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	<title>A Filipina Mom Blogger &#187; Blogging</title>
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		<title>Pia Cayetano&#8217;s  book: My Daily Race</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/pia-cayetanos-book-my-daily-race/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/pia-cayetanos-book-my-daily-race/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:44:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[my daily race]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pia cayetano]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=12419</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/pia-cayetanos-book-my-daily-race/">Pia Cayetano&#8217;s  book: My Daily Race</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
Pia Cayetano&#8217;s book: My Daily Race is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger. Most politicians are the same all over. Nikita Khrushchev says it so well , &#8221; they promise to build a bridge even where they is no river.&#8221; As editor of Blog Watch, I make it a [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/pia-cayetanos-book-my-daily-race/">Pia Cayetano&#8217;s  book: My Daily Race</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pia-cayetano-book-launch-.jpg" alt="" title="pia cayetano- book launch" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12421" width="550" height="364" /></p>
<p>Most politicians are the same all over. Nikita Khrushchev says it so well , &#8221; they promise to build a bridge even where they is no river.&#8221; As editor of Blog Watch, I make it a point to disclose political affiliations. It is a good thing I knew Pia way before she got married, had kids and became a senator. Even my girls could not shake off their shock and pleasant surprise that their Tita Pia is a senator. Not just an ordinary senator mind you.  Pia is an extraordinary senator. I am really proud of her achievements unlike some senators who I feel don&#8217;t work for the good of the country.</p>
<p>How could I say no to the book launch of a friend and a good Senator?</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/my-daily-race-book-of-Pia-Cayetano.jpg" alt="" title="my daily race- book of Pia Cayetano" width="550" height="364" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12423" /></p>
<p>Her book is called &#8220;My Daily Race&#8221;, culled from selected blog posts at <a href="http://mydailyrace.com">mydailyrace.com</a>. She started her blog five years ago, probably the same time I started mine. She called it &#8220;My daily Race&#8221; because it was …&#8221;striking a balance between my work in the Senate, my kids and doing the things I love. There is no prize at the end of each race, but there is joy and peace in knowing that I did my best, my children are loved and that life is better for people whose paths I have crossed.&#8221;</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pia-cayetano-2.jpg" alt="" title="pia cayetano 2" width="550" height="364" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12422" /></p>
<p>Media often want to portray her as a triathlete neglecting the good work she does in the Senate: on Women and health issues. Social legislation which is her strength does not hog the headlines the way her brother, Allan Cayetano does. She also admits that she does not have the skils to produce words like a  rapid fire machine gun like her mentor (Senator Miriam) does.</p>
<p><iframe width="550" height="309" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iv8uj6S2XoY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<i>Video at the book lauch: Pia talks about the reasons behind the book</i></p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/senator-pia-cayetano.jpg" alt="" title="senator pia cayetano" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12424"  width="550" height="410" /></p>
<p>Blogging was an option so she could write about her work, not just as a Senator but the work she does outside of the Senate and her life as a mom, a triathlete and the many other things that she choose to or have to be. Blogging was an opportunity to publish her thoughts and work even if traditional media considered it newsworthy or not. When it came to senate work, public work seems to be limited to sensationalized investigative hearings held by the Blue Ribbon Committee.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pia-cayetano-my-daily-race.jpg" alt="" title="pia cayetano my daily race" width="550" height="388" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12425" /></p>
<p>Many have started to notice Pia&#8217;s work as an advocate for women&#8217;s rights health and the rights of other minorities. No wonder she was re-elected in the last 2010 elections.  The reproductive health bill is discussed over social media and she is quite popular among the RH Bill supporters.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pia-and-the-speakers.jpg" alt="" title="pia and the speakers" width="550" height="414" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12426" /></p>
<p>I no longer wonder how she remains cool and collected during RH debates at the Senate. It helps to have a high level of endorphins from running. It helps deal with the negativity at work. Somehow, I agree that senators should do some exercise in between sessions just to be more level-headed in their debates.</p>
<p> Pia and I share similar losses: the loss of a son and a father the past decade. Pia was there to hold my hand during the wake of my son and even took time to talk to me. She even  ordered a grief recovery book from the states. </p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/bloggers.jpg" alt="" title="bloggers" width="550" height="361" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12428" /></p>
<p>In a way, her book is a grief journal since many entries were written while she was grieving either for her son, dad or her grandmother. It can also be a self-help book if you want it to be.</p>
<p>The book is not meant to picture her as anything more or less than who or what she is. It simply is what it is.  Her objective is simply share her life experiences and answer the questions that is often asked of her&#8230;what is it like to be a senator? a triathlete? a working mom. </p>
<p>Though she has a good support system at her home and workplace, there are some days that things don&#8217;t fall into place.</p>
<p>But she picks herself up and try again.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dedication-from-pia.jpg" alt="" title="dedication from pia" width="411" height="550" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12427" /><br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How I relax while tweeting with a cat on my lap</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-i-relax-while-tweeting-with-a-cat-on-my-lap/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-i-relax-while-tweeting-with-a-cat-on-my-lap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:38:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relaxation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=12377</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-i-relax-while-tweeting-with-a-cat-on-my-lap/">How I relax while tweeting with a cat on my lap</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
