Merry Christmas Day to everyone! From our family to yours!

Selena Gomez and the kids at work

We are the World (For the Philippines)

I have not blogged for a while. I was looking at old photos to upload from our trips in Tacloban but then when I clicked on my youtube channel, this video was shown in one of the links. Sharing to you a tribute to the Philippines. This is one of the heart breaking video I've seen about the Philippines.

We are the World (For the Philippines)

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Zero Distance From The Philippines

Sharing to you a group supporting 
the survivors of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Introducing to you, Zero Distance From The Philippines is a group dedicated to help the Filipino people. 

Goal:

To provide crisis intervention to both children and adults affected by typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region by using talk and play therapy for 3 days organized by nurses from Baguio City,Canada, and USA (as well as Australia and UAE) to be implemented by a core group of nurses from Baguio City and groups of nurses to be established or linked with in the evacuation areas.

Furthermore, to provide linkages to conduct crisis interventions for both children and adults for the continuity of care.

Objectives:

1. To be able to provide crisis intervention to adults through talk  therapy.

2. To provide crisis intervention to children through play therapy.

3. To be able to teach healthcare workers to continue follow-ups with talk and play therapy.

4. To be able to establish play therapy areas in the evacuation centers for continuity of care.

The group will have their first pilot project soon and we are soliciting your help for this pilot 

project.

We have printed T-shirts sold @ 250Php each. Available in S, M, L sizes; pink, gray, and white.
The pink and white shirts show the front part while the gray shirt shows the back part of the shirt. For outside Baguio and La Trinidad buyers, amount to be paid must include the shipping fee in your respective area. For orders, please contact 09163058524. Proceeds will be for the purchase of additional Play Therapy Kits and school supplies for the children to be visited in Samar. Thank you! 

For other details on how you can send help, you may visit the group's Facebook page:

Zero Distance From the Philippines

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Helping Hands presents a fundraising project for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

Helping Hands, organized by the healthcare workers of Palm Beach Florida will hold a fundraising event, "GARAGE SALE", for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Purchase good finds and different items while helping our countrymen. Food and drinks will also be sold in the event to help raise more funds. See you on November 30, 2013, Saturday 8:00AM to 5:00PM! See flyer for more details on how you can help onsite or online. Let's make it happen! 

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Anderson Cooper in the Philippines

A lot of things has been said about the Philippine government and it has truly affected not only the people in the Philippines but also the Filipinos all over the world. A lot are tormented about what has been happening, which I have to be honest includes me. Filipinos from all over the world gathered to organize groups, try to keep in touch with their families, help in any way they can and most of all, try to very best to be hopeful and continue to have strength in all the hardships happening in the Philippines.

I have heard Anderson Cooper in a lot of blog site most especially in the news.  It is through one of his broadcast that made me really hopeful of what is happening in the country. Unlikely as it is, that Filipinos are resilient, we never give up but his news about the goods not being sent to the typhoon victims absolutely broke my heart.

Today is a different story. I am sharing this blog because just like what I blogged before about typhoon Yolanda, Anderson Cooper's broadcast in his AC360 blog shows the real picture of a Filipino.

"This site made me cry... Remembering the Filipino people and how we cope up with our challenges. God bless the Philippines..." - me

Click on the link for Anderson Cooper's site.

Anderson Cooper: The Philippines is an awesome country. I'm in awe of the strength and spirit of the people I've met. Mabuhay Philippines! Maraming salamat!

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My #YolandaPH and #PrayforthePhilippines tags. A true reminder of the Filipino spirit.

Overwhelmed with the courage about how Filipinos handle stress, I have decided to compile my favorite #YolandaPH and #PrayforthePhilippines tags.  I have also decided to post this to remind myself of the true Filipino values instilled in each one of us.

