Chinese Advice To 50-Year Olds & Older: Where Your Life Stand Here On Earth

Sharing this worthy advice to all who are in this age bracket and to all who are soon reaching the golden years.  No one escapes getting old except when he dies young.

(Translated from the Chinese).
 
Because none of us have many years to live, and we can't take along anything when we go, so we don't have to be too thrifty... Spend the money that should be spent, enjoy what should be enjoyed, donate what you are able to donate, but don't leave all to your children or grandchildren, for you don't want them to become parasites who are waiting for the day you will die!!

Don't worry about what will happen after we are gone, because when we return to dust, we will feel nothing about praises or criticisms. The time to enjoy the worldly life and your hard earned wealth will be over!

Don't worry too much about your children, for children will have their own destiny and should find their own way. Don't be your children's slave. Care for them, love them, give them gifts but also enjoy your money while you can. Life should have more to it than working from the cradle to the grave!!

Don't expect too much from your children. Caring children, though caring, would be too busy with their jobs and commitments to render much help. Uncaring children may fight over your assets even when you are still alive, and wish for your early demise so they can inherit your properties and wealth. Your children take for granted that they are rightful heirs to your wealth; but that you have no claims to their money.

50-year old like you, don't trade in your health for wealth by working yourself to an early grave anymore... Because your money may not be able to buy your health...

When to stop making money, and how much is enough ( hundred thousands, million, ten million )?

Out of thousand hectares of good farm land, you can consume only three quarts (of rice) daily; out of a thousand mansions, you only need eight square meters of space to rest at night.

So, as long as you have enough food and enough money to spend, that is good enough. You should live happily. Every family has its own problems. Just do not compare with others for fame and social status and see whose children are doing better, etc., but challenge others for happiness, health, enjoyment, quality of life and longevity...

Don't worry about things that you can't change because it doesn't help and it may spoil your health. You have to create your own well-being and find your own place of happiness. As long as you are in good mood and good health, think about happy things, do happy things daily and have fun in doing, then you will pass your time happily every day.

One day passes without happiness, you will lose one day.

One day passes with happiness, and then you gain one day.

In good spirit, sickness will cure; in a happy spirit, sickness will cure faster; in high and happy spirits; sickness will never come.

With good mood, suitable amount of exercise, always in the sun, variety of foods, reasonable amount of vitamin and mineral intake, hopefully you will live another 20 or 30 years of healthy life of pleasure.

Above all, learn to cherish the goodness around... and FRIENDS... They all make you feel young and "wanted"... without them you are surely to feel lost!!

Wishing you all the best.

Please share this with all your friends who are 50 plus and those who will be 50 soon.


Acknowledgement:  This post is grabbed from Cristina Veloso's FB acct.

Australian Wineries Worth a Glass

There are more than 60 different wine regions in Australia and each one has its own distinct flavours. The wines are as diverse and interesting as the scenery and cultures of each area. Taking a wine tour in Australia is a great way to explore the history and vintages of the country. This post by cheapflights.com.au looks at some of the most interesting wine making regions and wineries in Australia:

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Barossa Valley in South Australia is home to two different wine regions. The Eden Valley is best-known for its Riesling, while the core of Barossa Valley is home to an exceptional Shiraz. The nearby heritage towns of McLaren Vale and the Clare Valley also have strong wine heritages. Take some time to explore this area to get an idea of the diversity of Australian wine. The local wine festivals and celebrations provide visitors with an opportunity to taste locally produced wines.

Margaret Rivers, Perth

Margaret River is just a few hours drive from Perth and is a must-visit for any wine lover. There are more than 60 wineries in the area and there are some great fine dining opportunities too. If you want to sample local cuisine and good wine, then this is one of the best areas to visit.

YarraBalley, Melborne

Yarra Valley is located less than one hour away from Melbourne. The valley was the birthplace of Victoria's wine industry and there are still more than 50 wineries operating in the area. From large-scale operations to family-owned-and-run vineyards, Yarra Valley has it all. The cool-climate wines produced in the valley include a great Shiraz and a lovely Pinot Noir.

