses"...tao lang din po kami na may puso at kaluluwa.

Feeling the pain inside

Hatred is a feeling of intense dislike, anger, hostility, or animosity to a person. That is what I feel right now and more so for the past long and agonizing years to a person who is my kin, my blood. Hatred destroys a person. It’s like a termite in a wood that is slowly consuming a person’s energy, goodness and sanity. It rips off all the good things about you. It makes you feel worse and evil. It drains a person’s inner self. Hatred drowns a person with so much hostility and ill or negative effects. Hatred draws one to negativity..it is a feeling you want to escape. It’s something you want to be free from because it has the ability to asphyxiate a person with evilness..Hatred that looms in one’s heart changes the person emotionally, psychologically and physically. Bearing it for quite some time makes you a lot different to the point of sometimes not knowing yourself anymore because you were too consumed by it. And what’s worst is that hatred is like cancer in which malignancy silently creeps and reaches to every inch of your soul and sadly it’s late to realize that one’s too consumed by it. It’s hard to let go. It’s difficult to cure. It may heal but it leaves a scar that will forever be a mark in a person’s life. Help me I’m drowning with so much hate in my heart! I know it’s not good but with years of being with this kin I can’t help but be consumed by it. Prayers don’t seem to help..I am hating myself for hating this person but I think she’s worth the hatred I have for her. It brings me no good. It’s making me feel one step closer to my grave. Help I’m too exhausted..so tired of escaping it and yet it haunts me like a ghost at night. Hatred runs through my nerves like blood so black it’s killing me softly…help I’m dying with hatred..forgiveness I have given to her but it slowly fades away every time she hurts my feelings and the hurt is just mounting up endlessly until I’m too tired to forgive, to understand, to analyze from every standpoint..I don’t know anymore how to forgive..I’m in so much pain from hatred..God I’m so tired..Help me heal..Help me escape oh God…

The Master and I…

I’m not religious actually..I believe in God, I follow His words though sometimes as I walk the Road of Life I stumble and disobey Him. I respect people who adore God or Jesus and utter His words so shamelessly loud but I guess I can’t be like them..I’m just me, I’m not proud that I had sometimes forsaken Him, I am guilty that I sometimes disobey Him, I am very much aware that I sometimes neglect to hear His words..but my relationship with God is somewhat a different one..I sometimes call God when I’m in deep trouble or loneliness and frequently thank Him for all the blessings but most of the time I don’t ask for His guidance everyday. I love God, I fear and respect Him as His child but I am not like the others who are religious, the others who strictly follow the will or rules of God, who declare and tell the world about God and their relationship with Him. True, I am spiritually half empty and my relationship with God is on and off but despite my mixed feelings of emptiness and farness and doubt about His existence, something deep within me believes He is still around. I still believe deep in my heart that He still exists and He is forgiving despite my flaws and imperfect relationship with Him..There is still that belief and that hope within me that I love God and that He loves me..Bottom line is I am not religious..I just have this silent, discreet, little relationship with Him..I am not proud of my imperfect relationship with Him but it’s just me..just being me..just being true to myself..maybe someday step by step this little relationship of mine with the Master will flourish but right now this is just what I have with Him.

No Updates

I'm here in my room very sleepy and tired from work. Sorry guys, if I had not visited your site for sometime now. It's just that were very busy at work. You see, we cater mission patients- actually a group of foreigners and Filipinos living in the states went to Davao Medical Center and sponsored for the Operation of many poor Filipinos. I think It was really generous of them. And I want thank them for all the help they extend to our poor brothers and sisters who have now the opportunity to extend their lives.

Noblesse Oblige Award

I got this tag from Dhemz,thanks a lot ladies for including me in your list. Anyway, This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:

1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2. The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:
1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or older Post to support.
4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

Life is too short and we have to learn how to value it and enjoy to the fullest. Do not be afraid of the unknown; instead have the courage to explore the things you enjoy most. Learn to love and laugh. Look at the things in different view and find the goodness in them.

Now I am going to pass this award to weng, shai, jhelea, anne, karen, donabel, kessa and YOU!

The Realities of Life

I’ve heard that it’s possible to grow up, I’ve just never met anyone who’s actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don’t go our way. We whisper secrets with our best friend, in the dark. We look for comfort where we can find it. And we hope against all logic, against all experience, like children, we never give up hope.

After careful consideration and many sleepless nights, here’s what I’ve decided. There’s no such thing as a grown-up. We move out, we move away from our families. But the basic insecurities, the fears and all the old wounds just grow up with us. Just when you think life has forced you to truly become an adult, your mother says something like that. We get bigger, taller, older. But, for the most part, we’re still a bunch of kids, running around the playground, trying desperately to fit in.

Pain. You just have to ride it out. You can only hope it goes away on its own, hope the wound that caused it heals. There are no solutions, no easy answers, you just breath deep and wait for it to subside.

Maybe we’re not supposed to be happy. Maybe gratitude has nothing to do with joy. Maybe being grateful means recognizing what you have for what it is. Appreciating small victories. Admiring the struggle it takes simply to be human. Maybe we’re thankful for the familiar things we know. And maybe we’re thankful for the things we’ll never know. At the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate.

- Quotes from Grey’s Anatomy

Happy Chinese new Year...2009

In the Chinese Calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. In 2009, the Chinese New Year Date falls on January 26th and it is right around the corner.

According to legend the Chinese Zodiac is named for the 12 animals that responded to Buddha's call. They arrived in this order: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. In 2008, this year is the Year of Rat. Stepping into 2009, it is the Year of Ox.

Chinese New Year also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is the first day of the Chinese (Lunar) calendar. Celebrated by Chinese people around the world, it is a major holiday where friends and family gather for a reunion dinner and celebrations.

New Year is the time to celebrate a new beginning and seek a new blessing for happiness, peace and prosperity. It is the time to celebrate the end of winter and welcome spring coming with Chinese music and dance, lanterns, feasts, friends and family, and the Resounding Drums to dispel the bad and bring in good luck.

Wish everyone good health and good fortune in the New Year!

Don't miss the thrilling and incomparable 2009 New Year show "Chinese New Year Spectacular" - A unique holiday gift for everyone.