How I relax while tweeting with a cat on my lap is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.“A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation… is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.” – George Matthew Adams Some people who are not as wired as [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-i-relax-while-tweeting-with-a-cat-on-my-lap/">How I relax while tweeting with a cat on my lap</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<em>“A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation… is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.” – George Matthew Adams<br />
</em></p>
<p>Some people who are not as wired as I am think I am too stressed out with my work. Maybe because they do not understand how it is. My online friends  vouch it is fun and meaningful depending on how one uses their social media tools. Having fun while working is a blessing. </p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/missy-and-my-laptop1.jpg" alt="" title="missy and my laptop" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12387" width="550" height="404" /></p>
<p>I often see advice that it is important for you to relax, take a break and not stress over an email or text message that can wait until next week. It may be applicable to those in the corporate world but for an advocate using  social media, this is a part of our life.  It isn’t a chore or something I stress over especially if Missy, my cat is on my lap.  She insists to sit on my lap or else suffer her pitiful meows. I should be flattered. &#8220;For a man to truly understand rejection, he must first be ignored by a cat.&#8221; I guess it must be in their genes. Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/missy-with-twitter.jpg" alt="" title="missy with twitter" width="550" height="411" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12379" /></p>
<p>It is relaxing to have her on my lap, patting her furry head as I tweet.   Time spent with Missy is never wasted.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/missy-my-laptop-cat.jpg" alt="" title="missy my laptop cat" width="550" height="386" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12380" /></p>
<p>She  loves to watch the timeline scroll down. When a burning issue unravels in Twitter, it scrolls very fast which makes her more &#8220;engaged&#8221;. </p>
<p>No time to get totally annoyed at useless tweets with a cat on your lap. As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/missy-and-watching-tweets.jpg" alt="" title="missy and watching tweets" width="550" height="371" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12382" /></p>
<p>When she gets bored, she gives me a tummy massage.</p>
<p><iframe width="550" height="403" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T5eXGqVe33A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<i>excuse the flabby tummy</i></p>
<p>I give her an extra treat by letting her watch Youtube videos of other Siamese cats. Ah..Missy, my pet is so cute.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/missy-watches-youtube.jpg" alt="" title="missy watches youtube" width="550" height="413" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12381" /></p>
<p>Indeed, the time to relax is when you don&#8217;t have time for it. Why not do it while working? I am believer in finding tranquility within.  It is useless to seek it elsewhere. Dr. Joyce Brothers advices is that &#8220;No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.”</p>
<p>How do you relax?<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to inspire your children to be more organized</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-to-inspire-your-children-to-be-more-organized/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-to-inspire-your-children-to-be-more-organized/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:40:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=12368</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-to-inspire-your-children-to-be-more-organized/">How to inspire your children to be more organized</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
How to inspire your children to be more organized is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.I thought I&#8217;d never hear the day when my daughters would appreciate me for teaching them how to fix their things. Not that I am neat freak, I just want things in their proper [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/how-to-inspire-your-children-to-be-more-organized/">How to inspire your children to be more organized</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.I thought I&#8217;d never hear the day when my daughters would appreciate me for teaching them how to fix their things. Not that I am <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/neat-freak-or-neatness-lover/">neat freak</a>, I just want things in their proper places. When they were little girls, I required them to at least fix their beds just before leaving school. Oh they were obedient girls of course. I slacked down a bit as they went into college and lived in a dormitory.</p>
<p>A few years back, they got to see how their fellow dorm mates &#8220;organized their rooms&#8221; and that I shouldn&#8217;t feel bad if I think their rooms are &#8220;messy&#8221;.</p>
<p>They are adults now so I can&#8217;t really be bothered with their rooms. Whenever I drop by their room, I just stay by the door. I don&#8217;t step inside because I want to avoid lecturing them on neatness. </p>
<p>I don’t nag my family to the point that my neat freaky attitude drives them crazy. If they are messy with their things, that is their problem. If an item gets lost because they were not organized, it’s their loss. “Don’t come crying to me that you lost a book , a CD or something”.</p>
<p>I believe that clutter around me creates more clutter in me so I don&#8217;t like that feeling.</p>
<p>It cannot be avoided that I&#8217;d see a mess or two. On one occasion, I just could not help noticing parcels of tokens or products on the floor in my daughter&#8217;s room. </p>
<p>Of course I wanted her to decide on ways to de-clutter her room and if I could help her. She thought she needed a new dresser and remove her writing table. Good idea. I told her: &#8220;let&#8217;s go to the furniture store and get you the dresser to organize all these beauty products, fashion accessories and other trinkets&#8221;.</p>
<p>She loved the idea but on shopping day, I was met with resistance due to previous work commitment. Minutes later, I was surprised that the shopping for a new dresser will push through.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/white-dresser-for-a-daughter.jpg" alt="" title="white dresser for a daughter" width="550" height="572" class="alignright size-full wp-image-12373" /></p>
