With parenthood comes responsibility. And I guess that does not begin only on the birth of the child. It starts from what we can probably call, step zero. I think there are several write-ups out there that would focus on the importance of being healthy even before pregnancy. Exercising, working on a healthy diet, taking effort to compare prenatal vitamins are only some activities parents to be may consider doing. Research is probably key. And of course, don’t miss out on checking with your health provider.

Photos are just everywhere. Thanks to digital cameras, massive storage devices, and of course, social networking sites and the internet. And these photos just bring out a myriad of emotions. Looking at holiday or reunion photos can simply make anyone smile. Flicking through those old photo gray photos can possibly make one feel lighter or younger than any anti wrinkle cream. With all the tools available now, the possibilities on what a look at the past may bring is just next to endless. Why would anyone need a time machine?

Biggest Loser Couples is back on television. This may be quite timely for many especially after the holiday season feasts. Its still early in the program but there has already been some interesting episodes. One thing I enjoyed recently was their ‘master class’ session where they learn about healthy food preparation and suggested diets instead of diet pills. Again, it’s a long way to go. But as in past seasons, it should get better as the weeks go by.

What goes up must go down. Well, it would have been nice if this were true for dust at home. However, we all know it’s not really the case, particularly those which cling to high shelves, light fixtures, air conditioners, among other things. Cleaning them up may not be a weekly task, maybe not even monthly. But at some point it just has to be done before the law of gravity reasserts itself making these unwanted elements end up in places (or noses) we really don’t want them to be.

Perhaps an important item on every family’s A-List is the B (budget) List. Budgets are inevitably key in planning things for the family. It puts some sanity in prioritizing where resources go. Groceries, payments for bills, annuity, clothing, housing, transportation and schooling are only some of the likely mainstays in the C (compulsory) List in the B List. The rest of the items would have to move to the D (discretionary) List. Easy as A-B-C? Well, not really.

Quite recently, I have observed an interesting trend towards focusing on optional options on services or products. I guess that is good for consumers, particularly families who are on tight watch on the budget. For example, with the help of some clever insurance advertising, people are being made aware of the option to get the ‘right’ product specific to the ‘right’ situation. It’s still an apple to apple comparison. But this time, people are provided with the option of say, wanting to have the apple on a basket or a plain paper bag.

By next week, I will have one plus one kid in big school. Yes, CN will be in action starting mid next week. Now one plus one in the big school translates to two minus one at home. Perhaps that may leave me to ponder about have something to pre-occupy myself while waiting. Maybe some home project? Or perhaps a simple jobs in sales or other tasks? Well, I’ll probably take it easy first. Besides, I still have a little one taking first steps in some unchartered territory.

A few days back, the evening news presented some statistics about motor accidents involving young people. One of the people interviewed attributed the ’still developing’ brain of younger people in relation to the complex machines that in today’s modern vehicles. No, it’s not that most of these could be avoided by some drug rehab or special education. What can probably bear more fruit are the small talks from parents to the young adults reminding them to take extra care when behind the wheel.

Our family prays together at night before we all sleep. In most cases we do this in our bedroom. After this, our eldest, RD would go to her own bedroom. But before she leaves the room, she would open our night light and close the (main) light just as we exchange an almost unending ‘goodnight’. It’s just almost our (then) little one tuck us in! Sure is a better way to relax and doze off than sleep pills. Ah kids. We’re truly blessed to have them!

Just watching the Justine Henin vs. Elena Dementieva match at the Australian Open. It was such a pleasant site to see Elena have her mom on the stands to watch her. Well, her mom should feel very proud of her. It’s a feeling that can make anyone feel bubbly and young (and is perhaps an unbeatable anti aging product). Unfortunately, she lost the match but not after giving a galant stand. I’m sure her mom will be there to continue supporting.

The Australian Open is in full swing and I am not complaining that it has taken over some of my frequently watched television shows. Some of the matches are indeed interesting to watch. I am not exactly tennis fan but simply watching the players energy and form is already good entertainment. To some vieweres, it may even give an idea of a great way to keep in shape rather than risk side effects of diet pills. AO will be up for a couple of weeks more and is something that we’ll keep an eye on.

With school starting next week, my kids have started to look through the school calendar. One thing RD is looking forward to are the sports activities. With my youngest kid CN coming into big school, I’m curious if we’ll have another action lover coming up. It sure is nice to see kids on high action as it helps develop some discipline, not to mention naturally healthy bodies. That’s fresh raw kiddy power without having to need human growth hormone or other stuff for a boost. Well, we don’t really have to wait for an athletics activity to see this action. A typical day in the park is more than enough.

After feasting around holiday gatherings, one of the likely ‘big bangs’ of the new year is the first weigh in. Yes, all the kilos lost through tough exercise and diet aids through (what seems to be) countless weeks, can easily be gained in a month of ‘freedom’. Could this be the reason why one of the networks here in Australia is airing the Biggest Loser starting this month?

As we start 2010, I realize that time is indeed like a machine. The fireworks and noise celebrating the new year are still fresh in memory. But a quick glance at the calendar will point us to the fact that month number one is about to end. Time flies and even the mighty arcona will have a tough time to turn things around. But with this time machine doing it’ job, it won’t be long and we’ll be doing our Christmas countdown!

We’ve just been back from holidays in Singapore and Philippines. One of the things we normally do is to unpack and get things from our luggage back into order and shall I say ‘normal routine’. But one of the things we now do after such vacations is to sort out or digital assets. With external hard drive prices going as low as ever, it shouldn’t be a problem. But for others, a free online backup service could also provide that extra security. Perhaps sorting this one out would take a longer time than the one from the ordinary luggage.