Saturday, March 7, 2009
EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS
A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine.
Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a young. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.
Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed!
A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.
"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"
So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."
The man sent a bill that read:
Tapping with a hammer....... ......... ........ $ 2.00
Knowing where to tap.......... .......... ...... $ 9, 998.00
Moral of the story - Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort makes all the difference!
"Life is short. Share your smiles. Forget your grudges. Respect and
cherish everyone you see today. Remember tomorrow may never come!"
" Content makes poor men rich, discontent makes rich men poor."
-----Benjamin Franklin.
Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a young. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.
Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed!
A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.
"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"
So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."
The man sent a bill that read:
Tapping with a hammer....... ......... ........ $ 2.00
Knowing where to tap.......... .......... ...... $ 9, 998.00
Moral of the story - Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort makes all the difference!
"Life is short. Share your smiles. Forget your grudges. Respect and
cherish everyone you see today. Remember tomorrow may never come!"
" Content makes poor men rich, discontent makes rich men poor."
-----Benjamin Franklin.
TAILOR-MAKE YOUR LIFESTYLE---WOMEN
If you are:
A stay-at-home mother
FOR YOUR DIET
Nutritionist and founder of PowwerEat, Ahlaam Ali, says, “When packing your children’s lunchboxes, pack one for yourself as well to have on the go, while you are chauffeuring kids around.” At home, stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, mixed seeds (like pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseeds), rice crackers with salsa or fruits, for whenever the hunger pangs strike.
“Make sure that the entire family shares one meal together, and make it a healthy one. This not only makes your life easier as you don’t have to cook different meals for individual family members, but will also ensure that the whole family is eating healthy,” adds Ahlaam. “It is a good idea to get the kids to help with the cooking. This will encourage them to eat better as they will be proud of the contribution they have made and they will fuss less.”
FOR YOUR FITNESS
According to fitness consultant Jennifer Wilkinson, “The energy requirements for mothers, especially of young children, are high as you end up having a lot of sleepless nights. You need quick, no-hassle exercise options which are flexible enough to fit between baby naps. Try getting a personal trainer if possible (Core Direction offers personal training at home, www.coredirection.com), and if your budget doesn’t allow for that, exercise videos would be a good place to start.”
“Variety in your exercise is important too,” Jennifer adds, “so include activities like walking and jogging around the park, maybe taking your baby buggy along. If you are walking or jogging on your own, try to stick to a steady pace and keep going for at least 30 minutes.”
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
According to health psychologist Dr Melanie Schlatter, many stay-at-home mothers end up feeling unappreciated as a result of always putting their own needs second to everyone else’s. “If you start neglecting yourself and spending too much time at home on your own, it can lead to emotional exhaustion in the form of depression, isolation, bitterness and restlessness,” warns Melanie.
You can benefit from taking some time out for yourself each day to clear your mind and by practicing some basic self care whether it is with a massage or meditation. “Getting outside of the house and building up support networks with other mothers or female friends can help ease any feeling of being ‘out of touch’,” Melanie adds.
“Some women may simply want to start addressing their own life or future career goals and take time out to either study a subject of interest – such as by getting an online degree – or developing a new hobby.”
If you are:
In a high-stress full-time job FOR YOUR DIET
In between corporate lunches, junk food snacks and the inevitable after-hour work events – or going for entire days without a proper meal – you probably end up with a very unhealthy lifestyle. This is a classic cause of weight gain.
“I recommend firstly that you make a commitment to improving your lifestyle,” says Ahlaam. “Writing down your goals as to what you would like to achieve is part of this process. For example, instead of saying ‘I don’t want to be fat anymore’, write down clearly what you do want.”
Then, start by making sure you eat at regular hours and choose the right foods rather than convenience foods. And if you end up being out of the office a lot of the time, scout around the areas that you frequent to find healthy alternatives in local restaurants.