From shameless selfies to drinking sessions happening while the typhoon is happening, Filipinos have their own way to overcome this catastrophe. Photos are not mine, credits are from the owners. Photos are compiled from hashtag #YolandaPh and #PrayforthePhilippines which were posted in Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here goes my list:

1.  Do you want to know how courageous a Filipino is? Watch this man walk along the shore while the typhoonYolanda is at large. Photo not mine, taken by Philippine Star in Albay, Philippines. This is my top favorite because this photo shows that Filipinos remain strong amidst any storm.  Filipinos are born to have good coping mechanisms that remains unique and genuine within us.

2. Atom Araullo. Formerly the Ovaltine ambassador when he was a little kid, now a broadcaster. Kudos to you and to your team! Amidst the heavy rain and strong winds, he covered the story for all of us to see. A true service to the Filipino people.  A reminder that Filipinos work hard not just for the money, but we work hard because of our dedication with our work. Not because we see a job as a means to earn money, but a means to self fulfillment and happiness.

                                                

3. A photo posted on Instagram where rescuers standby for people in need. Filipino's spirit, Filipino's faith, Filipino's heart. This reminds me how helpful Filipinos are. We are ready to help to people in need even if it has to risk our own lives.

                     

4.  Bayanihan at its best! Photo not mine. Taken in Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines. Filipinos strive hard to help each other especially in these times of need. In comes naturally to every Filipino. No effort needed, No regrets. 

5.  One of the most famous post and status all over Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Retweeted and Regram by famous celebrities and even the former US Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney. It is true, we have been having typhoons from A to Z all throughout the year and nothing can bring our spirit down! As it has been trending in twitter and other social media, they shouted: STRONGEST TYPHOON: YOLANDA! STRONGEST PEOPLE: FILIPINOS! STRONGEST NATION: PHILIPPINES! 

                                     

6. Also one of the most famous status, a comment from CNN site.  I am not really sure if this is from CNN since I have been looking at their site but I cannot find it. Nevertheless, this meme posted by a lot of Filipinos and foreigners makes us all proud to be Filipinos. May we keep this spirit forever in our hearts. A reminder to myself saying that no matter what happens, I shall never forget my roots. There may be bad times where Filipinos may be picked but these are just bad apples in a basket.  The good ones will always outnumber the bad ones. So no matter where I may be, I will forever be proud to be a Filipino.

7.  A brother's love. Photo not mine. No location stated on the caption but this is a reminder for us Filipinos that whenever someone needs help, we are always available. We are brothers and sisters to everyone. We are one with everyone.

                                       

 8. Saddened about this photo. Photo not mine and taken in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. This place is one of my most favorite place. Why my favorite? Because no matter what happens, the people of Tacloban will continue to rise and shine in this battle. Filipinos are born to rise, not with revenge but with strength to show who we are but spreading our wings and soaring high. We are born to win! We are born to succeed.

9. A photo of a place in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines posted on Instagram. Sad but these are the realities of life that makes us strong. A reminder that Filipinos use our trials and hardships to strengthen our spirit. It is not to overwhelm us with anger, sadness and depression, but for us to use these hardships as our stepping stones to move to a higher ground.

10. A photo of a mother and her children in Cebu City, Philippines going to the evacuation site which is posted in Instagram. Filipinos, as they said are water-proof. The truth is, we endure the pain, we overcome the hardships because we are flexible and resilient. We just laugh it out or sometimes just think of our troubles as a joke. We believe that everything will pass and that there is always a rainbow after every rain. The truth is, life is like any storm. As they said, we can only appreciate the sunshine after every rain.

11. This is Yolanda from space. Looking at it, the weather channel said, if it happens to North America, it will be from Canada to Florida.  Upon seeing this photo last night, it made me realize that this storm is truly bigger than the Philippines. But no, God is bigger than any storm. The Philippines is truly a blessed country. We are one prayerful country. No matter what faith we have, we all do believe that we have one God who is bigger than every hardship, every trial, and every storm.

This may be a historical event for all of us, knowing that this is the strongest typhoon ever recorded in this lifetime. But most of all, this event proves that we are one as a nation. No matter where we are, Filipinos are close to each other's heart. We care for each other. We have one spirit, one heart and one faith. And that the Filipino spirit lives on. 

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My husband is nicotine free!