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has a gentle Mediterranean climate which differs dramatically from some of the neighbouring regions and gives the wines produced in the area a unique flavour. The grapes may be the same, but the way they are grown means that they have their own unique taste. Mornington Peninsula is home to some unique wines and the best way to enjoy them is to visit the region during one of the many food and wine festivals.

Australian Capital Territory

There are 33 wineries and 140 vineyards in the capital territory, ranging from family-run ventures to more industrial operations. Located just outside of Canberra, the region is a great place for anyone who enjoys local produce, fine wine and great Australian cuisine. Canberra wines are unique in their richness and diversity.

The range of wines available in the southern hemisphere is staggering. If you are interested in taking a wine tour, be sure to visit several different regions to get a full idea of how rich and interesting Australian wines can be. From microclimate wines in Canberra, to the cool-climate wines near Perth, there is something to suit all palates and all kinds of cuisine. Next time you pay a visit to this amazing country, be sure to explore what the vineyards to offer.

Safety Gear You Need If You Love Riding Your Bike

Many people love to ride their bikes both during the day and at night, whether it is to get to wherever it is that they need to be in an inexpensive and eco-friendly fashion, they do it for fun, or they do it to get in shape. But no matter what the reason is for your bike riding hobby, you need to keep in mind that biking can certainly be dangerous and that serious accidents do occur that leave people with severe injuries.

In order to reduce the risk of being injured while riding your bike, you need to take the proper safety precautions at all times. This means riding responsibly, always being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to navigate busy streets safely, and purchasing safety gear that will keep your body protected in the event that you fall off your bike or are thrown off of it during a crash.

Purchase the Right Helmet and Wear It Every Time You Ride

The right helmet will protect your fragile skull during any crash. Therefore, it’s important to purchase the right helmet for your head with the assistance of a professional at a bike supply store. You want to try on a few helmets to make sure they provide you with ample amounts of coverage and also fit well, without being too loose or too tight. You also want to be sure that the straps fit snugly underneath your chin and that you feel comfortable while wearing the helmet because you will be wearing it for hours at a time whenever you ride.

A good helmet meets specific safety standards, so spend more money on a helmet that you know is built well by a reputable company you can trust. Whenever you try on your helmet or wear it while riding, never wear a hat underneath it because you need to be sure it fits snugly on your head itself. Be sure that you always take the proper care of your helmet to prevent it from being damaged and losing its effectiveness.

Purchase a Reflective Vest

A great accessory for bike riding is a bright, reflective vest that you can put over any of your clothes so that others will see you more easily while you are on the road. They are particularly well suited for days that are overcast or for night rides.

Wear Protective Goggles

Eyewear is important while bike riding in order to keep rocks, sand, dirt, and debris from entering your eyes. Choose a pair of clear glasses that snugly fit your face to prevent this from occurring and to prevent your vision from being compromised while riding.

Purchase a Good Insurance Plan

You can follow all of the safety procedures listed here to keep your body from harm while biking, but it’s important to also have a good insurance policy in place just in case something terrible does happen. Pedal bike insurance will cover the costs you incur if you are involved in an accident or your bike is damaged or stolen. 

About the Author

Laura Ginn is a freelance writer and avid bike rider who makes sure all of the important safety gear that will keep her secure during every ride is in good condition. Whenever she needs to replace her gear, she purchases high quality pieces that will be durable and last a long time.

DH's Birthday Dinner at Flavours of China

Early morning yesterday, he’s gone on his bike.  He calls it birthday ride.  He was out the whole day to I don’t know where.   Antipolo maybe? ..or Montalban..  hmmp.. wherever!  It’s his day.  Let him spend it the way he wants it!   He was kinda thoughtful at least, coming home early for the family dinner out.  My Aussie MIL is in town for her annual Philippine holiday and I’m sure she was expecting this traditional birthday dinner celebration of his unico hijo.