<p>It was a beautiful afternoon and that rare occasion when a daughter is with us on a Sunday. We strolled the furniture section of Market! Market! and spotted this white dresser that went well with the rest of her white-themed furniture inside the room. It was perfect!</p>
<p>Days after the white dresser was delivered to her room, my daughter&#8217;s room is now more organized with less clutter. </p>
<p>I praised her &#8220;see how nice your room looks now&#8221;. We both smiled.</p>
<p>Mission accomplished. &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Finalist at &#8220;The One&#8221; and/or &#8220;The Ballbreaker&#8221; &amp; Blog Watch as the Advocate for Globe Tatt Awards</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/vote-for-me-as-the-one-andor-the-ballbreaker-blog-watch-as-the-advocate-for-globe-tatt-awards/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/vote-for-me-as-the-one-andor-the-ballbreaker-blog-watch-as-the-advocate-for-globe-tatt-awards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:54:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tatt awards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=11399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/vote-for-me-as-the-one-andor-the-ballbreaker-blog-watch-as-the-advocate-for-globe-tatt-awards/">Finalist at &#8220;The One&#8221; and/or &#8220;The Ballbreaker&#8221; &#038; Blog Watch as the Advocate for Globe Tatt Awards</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
Finalist at &#8220;The One&#8221; and/or &#8220;The Ballbreaker&#8221; &#038; Blog Watch as the Advocate for Globe Tatt Awards is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.Set the bar higher. It’s not about lists and numbers, it’s about actions. And popularity does not mean influence, at least not anymore. -Lauren fisher I [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/vote-for-me-as-the-one-andor-the-ballbreaker-blog-watch-as-the-advocate-for-globe-tatt-awards/">Finalist at &#8220;The One&#8221; and/or &#8220;The Ballbreaker&#8221; &#038; Blog Watch as the Advocate for Globe Tatt Awards</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<i>Set the bar higher. It’s not about lists and numbers, it’s about actions. And popularity does not mean influence, at least not anymore. -Lauren fisher</i></p>
<p><center><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/globe-tattoo-the-one.jpg"><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/globe-tattoo-the-one-200x300.jpg" alt="" title="globe-tattoo-the-one" width="200" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11430" /></a><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/globe-tattoo-ballbreaker.jpg"><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/globe-tattoo-ballbreaker-200x300.jpg" alt="" title="globe-tattoo-ballbreaker" width="200" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11431" /></a></center></p>
<p>I am a finalist in two categories. If you think I deserve to win, <strong>then please vote for me&#8230;via this link <a href="http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote">http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/globe-tatt-awards1.jpg" alt="" title="globe-tatt-awards1" width="550" height="413" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11400" /></p>
<p>What can I say? I believe in awards for the recognition because it makes the advocacy easier to reach a wider audience. Last August 10, I found out that I am a finalist as an individual for two categories : <strong>The One</strong> (the top award) and <strong>The Ball breaker</strong>. My work speaks for itself.   I  will continue to do so till my last breath. It is my passion doing what I love best. The prize money will go a long way to  fund writing grants to bloggers and other social media users to promote their own advocacy and post it in <a href="http://blogwatch.tv">Blog Watch</a> , a citizen media portal.</p>
<p>Win or lose, I will continue what I love doing best. </p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tatt-awards.jpg" alt="" title="tatt-awards" width="550" height="413" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11403" /></p>
<p>What is &#8220;The One&#8221;?</p>
<p>The <a href="http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/awards">Globe Tatt Awards site</a> describe it this way:</p>
<blockquote><p>The most influential trendsetter that shaped opinion, moved people, and ultimately starting fire in Philippine internet. This person is ahead of the pack in terms of online popularity and content. S/he may come from any background and engages on any platform. S/he can have one channel of engagement or an ecosystem of social media channels that you handle under your brand or name. </p></blockquote>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tatt-awards1.jpg" alt="" title="tatt-awards1" width="550" height="413" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11401" /></p>
<p>And what is the Ballbreaker?</p>
<blockquote><p>For the opinion that launched tons of comments or retweets, from the person with so much balls to make that legendary post in the first place. S/he should be a blogger or a Twitter user who started a debate or revolution of opinions with just one (1) hard-hitting post. Everyone linked to it, posted a comment, shared it on their walls and retweeted the person’s thoughts because of an idea that’s meant to trend and spread like virus. It sparked a series of conversations in the Philippine social media space that will be remembered for a very long time.</p></blockquote>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/blog-watch.jpg" alt="" title="blog-watch" width="550" height="413" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11404" /></p>
<p>Oh and Blog Watch is also a finalist in &#8220;The Advocate&#8221;</p>
<blockquote><p>This award goes to a person or a group of individuals who worked to improve the state of a societal cause in the Philippines through social media. This person or group invested time and effort (and sometimes even money) for the betterment of other people’s lives. The nominees can have a photo/video/audio channel, a blog, a Facebook page/app or a Twitter account on environmental, political, educational and other relevant advocacies. </p></blockquote>
<p>If you think I should win, here is what you can do from August 10 till August 24.</p>
<p>1. Visit  <a href="http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote">http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote</a></strong>.  10% of the scores will be coming from your votes so &#8230;</p>
<p>2.  Vote for me (Noemi Lardizabal-Dado) in <strong>The One</strong> category.<br />
3.  Vote for me (Noemi Lardizabal-Dado) in <strong>The Ballbreaker</strong> category.<br />
