The musings of a wandergeselle about faith, literature, music, dancing, culture, food, travels, art, fashion, photography, life experiences, and everything in-between from journée to journée.
So, Chick-Chick’s love story has an unexpected twist – she already found a new love. Yay! And I really thought she’s going to be single for a looooong time. lol For the backstory of her love life, you may read it here.
The Black Knight
Who’s the new flame, then? I call him “Black Knight” because his legs are all black, and he’s a fierce-looking rooster. He’s also way younger than Chick, but very assertive and has an air of authority.
He’s also very protective, but at the same time gives Chick the freedom to roam around all by herself. He may not be the typical dashing prince, but he sure has the aura of a knight in shining armor. Just perfect for Chick who’s a damsel in distress. 😉
Boosting Egg Production
This means only one thing for us – egg production will continue. So far, Chick laid 10 eggs already (all thanks to Black Knight). We left 1 egg in her nest so she will lay eggs in 1 location only thinking her nest wasn’t disrupted. Though 1 egg was eaten by a rat in her previous nest.
Will cook some of these tomorrow to assess egg quality i.e. color of yolk, hardness of shell, etc. 👍👍
I am currently playing the role of an animal behaviorist to learn more about chickens. lol My findings are quite interesting actually. For one, hens have this maternal instinct to protect their eggs, so finding a good spot to lay their eggs on is crucial.
Finding The Right Location
She tried 3 locations and the 3rd one was the most difficult to find. Maybe she realized that after 2 failed attempts at protecting her nest, she had to find a spot that was completely hidden.
So, how did we find the 3rd nest? My sister followed her around, and she saw Chick go under a sakolin, which we use to cover the water pumps. Voila, in between the water pumps, we found the eggs.
Why Poultry Farming
I did ask God why He placed a desire on my husband’s heart to pursue poultry farming in 2021. This is actually the reason why we came here to my hometown last year to explore opportunities in poultry production.
When my husband told me his plan, I suggested to him that we ask my parents if it’s okay to utilize a portion of our farm for poultry production. When we got here and did a site inspection, my husband and I decided that it will need a lot of work in order to get it started.
This was actually one of his reasons for deciding to work abroad. He wants to be in charge of financing the poultry project, and he wants me to oversee and manage it. I believe this is what God has planned all along. I’ve already been doing my research on poultry farming, which started last year since my husband doesn’t have the time to do it.
I was able to find a lot of online resources already on poultry farming including choosing the chicken breed, making the poultry house, preparing the chicken feed, increasing egg production, and marketing live chickens, dressed chickens, and eggs.
All I did last year was conduct research, and this year, we started preparing a portion of the project site. Then the surprise came later this year – a rogue hen grazed our garden. It’s as if God was telling me that it is about time I apply what I learned. No escaping God’s will, eh? 😉
And indeed, here I am taking care of this rogue hen, and God also provided a rooster. Although I might buy the rooster from my nephew because he’s the original owner. 😊
I never planned any of this to happen, but God made them happen. I just did what the Spirit asked me to do and kind of just went along with how things played out.
All I am praying for now is for my nephew to keep the Black Knight so he would stay with Chick forever. lol Indeed, God (love) moves in mysterious ways. Oftentimes, it will just come when you least expect it. ❤️
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18
Found this bookmark inside a Bible that belonged to my late grandma – such a beautiful reminder. 🙂❤️🙏
The COP 28 or the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference is currently being held in the United Arab Emirates, which commenced on November 30, 2023 and will end on December 12, 2023. Here’s what we can expect from the Conference of Parties for this year:
“High on the agenda for COP28 is the conclusion of the first-ever Global Stocktake (GST), the main mechanism to assess progress on the goals set in the Paris Agreement. The GST will be an opportunity for countries to assess their climate efforts so far and to identify the gaps in current climate action.
Beyond making COP 28 the “most inclusive” ever, the UAE has also announced three additional priorities for COP28:
fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030;
transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; and
putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action.” – Global Witness
Despite man’s inability to avert the impacts of climate change, I still remain hopeful that global leaders and respective government agencies will be able to help us adapt and mitigate all the risks involved.
Environmental Meltdown
The World Economic Forum shared this video and I believe it speaks volumes to all of us – ecological destruction has already reached its tipping point. The accelerated melting of ice caps in the Arctic region has drastically increased sea levels and it looks like the “Waterworld” scenario is no longer a far-fetched reality. Decreasing snow caps exacerbated warmer seas resulting in a high percentage of deaths of marine species and disrupted habitats.
Here in our hometown, which is a coastal area, there is already a decline in seafood supply. When I was young, wet market stalls were always teeming with different kinds of fish on any day of the week. Only a few of them are available now, and the sizes are also getting smaller.
I’m afraid an imbalance in the supply and demand, coupled with overfishing, climate change, political and social instability, and an increasing population will indeed confirm what experts have predicted that it is not possible to solve the problem of food insecurity by 2030. The question that all of us are asking now is what kind of climate action are we taking?
I am sure we’re all familiar with Greta Thunberg and all other climate activists who made waves in the internet for desperately calling out to the world that we are already in a climate emergency. It is no longer imperative that we look for ways to halt Earth’s degradation. Our approach now is more centered on how to survive the looming threats of climate change.
Combating Food Insecurity
So how do we prepare for the global food shortage? Let’s take into account our current world population that already reached 8,045,321,447 as of 2023. If marine biodiversity can no longer offer us with an abundant supply, we might have to consider indoor aquaculture.
During extreme heat waves and droughts, we can explore cultivating edible plants that grow in deserts and can withstand extended periods without irrigation. During the rainy season, floating gardens are a great alternative. We might also have to improve our hydroponic systems to make them more wide scale.
In the coming decades, we can expect more scientific breakthroughs and discoveries in bioengineering, cloning, and genetic modifications. We are racing against time, and I have high hopes that climate financing will focus on these developments because experts will need to work double time if we want to ensure the survival of humanity.
