Dr. Myriam- The Dental Aesthetic Clinic

Category: Personal blog

29 years after, she looked back

“There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realise nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts, before this and after this.” – Unknown

Oh how time flies! A young mom with 1 ½ year old boy wondering what future will bring. A people’s power brought sad and good news but ours was unfortunate, young dad lost his job. A young family caught up with uprising, unstable employment and unable to sustained for house rent… she left overseas.

She said…

Two years contract to have a small house and open up a clinic of her own

She work hard to pay for placement fees and bought a land to build a house.

Homesickness sets in… dad came and followed by their son.

The two years became four years…

Dad didn’t finish his job contract and went back home.

He said..

No future in this company, will look for a better one.

Mom and son stayed.

She said…

Working overseas will help finish building the house and the clinic.

Dad came back

Four years… six years

Dad found another job and went back home again.

He said…

Better salary…better opportunity

Six years became ten years

Another son bring joy and happiness

Mom has better position, better salary, house done, children in good school

Dad left again for a better job, better salary and better opportunity

Twelve years….fifteen years…

Twenty years …

Mom did post graduate…career bloomed ..children happy…better education

Dad not happy…company closing down

He said…

A business of my own is better

And the day came, he left again…

Mom said…

Sons follow your dream… so she work harder…and… harder

a single parent… a single provider… a career woman

Dad got his own dream… a business of his own

While mom’s dream clinic is on hold

Twenty five years…

Trust gone…respect gone…marriage collapsed…

She said…

Letting go is a gift you owed to yourself

Twenty nine years later…

Children finished their studies…gone to pursue their dreams

Mom is alone again…

Twenty-nine years of a beautiful struggle.

to be continued…

feb. 21, 1987

my first son

my second son

” Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep the FAITH. It will all be worth in the end.”

Cheers,

Jamilammimi

©Copyrights protected

February 20, 2016
Valentine’s date.. for fifty and beyond

Happy Valentines everyone! Getting ready for your date? At age 56, I still think of having a date on Valentines day,..hmm, don’t roll your eyes on me! why not?

because…

… because… because..

See, I can’t think of a reason..hahaha

Well, have you been in love? Isn’t it the best feeling? Remember your first date? the impeccable rhythm of heart beat, the sweaty and cold hands, tantalising eyes and the never ending smile. Would it be nice, if you still feel the same way, long years after you get married?

yeah, you’re right! We became too familiar to each other that romance was like..hello and goodbye. The flowers became an ornament, an obligation to give because it’s Valentine’s day,my guess.. everyone will be posting their flowers and gifts on Facebook. you’re smiling..I know but it’s true..selfie with my Valentino/a..or selfie with my love or thank you love.Ahh..we just wished everyday is a Valentines day!

I think, that’s the missing part in a relationship..the “beyond” the giving, the attention and the courtship. We sometimes forget to set aside a day to celebrate and appreciate each other.Flowers and chocolate means nothing after a day, it will dry and we can eat a box of chocolates in few minutes.

What do you think beautybeyondfifty?

Well, I would love to celebrate this special day not necessarily on Feb. 14 , it can be before ,during or after. I would like to feel special, be appreciated. I don’t need flowers, though jewellery is an option (hahaha) ice cream over chocolate 🙂 cold pizza over hamburger 🙂 kidding aside..the best gift is TIME. yes, time to each other without being pushed or obligated to sit and talk. Perhaps a walk on the beach or park either sunrise or sunset, reminiscing the moments of togetherness, no calls, no work ..just “US”.

Puff! ..it’s only a wish! 🙂

Well, ladies, so much about having date, here are few Valentines posing tips for you!

