Distance Learning: Is It Possible?

Technology has been steadily evolving, and with it comes changes in the way we live our lives.

Due to technology, it is now possible to study at home, without the need of going to an actual school. This is beneficial to a lot of people, especially for those who are working and wants to further their career, at-home moms who want to continually learn more things, students who are eager to learn more and earn more degrees during their spare time, and so on.

If you would like to take a glimpse of what distance learning could be like, check out this link for reference: https://studylink.com/articles/studying-counseling-psychology-via-online-learning/

Distance Learning is just one of the developments brought about by technology. Now, more people have access to affordable education without interfering with their daily tasks and activities.

Eye-candy Crocheted Armchair Cover

Isn't that a LOVELY chair!?!


True & Sania: Grandmother's armchair


I found this awesome blog as I was looking for crochet patterns. It gave me an idea about what to do with our old sofa. It kinda needs some revamp 'coz its starting to be an eyesore.

I can't help but reblog this one. It's really fabulous and so eye-catchy. I want one in my living room!

Fifty Shades Of Grey: Movie Review

When I found out that Fifty Shades of Grey will have a movie, I was so excited in anticipation. Of course, just like most of us, I was expecting a lot of steamy sexual performances from Christian and Anna.

Finally, the movie came out and I was able to watch it with my friend. The start of the movie is just like in the book, not much emotions there. But I must admit Jamie Dornan is one HOT bachelor. So, as the movie progressed, I started twitching uncomfortably on my seat in the cinema. I'm not sure if it's because of the steamy scenes or because its Jamie Dornan and his well-sculpted body, WHOA!

As I tried to focus on the movie, I realized that there is more to be shown. Yes, this movie was courageous enough to show the sex scenes in a very explicit way, just like in the book. But, I felt like there should be something more. I remember reading the book and I thought, where is the romance I saw when I was reading the book? Yeah, it's an erotic book, but it did not focus entirely on the sex performances.

I think it would have been great if the character of Mrs.Robinson is shown in the movie for the viewers to understand better why Mr. Grey behaves that way, just like in the book. The story for me, based on the book, is about a man with "not-so-normal" sexual desires and an innocent lady falling in love with each other. I was looking for this in the movie. Maybe because the sexual acts were given too much emphasis that I wasn't able to focus on the message of the movie or this movie is just about the sexual acts. I don't know!

I was expecting more. Not more sex but more sense on the story. I know, I did expect a lot of sex scenes, and I got what I expected. But, the movie focused too much on it. Or at least that's what the movie leads the moviegoers into. I felt like the book was not given enough justice that it deserves. And, yes, this movie is not for young audiences. I wouldn't even recommend it to those already 18+. For me, this movie is R-25. I am not underestimating the understanding of the young, but, as I've said, the sex scenes are explicit and there is a big chance that they pick up a wrong signal.

Well, that being said, I still enjoyed the movie. With all the twitching and blood pressure-rising scenes, I give this movie a 3 out of 5 stars.

Fifty Shades Freed - An Overview

Fifty Shades Freed is the last series of the Fifty Shades trilogy. In the first two books, if you enjoyed Christian’s and Anna’s sexual “exhibitions”, you will not be disappointed in this book. Of course, aside from the sex, there's still the juicy romance of the couple and the issues that surround the existence of Christian Grey.

Fifty Shades Freed reveals more of Christian Grey's past and why he is what he is now. Anna learns that Christian is adopted and he came from an abusive family. It is painful for Christian to remember his past, but it is in his past that he found out who Jack Hyde really is and why he resents him that much.

It is very exciting to see Anna blossom into a stronger, more confident woman through the help of Christian Grey. Being a shy-type of a girl, Anna is not someone who speaks her mind. You will find out in this book how Christian Grey somewhat forces Anna to speak her mind and say what she wants, albeit on a very different, erotic way.

It even gets more exciting and filled with anticipation when one of the ex-subs of Christian Grey, Leila, surprisingly showed up in Anna’s apartment. The way Christian handled the situation was not gladly accepted by Anna. Christian realized that the only way he can get through Leila is if he resumes his role as her Master and she immediately turned into his Sub. Christian was able to take control of Leila and he even gave her a bath because she’s all filthy and dirty.

This made Anna feel insecure. She thought she can never be enough for Christian as she doesn’t want to be a submissive. It even gets more emotional when the couple had a confrontation. Anna spill out all her insecurities and Christian suddenly dropped down on his knees, ready to be Anna’s sub. Imagine what Christian will do just to be with Anna!

This incident also allowed Anna to be more expressive of her feelings. She was able to tell Christian her concerns and fears and she was able to confess her love for him. In this book, Anna is able to free herself of her fears and the things that troubles her mind and heart.

To spice it all up, Anna finds out that she is pregnant and the couple is not expecting it since Anna is supposed to be in birth control. Fifty Shades Freed is sure full of emotions, expectations and scenes that would make your heart stop in anticipation. 

Wanderlust: A Movie Review

I recently watched the movie Wanderlust starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston. The movie was not really that great but it was ok. The story, for me, was not as enticing but the director did attempt to make it funny. There are scenes that made me laugh, and some made me wince a little, which means I'm affected by the particular scene in some way.

The story is about a struggling couple who left the city when the husband suddenly got unemployed. On their way to Atlanta, they bumped into a group of people who call themselves an intentional commune in  a place they call the Elysium. The love and faith of the couple for each other is tested during their stay in this place. 

