ON MARRIAGE & AGE GAP (includes questions on Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore's break-up)

(Photo by David Shankbone via Creative Commons search) 

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankbone/4587483193/#DiscussPhoto]

ASHTON AND DEMI

So it's official, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore has finally split-up.  Talks of infidelity on Ashton's part and worsening fights between the two have pushed their six (6) year marriage to the breaking point.  For years they have defied the onslaught of speculation that marriage between a couple with a huge age gap would not last.  They have even proven that exes can be good friends and hang-out with each other (thanks to Bruce Willis and his forever-doting-father image).  Let us tackle this one by one. First, Ashton's infidelity.  We cannot say that his infidelity has stemmed from the fact that his wife is not taking care of herself (and has lost all her beauty) since Demi is a VERY beautiful woman with a gorgeous bod and an amazing self image.  One would ask, why the ---- has he strayed?!  Why did his excitement for Demi dampen?  Most would answer that his "young" blood is looking for someone more his age, full of energy, mettle and oomph...someone who can electrify his senses.  Boo!  Demi is not without mettle... she is as fit as hell with all those cuts on her bod!  She is someone a woman would want to be like when she reaches her forties.  But well... to each his own.  Let us go to the next issue then... their worsening fights.  What could have triggered these?  For sure we all don't know.  They have their own issues but infidelity may be one of the factors.  Financial?  I doubt, because cumulatively, they are both worth millions.  So regarding these two issues, can we safely say that age gap is the culprit?  I leave that question for you to answer.  :)

AGE & MARRIAGE

In olden times, men were encouraged to marry women five (5) to ten (10) years their junior to ensure their progeny.  It is because younger women would have a greater chance of bearing alot of children (read: "go forth and multiply").  Also, since women were often left at home to tend to their children and do tons of household chores, they should be fit and full of energy to be able to tend to their husbands' moral and carnal needs.  Some experts say, men should marry younger women because women's EQ and intelligence are more mature than their peers of the opposite sex.  But these days, where pregnancy may be aided by scientific means and contraptions, older women are given the chance to bear children despite advancement in age.  There are also alot of supplements to "allegedly" boost energy and libido.  And of course, education and social experience are two factors that aid men (and even women) in the maturation process.  When it comes to physical attributes, I beg to disagree with the saying that men, like wine, get (or taste) better with age and women like grapes become prunish with age.  Women also get better with age! Please know that there is the so-called hormonal replacement therapy for women that help them get the revitalization that they need.  So the big question remains... is AGE a determining factor in the success of a marriage? My answer is NO.  Because LOVE, RESPECT & UNDERSTANDING are the three big factors that influence marriage.  In love and marriage, age is just a NUMBER... a number that reminds you that yes, you are getting older but more often reminds you that another year is added to your calendar to be with the love of your life. :)

ON SPUNKY AND SPANKY

When I hear the word marriage, an image of my husband comes to mind.  An image of a loving man coming home from work, tired but smiling, eager to tell me what transpired during the day, eager to listen to what I have to tell him.  When I think further about marriage, an image of me comes to mind.  My image lovingly waiting for him at home with a cooked meal or waiting for him to pick me up from work, eager listen to him regarding what transpired during his day and eager to tell him what transpired during mine.  We have been married just short of four (4) years and had gone steady for another four years before taking our vows.  We have been best friends since and still are now but our relationship is not perfect.  We've had our share of ups and downs but have always managed to make it through because of respect, understanding and genuine love.  I am flawed... I talk too much, gnash my teeth when I sleep, often rearrange things at home or misplace some and get excited over the littlest things which more often than not, piques his ire.  He is flawed... he talks too much, snores when he sleeps, tinkers with our home gadgets or misplaces their parts and shushes me when I am excited over the littlest things (and tells me not to sweat the small stuff) which more often than not, piques my ire.  But despite the incessant talking, cacophony of sounds during sleep, misplaced and lost items, excitement and shushing, our relationship is getting stronger.  And as we go through the crossroads of "OUR LIFE", we never forget to be thankful for having each other because the incessant talking are intelligent discussions that see us through... the cacophony of sounds is the symphony that lulls us both to sleep... the misplaced or lost items are the ones that help us be together for days or hours on end looking for them and... the excitement and shushing, well, they are the typical Spunky and Spanky attitudes (the storm and the calm) that make us blend like coffee and cream.  ONE LOVE! ;)

WHY I LOVE MICKEY D's (Mc Donald's)

(Photo courtesy of theplanetd.com)

McDonald's! 