I am dedicating this blog post to my husband who tried his best to quit smoking and yes, he is nicotine free!  After smoking for more than 10 years, it was a struggle  for him to stop smoking.  He said he started at the age of 20 and was a smoker of at least 4 to 5 cigarettes a day.  But today, his blood work showed he is nicotine free!

How did he do it? 

I am sharing with you his secret. Partly because I used to smoke cigarettes too before and quitted smoking for almost 7 years. Yes, clean for 7 years. But mine was a different story.

There are plenty of ways to quit smoking.  I could be by using alternatives such as nicotine patch, nicotine gum or an electronic cigarette. But you see, since smoking is more of psychological rather than physical dependence, motivating yourself to quit is the most important. There are also studies saying that the use of electronic cigarettes are not proven to be safe and that some are found to cause cancer. Although my husband did use the electronic cigarette for some time, he found it to be distracting so he quitted it too. Here are the ways how he quitted smoking.

How to quit smoking:

1. Set your goal and know your reason.

      My husband's goal is to quit because he said our kids are growing up and he does not want any of our kids to engage into smoking because of the bad effects of it.  There were even instances before when our youngest child will get the cigarette box for him and this really touched him. Kids should know that cigarettes are not good. This reason, he has to keep in mind.

2. Set your time frame.

     It is very important to know how long you will try to quit. My husband set a goal of 3 months. He started with cutting one stick a day from his usual cigarette smoking. When he had the urge to smoke more, he uses the electronic cigarette, exercise, eat or just keep himself occupied.

3. Focus.

     There will be instances where friends who use to smoke will invite you to go back into the habit. What do you do? Stay focused. Do not engage yourself at any chance. You have exerted too much effort. Don't let peer pressure cut it's way. Or maybe you are stressed too much and you realize soaking is a way to relieve stress, look for other ways like deep breathing, jogging, strength building exercises (like going to the gym) or worst suggestion is to eat. Since quitting for some makes them fat, eating is an alternative way to satisfy the oral need, synonymous to smoking. In any way, find a way to stay focused and do what you can do to avoid smoking.

4. Look for your support system.

     Our children and myself are my husband's support system. When at times he wants to smoke, we would remind him not to.  Also since cigarettes are quite expensive, I try to motivate him by counting all the money he is saving from all the cigarettes that he did not buy. With $52 to $56 per 10 packs, he was able to save almost $300. He did not realize it at first but when he did, he started saving it so he can use it to reward himself.

5. Reward yourself.

     My husband bought his new car after quitting. He bought his new playstation. He started rewarding himself with little things each day. An extra hour of sleep, an extra meal, loafing, or shopping. And to this day, he never smoked even a single cigarette.

As for me, if you want to know how I quit, I can share to you just one thing. One day, I realize I want to quit and I did. IN a snap, I never touched a single cigarette. True enough it gave me cold turkey feeling for a week but I never regret it from happening because up to this time, I am smoke free. 

Healthy and happy.

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Halloween 2013

Sharing our Halloween Photos! Happy Halloween to all of us!!!

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The Great Giraffe Challenge

Did you answer the great giraffe challenge?

I posted it in my Facebook page and personal account to know how many will react to the question, take the challenge or just simply read and listen.

For those who has not encountered it, it went viral on October 28, 2013 and here how it goes:

"Try the great giraffe challenge! Comment if you have already sent a message. The deal is I give you a riddle. You get it right you get to keep your profile pic. You get it wrong and you change your profile pic to a Giraffe for the next 3 days. MESSAGE ME ONLY SO YOU DONT GIVE OUT THE ANSWER. Here is the riddle: 3:00 am, the doorbell rings and you wake up. Unexpected visitors, It's your parents and they are there for breakfast. You have strawberry jam, honey, wine, bread and cheese. What is the first thing you open? Remember... message me only. If you get it right I'll post your name here. If you get it wrong change your profile pic into a giraffe. Just for fun!"

So a few did not follow the instructions and placed their answer on the comment box, while some sent a message asking for the answer and said, they will not change their profile if they get the correct answer but they are just curious what the answer will be. Some will bribe, some will bargain but what is the challenge all about?