Chinese New Year Legend

In ancient times, there was a legendary ferocious beast named Nian. Nian lived at the bottom of the sea all year around, but when the Chinese New Year's Eve came, Nian would leave the sea, approach villages, eat livestock and hurt human beings. Therefore, every year when the New Year's Eve was getting closer, people all fled to tall mountains to prevent from being hurt by Nian.

One year, when people were busy with fleeing to the mountains, there was an old man entering a village. He told an old lady that if she allowed him to live at her house for a night, he would drive the ferocious beast "Nian" away. But no one believed his words. The old lady tried to persuade him to hide himself in the mountains. But the old man insisted on staying in the village. When the beast Nian entered the village to do bad deeds, all of a sudden it was badly frightened by loud sounds from firecrackers. Meanwhile, he saw the red couplets on the door of a house and the candles in the house were still lit. The beast Nian was so scared that it ran away. It turned out that firecrackers, light and the red color were what Nian was most scared of. The second day, when the villagers came back, they found that nothing was damaged. Then they figured out that the old man was an immortal being. Meanwhile they knew the three treasures which could drive Nian away.

Since then, every New Year's Eve, people all post red couplets on their doors, ignite firecrackers and keep their candles lit the whole night. This custom was quickly spread far and wide and the New Year became the most important traditional Chinese holiday.

Every year, the seven days before the Chinese New Year, based on Chinese lunar calendar, were called "xiao nian." During these days, each household starts to prepare for the New Year's coming. They clean the house and purchase special New Year's treats, such as chicken, fish, candy, and the like. Each household also prepares presents for visiting relatives and friends and buys new clothes for the children.

On New Year's Eve, it is the time for the whole family to be reunited. In northern China, people usually eat dumplings, because the Chinese pronunciation of dumpling is the same as that of the word "reunion." Therefore, dumpling symbolizes "reunion." People in the south also eat New Year's cake which represents a blessing for a better year. At 12 a.m. on the New Year day, every family will ignite firecrackers.

On New Year's day, people wear new and beautiful clothes. They go to visit old people in their family to wish them Happy New Year first. Children kowtow to adults and receive money gift wrapped in red paper. In the following days, people will visit relatives and friends to wish each other a Happy New Year.

Pink HEART Tag - Listen To What My Heart Says

Got this tag from one of my wonderful friends here in blogosphere - sistah Madz of The Pride of Hingotanan. I like the thoughts behind this tag my dear. Well, the fact that I love meditating, analyzing and appreciating things around us. Let us pause for a while and think of what God has to say to us!

Please spend time to scroll down and take time to read every line, and ask God what does He want to tell you.

The 10 Commandments are not a multiple choice.

Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself you lack the courage to start, you have already finished. One thing you can't recycle is wasted time. Ideas won't work unless ' You' do.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.

If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most importan.

The best vitamin for making friends..... B1.

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what you might have been.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If if changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons, once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems, that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we for get what's right or wrong. Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late. I don't want to let that happen so I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you.

YES, I WILL NEVER EVER LET YOU GO - I HAVE LIVED ALREADY WITH COUPLE OF FRIENDS I HAVE MET IN HERE, WHOM I TRULY TREASURE THE TYPE OF FRIENDSHIP WE HAVE CREATED, WHOM I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOOSE, AND WHOM I CAN'T AFFORD TO END THE DAY WITHOUT VISITING YOUR PAGES.

Let me pass this on to the following, whom I have found the real meaning of FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND CARE.... Back to sister weng, karen, shai, marie, kessa, crissy, dona, anne, jhelea, dhemz, umma, tey, marites, junellen, shierylssi and many more! Enjoy the beauty of life God has wanted us to live and enjoy!

Visit the Occult Blogger Blog

Working in a big hospital is not that easy and this includes patient's need, watchers demands, doctors orders and not to mention powerful forces surrounding us nurses doing the unwanted things. Yes, you might be familiar with ghost stories in the hospitals and personally I also encountered this too. Staff nurses in our area does not usually place patient in Bed # 6 because we have several experiences that patients lying on this bed becomes toxic, and eventually died. I don't think this is a mere coincident because it had happened many times including to our patients who are about to be discharged from the hospital. I guess there must be a mystery that is happening to our hospital and here's more during 3 o' clock in the morning, we are told that we should stop for awhile and let other people walk and the rationale for this is to avoid blocking their way. I don't know if this story is true but I guess it's better to believe than being harmed by them. Do you have also interesting ghost stories or paranormal issues? You could also visit The Occult blog and find interesting stuff about unreal situations. And it's for you to decide whether to believe them or not.

I love to blank Stare

Hi guys, do you love to stare blankly as if nothing is inside your mind? Sometimes I do that, and it relieves all the tensions inside me. Hey if you're thinking if I must be insane, no I'm not but it feels good. Try it and you'll see what I mean. But I guess you should not perform it frequently or else other people might be suspicious about your health. heheheh

Airplane

Aboard a plane, an announcement by the captain was heard.
'This is Captain Sinclair speaking. On behalf of my crew I'd like to welcome you again aboard ABC Airlines flight 007 to London. We are currently flying at a height of 35,000 feet midway across the Atlantic, and I'm sorry to say that we have lost power of all our engines and will crash into the ocean shortly.'

The passengers were obviously very anxious to hear that, but were somewhat comforted by the captain's next announcement.

'Ladies and gentlemen, we at ABC have prepared for such an emergency, and we would like you to rearrange your seating so that all the non-swimmers are on the left side of the plane, and the swimmers on the right.'

After the passengers rearrange themselves accordingly, the captain made a belly landing in the ocean. 'Ladies and gentlemen, we have crashed into the ocean. All the swimmers, please open the emergency exits and quickly swim to the nearest island, which is on the right. As for all the non-swimmers on the left, 'THANK YOU FOR FLYING ABC AIRLINES!'