Ever wonder why Mickey D's remains one of the largest and most progressive food chains here and abroad, serving more than 63 Million customers daily? It is because they stick to ALL the corporate values they have formulated and abide by their social responsibilities. Mickey D's people value their customers, giving them quality food, a welcoming environment and clean facilities. They work ethically (conducting business honestly, fairly and with integrity), are committed to their people, strive to continually improve and give back to their communities. They even have a Mc Donald's System which employs a "three legged stool" business model, wherein they respect the balance of the three groups within (owners, customers and suppliers). Recently, they have dropped their egg supplier due to cruelty and unsanitary facilities, as seen in an undercover video (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/mcdonalds-dumps-mcmuffin-egg-factory-health-concerns/story?id=14976054#.Tsd0_5Txrv0). This means that the company ensures that all members of their business model, employs all the same values they uphold and care for. Because of this, one should never wonder why it has remained at the top of its business genre for so many years. 

MEMORIES...

While growing up, Mickey D's or McDo (http://www.mcdonalds.com.ph/) (in our lingo) has been a permanent fixture in my family life. I remember the days when my dad used to cut-out ads from the newspaper on their 25 php meals (tagline : "25 pesos lang", ie, 25 pesos only). The mechanics at that time was simple, cut-out the add then present it to any chain for drive-thru or dine- in and you'd be able to get meal combos for 25 pesos only (boy oh boy, my favorite was Mc chicken, Sundae and medium Coke). Mc Donald's was also the favorite party place for birthday parties, get- togethers, meetings and even anniversaries (for the oldies reminiscing their happy childhood years). In highschool, college and med school, it was the penultimate comfort food provider for me. Even at this age, going to Mickey D's is like going home, being with friends, seeing familiar sights and smelling the aroma of a happy and bustling family kitchen (read: deep fried french fries, newly prepared burgers [and now] steaming hot brewed coffee). Even at the height of the Supersize Me video craze, Mickey D's fans here and abroad did not even flinch. Why? Because nothing can ever take away that wonderful experience of biting into something that has been lovingly and carefully prepared by a hardworking team for eager and comfort-seeking customers. Paparapapa, Love ko 'to! :)

I WISH...

How I wish that corporations or other companies in our country would employ their corporate values and stick to their standards. This will ensure quality and optimal fitness of all their products and services. Maybe if we allow ourselves to uphold our core values and company social responsibilities and expect them of our suppliers, no one would take production of their products and services for granted. We should, like Mickey D's, expect the compliance of suppliers to ethical practices and not allow sub-standard products to mar the good names of the companies we belong to. Too bad, some opt to scrimp on these vital things but unbeknownst to them, this bad attitude may boomerang in the future and leave their company in ruins. Like Mickey D's, they should set good examples to others and expect them of others as well.

 Guys, move! Wake up! IMPROVE! INNOVATE! :) 

These are my opinions, if you disagree, I RESPECT YOU so please respect mine ;)

My take on The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

       

EDWARD ANTHONY CULLEN 
ISABELLA MARIE SWAN
(The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn)