4.   Go to The Advocate category and vote for <a href="http://blogwatch.tv">Blog Watch</a>. (<a href="http://blogwatch.tv/news/blogwatchdotph-is-a-finalist-for-the-advocate-at-the-tatt-awards/">This is the work that Blog Watch</a> has been doing the past two years.</p>
<p>You will need a Facebook account to vote. </p>
<p>Your vote will go a long way to promote bloggers advocacy and citizen media.</p>
<p><center><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the-one.jpg"><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the-one-300x198.jpg" alt="" title="the one" width="300" height="198" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11417" /></a></center></p>
<p><a href="http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote"><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ball_breaker-253x300.jpg" alt="" title="ball_breaker" width="253" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11418" /></a><a href="http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/tattawards/vote"><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/vote-for-me-tatt-awards1-253x300.jpg" alt="" title="vote-for-me-tatt-awards" width="253" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11419" /></a></p>
<p>Thank you.&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Celebrating the Rizal in me</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/celebrating-the-rizal-in-me/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/celebrating-the-rizal-in-me/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:21:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Current Affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Celebrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jose Rizal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=11216</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/celebrating-the-rizal-in-me/">Celebrating the Rizal in me</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
Celebrating the Rizal in me is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.&#8220;It’s a useless life that is not concentrated to a great ideal. It’s like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.&#8221; Jose Rizal I braved the rains and drove all the way [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/celebrating-the-rizal-in-me/">Celebrating the Rizal in me</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<em>&#8220;It’s a useless life that is not concentrated to a great ideal. It’s like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.&#8221; Jose Rizal </em></p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/my-rizal-150A.jpg" alt="" title="my-rizal-150A" width="550" height="362" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11235" /></p>
<p>I braved the rains and drove all the way to Fort Santiago in my period costume to celebrate Jose Rizal&#8217;s 150th birthday. Celebrating Rizal&#8217;s 150th birth anniversary is not just a one day affair or even a year-long sesquicentennial festivities. </p>
<p>The organizers decided to call this celebration <a href="http://myrizal150.com/about/">“MY RIZAL” </a>  as it &#8220;engages all of us to be a part of what JOSE RIZAL stood for. It invites us to internalize a version of RIZAL in our own personal lives. It inspires us to feel the hero in each one of us, and to follow RIZAL’s footsteps in his true love for country.&#8221;</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/myrizal-in-me.jpg" alt="" title="myrizal-in-me" width="550" height="371" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11225" /></p>
<p>I look at the Rizal in me.  Just like some of the bloggers and social media users that joined me in Fort Santiago, each of us have our own advocacy and ideals.</p>
<p>In my role as a blogger and editor of <a href="http://blogwatch.tv">Blog Watch</a>, I call out the societal evils such as <a href="http://www.thepoc.net/commentaries/12172-the-plunder-of-our-philippine-marine-life.html">environmental destruction </a> and <a href="http://blogwatch.tv/news/stop-child-exploitation-and-abuse-in-media/">child abuse</a>. I hold President Aquino accountable for <a href="http://www.thepoc.net/blogwatch-features/8152-promises-of-noynoy-aquino.html">his campaign promises</a>. I believe in the <a href="http://www.thepoc.net/commentaries/12427-the-promise-and-unwavering-passion-of-the-youth.html">promise and unwavering passion of the youth</a>. I am sure Jose Rizal will also fight for the passage of the <a href="http://blogwatch.tv/news/the-rhbill-hb-4244-and-authors%e2%80%99-amendments/">Reproductive Health Bill</a> (RH Bill).</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/my-rizal-150-celebration.jpg" alt="" title="my-rizal-150-celebration" width="550" height="369" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11226" /></p>
<p>Most of all, love of country is what I am fighting for. Who wouldn&#8217;t want a good future for their children, and children&#8217;s children. I still cannot understand why corrupt officials exist.  Why do they think only of themselves? It is a long and difficult road to fighting corruption and poverty. But if we call upon ourselves to check our government and talk about it, we have gained something. </p>
<p><center><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/solo-me.jpg" alt="" title="solo-me" width="196" height="497" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11232" /></center></p>
<p>Rizal’s ideals, as exemplified by his life, his works and his heroism, are universal. They live in each one of us in many ways.</p>
<p>We can live Rizal now. </p>
<p><em>&#8220;Filipinos don&#8217;t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering, and redemption is a product of sacrifice.&#8221;- Jose Rizal</em></p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/myrizal150-4a.jpg" alt="" title="myrizal150-4a" width="440" height="550" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11223" />&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The ocean is a mighty harmonist</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-ocean-is-a-mighty-harmonist/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-ocean-is-a-mighty-harmonist/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:40:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Current Affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beach therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog action day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coral reefs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[save the philippine seas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=11140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-ocean-is-a-mighty-harmonist/">The ocean is a mighty harmonist</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
The ocean is a mighty harmonist is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.” &#8211;Anonymous I grew up [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-ocean-is-a-mighty-harmonist/">The ocean is a mighty harmonist</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.” &#8211;Anonymous</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/puka-beach.jpg" alt="" title="puka-beach" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11141" /></p>