Btw, I am no scientist and environmental expert, though if I am given an opportunity (kun dire ako polpolon sa Math 😅), my preferred branches of Science to study are Biology and Botany.
A Collective Effort, Better Together
I hope our farm will be able to contribute towards climate change mitigation efforts. My family and I have a series of projects in the pipeline and yet I am asking God when and how we execute them. The tasks to do are a bit overwhelming, but I always make it a habit to start with small, achievable tasks related to these projects. And most importantly, we follow God’s timeline by seeking His will in every plan.
I support the idea that you have to be diligent and disciplined enough even in doing mundane tasks and routines in order to get good results. And if you want excellent results, you have to equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge in order to make modifications as needed.
One farming component that I am particularly interested in now is Bokashi composting. I see it playing an integral role in our farming activities to make our farm more sustainable. Although just like what I’ve mentioned in my previous articles, the fulfillment of some of these plans might not take place during our lifetime. But I firmly believe that God will assign people from the next generations to continue what we have started. And yet, not our will but let God’s will be done always.
But why, oh why, Daddy? A non biodegradable in a biodegradable bin??? But because you’re 83 years old already, love you still, Dad. 😀
I am praying for more breakthroughs in organic farming and the successful integration of climate-smart farming practices here on our farm. Even David Beckham is starting his own organic farm. If we are to do this as a collective whole, the impact will be greater compared if only a small number of individuals or organizations are performing their climate change mitigation initiatives in order to achieve sustainability.
We act now, then we let God lead us to do the rest according to His timeline. 🙏
P.S. In case you see me looking like a man and acting so manly and all, pls. don’t ever think I have gender issues or an identity crisis. lol I was driven by circumstances to behave in such a manner due to a lack of males in the household. 😃
This is how I copewith and adapt to a very masculine industry in order to survive. I can also be girly, cute, and sweet, but I actually have a Kraken inside me that I am trying so hard to keep hidden and is just waiting to be unleashed. lol Thanks to my faith, I have managed to keep it hidden in most circumstances. 😉
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
I oftentimes wonder why life sometimes has a funny way of mocking us. Just when hubby decided to go back to the city and I was left here in the province, Chick (our rogue hen) found herself a dashing young rooster owned by my nephew. They’re so smitten with one another, and they just seem inseparable. I was jealous, of course.
Maybe God is recreating Noah’s Ark here at home by giving us a pair (male and female) of every creature.
We named the rooster Chuck, and though he’s quite very young for Chick, he’s very protective of her and provides her with whatever bit of food he can scour in the garden. Of course, as with most love stories, theirs resulted in Chick getting pregnant.
The firstborn that will end up in the pan. Sorry, Chick. Don’t worry, we will leave your last 2 eggs to hatch so they can keep you company.
Picked the pineapple from the garden, it didn’t come out of the hen along with the eggs (I just want to be crystal clear on this). Hmmm, pwede na pala gumawa ng Pininyahang Manok. Unfortunately, Chick is already a beloved pet. So, she’s safe from the cooking pot.
Unfortunately, their ending wasn’t a fairytale, but a tragedy. When Chick started laying eggs, Chuck’s nowhere to be found. I’m not sure if he’s deserted her, my nephew put him in a cage, he’s found a new hen, or he’s been sold already (and eaten?). Chick’s back to her solitary self again. *sigh*
What’s The Moral Lesson Of The Story, Tin?
So the mockery was, am I seeing my very own love story being played out by Chick and Chuck? Although my husband leaving me here is not an abandonment, and there are also a lot of married couples who were successful in their marriages despite having a long distance relationship.
My separation anxiety just couldn’t accept him being far away though his leaving has a valid reason. I felt like this was God’s way of reminding me that being alone is okay, and love is not about insisting on one’s way. It always, always endures and perseveres.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
No, I wasn’t letting go as a wife. Love is at the very core of Christianity, and if I love my husband enough, then I should not let go. If I did let go, it was to be free from my own fears and to let God reign over them. As of late, I am always reminded by the Bible verses that in the end times, people will be lovers of self. If we are entering the end times as some prophets are saying, then we have to watch out for how the world would tempt us to conform when it comes to self-preservation.
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.” 2 Timothy 3:1-3
Self-preservation is loving and putting oneself above others, and the world places such emphasis on this in light of mental health advocacies (domestic violence is a different case). And yet love in Christianity teaches the opposite – it is dying to ourselves every single day so we can share in the suffering of Christ on the Cross. Only when we become selfless do we have the love that is from the Father, a love that puts others above their own.
A Love Like God Because God Is Love
Is it possible to love like God? My answer is “yes.” If we are truly sons and daughters of God, then the love of the Father should be in us, which now enables us to love like how God loves us. Besides, to love others as He loved us is the second commandment of God. And December is the season that commemorates this great love. I believe it is no coincidence that I am writing about this topic the day before the month of December starts.
Thus, as a flawed human being born in December and yet have been born again through the blood of Christ, I have decided to spend the holidays and my birthday in Manila with my husband as a display of my love for God and to honor my commitment as a wife. Ever since my husband left, we never failed to communicate daily – he pursued me still just like how God continues to pursue us every single day. And yet I am not going to Manila to stay there, but only so we can both be at peace with our decision to go wherever God will call us to serve even if it means being apart for a while.
More so because God is calling my husband to work abroad for how many years on a contract. A great opportunity opened for him to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an overseas worker, and I can’t help but be overjoyed for him. It’s his answered prayer. Should everything go smoothly in the processing of his application because he’s already halfway through, I told him that his working abroad has God’s anointing and that God is calling him to that country.
Answering God’s Calling
As for me, however, the calling still remains – stay here in my province. I prayed to God if I am where He wanted me to be, and the answer was a clear “yes.” Once my husband works abroad, I am coming back here to my hometown. But I am coming back at peace with my heart whole. ❤️
A lot could happen to me and my husband while we’re apart. The brevity of life teaches us to number our days as the Bible puts it. I have a lot of fears and worries because nobody knows except for God what the future holds for us both. But I also have faith that God is with us, and He is asking me and my husband once again to step out in even greater faith and welcome a new season that we have yet to conquer.
