INSPIRING WOMEN

Oh these women made their lives worth living, remembering and inspiring that even after their deaths, mistakes probably, flaws even - they definitely STOOD UP FOR WHAT THEY WANT AND WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN...



http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/10-inspiring-women-in-the-world-1331276433-slideshow/

I AM WOMAN! I am strong, I am invincible.

This song - I AM WOMAN is originally by Helen Reddy . is a classic favorite of mine, I just saw it when I watched the Sex and the CIty 2 movie.
This is my “breather” song. Whenever I feel down and needs a boost, apart from my chocolates… I sing this song… even in the shower, while driving, while walking, anywhere. Whenever I just need to feel good and feel beautiful, I just play this song.

I will now share it to every woman out there who might need some boost  some time…

Besides, it is from my all time favorite series and movie, Sex and the City. I think, no other characters can portray this song best… love it… :)

Lyrics are here too.. enjoy. Feel good. Feel light. Feel that you are a woman.. Because we deserve to have the best same as everyone else…

 

                                                                                                              I am woman, hear me roar

In numbers too big to ignore

And I know too much to go back an' pretend

'Cause I've heard it all before

And I've been down there on the floor

No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes, I am wise

But it's wisdom born of pain

Yes, I've paid the price

But look how much I gained

If I have to

I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

I am woman watch me grow

See me standing toe to toe

As I spread my lovin' arms across the land

But I'm still an embryo

With a long, long way to go

Until I make my brother understand

Oh, yes, I am wise

But it's wisdom born of pain

Yes, I've paid the price

But look how much I gained

If I have to

I can do anything

I am strong (strong) 2x

I am invincible (invincible) 2x

I am woman

WISHES GRANTED!! :)

I miss my bloggggggg!!!!!!!

After so long, I finally got the chance to write again. I am overflowing with stories and ideas to say. I don’t even know how to start.

Oh, maybe I should start with this one…

 Just around last week, I have vbeen praying for something that I know would make a difference in my plans.J I asked God to just grant me this and I will keep what I promised him for as long as I could. Without further going down into details, my prayers were answered… loud and clear.

Many times, I thought, God had shut down all the doors and the windows, but now, He did not only open doors or windows (again) for me… I think He was kindda offering me the whole house. I prayed so hard again – to thank Him of course.

THANK YOU.... 

We are the Samson(s)

We are the Samson

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!

                                            ~Albert Einstein

One can be called lucky not because of how many times good fate and chances have landed their doorstep. One’s luck is always said to be by choice… but for me, one luck we did not choose but was God given was to be a member of my “FAMILY”.  - Jacq

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

We are the SAMSON(s).

Read on as we take you to our memory lanes of why we are lucky, why we are happy and how much we value each other…

Yes, the Samsons may sound like a bit of the “Simpsons” (hehehe). But yes, like them, we are united and we are connected by love. You may have heard some stories about us already, good or bad, (very common for – royalties) J

But one thing is a sure fire hit – no one can mess with one of us – or else, you will have all of us back at you? ( amen, kids????)

Blood's thicker than water, and when one's in trouble
Best to seek out a relative's open arms.
~Author Unknown

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. 

~Barbara Bush

 Now, let us start with the King and Queen.

Jose Samson and Marcela Rivera had a “love story “. And as how every love story goes, they lived happily ever after. They started modestly with their living, tried hard, worked hard and yes, they did earned hard (real hard I guess).

Jose Samson, popularly known as “jope” and TATAY Peping to us was a silent spoiler. He looks strict, and yes, always holds the broomstick for dual purposes. One, for the flies, and 2, to scare us (the big kids now) if we were bad. He is very loving and would really cuddle you on his lap, asks for a kiss once in a while and in J.P.’s case, always bring you anywhere and lets you eat anything in the farm. He doesn’t like shouting and running. (Lucky for you now, younger kids).