From PBB Season 2

Relationship Commandments from the girls:

1. Thou shall love yourself in order to give love to others and be loved by others.

2. Thou shall respect your partner.

3. Thou shall remain faithful and honest to your partner and practice monogamy.

4. Thou shall learn to accept that a person has imperfections in order to reach a healthy compromise.

5. Thou shall value the love of your partner.

6. Thou shall live up to the norm that men and women compliment each other.

7. Thou shall express your love not only through words but through actions as well.

8. Though shall give each other a chance to grow as individuals.

9. Thou shall not bring out the past when (quarreling)…

10. Thou shall keep your communication always open…

Break-up Commandments from the guys:

1. Say it personally.
2. Don’t make a decision based on other people’s influences.
3. Wait things up. Meaning: Weigh the positive and negative things first with regards to your relationship before making any decisions.
4. Stand by and be firm with your decisions.
5. Don’t bear false hopes.
6. Be straight to the point and don’t make stories.
7. Be sensitive! "Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts."
8.
9. Don’t use other people as grounds for breaking up.
10. Look into your heart and ask God for guidance.

To mY Dearest Mom- Happy Birthday

When does a house become a home? When you've moved your furniture in? When you've spent your first night there? Cooked your first meal? I happen to think it becomes a "home" whenever you've put your personal stamp on it. But still there's a lacking piece until my mom added her special touches. She was the wallpaper hanger and curtain maker. She filled the house with smells of good food and such touches of beauty as hand- crocheted edging our pillow cases. It was she who spooned out the cough syrup and helped with the homework. And it was she who taught me what home making is all about- that it's more than what you do, it's how much you care. My mom brought light and sunshine to our house. With her help, I can say " Life goes on, Learning goes on. I thank you Mom, and happy birthday

Funny

A beautiful young girl is about to undergo a minor operation. She's laid on a trolley bed by a lady in a white dress and brought to the corridor.
Before they enter the room she leaves her behind the theatre door to go in and check whether everything is ready.

A young man wearing a white coat approaches, takes the sheet away and starts examining her naked body. He walks away and talks to another man in a white coat. The second man comes over and does the same examinations.

When a third man starts examining her body so closely, she grows impatient and says: 'All these examinations are fine and appreciated, but when are you going to start the operation?'

The man in the white coat shrugged his shoulders: 'I have no idea. We're just painting the corridor.'

Manage Stress

The Basics

You can prevent or lessen stress by:

• Planning ahead
• Preparing for stressful events

Some stress is hard to avoid. You can find ways to manage stress by:

• Taking time to relax
• Getting active and eating healthy
• Talking to friends and family

The Benefits

Managing stress can help you:

• Sleep better
• Control your weight
• Lessen neck and back pain
• Get along better with family and friends
• Concentrate

It’s important to stay positive. Being prepared and in control of your situation will help you feel less stress.

Take Action!

Follow these 8 tips for preventing and managing stress:

Plan Your Time

Think ahead about how you are going to use your time. Write a do-to list and decide which tasks are the most important. Prioritize. Be realistic about how long things will take.

Prepare

Prepare ahead of time for stressful events like a job interview or presentation. Picture the event in your mind. Stay positive. Imagine what the room will look like and what you will say. Have a back-up plan.

Relax With Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a good way to relax.

Relax Your Muscles

Stress causes tension in your muscles. Try stretching or taking a hot shower to help you relax.

Get Active

Physical activity can help prevent and manage stress. It can also help relax your muscles and improve your mood. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of activity a week. Be sure to exercise for at least 10 minutes at a time. Do strengthening activities (like sit-ups or lifting weights) at least 2 days a week.

Eat Healthy

Give your body plenty of energy by eating fruits, vegetables, and protein.

Talk to Friends and Family

Tell your friends and family if you’re feeling stress. They may be able to help.

Get Help if you Need it

A therapist or mental health professional can help you deal with stress, especially if your stress doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse. Over time, stress can lead to serious problems like depression, or anxiety. These conditions can be treated with talk therapy (“psychotherapy”) or medicines. If you are feeling down or hopeless, talk to a doctor about depression.

Resolving to Break an Addictive Habit?

5 key steps might make it easier to start 2009 with less dependency.

(SOURCE: Harvard University, news release, December 2008 )

No matter the addiction -- drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, alcohol or more -- people who want to kick their habit in the new year might find help in a new Harvard University publication.

"Overcoming Addiction: Paths toward recovery" offers guidance for breaking unwanted addictive habits. The advice applies universally, because what all addictions have in common, the Harvard experts say, is the way the brain responds to pleasurable experiences.

To break the pattern, they recommend the following steps to increase the chances of success:

Seek help and create a support network. Get input, advice and support from peers as well as professionals. Start with your doctor or a community mental health center for advice, a plan and -- if necessary -- medication to help with the break. Ask family, friends and co-workers for encouragement and backup.

Set a quit date. Some people find it helpful to choose a significant date -- a birthday or anniversary, perhaps.

Change your environment. Removing reminders and temptations from your home and workplace can make the break easier. For example, ridding the home of alcohol, bottle openers and wine or drink glasses might help a person trying to stop drinking. Don't let others bring reminders into the home. And, if necessary, break relations with people who enable your condition.

Learn new skills and activities. Find something to replace the addiction and help conquer urges. Many people find that exercise is a good substitute activity to help fight temptation.

Review your past attempts at quitting. Note what worked, what didn't and what might have led to falling back into old habits. Then, make appropriate changes.