The couple started to realize certain things and in the end, they realized that their love for each other is still more than anything else. That together they can brave anything that comes their way.

I did enjoy the movie but it is not something that I would want to watch again. It is a funny movie and Jennifer Aniston is really sexy.

I rate this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Gabapentin for Dogs – Canine Treatment for Pain

Gabapentin for dogs is a medication used to treat chronic pain due to arthritis and cancer. It is also prescribed for treatment of seizures. Originally, this drug is used to treat epilepsy and relieve pain in humans. Now it is commonly used to treat chronic pain and control seizures in cats and dogs. Gabapentin has been observed to be most effective in combination with other analgesics including NSAIDs.

Gabapentin is not approved by the FDA to be used in veterinary medicine, although it has been a common practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medicine or treating seizures and chronic pain in dogs. Gabapentin is sold per capsule and a prescription from your veterinarian is required. This drug is commonly found in oral form which is absorbed by the duodenum and metabolized partly by the liver. You must tell your veterinarian of your dog suffers from liver problems as Gabapentin may cause severe side effects.

You must take note that the Gabapentin for humans are not intended to be used for dogs. The human form of Gabapentin contains Xylitol which is toxic to canines. For lactating and pregnant animals, Gabapentin should only be given if absolutely necessary as it may lead to fetal loss.

Gabapentin for dogs may cause mild sedation, lethargy and drowsiness, although this is just a minor side effect. In other cases, muscles may not work properly together (imbalance) or symptoms of ataxia may occur. It may also cause vomiting and diarrhea to some canines. You must inform your vet if your dog experiences any of this side effects.This medication cannot be stopped abruptly or it will cause your dog to have seizure or rebound pain. The veterinarian will gradually lower the dose until it is safe to stop the medication.

How Does Gabapentin Work

Gabapentin prevents seizures by stabilizing the excessive electrical activity in the brain. It copies the activity of GABA which is a neurotransmitter to help calm the brain’s nerve activity.

In dogs, Gabapentin in oral form is absorbed in the duodenum. Peak level approximately occurs after one to two hours after taking the drug. It is partly metabolized by the liver and flushed out by the kidneys. This medication is commonly used as an added therapy for refractory idiopathic epilepsy.

Laboratory testing in animals showed that Gabapentin can cause fetal loss and is also associated with teratogenic effects. Pregnant or lactating animals should only be given Gabapentin when extremely necessary as it is also present in milk.

It is important to note that Gabapentin may interact with other drugs. Antacids must not be given within two hours after taking the medication as it may affect the blood levels of your dog. It may also interact with medications such as hydrocodone ad morphine. It must be kept away from children and pets. Store it in room temperature where there is no heat and moisture.

Gabpentin for dogs must only be given to your pet if prescribed by the veterinarian to avoid potentially harmful side effects to your pet.

Gabapentin Abuse – Risk Of Addiction With Gabapentin

Gabapentin abuse has been reported and it includes staggering or taking more than what is prescribed to achieve the feeling of “high”. Other forms of abuse include chewing the pill into a powder and absorbed through swallowing or through the lining of the mouth. Snorting a powderized Gabapentin has also been reported.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) was one of the world’s best selling drugs but 70 to 90 percent are due to off-label exploitation. It has been prescribed for bipolar disorder, migraine, pain and attention deficit syndrome. Due to high level of prescriptions, it is available for consumption for anyone who needs it, even for those who intend to use it for other means.

The abuse of this drug is due to off-label prescriptions that are not approved by the FDA. Due to the high number of prescriptions of this drug, it is very accessible to everyone, even to those who abuse the drug.

Other people continue using Gabapentin to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Due to this, drug tolerance happens and higher dosage of this drug is taken which leads to drug dependence. This dependence results to drug addiction in the long run. Abrupt cessation of the medicine will result to seizure even if you don’t have one before and can aggravate existing seizures.

If the Gabapentin abuse is due to treat mood disorders, tardive dyskinesia or anxiety, there might be a bigger problem. Very little studies have proven the effectiveness of this drug to treat these ailments and the chances of drug addiction due to improper use of this medicine is higher. The FDA has approved Gabapentin to use as an added medication for control of partial seizure. Doctors are not held by the FDA standards so they cannot be persecuted due to off-label prescription. Patients should be diligent in dealing with medications such as this.

When you are already suffering from Gabapentin addiction, your doctor can help you wean off the drug by gradually lowering the dosage of the drug. The amount of time you will go through weaning from the drug will depend on how long you have been abusing the drug and how high is the dosage you are taking. The half life elimination of Gabapentin in the system is five to seven hours. It usually takes two days for the drug to clear off the system.

Like any other medication, Gabapentin is not without side effects which include dizziness, drowsiness, problems with coordination, infections, fever, nausea, vomiting, fluid retention or swelling on the arms, legs, feet and hands and unusual eye movements. Other less common side effects include tremor or shakiness, blurred vision or double vision, fatigue or weakness, drying mouth, weight gain, sore throat, speech issues ad nervousness.

During the weaning period, you must not alter the prescribed dosage or take longer than prescribed as you are still at risk of seizure. If you are switching to a different seizure medication to stop Gabapentin abuse, you must not stop until you reach an effective dose of your new medication to lower the risk of seizure.