1- lean forward, pull the chin forward to avoid a little bit of flabby fat under the chin.

see the flabby fat under the chin

chin forward

2) Lift the arm to make it smaller;turn the shoulder, don’t face the camera head-on, this will create a bigger body.

don’t face the camera head -on

side view and rotate shoulder will lead to slender body

And for those who are alone on Valentine’s Day, have a “me” time, go and pampered yourself, have a spa ,do your hair and nails or watch movie with ice cream and popcorn on the sides. Remember this day will also pass so enjoy it!

Cheers,

Jamilamimi

Dress: Banana Republic

Shoes: Primadonna

February 12, 2016
Age 56: bold and never mind :-)

Six years ago, the first photoshoot taken by my son landed a page in Star studio magazine, middle East edition. His first camera was Nikon D90. Last year I got him D7000 and we went on holiday together. This time, I told him I want something bold as bold as my decision to let go of things in life that gives me more stress than meaning.

Hmm at 56? bold ? hahaha I know, I am crazy to even think about it. I guess, it’s a part of growing up, rather a part of ageing process (middle age crisis?)..a make belief of things I would have done when I was at younger age. Well, if i don’t do it now, when i gonna do it? on my senior years? That’s more than crazy 🙂

I tried my luck in Santa Catalina Island. hahaha I was trying hard to posed sexy to no avail. If I can’t be sexy, how can I be bold? Well, how bold are we talking? in two piece bathing suit? No way! with bulging tummy and stretch marks 🙂 bold? as in receding hairline? come’on that’s Bald! with an “a” hahaha.

Sometimes, there are things and events in life that we have to dealt with, we have to be courageous in making decision. I am fifty six and a single parent. Through the years, the journey was not easy but we continued to pursue our dream. I have to continue encouraging and inspiring my sons and other people around me.

After so many trials and errors, “relax mom” be yourself relax” I think I heard the word “relax” a thousand times! my son’s gave up on me. Finally he said, ok mom, just posed! and wallah! 🙂

This picture is so me…bold and never mind 🙂 seriously, I love this photo, a 56 years old woman,bold but classy, fierce but gentle,confident but profound,strict but funny.

I had so much fun during the shoot, both my sons and best friend were all goofing around..now, you know why I love being a mother and a dentist..modelling is not my forte. I can now go back to my dental clinic and say..”relax” to my patients 🙂

Ladies,soon, I’ll be blogging about beauty and fashion for beautybeyondfity!

stay tune!

Cheers!

Jamilamimi

Photographer: Edge M. Suarez

Location: Santa Monica/Santa Catalina Ca USA

February 8, 2016
Su:ra- Korean Fine Dining, Jeddah KSA – a review

This restaurant opened four months ago in AL Rhawda square and I heard a good review about it, so I was excited and curious to know what it has to offer.

I thought the name “sura” was related to arabic word meaning “fast” but I was wrong..of course! it’s Korean lol! why would they name the restaurant with arabic name? 🙂

The restaurant has a unique design, for the family section you can choose to sit in a traditional Korean table or a regular restaurant table.

We were asked to remove our shoes before getting into Chabudai table (I thought only Japanese used this?),ladies..beware..the stones under the tables are cold, it is better to wear stockings or socks.

I am not so familiar with Korean cuisine, I only knew about barbecue and my Chef Kevin’s favourite side dish, Kimchi! And so we decided to order the Su:ra full course “SOO” and “HEE“, It’s probably about HE and SHE 🙂 full course. The course cost 200-250SR per person ,drinks not included. And while waiting, root tea and apple chips were served.

The first course on the set is Porridge and vegetable salad. Nothing special, just simple to taste.

Gujeolpan – platter of nine delicacies( doesn’t look like in their menu photo). The waiter told us, the two sets were combined. Huh! the picture in the menu is always appetizing and a lot more! The small white thin wrap taste like radish, I wonder ..oh what a big round radish it is! I like the sauce and the taste somewhat tangy and sweet combination.