<p>I grew up in Cebu, surrounded by blue skies, sunny smiles and the deep blue sea.  The beach was always a family activity every weekend. No ritzy mall or entertainment centers during  my childhood days circa early 1960 to distract me.  The picnic by the sea is what I called fun.  Mom prepared a picnic basket containing our lunch of roasted chicken and apple pie and it was off to the most popular beach destination, Talisay just 20 minutes away.</p>
<p> There was just something magical at the beach.  Time doesn&#8217;t move hour to hour but mood to moment. It is as if  I live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.  The beach is probably  the only place children actually entertain themselves without parents having to think of million ways to distract them.</p>
<p>Perhaps my dad noticed these frequent trips and decided to buy a small property near the beach in Talisay and in Mactan Island.  How we loved the bahay kubo nestled under the coconut tree. </p>
<p>College years brought me further away from Cebu. Being based in Manila, the beach was just too far away to travel even once a month. I miss the memories of joy in a summer breeze and sinking my toes in the sand. </p>
<p>I often tell my children these stories ..how as college students,  we would just get to the car and travel to the beach. The pretty little fishes swimming by the sea shore. How fascinating it was to spot the sea horse or sand dollar during low tides. </p>
<p> Everyone in our family returns to the beach instinctively, just like the sea turtles. Robert Henri asks himself, “Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.”</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/coral-reefs.jpg" alt="" title="coral-reefs" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11151" /></p>
<p>Each one of us looks at the sea differently. For me, the  sea represents my roots.  Appreciating its beauty, breadth and power is appreciating my existence, who I am and why I am here.  Like the ocean, all of us are  connected and interdependent yet each person is significant in its existence.  Even John F. Kennedy felt  tied to the ocean. &#8220;And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch &#8211; we are going back from whence we came&#8230; &#8221; </p>
<p>“Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me.”<br />
&#8211;Albert Schweitzer</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/walking-in-boracay.jpg" alt="" title="walking-in-boracay" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11142" /></p>
<p>“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”<br />
&#8211;Mother Teresa </p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/el-nido-palawan.jpg" alt="" title="el-nido-palawan" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11143" /><br />
<i>Photo of El Nido by Anna Oposa</i></p>
<p>“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”<br />
&#8211;Anonymous</p>
<p>Let us all act now to save  our seas, what’s left of our coral reefs and to protect our marine life so those beautiful and important natural resources are preserved for our children and future generations to enjoy.</p>
<p><center>Join Blog Action Day on June 8. <a href="http://savephilippineseas.com/2011/05/28/join-the-june-8-blog-action-day-to-save-our-coral-reefs-and-seas/">Details here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://savephilippineseas.com/2011/05/28/join-the-june-8-blog-action-day-to-save-our-coral-reefs-and-seas/"><img src="http://savephilippineseas.com/sps_300.jpg" alt="Save the Philippine Seas!"/></a><br />
The ocean is a mighty harmonist&#8230; (William Wordsworth)<br />
</center>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The global perception of the Filipina</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-global-perception-of-the-filipina/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-global-perception-of-the-filipina/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 May 2011 00:17:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filipina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filipina moms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[it's a woman's world documentary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel channel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=10753</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-global-perception-of-the-filipina/">The global perception of the Filipina</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
The global perception of the Filipina is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger. Now I know what it feels to be an actress. Yesterday, a UK Travel documentary group came over to my house to film a 3 minute segment for the 45 minutes Philippines series in &#8220;It&#8217;s a [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-global-perception-of-the-filipina/">The global perception of the Filipina</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary9.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-documentary9" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10755" /></p>
<p>Now I know what it feels to be an actress. Yesterday, a UK Travel documentary group came over to my house to <a href="http://filipinaimages.com/today-is-filming-of-a-travel-documentary-on-filipinaimages-com/">film a 3 minute segment </a> for the 45 minutes Philippines series in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-A-Womans-World-Travel-Documentary-Series/202644989761050">&#8220;It&#8217;s a Woman&#8217;s World&#8221;</a> with a potential 60 million viewers . I think we finished close to 3 hours.  The interview revolved around cooking Adobo and the <a href="http://filipinaimages.com">FilipinaImages.com advocacy</a>. I let Dine prepare the Green Mango Salad as Camilla asked questions.  There were probably 5 questions that focused on the Filipina, They concentrated on me cooking adobo and Dine with the salad while asking questions about The Filipina, What is a Filipina, the international perception and our online work . The action type of interview went quite well.</p>
<p>You know I am used to only one filming angle done during an interview but the videographer took 3 angles. Now this is one film I should see.<br />
<img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary5.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-documentary5" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10762" /></p>
<p>They concentrated on me cooking adobo and Dine with the green mango salad while asking Camilla asked questions about The Filipina. It was an action and interview story. Some of the questions asked :</p>
<ul>
<li>What is a Filipina</li>
<li>How would you describe the typical Filipina?</li>
<li>Why did you start your website/blog?</li>
<li>Why do you think Filipina’s have the international perception they do, especially online?</li>