“It is also critical for you to have your vitamins and supplements as they will boost energy and efficiency levels,” Ahlaam adds. “Leave your multi-vitamins on your desk and set an alarm every morning to remind you to take them. Additionally, keep some healthy snacks in your desk drawer or handbag to help you get through that afternoon sugar fix craving.” If you have to attend social events most nights, it is a good idea to grab a bite like a piece of toast before you step out, so you don’t end up gorging on fat-laden canapés. Also try and choose to drink water or fresh juices instead of alcohol.
FOR YOUR FITNESS
Jennifer suggests gym membership or signing up for classes that you can go to straight from work. “The challenge is to stay motivated, and if you go home after work, then going back out for exercise doesn’t really work. It also helps to pay in advance for the classes, as that will increase the chances of your making it,” she says.
You should definitely look into exercise styles like yoga, as not only will it help you stay fit, but it will also have a stress-busting effect. Other exercises like pilates or tai chi – anything that adapts a slow, meditative style – are also good options. If work doesn’t let you have many evenings free, make it a point to stay active during the weekend, whether it’s with swimming or climbing or any other active sport that interests you.
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
“The primary emotional concern for such women is the feeling of being overwhelmed and anxiousness about tasks and deadlines,” says Melanie. “In order to not let the workplace stress get the better of you, you need to set boundaries. For instance, leave plenty of time to travel to your workplace so you can begin the day calmly. During your work day, make sure you have several short breaks when you can either leave your work environment or recharge without being disturbed by phones or people.
“You should practice some basic breathing techniques, such as breathing low and slow, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Another effective tool is a simple visualisation technique for five minutes every few hours; simply close your eyes and visualise a beautiful scene.”
The key for over-stressed professionals is to achieve a work-life balance. It pays to leave your work at the office and switch your phone or Blackberry off after a certain hour at night. When it comes to work events, prioritise to attend the ones that you absolutely must, and even then, leave as early as you politely can to ensure you are not completely sleep-deprived.
If you are:
A working mother
FOR YOUR DIET
“Often working mothers tend to ignore their own nutritional needs, so planning is very important as they are usually very time-poor,” Ahlaam points out. “It really helps to have someone help you with the housework and meal planning.”
A good solution is to utilise the weekend to plan all your meals for the week ahead. Once you’ve decided the menu for each day of the week, shop according to what you will be cooking – this will help you save precious time and energy. Another option is to cook extra portions, and freeze some for days when you are totally run off your feet. “When making hot food, try and stick to grilled and baked dishes as this will save you slogging over the stove after work,” Ahlaam says.
Another useful tip is to invest in a slow cooker. Put all your ingredients – anything from lentils and beans to meat and veg – and pour boiling hot water over to cover, and leave to cook all day while you’re out. When you get back from home, dinner will be ready, so you can also have some time with the family in the evening.
FOR YOUR FITNESS
In between juggling all the different roles you perform, it is important to make time for your health as well. “Try and make it at least one evening a week to the gym or a fitness class. Look for places that allow children while the parent is in a class, or that have childcare facilities,” says Jennifer. “Joining a martial arts class once a week would be good – these are high impact and will really boost your energy and push your body. On the weekends, try and plan active family activities such as swimming or cycling – it’s a good way of keeping the whole family fit while spending time together as well.” Another good option is joining a night-time dance class with your husband as, along with being a fun way to exercise and spend time together, it will also teach you a new skill and help you de-stress.
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The main challenge here is achieving the balance between being an efficient professional and nurturing, devoted mother. It is common for such women to feel guilt about the amount of time spent away from home. “Working mothers need to spend as much quality time with their children as possible to reduce potential feelings of guilt. Playing games and organising special ‘days’ together are very important bonding techniques. On other days, simply asking children about their day will also encourage basic trust and enhance communication,” says Melanie.
Make sure you get enough help and support at home – either by investing in household help or getting your partner to share the chores – to leave you with time for the family. It is also important for you to take some me-time, and switch off from work when you come back home. Healing treatments like Reiki will help you stay healthy and achieve calmness and emotional balance.