So off to Trinoma we went!   I had a hunch we would be going to a Chinese Resto again.  So, as I was anticipating this occasion,  I used up the credits MetroDeal gave out for free and bought the promo deal offered by Flavours of China way ahead.   The promo cost Php399.00 for food worth Php500.   I bought 3 vouchers for Php1,197.00  the real value of which is Php1,500.00.  Great deal, indeed!

The food was really good.  You would say I’m biased because it’s Chinese cuisine, my kind of food.  But hey, Flavours of China’s food is really delish.  My only issue is the limited choices of food.  Not a lot of choices like other Chinese Restos we've been to. Nonetheless, food is worth the travel.  Competetively,  Flavours of China is equally satisfying.  Not to discount the place that is pleasant and cozy.   I love their Mixed seafood fried rice the most as it was loaded with lots of shrimps and scallops.  Undeniably  superb!

At any rate, the celebrator appeared pleased coz he only needed few more bucks to settle the bill.  Spell  practicality on celebrating birthday! 

Thanks to Flavours of China. We went home fully stuffed and satisfied!  Grateful to Metrodeal as well! You have thoroughly proven that this group buying site has truly made a big transformation!   No more glitches with voucher issuance.  Transaction is always a breeze.  Way to go, Metrodeal!


Note:  Photos to follow as soon as my camera's USB cable is found.

Death snatched our friend Evelyn from us

Who would ever imagine that a vibrant mom and a very young granny to a 5 year old grandson would be leaving   this wonderful world ever so quickly?  We never have an inkling that time was running out on her.  She was active and full of energy on the last get-together we had.  Having fun and was always amused on jokes we throw on one another.   Death for Evelyn, was the farthest from our head as this woman, only  in her mid-forty’s energetically  and dutifully carry out her responsibilities and obligations for her family

She was but slowed down lately, when she was constantly brought to the hospital for kidney problem.   Life’s episode  pass by so swiftly.    I’ve blogged about the time when we visited her in the hospital last month.  I had no idea that she was in a worse situation.  She could still give a  good laugh and joke a little.  We were pleased to hear then that she was feeling much better as her pain was gone.

Until the shocking news came while I was in the hospital, myself.   Evelyn is gone!  She has joined our Creator. I was numbed and zoned out...  the happy times we all had with her flashed back like a roll of movie film.   Then I snapped out and realized life indeed is full of surprises.  No one truly knows what lies ahead.  .. like we could be here today and gone tomorrow.  No one escapes this stage of existence.  It is the inevitable phase of life.  Thankful though,  that I had the chance to know and share good times together with a good friend named Evelyn.

May she rest in peace!

This Summer Protect Yourself from Insect-Borne Illnesses

As the seasons change, so does outdoor insect activity. Insects are more active in the warmer months, which puts you and your family at greater risk of exposure to insect-borne illnesses like the West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Outdoorsy folk, take heed:

West Nile Virus (WNV)

The WNV is a type of encephalitis, or brain swelling, which is spread by mosquitos. The disease is most prevalent in the summer and early fall months when mosquitos are most active.

The most common symptoms of WNV are fever, headache and body aches. Patients could also experience swollen lymph glands, nausea and vomiting, and a skin rash. Severe symptoms include tremors, convulsions and muscle weakness, and can also lead to blindness and even paralysis. Symptoms typically last several days to several weeks, but it is also possible for someone to be infected and have no symptoms at all.

There is no specific treatment for WNV, although over-the-counter medications could relieve some symptoms. Those with severe symptoms could require hospitalization.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a type of bacterial infection spread by immature ticks, called nymphs. The specific tick species include the deer tick and the western black-legged tick. The disease is most prevalent during the spring and summer months, when immature ticks feed. It is possible to catch Lyme disease from adult ticks, but they need to be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit the disease. Adult ticks are usually detected and removed before they can transmit, while nymphs are much smaller, and can go undetected for longer periods of time. 