He doesn’t like fighting – now, that is one of his best legacy… have you ever heard our parents, the brothers and the two sisters fight real hard? I mean, as in hate each other like they were strangers? Yes, occasional “ tensions” occur, but who cares? that is the spice of life. One thing that is proven – they love each other, and even if there are times that as much as they like to hate each other – they simply can’t. –BIG NO! Because, as SAMSONs, we got and we will get each other’s back and it is that immeasurable amount of love that we carry with each other even if we are miles apart. We are like cell phones connected with one network. Are trained to love each other, accept each other and help each other.

Now, Marcela Samson, “nana Cela to all, but NANAY Cela to us”. She is the epitome of love, care and simply put – THE NATATANGING INA”, the mother that gave all of her life just to look after each one of us. The original “padrino”. Nanay is the true “glue” that binds us all. Observe this, if not for Nanay (who, whether she admits or not, wants every family complete on our Sunday bondings) our get togethers and family occasions will not be as merrier and as messier as it is! She never gets tired of cooking her famous “sinampalukan manok, fried chicken, spaghetti, Hito and buro and menudo” and serve it… and to quote Tito Edgar, “For 30 years, since I went here in Makinabang, it is the same food over and over again – and it hasn't changed” . I think those ginataang bilo-bilo and palitaw has “gayuma” that hooks us all, that makes us request for it again and again.

We all grew up, listening to Nanay’s “speeches” and “orations” ( in tagalog – sermon and litanya ala Marcela style J J J) – that is who she is… she can’t sleep without knowing if every family is ok. She can’t stop asking what is going on with all of us – simply because she cares!! And like Tatay, Nanay’s legacy ( I think) is to make us complete – to make us a “whole unit functioning as one”.  And why the original padrino?? – think of things how we made lambing to nanay? Did Nanay made all the best efforts just as so we can have it??? She did!!!! Now, that is one “silent” fairy godmother that we have too. (let us not talk about the “de latas” ok) moving on…….

Come to think of it, they really did complemented each other, right???

It is not only the mother of Villar who can claim her victory. Our dear Tatay and Nanay,  also deserves the honor – “they raised the roof” and “pulled every strings” to make ends meet -  and give the world the best daughters and sons every family could have.

And as they say always, the rest is history.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.  ~Barbara Bush

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  ~Jane Howard

Here comes the Next in line to the thrones:

Ding, Dick, Dolly, Delia, Coco, Dan, Dante and Wewe.

They are 8 and we need 8 thrones!!!


Wow, they are like an octopus… eight tentacles that joined hands together and made the best futures for all of us “Samsonites – generation”. And possibly even for our “Samsonites – 3^rd gens)

It would be hard and it may take another story for the eight kids… 


let us simply put it this way – they are who they wanted to be, who others wanted to be, they have what they have and what others want to have – one thing the rest can’t just take away from them is their parents “ LEGACY” - the fact that they are the sons and daughters of Jope and Cela.


As being said always, - They are the SAMSON BROTHERS, and they are the SAMSON SISTERS! Beat that!!!

The Princes and the Princesses

Let us feel the name people!!! Let us own it. Claim it! Live it!! J

As I write this, I tried to count… but we are many, and since we know who we are, forget it... moving on….

Now I understand how hard it was for Nanay to prepare plates and utensils every time we “invade” the “Palace”.

We all grew up in sleepovers, out of town trips, birthday celebrations or even just any dinner together…

We are all used to have a headcount… we grew up as if we were like an “entourage” always.

They made us that way… haven’t you observed it, we like going to birthdays, all together? We like going to malls all together? We like travelling all together – and we travel in style, men!!! We just want to be together even just sitting at one living room! At one point, we all have the same facialist, right? We liked the same foods. We talk about the same things – sensible or not.  

There is this certain bond that links us… not everyone may be as close to each other, maybe just because of age. But nothing can come ever between us.

(I - promise nyo yan!!!)