<li>Do you want to change this perception and if so how are you doing this?</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary11.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-documentary11" width="550" height="413" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10754" /></p>
<p>You will just have to hear our answers when the documentary comes out on October. But let me just tell you, after almost four years, <a href="http://filipinaimages.com/">The Filipina Images project</a>  has been successful in at least creating balance in the search engine results. When we first started, almost 9/10 search engine results in the first page was dating sites. Not that these girls are Filipinas but there are more Filipinas that need to be showcased.   The word &#8220;Filipina&#8221; is used by these sites.</p>
<p>Since then, search engine results on the first page for keyword &#8220;Filipina&#8221; has other sites that are not connected to dating services.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary14.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-documentary14" width="550" height="394" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10771" /></p>
<p>What image pops up in your head when you say or hear the word “Filipina?” is a question my <a href="http://radiantview.com">sister Lorna </a> asked four years ago.</p>
<p>A smile.<br />
A mother breastfeeding her child.<br />
An excellent homemaker.<br />
A powerful leader and mentor in her chosen business, profession or vocation.<br />
Another smile, inviting you to meet her family and firends.<br />
A friend who’s there for you, no matter what.<br />
Ah, I’ve never met a Filipina — but I’d like to.<br />
An influential, affluent decision maker.<br />
A woman, confident and willing to go an extra mile to get things done.<br />
A woman I can trust to take care of my kids.<br />
A sexy woman.<br />
A mystery?<br />
A girl, shy and innocent.<br />
A fun-loving woman.<br />
A beautiful person, inside and out.<br />
Endless, timeless images of a Filipina.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/filipina-images-1.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-images-1" width="550" height="411" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10774" /></p>
<p>I am glad that the Travel documentary series of &#8220;It&#8217;s a Woman&#8217;s World&#8221; communicated with us to be part of this filming project.  There is no one exclusive category of Filipino women who has the better right to claim that it is more representative of the Filipina than the others  The Filipina campaign should not only be limited online.  </p>
<p>Television viewers need to see that we , the Filipina of the Future deserves a more empowered, diverse image online and offline. </p>
<p>Multiple, complex, and whole.</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary15.jpg" alt="" title="filipina-documentary15" width="507" height="550" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10769" /><br />
<i>Left to right: Camilla Andersen, me , Julia Cornes and Dine Racoma</i></p>

<a href='http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-global-perception-of-the-filipina/filipina-documentary1/' title='filipina-documentary1'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/filipina-documentary1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="filipina-documentary1" title="filipina-documentary1" /></a>
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<p><em>The documentary series will be viewed on October 2011. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-A-Womans-World-Travel-Documentary-Series/202644989761050?sk=info"> It’s a Woman’s World</a> will introduce and immerse viewers into the lives of interesting and inspiring local women they meet. So many travel experiences these days are mocked up for tourism, It’s a Woman’s World wants to avoid these and get the inside perspective on each culture they are discovering.<br />
</em>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Serenity Prayer is for you</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-serenity-prayer-is-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-serenity-prayer-is-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:36:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[serenity prayer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aboutmyrecovery.com/?p=10120</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-serenity-prayer-is-for-you/">The Serenity Prayer is for you</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
The Serenity Prayer is for you is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger. My friend is hurting. I cannot take her pain away. I pray she grieves well. The &#8220;Serenity Prayer&#8221; is dedicated to all those who are in grief, loss, or broken-hearted, recovering from alcoholism, addiction or some [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-serenity-prayer-is-for-you/">The Serenity Prayer is for you</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/serenity-prayer.jpg" alt="serenity-prayer" title="serenity-prayer" width="504" height="360" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10121" /><br />
My friend is hurting. I cannot take her pain away. I pray she grieves well.</p>
<p>The &#8220;Serenity Prayer&#8221; is dedicated  to all those who are in grief, loss, or broken-hearted, recovering from alcoholism, addiction or some dysfunction.</p>
<p>Not all of you may have a God.</p>
<p>They say we all have a God or <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/04/05/god-as-we-understand-god/">God as we understand God</a>.<br />
<span id="more-10120"></span><br />
For me, it is God that served as my  source of guidance and positive change. It didn&#8217;t mean I was  not responsible for myself.  I learned recovery is not a do-it-yourself project. I do my my part  relax, and then trust that the changes I&#8217;ll experience will be right for me. Recovery did not mean looking at other people as  my source to meet my needs. Sure they can help me but they are not the source. I somehow tapped and trusted God for the energy, wisdom and guidance for my recovery process.</p>
<p>Indeed, recovery is a roller-coaster ride.  I learned along the way to hold on tight when the ride gets rough.</p>
<p>At the lowest of low, I lived life one day at a time which required so much faith. There was no other way but to surrender to God’s will . How else will life be bearable? I trusted that God ’s will for me is good, generous and with a direction. Through trial and error, I learned to separate my will from God’s will. </p>
<p>An important part of recovery is owning the power to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, I  needed to step out, step back or step forward which can be very frightening.</p>
<p>Without God’s help, I would not be where I am today in my grief recovery. That is why I believe in God.</p>
<p>Every time a scary situation such as the <a href="http://blogwatch.tv/photos-videos/photos/edsa-bus-explosion-photos-twitter-reactions/">recent bus bombings</a>, hits me , I recall the Serenity Prayer and then I feel more relaxed.</p>