Chick’s love story isn’t over yet, too, whether Chuck is with her or not. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of her life story and also with mine. 🙏
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
On to yet a new journey. ❤
P. S. Speaking of eggs, I just want to share these salted duck eggs from our regular supplier who lives near one of our rice fields. We got this for 12php apiece, cheaper than the ones sold at the market which costs 15php per piece. Maybe it’s because Dad allows their ducks to graze in our rice fields every after the palay harvest. 😉
It is the family’s 10-year-old son who markets these salted duck eggs to Dad when he sees Dad visiting the rice fields. What I love about these eggs is that they’re not too salty, and yet are perfectly preserved. If ever you know of any local farmers in your area, I’d like to encourage you to buy directly from them to help sell off their products fast. You can also be assured that the products you buy from them are fresh and of good quality but sold for an affordable price. ❤
The boy was selling 40 salted duck eggs. Dad bought 20 pieces, and another farmer bought the last 20 pieces. They’re all sold in just a few minutes after he got out of their house. 😀We eat this with tomatoes and onions doused with a little bit of calamansi juice, and you now have a perfect side dish to pair with the other viands for your breakfast. Yummers! 😋
2023 has been my most painful year. Yet God has still been good to me because He opened doors that I believe will remain open starting next year and the years to come.
So, I am starting my WordPress hibernation early for my year-end/birthday prayer and fasting to seek clarity, discernment, and courage moving forward. I promise this post won’t be the last though, but I’ll see you next year. 😉
🕊️
Here are some of the things that I am believing and manifesting for 2024:
– new places for a wider perspective
– new faces for more fellowship
– new challenges for personal growth
– new opportunities for helping others
– new me for a renewed purpose
– new spiritual family (Hello, Victory Sorsogon!)
BUT the same God working in every one of these. 🙏🙂
“Thank You, Father God, for You have remained faithful in every season. Thank You most of all for Your love and the gift of salvation. Indeed, You are more than enough. May my lifecontinue to bring You honor and gloryuntil my mission here on Earth is finished. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Just like how old castles were built surrounded by a moat, it’s also the same for businesses. Moats were designed to fortify castles and make them impenetrable to any type of ground attack.
For businesses, what is your contingency plan (your business’ moat) when the economy crashes? There have been conspiracies going around such as a new ethnic weapon or bioweapon that China claims some countries already have that targets a specific race. However, the source of this intel needs to be verified.
Bulusan Volcano was placed on Alert Level 1 once again last October 25, 2023 due to increased activity. Mayon Volcano in Albay has been on Alert Level 3 since June 2023. Never-ending wars also fill the news lately.
So I thought, how do we safeguard our businesses so they can survive any type of natural disaster or war? We have to admit, when the Covid-19 pandemic happened, none of us were prepared for it.
By the way, you might be wondering why the article title mentions “mice” and yet I am posting a turtle cage. 😃 It is actually the turtle cage that I am trying to fortify against these rodents.
There is no one solution that will address all your business problems. In the case of my turtle cage, rodents just keep on finding a weak spot in my cage. Every time they do this, I have to devise a new plan to ward them off.
Here are some of the lessons I learned from fortifying our turtles’ cage that we can also apply in businesses.
Just one of my DIY projects at home last year built with the help of my husband. Unfortunately, only 1 plant survived because our pet turtles just love to play with the other plants inside the pen.
3 Lessons I Learned From Mice On How To Fortify Businesses
1.Adaptability
I think I already made more than 10 modifications to our turtles’ cage, and I thought I already solved the problem. But the rodents seem to be one step ahead of me. So, what did I miss? After carefully assessing the exterior of the cage, I realized that I’d been looking at the top part of the cage only. When I examined the cage closely and at a different angle, I saw other openings where the rodents found a way to get inside and eat our turtles’ food.
DIY Turtle Cage
Looking at the problem from different angles helps us target the root cause of the issue at hand. In a business, this might mean having to study customers’ profiles and take note of the best times to engage with them or advertise your product. Or you might consider changing the location of your business or operating hours.
Also, considering mobility solutions and alternatives as far as logistics are concerned will help your business adjust during a crisis. You might also want to include improving your communication strategies in the event that all communication lines are down.
2.Resourcefulness
When I designed this turtle cage, I was thinking of a low-cost project by making use of scrap and unused materials that I was able to rummage in our storage house. I also got the bamboo at the farm. The disadvantage though of using wooden materials is their durability. You have to change them every 8 months or so especially if they are exposed to different elements such as rain and sunlight.
Engineer/architect fora day. 😊
It’s all about maximizing what we already have that we can utilize to lessen the operating costs of a business. The IoT (Internet of Things) and technology can help businesses transition from traditional processes to a digital setup in terms of applying different marketing strategies and performing HR-related tasks.
We can also learn from doomsday preppers when it comes to cost-effective equipment such as using solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems especially if the business relies heavily on electricity and water use.
3.Think Long-Term
There is no better way to prepare than to anticipate what could possibly happen in the coming years. While we have no control over what could transpire in the future, a good amount of preparation might somehow reduce the negative impact of a crisis.
What we must prepare now includes acquiring assets that will not be affected by a volatile market. We can also diversify our investments so that in case one industry is heavily affected, our other investment can help sustain it. Also, saving for buffer funds is a necessity now. It is no longer an option, but a requirement. This is very important for every business to avoid acquiring debt.
Choosing your partners in the mission field is also critical at this point. This will include business partners and real-life partners. Business partners must support the vision, mission, and values of the company. If they are only after the profit, it could be an added strain on your business once you decide to end the partnership due to unresolved conflicts.