I am just proud to know that as cousins, as sons and daughters of this “FAMILY”.

            WE ARE UNITED BY LOVE AND CONNECTED BY BLOOD TO FOREVERMORE BE TOGETHER, TO LOVE, CARE, HELP AND PROTECT ONE ANOTHER; and TO PASS THIS LEGACY TO OUR FUTURE KINS.

Amen??? AMEN!!!

Now raise your hands and  bow those heads to the Royalties… (tayo yun ha!)

Clap clap clap!!! ( for us)

I WAS CONFINED AT THE HOSPITAL - MY CALL OF DUTY AND LOVE!!!

I was confined at the hospital for three days.

 - Well not me, it was Joart!

 He has been sick for months already come to think of it, because of a recurrent back pain until to his right pelvis and that whole hip area. Last Wednesday he had high fever and was chilling. I was convincing him to take medicines such as a paracetamol for the fever (he is not used to taking meds - as in!) which he "patiently" rejected. The following morning, I know he still has fever. That time, the "convincing" was not so hard anymore because he was already in so much pain.

As usual, being hot tempered that he is... I have to understand.

I have to deal with the sluggishness and laziness to get up - which by the way, I think was just a delaying tactic because he knew he'd be facing those needles again!!! (",)

When we were at the hospital, constant yelling and disagreement was expected - not necessarily directed to me but because he was really in pain.

Still, I have to understand.  

HE IS SICK.

After the series of tests (which he all failed, urinalysis has high RBC count and among others) and injections…he felt a little better and was a bit relieved of the pains. We finally got the results and decided that we should be admitted already, since it was not a typical UTI. Aside from the kidney stones problem that was diagnosed, the doctors advised a general check up to know his complete blood chemistry / results. They are suspecting more problems like his blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid. Lung examinations / chest x-rays were also done since he is a very bad chain smoker!!! The doctors requested for an IVPS (It was sooo expensive so I decided to forget the whole meaning). It was like an x-ray test but more complicated since he needs to be injected with some kind of medical dye and have to be x-rayed several times and needs to stay on bed for the whole one hour process!!! This is to really know the exact size and location of the suspected kidney stones.

What is happening??

When you are about to sleep… your patient would call you because he needs help for his IV… next, when you can’t sleep, he sleeps peacefully. When confined in a hospital, you will miss your bed so much because you will just sleep on a sofa bed beside the patient’s “reclining bed”. Thankfully we got a nice room that has a clean and beautiful comfort room, so bathroom concerns (which are the biggest for me) is not a problem. Being a “bantay” is also as if you are also sick. Plus, when your patient is Joart, from time to time, you’ll get loud voices of commands, sometimes soft tones of pleases. I guess when you are with a certain person for almost half of your life; you will learn to just let everything pass right through both ears… seamlessly!!! And sarcastically smile and say – “ok ka lang ba?” (L)

So after almost 3 days of being stuck in that room… it is not the sickness and the lab results that I was anxious of… it is how much more can I bear the pain of getting hurt, getting mad, annoyed, bullied. I was also trying to count  How much more will this being happy, laughing, not sleeping and having good talks will last?

The good news:

He was well. Kidney stones were small, although proven to be recurrent because of his high uric acid. All blood chem results were above the normal range, so we have another schedule for our internist. His urologist cleared his kidneys but gave medicines and we have a scheduled of series of check ups to maintain the state of his kidneys. ( after having both our dads died for kidney failure – kidney issues are like “life threats” for us already). Fortunately and unbelievably that his lungs / chest x-rays are clear.. so he went on smoking again. J - inside the room by the window!!! L  

CALL OF DUTY AND LOVE.