<p><center><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/copy-of-serenity.jpg" alt="copy-of-serenity" title="copy-of-serenity" width="297" height="248" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10122" /></center></p>
<blockquote><p>God grant me the serenity<br />
to accept the things I cannot change;<br />
courage to change the things I can;<br />
and wisdom to know the difference.</p></blockquote>
<p>And I call upon God to help my friend and to those that are in pain as well. May they understand that serenity isn’t freedom from the storm , but peace within the storm.</p>
<p>Image credits: <a href="http://waheguru.us" rel="nofollow">here</a>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Are you happy with the new Zodiac signs?</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/are-you-happy-with-the-new-zodiac-signs/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/are-you-happy-with-the-new-zodiac-signs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:53:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horoscope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ophiuchus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zodiac signs]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/are-you-happy-with-the-new-zodiac-signs/">Are you happy with the new Zodiac signs?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
Are you happy with the new Zodiac signs? is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger. I caught on the horoscope just once in my life. I was around 14 years old when I had this huge crush on a guy I met in a class party that I hosted [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/are-you-happy-with-the-new-zodiac-signs/">Are you happy with the new Zodiac signs?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/horoscope.JPG" alt="st-portolan" title="st-portolan" width="454" height="299" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10042" /></p>
<p>I caught on the horoscope just once in my life. I was around 14 years old when I had this huge crush on a guy I met in a class party that I hosted at my home. He had whispered sweetly to me that he&#8217;d give me a ring. I waited eagerly for his call the next day. While browsing through the news paper, my eye caught on the Horoscope section. I can&#8217;t remember the exact words but it said something about a &#8220;phone call&#8221;. Right after I read the horoscope, the phone rang indeed and it was my huge crush. Perhaps it was just my luck that day. My crush didn&#8217;t call me back after three calls and with it , the horoscope stopped working for me.</p>
<p>Maybe I was looking at the wrong Zodiac sign.</p>
<p>All these years I thought I was a Gemini. When astrologers said that the sun is in Pisces, it&#8217;s really not in Pisces. I always thought our  astrological sign was determined by the position of the sun on the day I was  born. Everything I thought I knew about my horoscope is wrong.</p>
<p>New is astrology has had  <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/01/13/horoscope-hang-up-earth-rotation-changes-zodiac-signs/#ixzz1Az9e9osw">issues from its inception</a>. (Aside from the fact that it tries to link personality traits with positions of the stars.) Ancient Babylonians had 13 constellations, but wanted only 12, so threw out Ophuchicus, the snake holder. Libra didn&#8217;t even enter the picture until the era of Julius Caesar.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/01/13/horoscope-hang-up-earth-rotation-changes-zodiac-signs/">Minnesota Planetarium Society,</a> here is where the real signs of the Zodiac should fall. Get ready for your world to change forever.</p>
<blockquote><p>Capricorn: Jan. 20-Feb. 16.<br />
Aquarius: Feb. 16-March 11.<br />
Pisces: March 11-April 18.<br />
Aries: April 18-May 13.<br />
Taurus: May 13-June 21.<br />
Gemini: June 21-July 20.<br />
Cancer: July 20-Aug. 10.<br />
Leo: Aug. 10-Sept. 16.<br />
Virgo: Sept. 16-Oct. 30.<br />
Libra: Oct. 30-Nov. 23.<br />
Scorpio: Nov. 23-29.<br />
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17.  (Yep, this one is new — read all about the <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/01/13/ophiuchus-what-all-saggitarius-and-capricorns-need-to-know-about-their-new-zodiac/?iid=nfmostpopular">Ophiuchus way of life</a> here)<br />
Sagittarius: Dec. 17-Jan. 20.</p></blockquote>
<p><span id="more-10041"></span></p>
<p>Are you happy with these new Zodia signs? What about the <strong>Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17</strong>? </p>
<p>Come to think of it, it doesn&#8217;t matter to me now because I stopped believing in Zodiac signs since I was 14 years old.  The question is did your sign really change? Or it doesn&#8217;t matter because our destiny or personality  is not shaped by the stars or the sun.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
<p>Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at <a href="http://facebook.com/noemidado">facebook.com/noemidado</a></p>
 Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The once homeless and recovering alcoholic Ted Williams on a second chance in life</title>
		<link>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-once-homeless-and-recovering-alcoholic-ted-williams-on-a-second-chance-in-life/</link>
		<comments>http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-once-homeless-and-recovering-alcoholic-ted-williams-on-a-second-chance-in-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:37:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>noemi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeless alcoholic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recovering alcoholics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ted williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Today Show interview]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-once-homeless-and-recovering-alcoholic-ted-williams-on-a-second-chance-in-life/">The once homeless and recovering alcoholic Ted Williams on a second chance in life</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
The once homeless and recovering alcoholic Ted Williams on a second chance in life is a post from: A Filipina Mom Blogger Follow me in twitter @momblogger.God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it&#8217;s me. ~Author Unknown [...] Follow me in twitter for other news. Here is my twitter name <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/the-once-homeless-and-recovering-alcoholic-ted-williams-on-a-second-chance-in-life/">The once homeless and recovering alcoholic Ted Williams on a second chance in life</a> is a post from: <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com">A Filipina Mom Blogger</a></p>
<p> Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.<em>God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it&#8217;s me.  </em>~Author Unknown</p>