Great News...MY PR is back

This afternoon while checking the internet and and checking my site stats, I was surprised that my blog, My So Called Life had received PR 3 while my other blog Life Rocks had restored it's PR 4 spot. Nah, just hope Mr. G would not take it back. But for now, I'm very happy that he gave me back my rankings. This makes my day a lot better, lol! Just want to thank you all you guys, for all the support and for always visiting my blog. :=)

Prayer Tag & Link for Filipino Bloggers

This is a prayer tag and link for the Philippines and the Filipinos. You are enjoined to utter this prayer for nine (9) consecutive days and to tag as many bloggers as you can with preference for Filipinos. But only bona fide Filipinos shall be included in the official registry of Filipino bloggers in this blog. Each time a new blogger makes a link, be sure to send me an email of the entire link through melalarilla@gmail.com so that the official list will be consolidated in a master list in this blog. For our Muslim brothers, you may make your own special prayer formula but you must never deviate from the formula of this entire post. Prayer Dear heavenly Father, we consecrate to you our beloved country- the Philippines and all the Filipinos around the world. We acknowledge Father that apart from You, we can do nothing and it is only your divine providence and grace that can unite all Filipinos as one nation. We therefore humble ourselves before your throne. We confess all our sins to you individually and collectively as a nation. Forgive us our sins Father and wash us clean by the precious blood of Your beloved Son- Jesus Christ. Mend our wicked ways and let us experience a strong and genuine spiritual revival for ourselves and for our country. Let the Holy Spirit imbibe us with power, love and wisdom to return to Your path of holiness and righteousness. Bless our country, heavenly father. Bless all Filipinos wherever they maybe. Let progress, unity, harmony, stability, justice, peace and prosperity reign in our country. Bless our leaders, from the President down to the lowest Barangay official. Touch their hearts that they may serve our country with all honesty and with love and integrity. Bless our children and our future generation. And bless us all Father in all aspects of our lives. This we pray to You heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Name Address Name of Blog URL 1. Mel Alarilla Bulacan, Philippines Filipinos Unite!!! http://filipinosunite.blogspot.com/ 2. Angel Cuala Batangas, Philippines Father Blogger dot com url - http://fatherblogger.com/ 3. Lavern Tan Las Pinas City, Philippines Pinoy Ambisyoso url- http://pinoyambisyoso.com 4. Francis Daniel Maning Cebu, Philippines Istayl Sugbo url- http://istaylsugbo.blogspot.com 5. Snow Philippines Dear Bloggery url- http://dearbloggery.com/ 6. Bloggista - Marikina, Philippines - Bloggista - url- http://www.bloggista.com/ 7. Chris A. - Cavite, Philippines - CMAQuest - url- http://cmaquest.blogspot.com/ 8. Aisha - Eugene, Oregon, USA - The Holley Herald - url - http://www.theholleyherald.com/ 9. Rowena - Davao City, Philippines - All Out My Naked Truth- Rowena - url - http://rowenabongabong.blogspot.com/ 10. Icymar Tagimacruz - Cebu, Philippines - Kreative Myndz - url- http://www.icymartagimacruz.blogspot.com/ 11. Pat Mangubat - Philippines - New Philippine Revolution - url- http://newphilrevolution.blogspot.com/ 12. Empress - Cebu, Philippines - Empress of Drac.Com - url- http://www.empressofdrac.com/ 13. Marilou Domingo - Philippines - Ibanag in the City - url- http://ibanaginthecity.blogspot.com/ 14. Ester Besmonde - Canada - Walk Through Money Online Journal - url- http://www.teyonlinejournal.com/ 15. Ramon Paulino - Quezon City, Philippines - FatherlYours.com - u rl- http://www.fatherlyours.com/ 16. Mindanaoan - Mindanao, Philippines - Mindanaoan - url- http://www.maindaoan.com/ 17. Bloggie - Davao City, Philippines - Davao Bloggers Network - url- http://www.davaoblogs.net/ 18. Xerendipity - Dumaguete City, Philippines - Obnoxious Queer - url- http://obnoxiousqueer.com/ 19. Viviene C. (Bingkee) - Connecticut, USA - I Love/Hate America - url- http://www.fliploveusa.typepad.com/ 20. Roy - Angeles City, Philippines - The Struggling Blogger - url- http://thestrugglingblogger.168center.com/ 21. Janette Toral (Ada) - Marikina City, Philippines - Blogging From Home - url- http://www.bloggingfromhome.com/ 22. Milton Coyne III (Bluedreamer27) - Cavite City, Philippines - Bluedreamer's Top Five - url- http://bluedreamer27.blogspot.com/ 23. Marites dlR - Davao City, Philippines - Me, the islands and the world - url- http://www.pinaylighterside.com/ 24. Mauie Flores - Cainta, Rizal, Philippines - Living a Sugar-free Sweet Life! - url- http://mauieflores.blogspot.com/ 25. MsRay - Bacolod City, Philippines - Woman on a Journey - url- http://www.msray2008.com/ 26. Pia Go Olano - Philippines - My Life's Journey - url- http://myblog2002.blogspot.com/ 27. Jena Isle - Pampanga, Philippines - Random Thoughts - url- http://jenaisle-candidthoughts.blogspot.com/ 28. Caca - Mindanao, Philippines - Mood Swings - url- http://blogecca.blogspot.com/ 29. Pinoy Apache - Cebu City, Philippines - Pinoy Apache - url- http://pinoyapache.blogspot.com/ 30. Jessie Simbulan - Philippines - The Reporter - url- http://www.jessie-simbulan.com/ 31. Tony Roda - Manila, Philippines - MENstream - url- http://www.menstream.blogspot.com/ 32. Fingertalks - Philippines - Fingertalks - url- http://www.fingetalks.com/ 33. Wendy Lopez-Redaon - Quezon City, Philippines - From The Eyes of My Heart - url - http://wenlopred.blogspot.com/ 34. Marlene - Davao City, Philippines - Potpourri of Ramblings - url - http://www.lemback.com/ 35. Liza Cochico - Quezon City, Philippines - A Simple Life - url - http://mlizcochico.com/ 36. Tricia Mazo-Galvez - Las Pinas City, Philippines - Proud Mommy - url- http://monliam.blogspot.com/ 37. Wayne - New Zealand - Affiliate Crunch - url- http://www.affiliatecrunch.com/ 