unconditional love - mom...

There is only one pretty child in the world and every mother has it.

---Chinese Proverb

Aikido

My brother, Norman, had to witness a terrifying incident in the bus last week. A high school girl was molested by a group of guys!

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Coming back home, he asked me to join the Aikido (self defense - highly RECOMMENDED for women) class instead of aerobics class.

More about Aikido; FAQ and more here

Introduction

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'). On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way that "Aikido" may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although different styles emphasize the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser degrees. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art.

We could attempt to pigeonhole Aikido into a synopsis of X number of words, but that would not do it justice, so we leave the practitioner of Aikido to find out what Aikido is for themselves without any preconceived notions.

Diary: Woman vs Man

WIFE's DIARY
Sunday night. I thought he was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a cafe to have coffee. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset that I was a bit late, but he made no comment. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed but he kept quiet and absent. I asked him what was wrong. He said: "Nothing." I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry. On the way home I told him that I loved him. He simply smiled and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior; I don't know why he didn't say: "I love u, too." When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there and watched TV; he seemed distant and absent. Finally, I decided to go to bed. About 10 minutes later he came to bed. I could not take it anymore, so I decided to confront him with the situation but he had fallen asleep. I started crying and cried until I too fell asleep. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.
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HUSBAND's DIARY

Today, Manchester United lost the match. DAMN IT..!!

lovely mondae

A lovely monday!

Our visit to the orphanage yesterday was successful :) The 65 children are extremely happy with the school bags + milk + choc from us. The best program was the question & answer session and games -- full of gifts!!

It is so good to experience this whole thing, makes us realize how grateful we are in life!

And this morning, i got a present from my boss from his Hong Kong: a beaaaauuuutiffuuullll apron with chinese pattern :)

Wedding 5/3/05

Yesterday was Pison & Alice's wedding in Novotel Coralia Bogor. Even though it rained in the afternoon, the wedding was packed with guests - it was a lovely-lovely wedding!

My favorite part is the holy matremony - the groom cried when he promised to take care of Alice through bad and good times -- I found it very romantic :)

-- 17/3/05 --

I FINNALY got the photo of me & the cutest bestman (ever!) on duty - 5 Mar 2005.

The make-up was horrific - I WAS a ghost!

Angels ...

BLUE MONDAY


Robbie Williams
Angels

by Unknown

I sit and wait
there's an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we're grey and old
'cause I've been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I'm lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel that love is dead
I'm loving angels instead

Chorus:
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call she won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead

When I'm feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look aboveAnd I know
I'll always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead
I'm loving angels instead

Healthy Gums = Healthy heart?

Research: Brushing, flossing might reduce risk of heart attack, stroke (Source: MSN)

Keeping your pearly whites and your gums healthy may be key to keeping your heart in good health, too.

Researchers have found a link between gum disease and increased risk for atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the walls of the arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

In a study published in February in the journal Circulation, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center measured specific bacteria that are known to cause periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, as well as other bacteria, in the mouths of more than 600 people ages 55 and older with no history of stroke or heart attack. The scientists also looked at the thickness of the carotid arteries, the two major arteries on each side of the neck that supply blood to the brain. Thickening of the carotid arteries can lead to stroke and heart attacks.

The results showed a clear link between the bacteria that cause serious gum disease and thicker carotid arteries, even when other factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes were accounted for, says lead researcher Dr. Moise Desvarieux, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

So how does what's in your mouth affect your heart? Theories vary. "Studies have shown that in people who have gum disease, the bacteria migrate to the bloodstream. So, down the line, that may lead to adverse events" like heart attack and stroke, Desvarieux speculates. The bacteria may attach to fatty plaque in the arteries of the heart, contributing to clot formation, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Another theory, adds Desvarieux, involves a hyperinflammatory response to the abundance of bacteria in the mouth. "People don't realize that there are no other places in the body where so many bacteria are in contact for a long period of time, which constantly stimulates the immune system." The immune system, in turn, may over-respond, creating hyperinflammation, which stresses the heart and blood vessels. Then there's C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein released by the body in response to injury or inflammation. Higher levels of CRP are a marker for increased heart-disease risk. Desvarieux says CRP levels are higher in people with periodontitis.

The research is just the latest in a slew of studies pointing to a link between bad oral health and a bad heart. But it's the first to show a direct connection to these bacteria, Desvarieux says. "In our population it was only those bacteria that cause periodontal disease - and not the seven control bacteria" that were associated with a thicker carotid artery. "That's pretty good evidence."

But it's still not a given that that trouble with your gums means a heart attack will strike. That's because researchers don't know yet which came first - the bacteria or the thicker carotid artery. Desvarieux is following up with the study's participants to determine whether, over time, those with the highest level of bacteria also have the highest level of stroke and heart attack - and if low bacteria levels are heart-protective. "The research is not at the stage of recommending changing practice," adds Desvarieux. "Having said that, though, it is hard to be against people taking good care of their teeth and gums."

Brushing upFinding the precise connection is important because gum disease is so common. At least half of Americans over age 55 have periodontitis, according to the AAP.
Because the main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque - a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth - it's essential to keep plaque at bay, especially the subgingival kind that's below the gums. Root planing and scaling - a nonsurgical therapy using fine instruments to clean the roots and break up subgingival plaque - will significantly reduce the level of oral bacteria for most people, explains Gordon L. Douglass, a past president of the AAP and a periodontist in Sacramento, Calif.

Just as important is regular brushing (twice a day), regular cleanings at the dentist (twice a year) and a practice many of us neglect: flossing. "Flossing gets into the spaces between the teeth and the gums. That will break up the bacteria and never let them get established," says Douglass. Even toothpicks can be used to clean between teeth. "Most periodontitis starts between the teeth," Douglass adds.

Medications, including painkillers, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants and high-blood-pressure medications, can cause side effects that increase your chances for periodontitis. If you notice changes in the soft tissue in your mouth or if food and drinks taste differently, talk to your dentist or see a periodontist - especially if side effects include a dry mouth. Explains Douglass, "Saliva buffers the effects of acid on teeth and adds lubrication to protect against gum disease. The drier the mouth, the more inflamed it gets, and it's harder to clear plaque from your mouth."

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Paintings

Belly dancer @ Lebanese Resto in Le Meridien Hotel.


Ok, the above photo was the opening of my Snoopy craze report below :)
Beautiful Snoopy paintings in J.W. Marriot Hotel - - F A N T A S T I C

It's Charlie Brown!

cooking is fuuuunn...

My lovely chef, Jamie Oliver & his fabulous recipes!
Bon appetite...

girl's secret...

Bananas are good for period pain
Its good to cry
Chicken soup actually makes you feel better
94% of boys would love it if you sent them flowers
Lying is actually unhealthy
Only apply mascara to your top lashes
Its actually true, boys DO insult you when they like you!
Its impossible to apply mascara with your mouth closed!
89% of guys want YOU to make the 1st move
Chocolate will make you feel better!
Most boys think its cute when you say the wrong thing
A good friend never judges.
A good foundation will hide hickeys!..not that u have any
Boys arent worth your tears
We ALL love surprises!!