Two thumbs up for Breaking Dawn part 1! The plot was very simple but I never felt a lull in its movement. Let us start discussing the start of the chapter, where Bella was to wed Edward. I was expecting a little bit of emotional excitement on her part because she was about to march down the aisle with her father towards Ed but what I felt was anxiety and a little bit of fear of the unknown. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with her hair, make-up and gown during the actual wedding but so loved the dream sequence where she was wearing a tube gown and where she looked quite stunning. Anyways, I would've wanted some color on her cheeks but she was marrying a vampire who was by far, paler in features than her, so why bother? Her wedding gown was reminiscent of Kate Middleton's which was quite conservative but well, Bella's attitude is virginal anyway so there's really no problem. During the honeymoon sequence it was fascinating and funny that the couple's room was slightly wrecked from their night of love-making. Ed got scared the day after because he realized that he had gone slightly out of control (not to mention the hematomas Bella had on her body) but she loved every minute of it. During the duration of the honeymoon , Ed did not want to make love with Bella again but one night she insisted and said "please"...oh what a tease. Eventually, she got pregnant and they wondered if that was remotely possible since Ed is considered, well you know, DEAD. :)  Moving forward, the baby inside the womb was growing too fast and was slowly killing Bella. Jacob, as usual was there to the rescue but ended up fighting side by side with the Cullens to battle his pack that was out to kill Bella and the unborn child, Renesmee (derived from both Bella's mother's name and Esme Cullen's). And so the story revolves around this plot of wanting the child to die because she might bring death...Jacob's leaving the pack, fighting beside the Cullens and later imprinting upon the child (vowing to forever protect her)...Rosalie and Bella becoming friends, etc. My husband was quite disappointed (I think) when he thought that Bella was going to die and not transform into a vampire but was shushed by me because why would she, when she was the main character? I am so looking forward to part two where Renesmee or "Nessie" grows up just after seven days from birth. I became even excited when Bella was transforming on an operating table, with the chapter ending in her opening of her eyes and changing them color to RED (Vampire!). Well, so the first part ends and all I can say is that it is like the first twilight movies with simple plots made exciting by heavenly beauties, wonderful bods, Bella's "I - don't - care - what - I - look - like" attitude, Jacob's "I'll - do - anything - for - Bella" character and the Cullen's "doting - over - Bella" facade. Still two thumbs up but guess what, I voted two thumbs and two big toes up for Justin's IN TIME for overall production, essence, effects and mind-blowing plot. MY TAKE :)

JUST MY TWO CENTS ON THE GLORIA ARROYO ISSUE

If you are wondering why i only have a total of nine (9) posts in my blog...dearies, I have deleted the old ones. Now back to business, shall we? (Photo of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo courtesy of ABS-CBN)


Come on guys! Give the poor woman a break! Can you all see how emaciated she is? She deserves the right to better treatment options outside our country. Her family is asking for permission to travel because they want her to get the best treatment our good neighbors can offer.Who would not want the best for a family member? She was our former president and is the daughter of one of the most prolific former Presidents of our country. What message are we sending out to other nations, that most of us are ignorant of our own constitution? A hold departure order cannot be given to anyone who has no case filed against him/her. The solution? If you want her to stay in this country and face whatever charges you have against her, then file them first. We are a country that boasts of high Christian values. According to others we have the best family and social values but where are these so-called values now? Flushed down the drain because of anger, ignorance and frustration? We shouldn't act this way. There are people who have committed worse atrocities but what have we done? NOTHING. We are persecuting someone who has not been charged guilty beyond reasonable doubt of ANYTHING. Please remember, God is just. I don't want to sound preachy but people who have committed atrocities would face the consequences of their actions in the right venue, at the right time. Yes, yes, people might say that she may eventually sneak out and seek political asylum in God knows where but she hasn't. There are legislators, people of the cloth, educators and lay men who are anti-Gloria who are saying that she should be allowed to seek further treatment outside our country. To these people, I give my utmost respect and admiration. For me, these are the TRUE Christians. We all need to be level-headed and mature about these things. We are dwelling on a very petty issue when we have more important things to do, better legislations to pass and improvements that need to be focused on. Remember, RESPECT BEGETS RESPECT. She will respect this government and face whatever charges if respect will be given her. Just my two cents.

RAINBOW

"Take a little time baby. See the butterfly's colors. Listen to the birds that were sent to sing for me and you... can you feel me? This is such a wonderful place to be. Even if there is pain now, everything will be alright. For as long as the world still turns there will be night and day. Can you hear me? There's a RAINBOW always after the rain...." and so the song of Southborder goes. Ahhh rainbow. There is indeed a rainbow somewhere after the heavy downpour and it goes for even the metaphorical essence of the saying. After all that is said and done, something good comes out of every bit of sacrifice we make in the world. These good things do not always come in big packages BUT...even the minuscule particulate matter of good can make the dourest mood disappear. I have been in the dourest of moods so many times and yet, I bounce back like nothing has happened. There is indeed and interplay of balancing forces that in one end may jar you but when you get to the other end can submit you into the deepest calm imaginable. Today like most days of this month, I have been tired during the daytime because of financial issues. The irony of it all is that I didn't go to work eventhough the company has a no work no pay policy...will that even help a bit with the financial issues that I am having? NO. Am I sad now?...STILL NO. It's because I know that there will be something to lift my spirits up and what d'ya know, something did! I cannot pinpoint it yet but I think there is something lovely up in the air, glistening with bright colors, ready to be seen, enjoyed, admired and stared at...THERE'S A RAINBOW ALWAYS AFTER THE RAIN :)

PPPPOKER FACE...CCCCRUNCHY RACE!