The test is originally just for fun. Especially that the answer to the question seems not to be philosophically and logically correct. The answer according to the person who sent me the riddle is EYES. Other says the answer should have been the DOOR.

I personally answered EYES and the DOOR to my brother who I first saw the riddle but changed my answer to DOOR when I saw the same post through my cousin. So there you go, I became a giraffe for 3 days.

A lot of my Facebook friends became giraffes that day. Some did not change their profiles. Some just ignored the challenge.  In my Facebook page, a total of 490 Facebook accounts saw the post (since you can see the number of people reach if you have a webpage), only 55 answered the riddle, 20 of them had the correct answer. What happened to the other accounts who saw the riddle? They either ignored the post, did not really see the post or was too afraid to answer the riddle and that probably they will be a giraffe.

One of my respondents said, I won't allow myself to be a giraffe for such a stupid riddle. Another said, the answer is not correct. One even asked me, if I invented the riddle.

Well, all I know is that in this world of social media, if you are not open minded and you are full of judgement, try to do away with the internet.  The internet is a world of different opinions, different behaviors and different beliefs. Social media as it typically states is mingling with other people in this digital world.

Take everything as a fun experience.

The link to my Facebook webpage account about the great giraffe challenge

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Do you celebrate your birthday?

Birthday, a noun that means the annual anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically treated as an occasion for celebration or present giving.

I may have forgotten its my birthday, but I still accept gifts. *wink*

When I was younger, probably in my childhood, which is much more younger, I do enjoy celebrating my birthday.  I still remember my first birthday with my yellow cocktail gown, round gold stud earring and a yellow ribbon sticking to my scanty, thin hair.  I remember the pictures of people I saw in my album, with my parents, family, relatives and friends.  And each year, my birthday album is updated. From one month old to I believe 18 years old.  Each year is a memorable one. Each year brings happiness seeing family and friends, celebrating the occasion with them.

But as I grow older, (well just by age) I started to realize I neglect having birthday celebrations.  I remember in 2011, I was almost 8months pregnant with Charles, I booked for a speaking engagement on the day of my birthday. I did not realize it first but when I was about to check in with my ticket and identification card, the lady said "Happy Birthday" How awkward can that be? Traveling alone on your birthday, when people thinking you're going to have a vacation but honestly going for work. But God must be watching me.  When I arrived in Butuan, the staff prepared flowers and a cake for me. God celebrates my birthday still.

Click for my story about my birthday on September 18, 2011

It was a different story last year, since I celebrated my birthday with needles and labs.  I forgot it was my birthday too because its been a crazy week for us moving to our new place.  God gave me one of the greatest gift on my birthday in 2012.  I signed my employment contract and started my lab works! I only knew it was my birthday when the laboratory technician scanned my identification bracelet, asked for my birthday and said, "I'm asking for your birthday, not the date today." And I was like, "So its September 18 today?" The universe is celebrating for me.

This year, since I am celebrating in different time zones, I am trying to recollect angels along the way, who celebrated my birthday for me since I totally neglected this day. I believe that I even though, I did not prepare anything for my birthday, God just like in the past years, has instructed my angels to celebrate the day for me. Here goes my recollection list:

1730 September 16, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0530 September 17, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #1: It was 2nd day at work for my 12 hour shift since I work 3 days in a row.

Since its my second day not seeing the kids fully awake, they woke me up at 1730 which not usually my waking time. ( I wake up 1800) All four of them cuddled me and were shouting "Mommy, mommy" on top of their voices like seems they haven't seen me for ten years! One of the happiest recollection of my thoughts that day because I know and felt how much they miss and need Mommy. But Mommy needs to go to work and Daddy stays with them. They will always be my babies no matter what.

0125 September 17, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0125 September 18, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #2: Even though I did not prepare for anything, I ate spaghetti pinoy style on this day!

Remember that saying that you need to eat "pansit" or spaghetti on you birthday for long life? Who would have thought, my friend Erica, a colleague and Filipino co-worker brought a Filipino style spaghetti? She shared a part of it to me and everybody. Thank you! I ate spaghetti for long life on my birthday!