A stay-at-home mother
FOR YOUR DIET
Nutritionist and founder of PowwerEat, Ahlaam Ali, says, “When packing your children’s lunchboxes, pack one for yourself as well to have on the go, while you are chauffeuring kids around.” At home, stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, mixed seeds (like pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseeds), rice crackers with salsa or fruits, for whenever the hunger pangs strike.
“Make sure that the entire family shares one meal together, and make it a healthy one. This not only makes your life easier as you don’t have to cook different meals for individual family members, but will also ensure that the whole family is eating healthy,” adds Ahlaam. “It is a good idea to get the kids to help with the cooking. This will encourage them to eat better as they will be proud of the contribution they have made and they will fuss less.”
FOR YOUR FITNESS
According to fitness consultant Jennifer Wilkinson, “The energy requirements for mothers, especially of young children, are high as you end up having a lot of sleepless nights. You need quick, no-hassle exercise options which are flexible enough to fit between baby naps. Try getting a personal trainer if possible (Core Direction offers personal training at home, www.coredirection.com), and if your budget doesn’t allow for that, exercise videos would be a good place to start.”
“Variety in your exercise is important too,” Jennifer adds, “so include activities like walking and jogging around the park, maybe taking your baby buggy along. If you are walking or jogging on your own, try to stick to a steady pace and keep going for at least 30 minutes.”
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
According to health psychologist Dr Melanie Schlatter, many stay-at-home mothers end up feeling unappreciated as a result of always putting their own needs second to everyone else’s. “If you start neglecting yourself and spending too much time at home on your own, it can lead to emotional exhaustion in the form of depression, isolation, bitterness and restlessness,” warns Melanie.
You can benefit from taking some time out for yourself each day to clear your mind and by practicing some basic self care whether it is with a massage or meditation. “Getting outside of the house and building up support networks with other mothers or female friends can help ease any feeling of being ‘out of touch’,” Melanie adds.
“Some women may simply want to start addressing their own life or future career goals and take time out to either study a subject of interest – such as by getting an online degree – or developing a new hobby.”
If you are:
In a high-stress full-time job FOR YOUR DIET
In between corporate lunches, junk food snacks and the inevitable after-hour work events – or going for entire days without a proper meal – you probably end up with a very unhealthy lifestyle. This is a classic cause of weight gain.
“I recommend firstly that you make a commitment to improving your lifestyle,” says Ahlaam. “Writing down your goals as to what you would like to achieve is part of this process. For example, instead of saying ‘I don’t want to be fat anymore’, write down clearly what you do want.”
Then, start by making sure you eat at regular hours and choose the right foods rather than convenience foods. And if you end up being out of the office a lot of the time, scout around the areas that you frequent to find healthy alternatives in local restaurants.
“It is also critical for you to have your vitamins and supplements as they will boost energy and efficiency levels,” Ahlaam adds. “Leave your multi-vitamins on your desk and set an alarm every morning to remind you to take them. Additionally, keep some healthy snacks in your desk drawer or handbag to help you get through that afternoon sugar fix craving.” If you have to attend social events most nights, it is a good idea to grab a bite like a piece of toast before you step out, so you don’t end up gorging on fat-laden canapés. Also try and choose to drink water or fresh juices instead of alcohol.
FOR YOUR FITNESS
Jennifer suggests gym membership or signing up for classes that you can go to straight from work. “The challenge is to stay motivated, and if you go home after work, then going back out for exercise doesn’t really work. It also helps to pay in advance for the classes, as that will increase the chances of your making it,” she says.
You should definitely look into exercise styles like yoga, as not only will it help you stay fit, but it will also have a stress-busting effect. Other exercises like pilates or tai chi – anything that adapts a slow, meditative style – are also good options. If work doesn’t let you have many evenings free, make it a point to stay active during the weekend, whether it’s with swimming or climbing or any other active sport that interests you.