The same thing goes for your real-life partner. Choose someone who supports your dreams and goals and it would be better if he or she is not from the same profession. Tough times just like the COVID-19 pandemic tested every relationship all over the world.
If you’re in the medical field, I suggest not choosing someone who’s a medical professional, too. Medical staff alongside military personnel are always the frontliners whether there’s a pandemic or a war. You would need someone who is strong-willed and yet can offer you the comfort and encouragement that you need as pressure and stress start to take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Choose someone who will make sure when you get home, you will be able to get the much-needed rest and nurturing that you need. Or someone who can write your reports for you because you are already too exhausted working 8 hours straight in full PPE (plus an hour of overtime work) and braving the city’s traffic going home. And you still have a Zoom meeting after dinner. This was me, btw, to my husband (a registered nurse), during the Covid-19 lockdown. 😉
The small turtle is hiding beside the big one. The male turtle is an aggressive introvert. lol He’s aggressive enough to pursue our female turtle, but too introverted to interact with people. 😄
Speaking of partners, we found another turtle, a young male just this year. And it looks like he’s going to be a good partner for our female turtle. Though I think the age difference between them might be an issue now because he tried to mate her, but he’s still too small and her shell is too big for him so he failed. lol It looks like you still have to wait a little bit longer, young man. 😉
P.S. We plan to release these turtles inside our farm once they’re able to multiply. I want to make sure the young turtles are already big enough to defend themselves from predators before releasing them in the wild. Otherwise, their chances of becoming extinct are high, especially since locals poach them for food.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Ever wondered why breast cancer is represented by the color pink? And did you know that every type of cancer has a corresponding color? Yep, I only found out just now after doing a lot of research regarding breast cancer.
Pink Power
When Mom passed away last August, I felt the need to spread awareness about breast cancer. Me and my siblings never took breast cancer seriously believing that Mom’s breast cancer will not come back. And that is because there are a lot of things that we don’t know about breast cancer.
I already made the draft of this article last September only to find out during my research that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Indeed, there is no coincidence in God’s plans. And if you’re wondering where I got the pink cap and the pink ribbon pin, I had them already during then Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign, who’s also an advocate of breast cancer. A coworker of my husband gave the cap and pin to him, but I only wore them just now.
I have to thank my chubby cheeks for making me look like a teen (plus 20 years). 😀
Btw, just a little bit of trivia, Leni Robredo was born and grew up in my hometown, Bulan, here in Sorsogon. I am a very big fan of hers, and I never got the chance to meet her in person during the 2022 Philippine presidential election campaign period. Because you guessed that right, I was stuck at home because of my allergic rhinitis.
Challenges And Breakthroughs
During my research, I discovered a whole lot of information about breast cancer that I didn’t know before. It was like a plethora of facts and data that are readily available any time you need them. For one, CRISPR technology and AI innovations being used for treatments are getting more nods from investors. And it won’t be long now before scientists and researchers make a breakthrough that will allow safer use of the technologies to treat a wide range of medical conditions like brain diseases, cancer, and Autism.
I also encountered the term “holistic medicine” for the first time though I’m a bit familiar with holistic approaches because we use the same techniques when dealing with a special child in Special Education. All these data brought me to a realization that the country’s health care system really needs all the help it can get.
For breast cancer here in the Philippines, I agree with what was stated in this scientific journal regarding the need for the medical industry to amp cancer screening and early detection opportunities most especially in underserved communities. In my Mom’s case, for example, it was already too late when we found out her breast cancer had come back.
A Breast Cancer Patient’s Journey
Out of my need to learn more about a breast cancer patient’s treatment journey, I joined several breast cancer support groups on social media. l wanted to know how each patient differs from the other in terms of the severity of their health condition, how each patient manages the pain, what are their challenges, and how their families cope with the patient’s situation.
I know you will ask me, too. “Tin, how did you take it all in knowing one day you might go through the same situation as what they went through?“
My answer is simple: I take one breast cancer info at a time and gather as many as I can. So this means not just settling with what I can gather online, but more importantly, listening to what other breast cancer patients have to say.
Because I also felt this urge to help them in any way I can, may it be through info dissemination or finding opportunities to get financial support for their medications and hospitalization bills. There are a lot of gaps in the medical industry that need to be filled in, but I am very grateful that we have organizations and institutions that are determined to remove these roadblocks in order to provide better healthcare services.
More Opportunities To Get Tested
It’s a lot of work, but I have faith that God will continue to open more opportunities for the benefit of every patient. I actually am very grateful when I found out there is a way to detect if you are at high risk for breast cancer without waiting for a lump to appear on the breast. It’s called the BRCA 1/2 Germline Mutation Analysis Test.
“BRCA 1/2 Germline Mutation Analysis Test
Identifies germline mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes alongside other key mutations involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. It is useful for prognosis, treatment guidance, and screening in high-risk family members for the purposes of cancer prevention and early detection.
The test is also available at St. Luke’s Hospital and Hi-Precision Diagnostic Center. It requires a doctor’s referral, so it’s best to consult with your doctor first.
Time To Prepare
I haven’t had mine yet since my 2019 2D and 3D breast ultrasound results came out negative, but I know I am already due for my next checkup. I just need to sort a lot of things at the moment and I am in the process of making plans. This will include making financial preparations, hiring a stay-in house help, adjusting my work schedule and farm tasks, convincing my 3 older sisters and brother to get the test with me, etc.
I make a lot of plans to avoid any hassle in the future, and eventually minimize stress. Some of these plans will change, depending on what God’s plans are. But it’s better to have a plan than to have none at all. Situations only become too difficult to manage and can be very stressful when you’re unprepared. I plan on having the checkup possibly in 1st quarter of next year after the holidays if God wills it.
Because if ever my test results come out with positive findings, I don’t want to ruin the holiday spirit. I also need to prepare my husband and my family emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially.
This is also one of the reasons why I am not going back to Manila with my husband this October even if he wants me to because I don’t want him to see me in pain if ever I am diagnosed (now or later) with breast cancer. I saw how devastated my Dad was when he found out Mom’s cancer came back. It was too painful for our Dad to see my Mom suffer, and I don’t want my husband to go through the same thing.
