GreenBucks

Advent is over. The giving of gifts over and done with (except for some). The tree is back in its box. The festive curtains and throw pillows, table covers have been washed and folded.

The real challenge after the Christmas season is to continue the good that you did during the Christmas season:

• Will you still be generous?
• Will you still have joy in your heart?
• Will you still easily forgive others?
• Will you still be patient?
• Will you still feel the love you seasonally feel for others?
• Will you still go to church?

I remember one of my favorite Christmas songs, “When Christmas time is over and presents are away, don’t be sad. There’ll be so much to treasure about this Christmas time and the fun we’ve had… Keep Christmas with you all through the year”

I know there are those who don’t feel ok about not getting the correct patagonia capilene, THAT particular gadget, or maybe a certain shoe brand. These bring happy memories, yes, but what is important is that you are loved and you love back.

For me, it is more important remember the feelings and lovely memories and not the gifts.

Tags: Keep Christmas With You

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First posted here.

 

 

Tags: flower, nature, rose, Wordless Wednesday, yellow rose

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There are many young (and old too) people who are into substance or alcohol abuse.

How many times have we seen the news reports of a rampage, a massacre, someone who ran amok or petty crimes turned violent happen because the ones doing the crimes are under the influence of substance abuse or alcohol? We cringe, we listen, we take precautions and at times, we feel secure inside our locked doors.

One thing though, unless these people do not receive the proper intervention (counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation centers like california rehabilitation center or in our case, government supported rehab centers), unless the government and private citizens do not step up with the campaign on curbing substance (and alcohol) abuse, no one is truly deemed safe.

Not only does substance/alcohol abuse happen in places where the urban poor lives (this is initially the impression), this happens even in posh villages and among the moneyed ones. I have met a few professionals and executives, students of exclusive and expensive schools in a rehab center where I had my clinical psychology practicum. If truth be told, the “patients” there were not poor in monetary terms. It was painful to see and hear them do and say things that baffles the mind.

Here are a few warning signs to look out for if you suspect someone is undergoing substance abuse:

• repeated neglect of responsibilities
• showing risky behavior that is not typically something you observe from said person
• change in behavior: depression, irritability, fatigue or extreme energy, anxiety
• sleep and appetite changes
• anger or rage and usually provoked by very petty things that should not be cause of such reaction

Get help when you suspect your love one is doing substance abuse.

Tags: substance abuse

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December is the time when registered but no plates rides abound. Car, van, AUV, SUV and even motorcycle dealers sure do have a great time during this month. After-market accessories like motorcycle lifts are also doing brisk sale.

What it will do with traffic is another thing though.

I rarely go through the metro’s main thoroughfare, EDSA. But the Friday before the week before Christmas, we observed how fast we traveled from our place to our destination. I think the ABC bus stops were effective at that time. I am not sure though how the traffic was around a few days before Christmas.

To know more about the MMDA’s EDSA Bus Stop A and B stops, click here.

 

 

Tags: MMDA Bus Stop A, MMDA Bus Stop A and B, MMDA Bus Stop B

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It’s that time of the year when gifts have been wrapped and ready to be given to their rightful owners, deserving or not, lol.

For our youngest member, the self-taught guitar player, I thought she would be asking a top ibanez but no, she asked for a violin.

Fickle yes but the interest in music is still there, as well as the interest to make wonderful illustrations.

She’s going to be surprise when she unwraps that gold and red package we have for her 🙂

Tags: gifting

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Dear self:

Holiday cheers does not just mean the fun holiday greetings we give to our family and friends. Holiday cheers mean a lot of eating, partying and other festive activities focused on more eating.

For people who are very much conscious of managing their weight, always asking themselves what is weight management that will best help them lose the pounds, the holiday season is one that is not really welcome. I know that for sure.

Here are a few tips I need to remember to avoid doing a binge during the holiday get-togethers:

• keep everything in moderation and that includes the food serving and for some, the booze
• eat first before going to a party so you don’t feel hungry and tempted to try all the delicious food on the table
• drink plenty of water
• learn to say “NO”

Not because New Year is coming means you have another chance to get that resolution another go. No need to do a resolution you are bound to do year after year.

Tags: holiday cheers, how to avoid gaining weight during the holidays

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