38. Shiera Delusa - Osaka, Japan - Bisdak Babbles - url - http://bisdakbabbles.com/ 39. Madz - Lunda Norte, Angola - Things I Did Not Know Before - url - http://madzlifesknowledge.blogspot.com/ 40. Kcee - Makati City, Philippines - Barefooted Me - url - http://www.barefootedme.com/ 41. Yani - Davao City, Philippines - Banicmanic - url- http://www.banicmanic.blogspot.com/ 42. Rodaflip - Ontario, Canada - FlipAntasticWeb - url- http://flipantasticweb.blogspot.com/ 43. Ramvie Santiago - Philippines - Philippine Blog For All - url - http://pinoyblogko.wordpress.com/ 44. Russell Bravo - Caloocan City, Philippines - Russell Dot Com - url - http://www.russelldotcom.com/ 45. Michelle Valenzuela - San Francisco, California, USA - Tumawa K Kabayan - url - http://twangpinoy.blogspot.com/ 46. Pinay Wife - Cambodia - Pinay Wife Speaks - url - http://pinaywifespeaks.com/ 47. Lei - Pasig City, Philippines - Moon Goddess Lae - url - http://moongoddesslae.com/ 48. Shawie Gick - Orange County, California, USA - A Grateful Heart - url - http://anemptycup.blogspot.com/ 49. Hariette Wendam - Iloilo City, Philippines - Praning's Shoutout - url - http://www.praningshoutout.com/ 50. Joan Joyce Absalon - Navotas City, Philippines - Joan Joyce dot com - url - http://joanjoyce.com/blog/ 51. Rashieka Estelle Absalon - Navotas City, Philippines - My Name Is Rashieka - url - http://rashieka.com/ 52. Darlyn - Gen. Santos City, Philippines - Touched By An Angel With Love - url - http://darlyngemwords.blogs.com/ 53. Kate Cancio - Marikina City, Philippines - Becoming Kate Cancio - url - http://katecancio.blogspot.com/ 54. Ria - United Kingdom - Continental Fairy - url - http://www.continentalfairy.com/ 55. Ginoray - Cainta, Rizal, Philippines - Profound Matters - url - http://profoundmatters.wordpress.com/ 56. Penlighted - New York, USA - Light It Up (Blogging for Jesus) - url - http://lightedpen.blogspot.com/ 57. Lyn (Moccalyn) - Manila, Philippines - Life Spices - url - http//moccalyn.blogspot.com/ 58. Ana Lindenhann - Denmark - The Filipina Mom in Denmark - url - http://www.filipinamom.com/ 59. Chris Red - Philippines - Christinchen's Soapbox - url - http://christinchen184.blogspot.com/ 60. Richies 2Ts Inspires - Stockholm, Sweden - Richies Inspirational Designs - url - http://simchieinspires.blogspot.com/ 61. Island Angel - Davao City, Philippines - Seashells Of Island Angel - url - http://seashellsofislandangel.blogspot.com/ 62. Manilyn Tingcang - Iligan City, Philippines - LinGZ.spot - url - http://lingzspot.blogspot.com/ 63. Joyoz Obsioma - Melbourne, Australia - Everyday Life...Generally Speaking - url - http://www.joydob.com/ 64. Gladita - Bacolod City, Philippines - PromdiLiving - url - http://promdiliving.com/ 65. Lesley Cucal - Tarlac City, Philippines - Bottomless Coffee - url - http://men-tality.blogspot.com/ 66. Rose Cottrill - West Virginia, USA - Rose's Obstacles and Glory - url - http://www.obstaclesandglories.com/ 67. Mys Lyke Meeh - Toronto, Canada - Mys Lyke Meeh - url - http://myslykemeeh.blogspot.com/ 68. Gloria (Goyz) - Calamba City, Philippines - Good Health - url - http://goyz-greenapple.blogspot.com/ 69. Mitch (Annay Butakal) - Cebu, Philippines - Ramble Baboy - url - http://annaybutakal.blogspot.com/ 70. Ria Coleto - Cervantes - Dubai, UAE - It's My Party - url - http://www.riablahgs.com/ 71. Luna Miranda - Makati City, Philippines - Miranda - url - http://bilogangbuwanniluna.blogspot.com/ 72. Kit (Suplado) - Makati City, Philippines - Suplado Reviews - url - http://supladoonline.blogspot.com/ 73. Rachel - Philippines - Heart of Rachel - url - http://mysoulfulthoughts.blogspot.com/ 74. Josie Santos - Sydney, Australia - Fragments of My Soul - url - http://josie-santos.blogspot.com/ 75. Wella Jane - Misamis Occidental, Philippines - Thinking Pen- Blogging For A Cause - url - http://thinkingpen.freeo.net/ 76. Kelvin Requiroso (Kebelle) - Quezon City, Philippines - Spirituality Page - url - http://spirituality-page.blogspot.com/ 77. Pusang Gala - Mandaluyong City, Philippines - Pusang - Gala - url - http://pakaleklalawak.blogspot.com/ 78. Jason - Paranaque, Philippines - Pinoy Updates - url - http://www.pinoyupdates.com/ 79. Onatdonuts - Taguig City, Philippines - OnatDonuts - url - http://www.onatdonuts.blogspot.com/ 80. Ibyang - NSW, Australia - A Wife's Charmed Life - url - http://awifescharmedlife.blogspot.com/ 81. Mike Avenue - Philippines - Mga Tagalog Na Tula Sa Filipinas - url - http://tagalog-tula-pilipinas.blogspot.com/ 82.Jhay Gamba - Cainta, Rizal, Philippines - I Blog Mo! - url -http://jdesignzwww.jdesignz.blogspot.com/ 83. Carla Farnesyl Fundales Idago - Malabon City, Philippines - Heterotripper: Anong Maskara Mo Today - url - http://lacarotica.blogspot.com/ 84. Tet Garchitorena - Naga City, Philippines - The Life Of An Oregano Addict - url - http://www.piebuko.blogspot.com/ 85. Rael Denoman - Imus, Cavite, Philippines - Manikang Papel - url - http://myblogjazzryl.blogspot.com/ 86. Liezl F. - Valenzuela City, Philippines - Breezing My Confined Emotions - url - http://microporetape.blogspot.com/ 87. Kengkay - Germany - Kwentong Kengkay - url - http://kengkay.wordpress.com/ 88. Earthlingorgeous - Manila, Philippines - Earthlingorgeous.com - url - http://www.earthlingorgeous.com/ 89. Pinay Key Point - Tarlac City, Philippines - PinayKeyPoint - url - http://pinaykeypoint.wordpress.com/ 90. Ria Stevenson - Texas, USA - Live Love Laugh - url - http://www.riastevenson.com/ 91. Pajay - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Klasrum Ni Pajay - url - http://propesorpa-jay.blogspot.com/ 92. Texas Sweetie - Texas, USA - My Virtual Diary - url - http://www.texas-sweetie.blogspot.com/ 93. Aquamarine - Hongkong - Aquamarine - url - http://jhole22.blogspot.com/ 94. Shemistry - Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines - Foolishly Overacting - url- http://shemshemistry.blogspot.com/ 95. Dines - Winona, Minnesotta, USA - Kalei Dines Scope - url - http://paul-dina-kaleidoscope.blogspot.com/ 96. Che (Chorva) - Philippines - Chorva Entertainment Blog - url - http://www.chorva.net/ 97. Arnel Gara Artes - Cebu City, Philippines - A Hunter - url - http://www.arnelgaraartes.blogspot.com/ 98. Donald Pal (Dhon) - Cebu, Philippines - Life Love Lust - url - http://dhonpal.blogspot.com/ 99. Fermin Absalon - Navotas, Metro Manila, Philippines - Beyond Feron Dot Com - url - http://www.beyondferon.com/ 100. Dzerom - Calamba, Laguna, Philippines - Blogging Without A Cause - url - http://blogging-without-a-cause.blogspot.com/ 101. K (Knoizki) - Hongkong - A Dialogue With K - url - http://www.knoizki.net/ 102 Orville Hitadle - Cebu City, Philippines - Downloader's Stuffs and Freebies for All - url - http://www.iamdownloader.com/ 103. Cindyrella - Hongkong - Cindyrella From Hongkong - url - http://cindyrella-stories.blogspot.com/ 104. Rimewire - Cavite, Philippines - Disproving the Genius - url - http://rimewire.wordpress.com/ 105. Edelweiza Mabalay - Manila, Philippines - The Life of a Breadwinner - url - http://www.edelweiza.com/ 106. Manolito Montala - Philippines - The Filipino Enterpreneur - url - http://www.thefilipinoenterpreneur.com/ 107. Leona Khan - Pasig City, Philippines - Vanidosang Panda - url - http://ms-panda.blogspot.com/ 108. Pepe Mckunat - Philippines - Life is Tough, but prove You are Tougher - url - http://katchupoy.wordpress.com/ 109. Batopik - Taguig City, Philippines - Batopik - url - http://batopik.wordpress.com/ 110. Gin E - Manila, Philippines - Mommy in Manila - url - http://mommyinmanila.blogspot.com/ 111. B'ley Villones (Dyosa) - Paranaque City, Philippines - Blagalag - url - http://www.bl;agalag.com/ 112. Donald Serrano (don_ser) - Philippines - don_ser The Feeling ProBlogger - url - http://www.doanldserrano.com/donser/ 113. Love Lot - San Francisco, California, USA - Lov-A-Lot - url - http://lov-a-lot.blogspot.com/ 114. Enchie - Manila, Philippines - Sweet Nothings - url - http//xtraordinarymom.blogspot.com/ 115. Iceah Marie - Gen. Santos City, Philippines - Chicken Heart - url - http://www.pinay-chicken-heart.com/ 116. Mee*I Velasco - Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines - Waiting On The World To Change - url - http://mekinudolsoup.blogspot.com/ 117. Kuyanin - Philippines - Kuyanin: Starting Afresh - url - http://www.kuyanin.com/ 118. Chyng Reyes - Manila, Philippines - No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin'! - url - http://riandrew.blogspot.com/ 119. JuanDerPul - Philippines - JuanDerPul Pinoy - url - http://juanderpulpinoy.com/ 120. Kenneth Mendoza - Laguna, Philippines - Kenneth Mendoza- Speaking Out, Blogging, Ranting and Fooling Around - url - http://www.kmendoza.net/ 121. Grace - Michigan, USA - We Live To Tell God's "Amazing Grace" - url - http://grace1331.blogspot.com/ 122. Carnation - Antique, Philippines - Carnation - url - http://sweetcarnation.blogspot.com/ 123. Jed Chua - Mandaluyong City, Philippines - Reel Advice - url - http://reeladvice.blogspot.com/ 124. Pammyboo83 - Dumaguete City, Philippines - Filipino Lifestyle - url - http://filipinotaste.blogspot.com/ 125. Sagada- Igorot - Mountain Province, Philippines/Chicago, USA - Blog of The Sagada- Igorot - url - http://blog.sagada-igorot.com/ 126. Bai Maleiha Candao - Cotabato City, Philippines - Soulful Images - url - http://princessmaleiha.blogspot.com/ 127. Jehzeel Laurente - Philippines - Jehzlau Concepts - url - Http://www.jehzlau-concepts.com/] 128. Poohgahk - Philippines - Shout Out - Url - http://poohgahk.blogspot.com/ 129. Norman Novio - Occidental Mindoro, Philippines - Pamatok - url - http:///nanovio.blogspot.com/ 130. Bien Nillos - Negros Occidental, Philippines - The Freudian Slip - url - http://bayenn.blogspot.com/ 131. Madelyn Basalo-Sells - Cafunfo, Lunda Norte, Angola - "The Pride of Hingotanan, Bohol"- My Life's Journey To Success - url - http://madzlifesdiary.blogspot.com/ 132. Jannesse - Las Pinas City, Philippines - The Wifey Diaries - url - http://thewifeydiaries.blogspot.com/ 133. Willa Stock - Ontario, Canada - Fickle Minded- A Life That Is Less Ordinary - url - http://fickleminded.net/ 134. Aihara (Tessah) Ramintessah Sanchez - Japan - The Economics of Life - url - http://lifesmatterandeconomics.blogspot.com/ 135. Ron Albert - Quezon City, Philippines - A Slice of Turon - url - http://ron-turon.blogspot.com/ 136. Elyong - Davao City, Philippines - Elyong - url - http://elyong.blogspot.com/ 137. Kokoi - Baguio City, Philippines - Blog ni Kokoi - url - http://blognikokoi.blogspot.com/ 138. Fat - Japan - Anything Goes - url - http://247diary.blogspot.com/ 139. Mye De Leon - Rizal, Philippines - Blog Appetite - url - http://blogappetite.blogspot.com/ 140. Jan Geronimo - Oriental Mindoro, Philippines - salabasngmandaluyong (Rx For A Better Life) - url - http://salabasngmandaluyong.blogspot.com/ 141. Chuva - Philippines - Chizmizan With Chuva - url - http://chuvachienes.com/ 142. E. J. Bautista - Quezon City, Philippines - Bogcess - url - http://bogcess.blogspot.com/ 143. Maree Tee - Philippines - I Am Mrs. Tee - url - http://mareetee.blogspot.com/ 144. Alma Cafe - Davao oriental, Philippines - Reach Beyond Your Limits - url - http://luponfirehouse.blogspot.com/ 145. Arlene Collado - Philippines - Joys in Life - url - http://sunshineleneforlife.com/ 146. Juvy - Philippines - Pinoy Portals - url - http://pinoyportals.blogspot.com/ 147. Jan Mckingley Hilado - Cebu City, Philippines - The Ultralife of Student Nurses - url - http://nursester.blogspot.com/ 148. Carlos - Davao City, Philippines - Carlos Ideas - url - http://carlos-ideas.blogspot.com/ 149. Mentor - Cebu, Philippines - The Image of Cebu - url - http://cebuimage.blogspot.com/ 150. Emma Ballada - Laguna, Philippines - Life Momento - url - http://lifemomento.blogspot.com/ 151. Darkspark - Philippines - Papermills - url - http://papermills.blogspot.com/ 152. Korea, http://www.mycountryroads.com, http://chubskulit.bravejournal.com 153. Grace- http://benchiegrace.blogspot.com 154. Your name, address, name of blog and its url