Soegogi Chapssal-Mari – beef roll with glutinous rice. too small for a company of three 🙂

Mun-eo Samsap – parboiled Octopus and steamed beef slice serve with seasoned radish

Samsaek Jeon-Yu-Hwa pan-fried delicacies. it’s a combination of zucchini,egg,kimchi and crabmeat. I like the sauce better than the delicacies!

Jangeo Gui -grilled Eel

Sura Tangsu – deep fried mushroom and beef with sweet and sour sauce. I love the mushroom, so delicious!

Soegogi Japchae – stir -fried Glass Noodle with beef and vegetable. This is sweet noodle for me. I love the Mi-Goring of Indonesia better 🙂

Sura Galbi jjim – braised beef short ribs

Sura Hwa Bulgogi -charcoal fire grilled Bulgogi

oh yes, there’s a stone underneath the beef.

Soup with 5 side dishes.

and we ordered an extra soup with 5 dishes, just for comparison. I didn’t like any one of them.

The dessert with raspberry drink.

In the menu, there should be sherbet included with the course, but we didn’t bothered to ask why it was not serve. I would say the experience is definitely different , the place is clean and cool but my palate was not so pleased with the menu. I think the price is a bit expensive too. Would I come back? Maybe, if my friends would love to try the restaurant but most probably I would advise to order A la Carte, instead of the full course.Though the portion is good for dieters , the Eel and the beef is so fatty for my taste. I certainly would love to try the hot pot and barbecue just to have the experience 🙂 And who knows? maybe this time, I will like it.

Cheers,

Jamilamimi

The restaurant opens on Friday at 2pm. It is located at AR Rhawda square,Al Rhawdah Dist, Jeddah KSA.

©Copyrights protected

January 15, 2016
Wordless Wednesday

Cheers,

Jamilamimi

January 13, 2016
Weekly Photo Challenge – weight (less)

Our first road trip for the year 2016 is to see our favourite sand dune.To catch up with the sunrise,we left Jeddah at 5:30 in the morning.

The early morning breeze of the weekend light up the hard week we had at work.

though this year the sand dune seemed smaller, It’s still an amazing site to enjoy the morning.

the flowers of the dessert is looking so weight(less) floating in the air against the background of the sand.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/weightless/

Cheers,

Jamilamimi

©Copyrights protected

January 9, 2016
Perplexed: legal separation, Annulment ,Divorce in the Philippines..What is the difference?

Philippines to date is the last country in the world that does not allow divorce. So why is it included in the questionnaire when you are applying to renew Philippine passport?

Civil status: () single () married () widower ()legally separated () Annulled () Divorced

Probably for those who has dual citizens? Maybe..

What about those who are separated for awhile? My search for an answer brought up more questions.

A perplexed reader..

The Family Code grants spouses equal rights, gives dual authority to parents in the family and provides for special protection for children in case either parent remarries.Strong Catholic grounding and the Filipinos’ reverence for family life discouraged the implementation of divorce laws in the Philippines.

Equal rights?

Is it equal rights, when your husband or wife commits adultery or concubinage ? when there’s only one who provides? When there’s a double standard like it’s alright for a man to have extra-marital affairs and for a woman a “no-no”? How about when one is abusive either orally or physically?

What about for those Filipinos who were divorced by alien spouse? Does the law applies to them because they are Filipino Citizen?

Special protection?

in case either parent remarries? and if not ? who should be responsible? Isn’t it if you are responsible parent or a human being for that matter, you know these are your children, no one should impose on you whether to support them or not, It is a GIVEN matter, a parent should economically, morally responsible to their children.

Article 1 of the Family Code defines marriage as “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.

Permanent? Who says so? huh! legal separation..Annulment..Divorced..

Don’t get me wrong, I am a supporter of strong marriages, I would like my sons to marry .. praying it will last forever not because of the law but because it’s their choice to stay together happily and both believed in the sanctity of marriage.

Equal rights?? again!

If you have rights to enter into a contract, you also have the right to get out of it!