A Fallen Soldier, A Hard-Fought Battle
Though I really would like to thank my Mom’s doctors, especially her oncologist (thank you so much, Doc Leones!), for the very effective pain management. There was even a time when she told us that she didn’t expect chemo to be that good. I was like to my siblings, “Is Mom trying to cajole us into getting her transferred from the ICU to the private room that’s why she’s telling us that chemo feels good? Because if not, then she would really make a very good chemo ambassadress.” 😀
Unfortunately, Mom still lost the fight because it’s time for her to go. My Mom’s battle with breast cancer might be over, but mine has only begun. And it starts with breast cancer awareness. I know I am not alone in this journey though and so are you. ❤
A Prayer For Breast Cancer Warriors
If you are currently battling with breast cancer or know someone who is, here are some of the links I found over the internet that might help you and your family in dealing with breast cancer. I am also covering everyone who is going through their breast cancer treatments with prayers for healing, provisions, comfort, and peace. May God be with us always, and may His grace be sufficient enough as we go through this trial of breaking this generational curse. 🙏
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” – Luke 1:45
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.” – Deuteronomy 30:19
P.S. Here are some links to online stores (not my sponsors) where you can buy pretty wigs. Pls. do share in the comment section below if you know other online stores that sell wigs. I might buy one for myself because who says you have to wait to be bald to wear one. If it looks good on you, wear it. 😉
I did promise to keep this blog as “light” as possible. But since it’s also my intent to inform and share my day-to-day experiences, I would like to raise a topic that some might find a little offensive and controversial – doomsday survival.
I do not intend to share this post to instill fear, but our reality now is that governments are scrambling to find ways to address climate emergency. Once again, it is my intent to inform and hopefully help people prepare as the world combats climate change.
Climate Emergency Now
As climate change drastically affects biodiversity and ecosystems, it will trigger migration of every species including humans. Food chains will be disrupted. New disease outbreaks will be on the rise. There will be an imbalance in the law of demand and supply. Job losses will peak at their highest. Riots will increase. Money will have no value. Food shortages will be rampant, and nations will be fighting over resources.
(2021)Completed UP Open University’s Non-Formal Course “Responding to Climate Risk in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management,” which is part of their Continuing Education Program.
To God be the glory. 🙏
Earth Is Dying
Unfortunately, this is the part where I will say that we only have a very small chance of averting the damages inflicted on our environment. It’s already too late. Yes, climate scientists are already feeling desperate. But they are trying their best to mitigate the risks and protect what is still left of the earth. You might want to watch “Don’t Look Up” on Netflix if you haven’t watched it yet. I have a hunch the movie is a 100% portrayal of our current situation.
Earth’s deterioration is already inevitable, and mankind’s survival is already at stake. It is now up to us how we deal with the effects of climate change and survive. There are those of us who say that we don’t have to resist what is already bound to happen.
They say that if it’s our time to die, then we die. I want to believe this. That dying is this easy. But what if it is not yet your time to die according to God’s timeline, and you did not prepare when God asked you to, you can imagine the extent of pain, suffering, and struggle you will go through just to survive.
And no, suicide is not an option. Because if inaction is a sin when God asks you to do something and you don’t do it, suicide is an even greater sin. So we choose neither – WE ACT.
Preparation Is Key
Think of Noah and other disciples in the Bible who were called by God to prepare for upcoming tragedies that will affect the human population on a wider scale. Have you watched the Netflix series “The 100?” It is by far the best sci-fi series for me because it speaks volumes about mankind’s survival amidst the proliferation of advanced technology such as AI (artificial intelligence).
When I asked ChatGPT out of curiosity if it can come up with a survival rate for mankind against climate change and if science and technology can prevent climate change, AI answered that sadly, nothing can stop the earth from deteriorating.
Learning To Adapt
Yes, I wanted to unleash my anger on AI. lol To be honest, that was my initial reaction when I read its answer. Because I was like, what’s the use of all of these scientific discoveries and innovative technologies that were all designed and created to make man’s life more convenient if they can’t do anything to protect the earth and make it more habitable for future generations?
Am I a climate activist? No, I do not want to protest. I have already resigned to the fact that all we can do now is not blame anyone – we all have contributed to the destruction of earth one way or the other. But we should learn how to cope with our changing environment, adapt as much as we can, and survive when extreme weather events of all sorts come.
7 Things You Need To Know To Survive A Changing World
So, let’s get to the basic survival skills that I believe each one of us should know whether you are a doomsday prepper or not. 👊
1. Have a BOL, BOV, and BOB.
BOL (Bug Out Location), BOV (Bug Out Vehicle), and BOB (Bug Out Bag) are the 3 important things on your survival list. However, the BOB is the most important because your BOL can be overrun, and your BOV can be destroyed. But your BOB is your lifeline. You can still live without a BOL or BOV, but without a BOB, it’s extremely difficult to survive. Here’s what should be in your BOL, BOV, and BOB.
BOL
a. Make sure you have a month’s worth of supplies (food and medical supplies).
b. Make it intruder-safe.
c. Set up alarm systems around the perimeter.
d. Choose a location outside the city.
e. Create emergency exits.
f. Limit entry points.
g. Have designated spots to hide your weapons.
h. Place your BOB nearby.
BOV
a. Make sure you have extra supplies.
b. The vehicle should be able to traverse any type of terrain.
c. Choose a less eye-catching vehicle.
d. Customize the vehicle if needed.
e. Don’t forget to put your BOB in your BOV.
BOB
a. Food supplies that are good for at least 3 days (MRE packs are a great choice, but you have to get used to the taste first).