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
“The primary emotional concern for such women is the feeling of being overwhelmed and anxiousness about tasks and deadlines,” says Melanie. “In order to not let the workplace stress get the better of you, you need to set boundaries. For instance, leave plenty of time to travel to your workplace so you can begin the day calmly. During your work day, make sure you have several short breaks when you can either leave your work environment or recharge without being disturbed by phones or people.
“You should practice some basic breathing techniques, such as breathing low and slow, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Another effective tool is a simple visualisation technique for five minutes every few hours; simply close your eyes and visualise a beautiful scene.”
The key for over-stressed professionals is to achieve a work-life balance. It pays to leave your work at the office and switch your phone or Blackberry off after a certain hour at night. When it comes to work events, prioritise to attend the ones that you absolutely must, and even then, leave as early as you politely can to ensure you are not completely sleep-deprived.
If you are:
A working mother
FOR YOUR DIET
“Often working mothers tend to ignore their own nutritional needs, so planning is very important as they are usually very time-poor,” Ahlaam points out. “It really helps to have someone help you with the housework and meal planning.”
A good solution is to utilise the weekend to plan all your meals for the week ahead. Once you’ve decided the menu for each day of the week, shop according to what you will be cooking – this will help you save precious time and energy. Another option is to cook extra portions, and freeze some for days when you are totally run off your feet. “When making hot food, try and stick to grilled and baked dishes as this will save you slogging over the stove after work,” Ahlaam says.
Another useful tip is to invest in a slow cooker. Put all your ingredients – anything from lentils and beans to meat and veg – and pour boiling hot water over to cover, and leave to cook all day while you’re out. When you get back from home, dinner will be ready, so you can also have some time with the family in the evening.
FOR YOUR FITNESS
In between juggling all the different roles you perform, it is important to make time for your health as well. “Try and make it at least one evening a week to the gym or a fitness class. Look for places that allow children while the parent is in a class, or that have childcare facilities,” says Jennifer. “Joining a martial arts class once a week would be good – these are high impact and will really boost your energy and push your body. On the weekends, try and plan active family activities such as swimming or cycling – it’s a good way of keeping the whole family fit while spending time together as well.” Another good option is joining a night-time dance class with your husband as, along with being a fun way to exercise and spend time together, it will also teach you a new skill and help you de-stress.
FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The main challenge here is achieving the balance between being an efficient professional and nurturing, devoted mother. It is common for such women to feel guilt about the amount of time spent away from home. “Working mothers need to spend as much quality time with their children as possible to reduce potential feelings of guilt. Playing games and organising special ‘days’ together are very important bonding techniques. On other days, simply asking children about their day will also encourage basic trust and enhance communication,” says Melanie.
Make sure you get enough help and support at home – either by investing in household help or getting your partner to share the chores – to leave you with time for the family. It is also important for you to take some me-time, and switch off from work when you come back home. Healing treatments like Reiki will help you stay healthy and achieve calmness and emotional balance.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Generous readers help to ease paralysed boy's misery
Sharjah: Young Mohammad Shoaib's mother is a grateful and relieved woman. Her paralysed son has finally got a special electronic bed and a wheelchair.
Fatima said the public response that followed the Gulf News report on the Pakistani boy's plight last week was overwhelming.
"The same day that Gulf News published our story, I received a wheelchair from my daughter's teacher," Fatima said. "A bank in Dubai donated the bed that Shoaib needed."
Many other readers also offered to help Fatima and her son. Readers from different nationalities approached Gulf News and Al Kuwait hospital to help Shoaib.
Shoaib, who turned 15 last week, has been paralysed and in a coma since the age of 11 following an accident at school.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fathima exlained that Shoaib suffered severe brain damage after a football was kicked into the back of his neck during a game at school.
"I used to pray day and night for strength so I can help my boy. I am overjoyed now because my son has a good bed and wheelchair at home," she said.