The essential marital obligations referred to in Article 36 are those enumerated under Articles 68-71, 220, 221 and 225 of the Family Code. These articles provide for the obligation of spouses to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity and render mutual help and support.

mutual love ,respect and fidelity..mutual help and support

meaning, when one does not oblige the contract is null and void?

and this one made me laugh..lol! pa more 🙂

legal separation – is a relative divorce meaning? allows only the separation of spouses from bed and board and does not dissolve the marriage bonds.

bed and board? you must be kidding!

what about the children?

Support is the obligation between spouses and their children. In the Philippines,however, as in perhaps other Oriental countries, filial obligation demands that children support their parents in their old age.

meaning, when one parent doesn’t support the children, the marriage contract is also null and void? what about in old age? how can you accept support from your children if you yourself broke the law?

and here’s the thing.. the usual cause of breakdown of marriage – infidelity and irreconcilable differences – don’t count as a basis for annulment, as for legal separation, the ‘psychological incapacity’ is a very vague description to begin with. Not only the basis is so complex but the process of the procedure in itself is so expensive that poor people can not afford. Again, family code..where is equal rights? if only the rich and influential people can have it.

and what about the OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) who for economic reasons left behind their families to support them only to find out later on, that the hard -earned money was used by the husband/wife to his new girl/boyfriend or to support extended families back home, is this right?

Is it practical to spend PhP 150K – 300K for annulment? This amount can already be used by your children on their future or to your future for the children to be free of economic burden when you reach old age.

Now, what was the topic again? legal separation,annulment,divorce..differences ? ah yes!

Don’t you think it is all the same? dissolve the bond? In the first place in my opinion, if two people constantly disagree and disrespectful of each other, the sanctity of marriage is gone in their heart and only remains in the paper. For what? as a status symbol? What is marriage when one doesn’t comply to his/her obligations. Where is the sanctity when you committed a sin against your spouse?

Ladies, let me understand why no Divorce in Philippines?

Jamilamimi

©Copyright protected

January 5, 2016
Weekly Photo Challenge -Circle

just gathering some photos of my 2015 road trips that create memories of circle:-)

honeycomb

color my world

January 4, 2016
2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 32,000 times in 2015. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 12 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

January 2, 2016
There’s no Santa this year!

Being a OFW (Overseas Filipino worker) we look forward to go home to Philippines every December to celebrate Christmas with our love ones, but there are few circumstances we can not.. for various reasons such as, company disapproved the leave,financially uptight etc. So for those, who are celebrating Christmas in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah in particular, we tried to gather every friends to be with us , decorated our home with Christmas tree and tried to make the atmosphere and food like Christmas. Oh how I miss the real Christmas celebration with family.

For the last two years, we had Santa made in China https://jamilamimi.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/our-santa-is-made-from-china/and from Lebanon.https://jamilamimi.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/to-you-and-yours-our-santa-is-made-in-lebanon/ this year , it’s different! There’s no Santa and no food on the table.

Yes, Santa is nowhere to be found 🙂 we decided to celebrate our Christmas eve at Sheraton Hotel. And of course, before we dine, we had some photo shoots at home (we anticipated we can not remove our abaya covering) and some few shots at the lobby of the hotel.

It’s a Seafood buffet at Sheraton Hotel, Jeddah KSA.. forget the Cholesterol and Uric acid.. here comes the Christmas celebration 🙂

After the sumptuous dinner, we strolled along Boulevard and enjoyed the ambience and the breezy air of the night. Oh! We miss going back home..the boneless lechon,puto bongbong, pancit palabok etc. well, we miss our family too! not only the food 🙂

For all expatriates here in Saudi Arabia, especially for those who set aside their own personal happiness in leu of Holiday festivities because of economic reasons to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities.. I salute you! Cheers for all the sacrifices you made and will still be making. You are not alone!

Have a Merry Christmas and A prosperous New Year!

Cheers,

Jamilamimi

©Copyrights protected

December 28, 2015