The most recognizable symptom of Lyme disease is the red “bulls eye” rash that radiates out from the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, body aches and swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, the patient can also experience facial paralysis, neck stiffness and meningitis.

The disease is treated with antibiotics and early detection and treatment are key. The longer the patient is exposed to the bacteria, the more likely she will develop long-term joint and neurological problems, including arthritis and short-term memory loss.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Like Lyme disease, RMSFis a bacterial infection caused by ticks. The specific tick species include the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick. The disease is prevalent throughout the US and infections can occur year-round.

Symptoms of RMSF include a fever within 14 days of a tick bite, a rash within 5 days of a tick bite, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

RMSF is potentially fatal and, as with Lyme disease, early detection and treatment are crucial. The disease is treated with antibiotics, more serious infections could require hospitalization and more aggressive treatments. 

Prevention

Wear long pants and long sleeves when working outside, or hiking in the woods. You should also wear insect repellent as an extra measure of protection. You can find online deals on insect repellent, as well as balms, lotions, and medications for bites using DrugStore coupons. You could probably even find some 2013 Black Friday specials online to buy these items in bulk.

Remove any containers of standing water around your property, these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Make sure all of your windows have screens, and repair any holes that you might encounter.

Always check your outdoor pets for fleas and ticks, and apply medication if necessary. If you have several pets, consider purchasing bulk repellent; this can be cheaper than buying individual doses.

Check your body for ticks after spending long periods outside. Include difficult-to-see areas like your scalp, groin, and armpits. If you find a tick, remove it immediately and contact your doctor about possible testing.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience  symptoms of any of these diseases.

Thoracentesis and 8 Long Days of Hospital-cation for Me

Difficulty in breathing seemed to be just natural thing for me.   It was always that way every time I feel tired, or even when I just had a good laugh.  I would only puff on my anti- asthma inhaler, then voila!  I would and could easily breathe again.  However, I couldn’t get that kind of relief lately.  No matter how much I puffed, not enough air could reach my lungs. I felt like drowning.  Yet, I had to continue doing my regular household chores.  Just have no choice.  Until I woke up the morning of May 27, urgently needing help for support such as oxygen, to ease my difficulty in breathing.   I asked to be brought to the ER again. Was led to go through various diagnostic procedures like x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan that eventually explains my predicament.  It  revealed  my lungs were filled with 2 liters of fluid.  I underwent Thoracentesis the following day and aspirated 1.5 liters. It was a great relief. How wonderful to take in air deep into my lungs again! But the fluid in my right lung easily came back after a couple of days and doctors had to aspirate again.  Fortunately, the Iv anti-biotics worked well after  a week of 6hour interval infusion.   After numerous ultrasound and x-ray  monitoring, I was declared  free from Pneumonia infection.  Thank God!

The view from my hospital room.

I am home since Monday night, June 3. Still on the rest mode. Lol!  I apologise for not replying to comments at once.  Didn’t have enough energy to keep my hands on my lappy.   Thank you everyone for the visit!  Will blog hop soon! See you all!

Must-See Attractions in Fuerteventura

The island of Fuenteventura, which translates into ‘strong fortune’, is the second largest of the Canary Islands, and one of the most popular holidaying destination in Europe.  Located off the west coast of Africa, 2009 saw the entire island become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its spectacular beaches and abundance of plant and animal life.  The island’s original settlers are thought of to be North African descent, and historians believed that these people lived in caves all over the land, many of which have been discovered since

In the early 1300s, explorers from Portugal and Spain arrived on Fuerteventura after discovering Lanzarote, and enslaved the inhabitants of the island while also bringing over their own African slaves to cultivate the land. Over the next few hundred years, the island was subjected to a number of conquests and pirate incursions, and finally won the right to self-govern in 1912.

Millions of people visit Fuerteventura every year, whether it’s for a day trip excursion or a holiday, and most are impressed enough to come back year after year. With a perfect climate, clean beaches and a number of historical attractions to see, there’s plenty to keep yourself entertained on the island, and there’s even activities for children too. Let’s take a look at some of the must see attractions in Fuerteventura this summer.

