Before the influenza A (H1N1) virus came to Asia, I thought, we have nothing to worry because it’s in the other side of the planet.  But when news came that it hit Asia already, I know it’s coming to the Philippines soon.  And yes, it’s now here.  It hit the provinces first before finding its way here in Metro Manila.  First, I heard Makati has it, then Manila, then Mandaluyong and I said, ‘Oh no! It’s getting closer to Quezon City already’.

Students here in Metro Manila and in the provinces were greeted by the virus on the first week of classes.  It’s spreading fast.  Now the school where Jeff goes has announced today that there will be no classes today until tomorrow and that classes will resume on Monday.  They are going to clean and disinfect the whole building.  We were informed that two college students were confirmed positive.  The school has two buildings - one for colleges and the other one is occupied by the students from Prep to High School and some other colleges, the latter is where the affected students attend classes.

I am worried.  It’s getting closer to where we live now.  And where we live has two nearby schools - a public elementary school and a private elementary and high school.   Yes, the government health officials said the flu can be cured easily, but just like any other kind of sickness, you don’t want any of your family member get it, do you?  And as it continues to spread, all ordinary earthlings like us can do is observe cleanliness and good hygiene, eat good foods and pray for it to go away . . . . .

Here’s what WHO says on what you can do to protect yourself from catching the influenza A (H1N1).

image from: CBC News

especially to my husband

Hello there, people! In case anyone is wondering, this blog is still alive. It’s just that I chose to spend more time with my two boys. Dario just got back to work, while Jeff is back to school already.

Last week was a week of drama. It was the first week of classes for Jeff, while yesterday was Dario’s flight back to Riyadh. We were already chatting this morning before he reported to his office and this afternoon when he got back home.

We spent the last two weeks going out – shopping, ice skating, bowling, dining out – the three of us and some friends. Dario also bought me a Samsung LCD monitor for my computer. Now I can see the real colors of every photo I have on file, as well as the graphics of the sites I visit. Now, that’s one item crossed out of my ‘must have’ list for this year.

By March next year, Jeff will be graduating from grade school. My husband’s plan is to be here by March, instead of the usual last week of April, so he can attend the graduation ceremony. He said he doesn’t want to miss it. Aside from that, we also plan to move out – that is, if everything goes well financially.

Btw, I want to thank Audrey of Lagawan for holding another contest few weeks ago where I won this cute girlie cap.  That’s another great thing that happened in the past weeks.  Visit her blog and learn more about the different places here in the Philippines, as well as different airlines’ promos.

I’m sorry I’m still not in the mood to talk because I miss my husband so much already. Let me just share with you some new photos I have here.

Dario (in white) firing a .45

The trip to the Manila Ocean Park

1. personalized theme for OiS (done on Mar12)

2. LCD/flat screen PC monitor to replace the one I’m using which is having its near death experience (this was on last year’s list but I crossed it out because I can still manage to work with it, but it has to go this year because it’s not doing good things anymore to my eyes) (done on June06)

3. new camera/camcorder (my husband and I decided that we buy this next year, in time for Jeff’s graduation)

4. at least 2 new pairs of pants

5. new pair of shoes - the one I saw at Hush Puppies

6. new pairs of shorts

7. new shirts & blouses

8. new bedsheets, pillow cases & blankets ( Ihave second thoughts on this because my husband and I plan to buy beds next year, one for us and one for Jeff.  I wonder what the latest bedroom sets designs are available now)

9. (to be continued)

Yes, it’s the first day of classes and Dario and I took Jeff to school this morning.  Before we left, we saw Jeff and his friends talking to each other.  They seemed to be catching up on things they did during the summer vacation.  We’ll be picking him up this afternoon and we’re also getting ready for the stories we are going to hear from Jeff.

Later, people!

We just got home from a two-week vacation in Bataan.  Now that I’m back here in Manila, I will put up a post or two whenever I can.  Classes start on June08 anyway, so there will be lots of family time for us to enjoy.  Dario is going back to Riyadh on June13.  We still have 3 more weeks of being a threesome!

Later, people!

We’re still in Bataan and will be back to Manila on the 25th

image from: Something Just to Start

We’re currently in Bataan right now.   We arrived here yesterday.  Bataan is a province in the northern part of the Philippines and is where my husband’s family is.  It has been raining yesterday due to the typhoon, but today’s weather is beautiful.  We just got back home from an unplanned swimming trip in a nearby resort.  Dario also tried gun shooting with his brothers-in-law.  I’ll be posting some photos soon.  Meanwhile, let me enjoy the vacation a bit more

The basketball graduation was held this morning.  Like before, this final day was made fun for the whole family.  It was the first time for my husband to participate in the Daddys’ Freethrow Shooting Game, and second time for me in the Mommys’ division.  Both of us did not win any prizes, though.  But what really made our day was that Jeff got awarded for being the Most Improved Player for the 11-year olds’ class.  He got a trophy for it.  Take a look.

It was announced after each student from the 5-year olds to the teens received their certificates and profile card.  The profile card tells how well you did in the class.  Dario and I were both proud and all smiles when Jeff was called to receive his trophy.  The Most Improved Player award was based on the coach’s observation on each student in his class, which student improved the most on ballhandling skills, drills, etc.  And Jeff was it!  He got good grades in his profile card!

Congratulations, Jeff.  Papa and Mama are proud of you!