0631 September 17, 2013 (Eastern Time) 0631 September 18, 2013 (Philippine Time)

Recollection of thoughts #3: Nursing is a really tough job unless you enjoy it.

Since I worked on this day, without realizing it was my day, God made this day so memorable. It was almost change of shift and yes, an admission! I would say, this is one of the most memorable shifts in my 9 years. I believe my angels are truly watching me. When you are a nurse, critical thinking helps a lot.  But genuine care and understanding to your patient's needs is most important. I cannot tell you what happened, but let me assure you, nothing serious, no codes, no rapid response! But oh God is absolutely watching me and made me an instrument of His love and care. I started my shift at 1915 and I went home, 0924am. That's 14 hours of work! Oh God, Thank you for making me love my job! (I can do 16 hours in the Philippines, but this is America! Nurses in America, you know what I mean!)

0017 September 18, 2013 (Eastern time zone) 0017 September 19, 2013

Recollection of thoughts #4: Erica brought "pansit" this time. I did not tell anybody about my birthday and I remember not putting my birthday in my facebook timeline, (since I really do not like attention) but it seems the universe sends a lot of good vibes. I haven't eaten "pansit" in while when it was shared, I took a part! Long life, long live! Part 2!

Recollection of thoughts #5: My husband called me to remind me it's my birthday today. I don't usually answer calls but I was on break and messaged that Charles was having diarrhea. I was so worried but to my surprise, he reminded me too that it was my birthday! Then I opened my email and found a lot of messages and greeting from family and friends! As I have said, I may speak my mind a lot of times but I am a really a shy person. "Mahiyain po talaga ako, di lang halata." (Translation: I am really shy, only that it doesn't show.) *wink* I was overwhelmed with happiness and felt totally blessed. Thank you for all the well wishes!

And now as I am writing this, I cannot explain my emotions.  When Carlo and I attended mass after work, I felt the presence of God on me and found myself crying and weeping with tears for no reason. As I say thank you to Him and express my praises, tears roll into my eyes like they would never stop. As I count my blessings while I pray, my tears drop like Gretchen Barretto. (Just kidding, I am getting too emotional here.) Our blessings as a family are overwhelming. It may not be riches with material wealth but riches that can never be bought or replaced.  God has been so good and amazing. He is continuously watching me and my family each day and blessing us with the providence of our needs and enough to share them to others. As I always pray, may He always make me an instrument of His blessings. And yes, HE is always faithful. Thank you God for your amazing grace.

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Eleven boxes and the American dream

Today marks our one year in the United States. Yes exactly today. And even though I feel so very tired from work, wherein I really don't whine at all because I love what I do, I had to stop and make this blog to remember this special day.

August 27, 2012

We left Manila for the United States. The American dream is about to start. And what did we bring with us? Eleven boxes. To count, it may be our whole house back home. Brought old pictures, old clothes, old stuff. My husband and I thinks that this trip is not a vacation.  This is another chapter of our lives. A change of place, a change of environment and just a continuation of our goals.

All boxes properly labeled. Box 1 to 4 with our clothes and shoes, 5 to 7 with groceries, 8 to 10 with our old frames, pictures and memorabilia's, and kid's toys and 11 with all the other little tiny stuff that we need to bring, which includes our paperworks and other important documents. Yes, eleven balikbayan boxes.

Name it, we brought our clothes hanger, iron, hair dryer, 2 laptops, portable dvd player, kitchen utensils including spoons, forks and knifes (where knives are extremely very expensive here in America), plastic plates (melawares), all sorts of grocery from canned goods, noodles, cookies,  biscuits, infant's milk (Charles is only 8months old), powdered full cream milk, chocolate powdered milk (Milo), 3 kilos of rice, salt, sugar, coffee and many other basic stuff, which allowed us to live our life in America for at least 6 months.

When we migrated through an agency, I was the only one hired by the hospital and they said it will take 2 to 3 months before I can finally start since I need to wait for my socials and other paperworks, so this made us brought everything that we may need.