"With the help of Gulf News readers, I can now buy the vitamins Shoaib needs," Fatima added.
Fatima added she never lost hope and her faith in Allah all through the ordeal.
"I keep telling Shoaib that life is great and there are people who love him and care about him," the mother said.
Fatima wants her son to remain strong through this crisis and she believes he will lead a normal life again.
"I am sure Shoaib can hear and understand me, but he cannot talk to me," she said. "I long to hear his voice. This is my only wish."
"People's kindness has given me the strength to help my son," she said.
"I want to give him my health, my sight and every breath I take. I am only longing to see him looking into my eyes and calling me mom," Fatima said.
She added that Shoaib's 15th birthday last week was a very special occasion this year.
"I used to bake a small birthday cake for Shoaib at home every year since his accident. I used to sit alone next to his bed in the hospital. This year I was too busy to bake the cake, as many people came to see him and help him," Fatima said.
A tearful Fatima never tires of expressing her gratitude to all the people who came to see and help her son.
She said that a number of school children visited her son and donated money.
"I am grateful to every one who supported my son emotionally and financially. I will never forget their generosity," she added.
"Gulf News readers have a made a difference in my life. They have given me hope that the future will be better for my beloved boy," she said.
Fatima added that her son loved birds and pigeons. "Now that I have some money I can buy him a parrot as a gift," she said.
Fatima, who has lived in the UAE for many years, said that she has never visited any other place.
Now that Shoaib has a wheelchair, Fatima plans to take him to the seaside with her.
Fatima said the public response that followed the Gulf News report on the Pakistani boy's plight last week was overwhelming.
"The same day that Gulf News published our story, I received a wheelchair from my daughter's teacher," Fatima said. "A bank in Dubai donated the bed that Shoaib needed."
Many other readers also offered to help Fatima and her son. Readers from different nationalities approached Gulf News and Al Kuwait hospital to help Shoaib.
Shoaib, who turned 15 last week, has been paralysed and in a coma since the age of 11 following an accident at school.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fathima exlained that Shoaib suffered severe brain damage after a football was kicked into the back of his neck during a game at school.
"I used to pray day and night for strength so I can help my boy. I am overjoyed now because my son has a good bed and wheelchair at home," she said.
"With the help of Gulf News readers, I can now buy the vitamins Shoaib needs," Fatima added.
Fatima added she never lost hope and her faith in Allah all through the ordeal.
"I keep telling Shoaib that life is great and there are people who love him and care about him," the mother said.
Fatima wants her son to remain strong through this crisis and she believes he will lead a normal life again.
"I am sure Shoaib can hear and understand me, but he cannot talk to me," she said. "I long to hear his voice. This is my only wish."
"People's kindness has given me the strength to help my son," she said.
"I want to give him my health, my sight and every breath I take. I am only longing to see him looking into my eyes and calling me mom," Fatima said.
She added that Shoaib's 15th birthday last week was a very special occasion this year.
"I used to bake a small birthday cake for Shoaib at home every year since his accident. I used to sit alone next to his bed in the hospital. This year I was too busy to bake the cake, as many people came to see him and help him," Fatima said.
A tearful Fatima never tires of expressing her gratitude to all the people who came to see and help her son.
She said that a number of school children visited her son and donated money.
"I am grateful to every one who supported my son emotionally and financially. I will never forget their generosity," she added.
"Gulf News readers have a made a difference in my life. They have given me hope that the future will be better for my beloved boy," she said.
Fatima added that her son loved birds and pigeons. "Now that I have some money I can buy him a parrot as a gift," she said.
Fatima, who has lived in the UAE for many years, said that she has never visited any other place.
Now that Shoaib has a wheelchair, Fatima plans to take him to the seaside with her.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
WOW---- WIPE OUT WASTE
It always starts out small. On Sunday, it was a forgotten box of French fries that found its way to the trash can, Monday saw an extra hour spent in traffic, waiting for an accident site to clear up. Tuesday meant an impulsive purchase at the chocolate stall in the local supermarket and Wednesday's meetings turned out to be completely inconsequential. The truth is waste accumulates.