Awwwww, here we go again! Can't help blogging since it would take so much time if I jot down everything in my journal. It is almost 4am, Philippine time, yet, hubby dear and I are still up playing what else but POKER?!!!. Zynga POKER that is! Zynga has brought a new lease in life to the gaming arena via Facebook and is attracting millions of people around the globe. Needless to say, we are BOTH addicted and loving it! How I wish that the 700k I have in Zynga dollars would be converted to cash! Wouldn't that be grand?! Right now I am playing in the garage since the household is not only witnessing but also harboring a cockroach holocaust courtesy of the tiny but heaven-sent Baygon chalk. I am enjoying the carnage but I abhor the crunchy creepy crawlies lying lifeless on the floor, in the first floor bathroom and the living area. They scare the hell outta me. I never liked them, never dared kill them by any blunt object unless utterly necessary and NEVER want them in my sight!....But well, this is the Philippines and there wouldn't be a day in anyone's life here when they will not encounter the alien life form in some nook or cranny staring them in the face. It's just the way it is here...please do not be hypocrites! I cannot seem to imagine how hubby dear can play Poker in the dining area, in the dark with all those insects around! Dying, yes...but still around and wriggling to their deaths. I even learned some time ago that they will be the ones to survive a great nuclear holocaust...Zen Buddha, forgive their souls for bringing torment to me! But looking at the bright side, I haven't exactly been winning aces in these poker matches but I ain't losing big time anyway. I started with roughly 670 k and now i have 700 grand baby! I couldn't help insulting the ones who dare challenge me with big bets though...they irritate me. Here I am, trying to put them all on mute (chat) but throwing vindictives when the table is not cooperating with me...childish attitude, tsk, tsk! I should stop that and just continue playing (after of course, writing this entry). It's a very rainy morn here in Pinas but still looking forward to the movie date with Shobe, Janice and Dabby later. Poker is keeping me up but the cockroaches are keeping me on edge. I have tried... actually dared going to the first floor bath to pee but my brain told me NO, not with all the carnage around. How I wish they could all be fed to Souki, our arowana but she wouldn't like the taste of the insect killer (i think). I shall remove that from my subconscious, lest she somehow learns about what I am thinking right now...she might dare jump from her aquarium and cause another chaotic event... please spare me! I shall continue on with my quest of reaching 1M in Zynga dollars. May the cash register force be with me but the crunchy aliens' attraction abate me! AMEN!

Beachcapade 2011 (Calatagan, Batangas)

 

Just this weekend (specifically sunday going monday), we had a great summer getaway experience in Calatagan Batangas! We had a blast, I tell you,  even without the alcoholic beverages. Sweet huh? It was an amazing and relaxing trip since we literally owned the pool and beach front starting 4pm sunday until the following day. At first I was quite disappointed with the beach scene since the place was almost jampacked but when we were left to ourselves, we just threw our worries to the wind and inhaled the fresh sea breeze (enter Pure Shores song by All Saints c") ). What made things even better was the fact that I was with hubby dear, cousins, dearest amigas and my niece. We just enjoyed the whole experience because we cooked our own food, prepared our own drinks and munched the night away. The swimming experience was also great because we were the only ones using the pool and the beach was at low tide until 12 noon of monday so it was easier to walk to the balsa and take a dip in the overly salty water. Exfoliation rounds were done well... first with coarse and pebbly sand, then with the finest sand in the coast of Batangas. Everything went on really well especially when we exercised our vocal chords by using the videoke machine located in the resto (take note, you have to drop those five peso coins in!). We sang and danced and smoked and simply bonded together... thus the new improved saying, which only we could understand:          

"BIRDS OF THE SAME FETHER, MAY HAVE THE SAME METHER" :) 

I hope we could all go back there and bring our big families with us. It will definitely be one heck of an experience! But for this intimate trip of seven adults plus one kiddo, this will indeed be one for the books...one affair that I will remember and hold dear in my heart because of down-to-earth people who are not pretentious and who have all touched my heart in one way or another. ONE LOVE EVERYONE! :)