And we were right.  We don't have to buy clothes for the kids for the meantime.  Food was enough even after 6 months. It's like preparing for a war to happen and we are just happy we prepared for it well.

Looking back, it feels good to have these humble beginnings.

I want to share to you our first pictures via my Facebook account. Just click the link and may this serve as an inspiration for all of us...

Click here to see our humble beginnings!

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Life in America

The kids are wide awake at 2am. So we decided to watch Dr Gru and eat the brownies Ate Charlize made. Kids are missing Dad for bedtime. Bukas ako naman ang mamimiss nila for bedtime. Can't wait for our day off together!

When life in America is a challenge, the strength we have is our family. No helpers around for the chores and everything is do it yourself. Its been 10months, exactly today. And yes we continue to move on and face the challenges we have each day. But with our family giving us hugs and smiles each day, the day is filled with love. We move on and find victory in everything we do.

This is life in America.

#lifeinamerica #parangUBlang #summervacation #despicableme #familytime #qualitytime #timemanagement #lovingrelationships #lovingchildren #lovelykids #blessed (Posted on FB and Instagram)

When the dishwasher goes cuckoo

It was 5 in the morning when I cleaned our kitchen and placed all our dishes in the dishwasher. Piled all the plates and placed the liquid detergent and finally turnes on the diahwasher. After a few minutes, this is what happened! All soapy and the kitchen was flooded! I felt like I was in the movies when the actress tried to get out of her kitchen when the dishwashwer too got cuckoo! I started to be panicky! Took my deep breath, turned off the diahwasher and yes I made it. Only that I have to clean up the whole mess! Got some absorbent rugs, took out blankets and towels to clean the place but my main problem was the bubble. It just won't go away. I know it will disappear on its own only that it will take time. But I can't wait that long. Hubby is coming home in a few minutes and I don't want him to see this mess since must be very tired from work. Messaged my brother right away who is a thousand miles away from me and alas, I found the solution. VINEGAR! Poured out some of in the bubble and it rapidly disappear. It works like magic that makes me realize I hope there is also a faster way to remove all the water that flooded our kitchen. Oh well, you know what I did, I mopped the floor for an hour just in time for hubby to come home. It is still a good day. :)

Quality time

Inspite of a very busy day. Carlo and I spend time to drink our coffee together, exchange stories of what happened during work and get the chance to encourage each other to grow as a person. Personally, I always believe that it is imperative for husbands and wives to have open communication at all times.
People would say they are busy and they do not have time but I guess the secret is to make time for each other. We both do have our 12 hour shift jobs but we see to it that our time for each other will never be taken for.granted. Back home, we used to have our weekly dates, then our annual vacations. But then when we came here, everything changed. Our jobs and lifestyle kept us into a strict schedule that made it impossible for us to have time for each other. Time is a luxury for us. We can't spend it without having regrets when it just goes by the day. So we spend it with our kids and ourselves that makes even having a simple meal together a special one. I think this is what keeps is together. Our quality time, which makes our kids grow with our guidance and makes our relationship grow too as a couple. Its not the amount of time you spend with each other but the quality of time that still gives you some magic, some spark, and a lot of love. <3

Summer camp starts at home!

Since summer camps seems too expensive for having 3 older kids, I have decided to do my own summer camp at home. Partly, I see having 2 or more kids as an advantage since they mingle with each other and share their own interest.

Since Charlize, my eldest used to attend balley lessons, she helped me in organizing ballet lessons for her sisters. I took ballet lessons when I was young but that was ages ago! I am just happy I can still stretch and bend!

Aside from ballet, we do Spanish classes, music class including guitars and keyboards, we do art class and baking classes! I do the classes during my days off and not only that I get to save lots of money this summer for their summer camps but the best of all is I have the chance to share what I can do to my kids. Spending quality time for them makes me more fulfilled as a mother that even though I know I'm not an expert in these summer classes, I had the chance to give a certain part of me to my kids. I just hope that by mid of July, I can start theater classes with them. I wonder who will be interested in showbiz. :)