By the end of the week, your waste-o-meter has probably hit the roof without you realising it and your inaction is costing you in more ways than you think.
Today, with the launch of the Wipe out Waste (WoW) campaign, Gulf News dares you to look deeper into your wallets, your habits, your calendars, your garbage bins! What precious time, resources, money or space could have been salvaged?
It is about changing your lifestyle, changing the way you think and leading a more efficient existence.
WASTE:-- Wipe it out!
People take electricity for granted. They leave their lights and air-conditioning on even when they are not using them. I use energy-saving light bulbs in my house. When the tube light is turned on, it collects energy, and when it is turned off it releases cool air.
- Adel Yousuf Al Attar, Emirati
Everything that I have to put in the rubbish bin is a waste. I found a place to recycle newspapers and plastic. However, with glass, it is much harder because I could not find a proper recycling place for it. People buy plastic containers and reuse them.
- Beverly A. Jensen, American
I think a lot of time is wasted from traffic congestion. Considering the number of hours people wait during the congestion, it will affect their work and their family time. I think that when road expansions are completed, it will wipe out traffic congestion.
- David Cole, Briton
People waste their lives. They throw away many important things in their lives, such as quality time with families because they use this time to go shopping instead. Not enough incentives are given to be with family. People need to start spending more time at home with their children or parents. People will also realise that it is fun.
- Kellie Drayton, Australian
People buy too many things that they do not need. When people want something, they buy it regardless of how much it costs, just to please themselves. Money spent should be controlled. This way it would make us feel better, as we know that our money is not wasted on things that we will throw away soon.
- Noel Malicdem, Filipino
I am surprised at how much money people spend. There are those who earn so little and yet still survive. However, the people who have a lot of money end up spending it on useless things. In some cases they even get loans to buy more things to better their image. It needs to come from within the person. Money should be invested for the future.
- Mary Wairimu, Kenyan
By the end of the week, your waste-o-meter has probably hit the roof without you realising it and your inaction is costing you in more ways than you think.
Today, with the launch of the Wipe out Waste (WoW) campaign, Gulf News dares you to look deeper into your wallets, your habits, your calendars, your garbage bins! What precious time, resources, money or space could have been salvaged?
It is about changing your lifestyle, changing the way you think and leading a more efficient existence.
WASTE:-- Wipe it out!
People take electricity for granted. They leave their lights and air-conditioning on even when they are not using them. I use energy-saving light bulbs in my house. When the tube light is turned on, it collects energy, and when it is turned off it releases cool air.
- Adel Yousuf Al Attar, Emirati
Everything that I have to put in the rubbish bin is a waste. I found a place to recycle newspapers and plastic. However, with glass, it is much harder because I could not find a proper recycling place for it. People buy plastic containers and reuse them.
- Beverly A. Jensen, American
I think a lot of time is wasted from traffic congestion. Considering the number of hours people wait during the congestion, it will affect their work and their family time. I think that when road expansions are completed, it will wipe out traffic congestion.
- David Cole, Briton
People waste their lives. They throw away many important things in their lives, such as quality time with families because they use this time to go shopping instead. Not enough incentives are given to be with family. People need to start spending more time at home with their children or parents. People will also realise that it is fun.
- Kellie Drayton, Australian
People buy too many things that they do not need. When people want something, they buy it regardless of how much it costs, just to please themselves. Money spent should be controlled. This way it would make us feel better, as we know that our money is not wasted on things that we will throw away soon.
- Noel Malicdem, Filipino
I am surprised at how much money people spend. There are those who earn so little and yet still survive. However, the people who have a lot of money end up spending it on useless things. In some cases they even get loans to buy more things to better their image. It needs to come from within the person. Money should be invested for the future.
- Mary Wairimu, Kenyan
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