A Bunch Of Thanks

You brighten my world More than you know So that's why to you I surely do owe And bunch of thanks Love and care For showing and sharing My smiles and tears You gave me your love That's the best gift of all You left sweet memories That I fondly recall So thanks for your understanding And your loving ways That is surely for me Increasing day by day.

To all my ec dropper and blog visitors

Guys, just want to thank you all for all your messages, comments and for visiting my site. Thanks for all the support and may we continue to prosper here in the blogosphere world. May our friendship grows stronger and tightens our bond with one another. I know a lot of bloggers didn't really meet up personally but there is something within each one of us to keeps us coming back to visit our friends blog. Hope this sparkle remains within each one of us. Again, thank you guys for good luck to all of us.

Fabulous Tag

I received this tag from jacky thank you GIRL.The rules for the tag are:

1.You need to list 5 addictions that you have

2.Pass this tag to five or more people with fabulous blogs.

My five addictions:

1.Watching Fear factor

2.Taking pictures everywhere.

3.Coffee shops...

4. Blogging

5.Chocolates/Ice creams

I guess everyone received this award already, so guys if you have not yet received this yet feel free to grab it.

BIG Triple Awards - Sisterhood and Best Friends

Unending awards giving and tagging in blogoshphere. For months of blogging, I managed to collect decent amount of good friends, sisters and shall I call you sisters as my "best friends"? Got this tag from Madz of The Pride of Hingotanan Bohol, whom she was one of my first month's visitors when I started blogging to welcome me in blogging world. I am so glad to have met you here.

Here are the rules for the recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Time for me to pass this on to my sweet, good, best, sisters, caring, you name them - ITS YOU:), YES YOU:

weng
jhelea
karen
shai
dona
marie
maus
crissy
rose
anne

Guys, thanks for the endless support in the blogosphere world. May we continue to strengthen our friendship and bond. And to all my friends not listed please feel free to grab this award.

Precious Birth Gems 3

• Ruby: July’s Gemstone

Rubies come from Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and India. It is the accepted gemstone for July birthdays, also 15th and 40th anniversary.
The ruby is named because of its rich red color. The ruby is a very durable gemstone; its hardness is surpassed only by diamond. Large rubies are very scarce and costly, worth more than 2 to 3 times a diamond of equal size and quality.
Rubies were thought to contain a glowing spark struck from the planet Mars. Ancient lore held that the ruby was capable of curing illness and reconciling lovers quarrels. Hindus referred to the ruby as “The Lord of the Gems,” and believed its deep red color came from an inextinguishable fire which was capable of boiling water. It is said that a person should never make faces at a ruby in a museum, and never ignore it, for it was said to grow dull if slighted or not worn or seen.

• Peridot: August’s Gemstone

Peridot is the birth stone for August and 16th anniversary gemstone, and mainly in Burma and the USA.
Peridot is sometimes referred to as an “Evening Emerald” because under artificial light the stone glows as a brilliant green. Choice peridot is transparent and its color varies yellow green to brilliant light green. Peridot is the child of volcanic action, crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii. It is abundant and available in larger sizes.
The peridot symbolize eloquence and persuasiveness; it was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Treasured peridots found their way into cathedrals during the Crusades. Many legends state that peridot was considered a powerful amulet against all evil, as well as a remedy for sinus problems. It is said that if the gem was set in gold, it had the power to protect its wearer from terrors of the night, fears and bad dreams. Peridot were especially favored by pirates.

• Sapphire: September’s Gemstone

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gemstone for 5th and 45th anniversaries. They are found in Sri Lanka, Australia, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red, with the most popular being deep blue. Rare orange, pink and lavender varieties, along with rich velvety blue are the most expensive. Like ruby, its twin except for color, the sapphire is second only to the diamond hardness.
Some ancient writers claimed the Ten Commandments were written on sapphire. Ancient marriage partners had great faith in the stone, believing it would not shine if worn by wicked or impure. They were reported to be an excellent all-purpose medicine; and antidote against poison and having the power to stop bleeding and cure disorders of the eye. Sapphires were considered to be so powerful they continued to protect the original owner even after being sold.

• Opal: October’s Gemstone

Opal is accepted for October birthdays and is the gemstone for 14th anniversaries. Sources are Australia, Mexico, and The USA.
There are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals. In fact, its tremendous color spectrum is the major reason for the opal’s mysterious attractiveness. The most popular have a white body color with flashes of many colors or “fires.”
Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the Middle Ages, young fair-haired girls, wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed the opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. The ancient Romans believed the opal was the king of gems because it held within itself all the colors of rainbow.