There are mixed reactions to this survival tool kit. Some say they are of low quality, some say they are good enough, and some say they are the most compact, all-inclusive survival kit that won’t take so much space in your BOB, but will come in handy once needed. If you’re undecided about trying this, you may use this video as your guide for the list of survival tool must-haves and just purchase the items from stores of your choosing. 👍
d. Clothes good for at least 3 days.
e. Emergency blanket or thermal blanket.
f. Water that is good for at least 3 days.
g. Waterproof backpack (should not weigh more than your body weight).
h. Add extra supplies if with a baby or small children i.e. diapers, milk, meds for children, etc.
i. Two-way radios.
Thanks to my bro, who’s a military officer, for these. 👍👍
2. Learn martial arts.
I admire parents who have taken the initiative to enroll their kids, especially those who have young girls, in self-defense and martial arts classes like jiu-jitsu. In every disaster, women and children are the most afflicted and the most vulnerable.
We have already seen in history how the fate of the women and children became the collateral. When men can no longer protect, women and children must learn to protect themselves. I am actually willing to shave my head if needed, so I look like one of the guys. Tho better if I could act like Kenshin Himura of Rurouni Kenshin, my favorite anime. But sadly, I can only copy Kaoru.
Reliving my PE “arnis” days way back in college. If only looks could really kill, I wonder how many kills can I do with a stare like this? 🤔
3. Research, research, and research.
Always be on the lookout for new survival tips. Let’s keep in mind that climate change effects will be unpredictable but one thing’s for sure, they will worsen. So, we have to make sure our survival methods are well adapted to the ever changing climate.
Using these flints is easy, you just have to have lots of patience.
You can also play strategy games on Apple and Google Play Store to learn a few survival strategies. Survival movies and series like “The 100” also provide various survival scenarios that we can all learn from.
4. Join prepper groups.
I’ve learned such a great deal from prepper groups I have joined on Facebook and other social media sites. But then again, be very discerning and double-check the info being shared. Let’s not be a victim of disinformation and fake news. Always verify the credibility of the sources where you’re getting information from.
5. Prepare your family.
Your family will think you are a worrier, an overthinker, and downright crazy. 😀 Let them. But still, inform them and prepare them. They will thank you for that later on. At least, on your end, you did your part. Now, it’s up to them if they will do theirs.
You might say that learning survival tips in theory requires putting them into practice often. I will agree on that. What is important is that we have the basic knowledge which will come in handy once the need arises.
Try camping activities with your family first. This will give them a glimpse into how it is to survive in the wild. It’s a subtle way of conditioning, an educational psychology theory I learned from my graduate study. Fishing lessons will also be a great idea especially if they’re having fun. You and your family can also explore different foraging techniques.
1st Camping Lesson Learned: Never ever set camp on a slope. lolUnless you have no other choice like what happened here because the camping site, much to our dismay, was full.
I don’t know how to caption this. 😂
For self-defense, I think the body will have a natural reflex to defend itself during fight or flight mode. So it’s best that we know how to identify the critical areas in an assailant’s body where we can inflict much damage to disarm the attacker or escape successfully.
6. Get the best survival equipment and tools.
My advice is to do a lot of research before deciding to purchase. Look for items that have positive reviews and feedback. Also, choose according to your needs and your skills, and make sure you know how to use all of the survival tools you purchased.
Because it’s not enough to know how to point and shoot. Learn how to load them guns, too.
7. Seek for God’s wisdom, discernment, and guidance.
Pray and be actively still. I’ve read the phrase “actively still” from my Our Daily Bread devo, and I was very intrigued because it is an irony. You cannot be still and yet be active at the same time. But this is exactly what we should do once we’re all done with steps 1 to 6.
Praying requires action. And yet you can pray with a heart that is calm because you did what God asked you to do. Now, His peace transcends over your understanding of everything helping you to be still in all circumstances.
Moreover, having a calm attitude when emergencies come will help us think clearly. Another way to be proactive while waiting is to stay updated with environmental news.
I hope you were able to gain valuable insights from this article though this was short. I am thinking about making an expanded version of this, but for now, you may ask me questions, give suggestions, and make clarifications if you have any. Always keep in mind that the 3 basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter, are all that we need to survive in this world. And of course, lots of prayers. So, make that 4. 🙂
I’m praying for everyone’s safety and protection as we all move forward despite the looming dangers of climate change. God will never allow anything to happen to us more than what we can handle. If you can’t trust me, just trust God. 🙏
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 11:15
For Dad, it’s the literal meaning. I’m so grateful that he’s finally agreed to wear hearing aids after decades of convincing. lol Ah yes, never underestimate the power of persistent persuasion.
Speaking of persuasion, I get to use it a lot in my line of work (advertising), and also here in my blog (in case you didn’t notice 😉). But objections are very much welcome – more diverse minds, more POVs.
I would’ve loved to accompany Dad today at the Bicol Ear & Hearing Center in Legazpi City along with my brother and 3rd sister. Unfortunately, Dad had a task for me at the farm. Because I’m a self-proclaimed farm girl daw. So, dapat panindigan. 😀
This is not your regular grass, but it’s wild. I chose it for foraging purposes, but not for human consumption. I know, it doesn’t make sense. lol But only for now. More deets in my succeeding articles.
I will be posting more often here since I’m reactivating all of my social media channels for upskilling purposes. And I hope to learn new ideas from the WP community. I’m lovin’ the new feature, btw. I can’t wait to answer the prompts for better community engagement. Great job, WP! 👍👍
Here’s something to beat the Monday blues:
Let’s dance to the beat, shall we? ❤
P. S. I can’t wait for Dad to try out his new hearing aids 2 weeks from now when we get them at the center. 🙏
I saw it coming. I was more than ready. But it wasn’t what I hoped for. I never thought my Mom’s breast cancer would come back, a relapse. I mentioned in my previous articles how she survived her first ordeal with breast cancer. This time though, it was more serious. It was worse. Much worse.