Baku Waterpark

There’s nothing better than cooling down in a waterpark after a long day sunbathing, and the Baku Waterpark is the best attraction on the island is you’re travelling with children. Covering over 160,000 square foot, the Baku Waterpark is huge, and you can easily spend an entire day here with your family.

Located in the north of the island, there’s so much to see and do here that you won’t know where to start. From exciting waterslides and wave machines to tasty restaurants and spa treatments, parents as well as children will have a great time at the Baku Waterpark. If you haven’t rented a car, there’s also a shuttle bus service that takes you from the main town straight to the park. Visit cheapflights.co.uk for the best deals on flights to Fuerteventura.

The Fuerteventura Grand Tour

No matter where you go on holiday, taking a tour of the local area is always a sure-fire way of getting to know your surroundings, and thankfully Fuerteventura has a lot to offer! Although there are a number of tour operators on the island, the Grand Tour Company is by far the best, offering lots of extras for the price of your ticket.

From the historical old towns to the Tindaya Mountains, you’ll be able to explore Fuerteventura at your own pace, and there are lots of stop off points to get a drink or some food. Furthermore, at the end of the grand tour you’ll be taken to the beach to watch the sun go down over the island. With the option of a half day tour also available, you can even get dropped off at one of many attractions long the way, like the Dolphin Safari. 

Shopping for Gadget at Lazada.com

I was scouting for a Tablet in the internet and I came across the Lazada.com.   Then I discover that this shopping website has it all. I started clicking for merchandises that catch my fancy and I'm attracted to go back to online shopping again. I have blogged about making purchases online.  But after having encountered few glitches with some of my online deals, I became cautious and had to lay low from my online shopping spree.  Now I realize, I really have to choose the reliable shopping websites.  And as I contemplate on getting the desired Tablet from Lazada.com daughter is pushing me to go ahead with my plan.   According to her, some of her officemates have tried shopping at Lazada and they are happy with the items and service they got.  Hmmn.. nice to think that I need not tire myself walking and looking around the mall anymore!  Another good thing, Lazada.com delivers for free and I can pay COD. What’s more,  I can shop anytime I want coz they are open 24/7.  Ain't it a great kind of shopping?

As for the gadget I am planning to buy, I think I would consider just getting the inexpensive one, Cherry Mobile Pad Advance7. That's good enough for me, I am not that techie anyway.  Daughter’s previous gadget is a branded one but unfortunately, after only few months of use, it crashed down for reason unknown to her.  She brought it to technicians but it wasn’t repaired any longer.  So taking that into consideration, I’d probably settle for the inexpensive one, the Cherry Mobile.  My old lappy is still working well anyway.  I only need a portable gadget whenever I go out. Yet, my smart phone is too small to take its place! Can't wait to have one!

Bacolod Chicken - Matalino: Serves Almost Anything but Pork

Every time we come around the vicinity of City Hall and NKTI in Quezon City, we usually drop by in this  simple but comfy place in Matalino St. , the Bacolod Chicken.    Like the time when we frequent NKTI for DH’s check-ups, we had the moment to enjoy our favorite fare here, the Chicken Inasal.  There are many Chicken Inasals in town but  Bacolod Chicken Inasal  has a distinct taste.  Perhaps it’s the special kind of vinegar.  I don’t know.  I just like the taste more!  And the top reason why I love Bacolod Chicken is that they serve almost any kind of delicious Filipino food cooked from  all kinds of meats and veggies except… Pork!  Yes, that’s what I like in them. Their La Paz Bachoy is made from beef meat and broth unlike other Bachoys around which use pork ingredients.   Also they serve our fave sisig and they offer it in various kind. . bangus sisg,  chicken sisig,  beef sisig..   Well, I can say I like everything they offer in Bacolod Chicken.  From  Chicken Inasal to their tasty desserts like special Turon.

Have an enjoyable weekend everyone!