• Citrine: November’s Gemstone

Citrine is one of the accepted birthstones for November, as well as the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. It is found mainly in Brazil.
Citrine is a variety of quartz; colors range from pale yellow to yellowish-brown and “Madeira” red. The most popular fashion colors are the vivid yellows and oranges. It is often mistaken for yellow or golden topaz. Citrine is readily available, very affordable in large sizes and stands up well to daily wear. Its earthy tones complement many wardrobes. Citrine is often seen in jewelry combined with amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline.
Citrine’s name is derived from “citron,” a lemon like fruit. People once carried citrine as protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. It was also used as a charm against the bites of snakes and other venomous reptiles.

• Blue Topaz: December’s Gemstone

Blue topaz is one of the accepted birth stones for December and anniversary gemstone for 4th year of marriage, and Imperial topaz for the 23rd. Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone also occurs colorless as well as orange yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue, and pink. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shine” and also implies “fire.” Orange-red “Imperial” topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romantic of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. Ancient Egyptians thought its golden glow symbolized “Ra,” their sun god. The Greek felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even ward off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

Precious Birth Gems 2

• Diamond: April’s Gemstone

Diamond is the birth stone for month of April, and besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, is the anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds are found in Australia, Congo, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.
Even though the diamond is the hardest of all gemstones known to man, it is the simplest in composition: it is common carbon. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods or perhaps crystallized lighting or hardened dew drops. The truth is, however, that the exact origin of diamonds is still something of a mystery, even to scientist and geologists.
In ancient times only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. Over the centuries, the diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love. It was said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds which have a magic that nothing else can ever quite equal. But it wasn’t until 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, that the tradition of engagement rings began. Even the reason a woman wears it on the third finger of her left hand dates back to the early Egyptian belief that the vena amoris, vein of love, ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand.

• Emerald: May’s Gemstone

Emerald is the birth stone for the month of May and is also the anniversary gemstone for 20th and 35th years of marriage. They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The emerald is known as the Queen of Gems, and the gem of queens. The most prized is pure green or slightly bluish green. Emeralds are often characterized by the garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the “step” or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a Cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.
The ancients held the emerald in great esteem, believing they sharpened the wearer’s eyesight and mind. The earliest engravers kept emeralds on their work tables to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes. Travelers relied on emeralds as protection against the hazards and perils of long journeys. The green gem was also said to give its owner the power to predict the future.

• Cultured Pearl: June’s Gemstone

Pearl is the official birth stone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
A pearl is the product of an oyster’s defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced naturally or by man (cultured), the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl. Pearls come in a wide range of colors from delicate rose white to black. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster or “orient,” the more valuable the specimen. Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10 mm and up from Australian and Indonesian waters), to name a few.
The oriental pearl is known as the gem of the moon. They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. They have also come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Precious Birth Gems

• Garnet: January’s Gemstone

Garnet is the birth stone for month of January and the anniversary gemstone for second year of marriage. Garnets are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, Siberia, Africa, and the USA.
Nearly everyone thinks of garnet as a red gem. In fact, this family of gemstones is available in all colors except blue. Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suite every taste.
There are many ancient traditions and legends about garnets. Some Hebrew writers include it as one of the 12 gems in Aaron’s breastplate. Christian tradition long considered the blood red garnet symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice. The Koran holds that it illuminates the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. Garnet was said to give its guidance in the night allowing him to see when others couldn’t. Legend claims that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. According to the Egyptians, garnet is an antidote for snake bite and food poisoning.

• Amethyst: February’s Gemstone

Amethyst is the birth stone for February and the anniversary gemstone for sixth year of marriage. It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, the Ural Mountains of Russia, Madagascar, and Zambia.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, ideally deep medium purple with rose colored flashes, however it ranges from pale lilac to nearly black purple shades.
The ancient Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst chalice would not fall victim to intoxication. It is also said to have a sobering effect on those over excited by love’s passion. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Some say it will prevent baldness and improve complexion, while protecting from treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels.

• Aquamarine: March’s Gemstone

Aquamarine is one of the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.
The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing sea blue. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.
Derived from the Latin meaning “sea water,” aquamarine was said to aid seafarers; thus it makes an excellent gift for sailors or those who travel frequently by sea. To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends. To wear aquamarine brings love and affection. They are thought to give the wearers knowledge, foresight and assist in an individual’s inspiration. It is a universal symbol of youth, fidelity, hope, and health.

Colors and Color Combinations

Colors have symbolism and meanings. As you design brochures, logos, and Web sites, it is helpful to keep in mind how the eye and the mind associate meanings with the colors you display. Sometimes colors create a physical reaction (red has been shown to raise blood pressure) and at other times it is a cultural reaction (in the U.S. white is for weddings, in some Eastern cultures, white is the color for mourning and funerals). Colors follow trends as well. Avocado, a shade of green, is associated with the 60s and 70s (remember that shag carpeting?) in the minds of some consumers. In addition to understanding color meanings, it helps with mixing and matching colors to know the relationship of adjacent, complementary, and clashing colors.
	Authority and Power Evokes strong emotions Associated with Evil Overwhelming if used in excess
	Purity - Cleanliness Safety (away from things that go bump in the night) Mourning for some Eastern Cultures
	Practical (in moderation) Timeless (in moderation) Middle of the Road Too much depressing / “nothingness” Old age / death Depression / loss of direction
	Energy – Movement – Excitement Too much – overwhelming, agitated Holidays
	Calming for lighter shades Cold and Uncaring some shades or too much Steadfast – Dependable – Loyal Productive
	Growth – Nature - Money Calming Forest Green = conservative, masculine and wealth)
	Wealth – Prosperity – Riches Sophistication Mystery – Wisdom - Respect Too much – Being Artificial – “Airs”
	Cheerful – Laughter – Happiness Optimism – better times Too much causes babies to cry and tempers to flare Speeds up metabolism and creativity increases sales Overpowering if over used or associated with cowardice
	Flamboyant Fun times, happy energetic days Ambition – New Dawn - Attitude
	Reliability – Stability Friendship Natural or Organic Too much - Mourning