Praying for healing over my Mom. ❤ Stolen shot c/o my husband, and I saw it on my phone just in time for this article. 🙂
So I asked. What are her chances of surviving Stage 4 breast cancer with only 20% of her lungs still working? Her condition is critical. She used to have 5 contraptions attached to her – a ventilator tube, ngt, central IV, catheter, and CTT tube (this was already removed as of writing, TYL).
And yet through this seemingly very hopeless situation, I remained hopeful. Why? First, I believe in Jehovah Rapha. Second, my Mom is a fighter. And last but not least, she has the best team of doctors.
I’d like to thank these awesome “superheroes” who are doing their best to give Mom more months or years to live (77 years old is still young IMO) – Dr. Bolinao, Dr. Mortel, Dr. Donor, Dr. Manzano, Dr. Llacer, and Dr. Leones of SMMGH. I was actually thinking about which of the Avengers characters will best represent each one of them. 😀 Seriously, thank you so much, super Doctors. ❤
My family and I would also like to thank everyone at the hospital who has been helping us take care of Mom. Thanks as well to some of our relatives and family friends who took the time to visit my Mom at the hospital and extend their help. We wouldn’t be able to get through this without all of their support and prayers. At the moment, though, we were advised to limit the visitors coming in and out of her room as she is immunocompromised.
So why juxtaposed? Why a bargain?
I wasn’t expecting Mom to have it again, but me. As I have mentioned in my previous articles, breast cancer did not skip a single generation on my mother’s side starting from my great-grandmother, grandmother, and now my Mom. They all had a mastectomy.
In short, cancer genes are dominant in our family. The next generation who’s expected to have it is the generation of my siblings and me. Among the 5 of us, who could be the one carrying it? We are also at the right age when breast cancer is usually detected – around the late 30s to early 40s.
I am fully aware of what future I could have if it’s me who got it. Thus, it was my prayer that my generation would be the last generation to carry this generational curse. This is how I bargained with God.
I am willing to do anything and everything to stop these cancer genes from being passed on to the next generations. I prayed fervently that my siblings and I would be the last generation to experience the haunting trauma of battling cancer.
God took the bargain. BUT it was not the bargain I was hoping for. Mom got diagnosed with breast cancer the second time around. The second time was more painful and more grueling, and it’ll take her a long time to overcome it if, by God’s will, she overcomes it.
And I thought, maybe this is why she got it twice in her lifetime. So that our generation won’t get it anymore. Though looking at my Mom now, I somehow wished that it should be me. It should’ve been me.
No child would ever want to see their parent suffering. If only I could share in her suffering and take on some of the pain she is going through now, I would gladly take it. Every single bit of all the pain.
It was a juxtaposition. The opposite of what I prayed and bargained for. And yet, I think, it is for the better. How?
My generation now offers plenty of opportunities to treat and prevent cancer. It all started with this curiosity of mine which urged me to do my research about ways to prevent cancer genes from being transferred to a fetus while it’s still in its early stages of development.
I wondered if it is possible to remove cancer genes through gene editing. It was a farfetched thought. But well, God does make some things impossible to possible through Science. Because voila, the farfetched thought did not seem farfetched at all – it is now a reality.
My research brought me to CRISPR-Cas9. What is CRISPR-Cas9?
“Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s DNA. These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome. Several approaches to genome editing have been developed. A well-known one is called CRISPR-Cas9, which is short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.” – https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/
This discovery is quite new, and there were only a few studies performed on humans using this technology because of ethical concerns. A Chinese scientist was sentenced to 3 years in prison for conducting CRISPR on a human embryo.
The reason? If done wrong, it can cause serious side effects to the human embryo’s cells, thus, lose huge quantities of the genetic material. The child may come out with disabilities or as a “child with special needs (CSN)” as we call it in Special Education.
So this gave me an idea. Why not be a study patient for a gene-editing experiment? A very willing study patient. I might need to ask Dr. Leones, Mom’s oncologist, about this. 😀
I am already 37 years old, but I still would like to have kids. I am considering freezing my eggs so I can have the baby through IVF and/or surrogacy if the time comes that I’m already incapable of carrying the baby in my womb.
It’s a very big risk. And yet, I believe that if the CRISPR technology becomes a success when it comes to human embryos, then it is such an amazing breakthrough in the field of Science. Just imagine how many people will be able to live life cancer-free even though their original genetic composition has dominant cancer genes.
A lot of children will be freed from the generational curse of getting cancer genes from their parents and ancestors. As the adage goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” But for now, I wait.
And yet if breaking the generational curse does not happen in my generation, then I can only pray that the generations after us will get to be a part of this scientific breakthrough.
My bargain was juxtaposed. But it opened doors of unlimited opportunities to finally defeat breast cancer once and for all. May God help us, and may Science be the answer.
I also would like to take this opportunity to ask for your prayers for my Mom’s recovery. If it is not God’s will for her, then I am still grateful that we were given the time to make peace with her situation and accept whatever the outcome will be.
In everything, let God’s will be done always. And may His Name be glorified even as we go through this very difficult season of pain and sadness. Because well, I still have more reasons to rejoice knowing life doesn’t really end here, and there’s life after this world. 🙂
“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” – Psalm 73:26
P.S.
We’ve been watching over Mom for about 2 months now at the hospital. Then, I tested positive of Covid after experiencing Covid symptoms (rashes, cold, flu, cough, and very itchy throat).
And yet I’m still grateful. Why? Because Mom did not contract the virus though I am one of her very close contacts, and she’s immunocompromised because she is currently going through chemo sessions. It was a miracle, and I am believing for more miracles in Jesus’ Name. ❤
We all have this picturesque dream of living on a farm someday – an escape from the chaos of the city. Yes, it is indeed a beautiful dream, but it can also be a nightmare if you are unprepared.
Farming is a calling. It is not for everybody, and it is not a walk in the park. It is also not just about growing crops, harvesting, and selling them. Or putting up a homestead as “bahay bakasyunan” and everything will go well.