<p><img src="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/alg_ted_williams_before_after.jpg" alt="alg_ted_williams_before_after" title="alg_ted_williams_before_after" width="485" height="362" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10005" /><br />
(Before (as homeless alcoholic) and after<br />
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/06/2011-01-06_talks_way_out_of_gutter_velvetvoiced_bklyn_guy_gets_new_lease_on_life_as_net_sta.html" rel="nofollow">NY daily news</a>)</p>
<p>I am so touched with Ted Williams&#8217; story. Williams&#8217; story is &#8220;the <a href="http://www.vibe.com/posts/homeless-man-radio-voice-lands-cavaliers-announcing-job" rel="nofollow">epitome </a>of how dreams can come true in the internet age&#8221;. And  yes, practically overnight. What makes it even more touching is he left a life of alcoholism and drugs two and a half years ago.</p>
<p>I am such a sucker for stories that deal with the theme of &#8220;second chances&#8221;. Two days ago, the web got introduced to Ted Williams, a 53 year old homeless recovering alcoholic. The Ohio area man held up a sign that read he had the &#8220;God-given gift of a great voice&#8221; and he was willing to share it with anyone who could donate some change.  In exchange for a few coins, his patrons get a treat to sound bites of his bottomless, buttery, baritone voice.</p>
<p><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uTysXITBCmk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x006699&amp;color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uTysXITBCmk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x006699&amp;color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></p>
<p>I&#8217;ve seen homeless men on the side of the road in my recent US visit and it often piqued my curiosity on the words they scribbled down on that piece of paper. It must have been Ted&#8217;s lucky day because <a href="http://www.vibe.com/posts/homeless-man-radio-voice-lands-cavaliers-announcing-job">a kind patron </a> encountered Williams on the highway , uploaded a video of Williams using his golden voice. The video turned out to be viral hit on YouTube with 9,871,461 hits as of January 5,2010.  As a result of the video&#8217;s success and the former homeless man&#8217;s perfect voice, the Cleveland Cavaliers offered him a job as a full-time announcer for the Cavaliers and even offered him a house. </p>
<p><span id="more-10003"></span><br />
I also watched <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/06/2011-01-06_talks_way_out_of_gutter_velvetvoiced_bklyn_guy_gets_new_lease_on_life_as_net_sta.html#ixzz1AFdj6Zga" rel="nofollow">a tearful Williams</a> tell the CBS&#8217; &#8220;The Early Show&#8221; about the best gift of all. </p>
<p>The biggest blessing from all of this sudden fame was the chance to <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/01/05/2011-01-05_ted_williams_homeless_man_with_radio_announcer_voice_blocked_from_boarding_plane.html" rel="nofollow">visit his 92 year old mom</a>, whom he hadn&#8217;t seen in at least a decade.</p>
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<blockquote><p>&#8220;I apologize. I&#8217;m getting a little emotional. I haven&#8217;t seen my mom in a great deal of time,&#8221; said Williams, who was coming to the city to do an interview on the &#8220;Today&#8221; show on Thursday morning.</p>
<p>&#8220;One of my biggest prayers that I sent out was that she would live long enough for me to see me rebound or whatever, and I guess God kept her around and kept my pipes around to maybe just have one more shot&#8221;.
</p></blockquote>
<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers administration is aware of his past criminal records yet the job offer still stands. People like him, the recovering alcoholic or substance abuse user should be given a second chance under certain conditions, of course.  He was also asked and accepted the position as the official voice for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.</p>
<p>Recovering alcoholics will always be alcoholics but with proper programs, chances of recovery is higher. He seems to believe in God, which is important in recovery.  These are the people that ought to be given a second chance, to make amends to their loved ones and make it right.  Ted Williams can earn back most of what he lost throughout his drinking but never the Lost Time.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Just to get back to some normalcy and responsibility &#8212; If I can a job, whether it&#8217;s a twenty-five or even $18,000, I&#8217;d be happy,&#8221; he said. &#8220;At least I know God has me where he wants me.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>I respect Ted Williams and similar recovering substance abuser for their courage to admit their faults, served their misdeeds and face the world.  This homeless man with the &#8216;golden radio voice&#8217; has a second chance to do it right again, thanks to the internet and the Columbus Dispatch, with this request:</p>
<blockquote><p>My request to all. Whenever you run across a story such as this, don&#8217;t assume it&#8217;ll take a life of its own, on its own. It won&#8217;t. It can&#8217;t. There are too many other stories that drown out the one before it.</p>
<p>You need to spend time to get that story and its word out to many. If you care, you&#8217;ll do it.</p>
<p>Keep the faith, pay forward and always lend a hand; even if you&#8217;re the one who needs it.</p></blockquote>
<p>Let&#8217;s keep the faith and believe that there is a second chance in life.</p>
<p>&#8220;This time around I have God,&#8221; Williams told <a href="http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/06/man-with-the-golden-voice-ted-williams-optimistic-about-future/" rel="nofollow">NBC&#8217;s &#8220;Today&#8221;</a> show this morning, just 48 hours after a video of one of his radio-ready voiceovers &#8212; performed while panhandling on the side of a Columbus road &#8212; went viral. A &#8220;new sense of spirituality,&#8221; he said, would help him handle his sudden success.</p>
<p> <strong>Take a look at Ted Williams’ full Today Show interview today:</strong></p>
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<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
You might also want to read <a href="http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2007/09/16/positive-mental-energy-and-affirmations/">Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations</a> and my other blogs like <a href="http://pinoyfoodblog.com">Free Filipino Food Recipes</a>, <a href="http://nimrodel.net">Shopping Finds</a>, <a href="http://pinoyfood.nimrodel.net">Pinoy Food Photo Blog</a> and <a href="http://techiegadgets.com">Techie Gadgets</a>. Or  Follow me in twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/momblogger">@momblogger</a>.</p>
<p>How about visiting my  <a href="http://beautyoverfifty.net">Beauty over 50 blog</a>?</p>
<p>Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting&#8230;Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. </p>
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