It is the rough times like these that you can test how much you value each other and how much you love each other… Simple gestures/phrase like, “sige, matulog ka na”, or “kuha ka ng magandang kwarto na kumportable kang magbantay” (I was about to get a suite… hehehe! – of course I did not – just the junior one!) or “ mauna ka ng kumain”, “ asking for your hand while he was sleeping – as if he never held your hand before”. “ leaning his head on your shoulders when he was really dizzy”, “saying, how beautiful the nurses were, but I was the most beautiful of them - shallow as it seems… (walang basagan ng trip. J) – But  in times that you are waiting for your medical records and doctor’s final prognosis whether you are good or ill – this is the best time you can just show feelings that you’ve probably been hiding for years… perhaps my perfect timing to be loved again.

Bottomline: at the end of the day, no matter what happens, the call of duty and love will prove not only true love – but also endurance -  patience – acceptance – forgiveness – sacrifices we are willing to give, lastly – commitment.

No name titles, papers, agreements, or words or pictures or videos are needed just to prove how to be that “one special person to someone else – just a call of duty and love.

And this is the test of time we can humbly say – we passed!!! Get well soon Joart!

 I love you mahal!

I am a MAYA ANGELOU converted FAN

http://mayaangelou.com/bio/
just saying...

next to Oprah my Queen, I now have MAYA ANGELOU in my life, whom I will consider as God's Messenger to me...






I do not know what happened this day that led me to read and get obsessed with Maya Angelou.

Now I'm trying to print / download and get copies of all her work... next stop is get her book...

well, (maybe) It actually started when I tried to search for self help "confidence" books and some research on how to get back on the rebound of my whole life - my love, my career, money, motherhood, womanhood and my whole femininity!!!

hahaha!!! :) what a word to use for someone who does not even wear make-up even once a week.




But as I read on to these quotes, which could be found in all of her works...

I felt that my ego rise, my head is nodding and my mind is agreeing... I AM THAT WOMAN, AND I WILL WEAR MY VICTORIA'S SECRETS AND MY MAC RUSSIAN RED LIPSTICK WITH PRIDE - STARTING TODAY!!!
and yes, I will still, as always will adore my Bags (no matter what size and name) and will always prepare my daughter's uniforms and foods - with honor and fulfillment.

I will continue to share my love, romance and flirtations with my partner because that is my right as a woman... which he gladly gave eversince...
I will be cooking well for my family and giggle with my friends more often, and now, with more joy because I own my happiness...

goodbye regrets and self pity
because now, I will own my whole world...

I WILL BE GETING THIS BUSINESS DEAL AND I WILL GET RICH AND HAVE LOTS OF MONEY -- NOT ONLY BECAUSE I NEED TO, BUT BECAUSE I WANT TO AND I KNOW I CAN!!!
my girl power "adrenaline" is rushing; and literally,

MAYA ANGELOU, and all her quotes - GAVE ME NEW HOPE in my dimming life, She showed me that LIFE IS GOOD and that by BEING JUST ME AND THE BETTER ME -- everything around me can be the Best in my life...  and I hope as you read on, you too, will be inspired as I was....

 let me share these MAYA ANGELOU QUOTES that can be life changing




"No Matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
— Maya Angelou

The main thing in one's own private world is to try to laugh as much as you cry."
— Maya Angelou

"Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives."
— Maya Angelou

"Live as though life was created for you"

— Maya Angelou

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
— Maya Angelou



"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."
— Maya Angelou (Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women)

"It’s the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally."
— Maya Angelou (Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women)

"Ritie, don't worry 'cause you ain't pretty. Plenty pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind."
— Maya Angelou (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)

"When you learn, teach, when you get, give."

- Maya Angelou

"To those who are given much, much is expected."
— Maya Angelou

"You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!"
— Maya Angelou

"Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman"
— Maya Angelou

"I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh."
— Maya Angelou

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."
— Maya Angelou

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."
— Maya Angelou

"There were people who went to sleep last night,
poor and rich and white and black,
but they will never wake again.

And those dead folks would give anything at all
for just five minutes of this weather
or ten minutes of plowing.

So you watch yourself about complaining. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
 — Maya Angelou