To help you decide if a farm life will best suit your needs or not, here are some of the disadvantages of living on a farm based on my observations and the challenges we have encountered:
Security of the Area
I placed this as the top priority among the farm tasks. Now that inflation and global economic recession are likely to worsen in the coming years as experts predicted, anything on your farm is of value to anyone who does not have them. Trespassers and stealing will be a common challenge at the farm.
Just recently, may mga umakyat ng bakod namin dito sa main house in broad daylight to harvest our rambutan. To think na nasa poblacion ito at hindi sa bukid, we have 3 guard dogs pa, and andito lang din kami sa bahay. Pina-blotter namin sa barangay dahil may mga kapitbahay na nakakita sa kanila.
Sa bukid naman maraming constant na trespassers at paguwi ay may mga dalang ni-forage nila galing sa mga tanim sa loob ng farm. Nanakawan din ang farm house namin ng sink, mga pinto, etc. back when walang nakatira doon.
You might want to read articles re trespassing laws in the Philippines to get tips on what to do if ever you encounter a similar issue.
Barbed wire fences don’t offer much as deterrents, but are only useful as land markers to delineate boundaries. If you want to keep your farm secure, you have to invest in electric fences (quite expensive especially if you need to cover lots of ground area), CCTV cameras (lots of them), and other anti-theft devices.
Know the Surrounding Community
What type of community surrounds your property? If you plan on living at a farm after retirement, will your family move in there with you? Because if not, it might be too risky to live there alone or with just your spouse when both of you are senior citizens already.
Who else will you be living there with aside from your parents? Are your children willing to relocate and transfer homes, especially if they grew up in the city?
It’s best if you have neighbors whom you can call for help during emergencies. They are also the best persons to ask re the topography of the land especially if they lived there for quite some time already.
Assess the Area for Water Sources & Electricity Connections
A farm needs to have a reliable water source if the area is not yet covered by your local water provider. If the property is located near a river, make sure the river doesn’t dry up during the summer season. Also, is it near the main power lines? Kasi kung malayo pa, ang mahal mag-invest sa solar panels.
Determine Flood-Prone Areas
A river near your farm is a good water source, but rivers can also pose a serious threat during heavy rains and excessive flooding. You will incur more crop losses if the river near your farm is one of the major rivers in the area where all surface runoffs from the surrounding mountains converge.
Identify The Type of Soil
Identifying soil types is important if you plan to plant crops. Some soil types are not arable meaning you can’t plant anything. Also, if the farm is located on a mountain slope, it will be prone to landslides.
Accessibility to Farm-To-Market Roads
Ease of access to the town proper/city will lessen your transport expenses. The nearer your farm to a major thoroughfare, the better when transporting your products because you can save on fuel expenses.
If you need to cross how many streams and mountains to get to the farm, you will be cut off from civilization. In this case, seeking help during emergencies will be very difficult. If it’s also not accessible by any vehicle, all the more difficult when it comes to logistic planning.
Hiring Farmworkers
Hiring farmworkers to tend the farm so you don’t get overwhelmed by doing all the tasks yourself is an additional monthly expense. If you’re retired already, your pension might not be enough to hire a farmworker. On top of the regular upkeep and maintenance costs of the farm, you also need to consider expenses for your daily needs and maintenance medications.
Farm May Or May Not Earn A Decent Profit
Depending on the crops you choose to grow at your farm, you might not earn that much. Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult for farmers to adjust and recover from any losses.
If you will have your farm rented out, there’s a high chance the property will be misused and after the lease contract ends, you might have more problems in terms of land degradation, nutrient loss, and biodiversity imbalance which will take years to restore. If you plan to convert it to a resort, the same concept will apply.
You might consider looking for an additional source of income later on. This will serve as your buffer in case of severe losses and damages to your crops during calamities. Your options will vary depending on your need. If you prefer a passive income, you might want to explore lease opportunities. Online selling looks like it will be a mainstay in the marketing strategies of different businesses.
Tedious (And Costly) Processing of Paperwork (Land Title, Property Tax, Land Survey, etc.)
There is no easy process in legalizing a property whether you inherited the land or bought it. Oftentimes you would need to go back and forth to different government offices in the province or city where your farm is located. Some paperwork may take months to be processed and for some, it may take years.
Image Copyright: Christine Lailani Ginete-Rome
Farming Requires Grit and Passion
To those who are interested to transition from the corporate world to the agriculture industry, the work environment will be very different. In a corporate setting, you will be working with air conditioning. At the farm, you will be exposed to the heat of the sun while working.
Being hands-on in the management of your farm also means supervising farm tasks daily. I am not in favor of micromanaging so looking for skilled workers who can perform the tasks well is a must.
If the heat of the sun is something you’re not comfortable with, then expect your comfort levels to decrease even more when bugs and mosquitoes start to pester you anywhere you are on the farm. There are also some farm tasks that you have to learn to do yourself, especially the basics. Farmers, in a nutshell, have tanned skin (with blisters from insect bites) and callused hands, even if you’re a woman. 😉
But if you are passionate about farming, these challenges will be your stepping stones to achieve your goal of living sustainably on a farm. Your own set of problem-solving skills will also be very different as well as your system in managing your team of farmworkers. They are skilled laborers, but most of them weren’t able to graduate from college. You do have an option to mechanize all your farming inputs to lessen the number of workers needed at the farm.
But personally, farm mechanization is my last resort. It is still our priority and goal to offer as many jobs as possible and help farmworkers and their families achieve a better life. If the new generation of farmworkers has stable jobs, then I believe that will be the only time we will shift to farm mechanization.
And then of course there’s another set of challenges when it comes to employee management, which I will no longer discuss here in detail.
Consider buying a farm if you have extra money you do not need and wouldn’t mind if the farm earns a profit or not. If this is your only investment fund like a retirement fund, you might be better off with another type of investment that will give you a fixed and consistent income. Again, acquiring and maintaining a farm requires a huge capital and might offer limited ROI to keep your farm sustainable in the long run.
“We can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21
The Journeyman's Moments 