Bay Windows Started

Today, DH and I looked at the structure and saw the bay windows have been started. The second storey slab was completely poured last Saturday and the upper walls are now being built. Here are the 2 front bay windows.


Here’s a view from the inside after climbing the rickety makeshift ladder.

Completed the Right Shoulder Therapy

I’ve not been feeling well lately. It must have been the recent rains. But still I went for my followup consultation with Dr. Mancao today.

She concluded I won’t need anymore therapy sessions. This is after 12 sessions in 2 batches. I’m a bit ambivalent. I’m glad that the sessions are over but not too happy in that I don’t think it’s fully healed.

She did say that at my age I’d need to be careful of jerky unnatural movement of the right shoulder and arm. She’s kinda worried the tendinitis may come back if not too careful. Continuing the stretches and resistance exercises should strengthen it though.



Sponsor Testimony at World Vision Office

Last night I was at the World Vision main office to share a talk as a World Vision Child Sponsor. Attending were 34 sponsors and 11 guests (friends of sponsors).

Cecille from World Vision called me at the office several weeks ago to invite me. Interestingly, it was because she stumbled on the Lakbay Pagasa entry in this blog and found it suitable as talk material.

Of course I was pleasantly surprised and did not hesitate to accept.

It was a long drive though from the office - almost 1.5 hours. But I was still glad to be there and give my speech. Actually I arrived ahead of time (5:45pm).

Well, it’s either that or I arrive late because of the traffic that builds up at EDSA at rush hour. All’s well though. At least I had time to chat with Cecille, Elaine, Boris, Richard (a former sponsored child), Cara (the night’s emcee) and Niña.

Here’s Cecille, Niña and Cara.


Oatmeal and Oatbran

I posted an earlier entry on the benefits of oatmeal. Well, a few weeks after, I learned how satisfying oatmeal is that I sought other flavors.

I discovered that there are a few from Quaker Oats. There’s now Chicken Arroz Caldo, Chicken Mushroom Flavour and Fish and Onion Flavour. This is something I just learned recently coz we’re not really oatmeal eaters.

Now, I don’t have to eat as much rice coz it’s so filling. Hmmm, could this be a solution to the rice shortage?


Suffered a Bad Fall

Last Sunday, as we were about to unload our donation boxes to Typhoon Frank victims, I suffered a bad fall at the steps going to the visitor’s lobby. This was on the way down the steps.

Donation to Typhoon Frank Victims

After thinking over and over how to dispose of our old stuff (clothes and other clutter), an opportunity came up and that’s a donation drive at DH’s office.

This is for the victims of typhoon Frank that hit primarily the Visayas area. I’ve been waiting for a similar drive at our office but all we had was a book donation/ school supplies drive for an elementary school.

I’ve already brought some school supplies like pencil cases, bags, old rulers, sharpeners and erasers.

Anyway, back to the Typhoon Frank victims, last Friday afternoon, DH and I went to SCH to sort out our stuff there. This was right after the termite proofing at the construction.

I gotta admit, DH was much into this “bukas-palad” thing coz she gave away lots of her good clothes and sweaters (hardly used). We also managed to get some old books that I’m planning to give away.

2nd Batch of Physical Therapy Sessions

Yesterday I got the doctor’s verdict that my right shoulder isn’t fully healed yet and so suggested another batch of 6 therapy sessions. I agreed, and why not?

Heck if I could make the most of my HMO card I would. My right shoulder just didn’t recover as well as my left shoulder did last year. The rehab doctor suspected torn fibers in the shoulder and suggested more strengthening exercises.

I proceeded to take my first session on the same day.

O Jo Kaluguran Daka

To all Kapampangans out there, this song's for you! Click on the play button and sing-along!



O Jo, Kaluguran Daka

Verse 1
Tinatanong kung mahal kita, at bakit nagkahiwalay.
Sa puso ko’y di matanggap, pagkat mahal kita.
Ako’y nanalangin na makapiling ka
Ang ibig kong sabihin lahat ay gagawin ko.

Chorus
O Jo kaluguran daka. Kaluguran sobra-sobra.
Kasara da reng mata pantunan daka
Lawen daka angga king mate ku,uling ika ing lulugud kaku.
Lawen daka O JO hanggang atin ka pang tau.

Verse 2
Kapag naaalala ang kahapong kay saya
Muli’t muling bumabalik ang tamis ng pagsinta
Ako’y nanalangin na makapiling ka
Ang ibig kong sabihin lahat ay gagawin ko

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge
Nais ko lang isuko ang iyong pagmamahal
Ako’y lalaki lamang na marunong magmahal

(Repeat Verse 2)

(Repeat Chorus)



Right Shoulder Therapy - 3rd Session

Last night I had my third therapy session and the passive stretches were applied. They were followed with the active relaxation stretches. And after that, resistance exercises:
  1. Front raise with 1 lb dumbbell
  2. Side raise (with shoulder transition)
  3. Internal rotation with a stretch band

Now that we're a bit settled in the renthouse while our house is being renovated, it's time to get back on regular exercise.

This morning I resumed my stepper exercises. It’s been quite a while and the feeling with the steps on my soles was strange.

It wasn’t painful or difficult. On the contrary, it was just a weird sensation like that of “riding” on a platform or surfboard (not that I’ve ridden one). And I really enjoyed the Stepper Mix Music CD (Version 2) that I created.

I’ve created remixes of hits of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, ABBA, Modern Talking, Michael J., Oldies, Latin, and more. Awesome! If you'd like to learn how to create these top-to-tail mixes that DJ's create, email me or leave a comment. It's easy.

And if you don’t have a clue on how the Balance Stepper is used, here’s a video of a similar unit (they look exactly the same, actually) in good old youtube:


I gotta admit that the music helps and a good sense of rhythm and body coordination makes the exercise so easy and enjoyable. What if you don't have good rhythm and body coordination? Well, you could always hit the gym, do weights and walk the treadmill. Or play golf. :)