Thought for the Day: Prickly Porcupine Wisdom

Prickly Porcupine Wisdom 

It was the coldest winter ever.  Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm.  This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of  each  one wounded their closest companions.  After a while, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen.

So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.  Wisely, they decided to go back to being together.  They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

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Take it from us, Turknoys are actually prickly porcupines living together, warming each other up! Love all our differences!

Keep exploring!

Recommended Valentine's Day Books for Kids!

Yes - already! Recommended Valentine's Day Books for Kids!

The month of love is here! Happy Valentine's Day!

Another opportunity to learn about a great world wide occasion, albeit so commercialized. We're thinking of some activities for Valentine's Day. We will definitely share some of our activities here but for the mean time, if you wish to read to your little ones, here are some book collections for kids during this love occasion.

1. Happy Valentine's Curious George - for precious girls and boys without the yucky feeling towards Valentine's Day - why not feel be enjoy the mischief of this cute monkey?





2.  Fancy Nancy - Heart to Heart.

Almost everything about Valentine's Day is fancy, especially with Fancy Nancy. Our personal favorite fancy little lady. A MUST GET BOOK this Valentine's Day!





The last three books are recommended however, we don't have that strong opinion about the books just yet.


3. The Story of Valentine's Day




4. The Night Before the Valentine's Day





5.  The Biggest Valentine Ever





How we wish we could read all these books in preparation for the V-day! We'll see what we could check out from the libraries or iPad applications.

Let us know if you have copies of these books and how you find them - can we please borrow?


Happy Valentine's Day!
 

Kids Books in Doha: Winnie's Midnight Dragon

Is it obvious that we are obsessed with books. We started with our first ten books for the year. And for the month of January, we managed to read more than ten books for each week. Our family bonding is not complete without these lovely books we discover in different libraries in Doha!

Winnie's Midnight Dragon is borrowed from school library.

Kylie gets to borrow one book per week in their library and I am always amaze at her choice of books! She can read and appreciates stories for Year 3-4. It's just awesome.

As for the book,  Winnie's s Midnight Dragon, it is indeed interesting and  welcome change from all the princesses stories. Sometimes, witches can be star in the story way better than princesses. The primary character, Winnie, acts like a witch with manners - simply fab! Plus an addition of her cat, Wilbur who is also simply adorable.

One night, Wilbur hears a noise and goes to investigate. Waiting just outside, the cat flap in the door and saw a baby dragon. The baby dragon playully chases Wilbur around the house and straight to Winnie. So much for a good night sleep, Winnie charmed the kids with how she dealt with the baby dragon. Love the ABRACADABRA! part of her magic!

It is a good lesson to emphasize that witches sleep very late at night and sleep through the day. Nice way to teaching kids good bedtime habits.

Thinking of getting the series but then again having a second thought. Get this book from Amazon by clicking the link: Winnie's Midnight Dragon


We are now so tempted to get the entire collection. How's this for a start?



PLEASE Do advise us NOT to. ;)



Keep reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: First Ten Books We Read for 2012!

Joining Top Ten Tuesday again! YAY! And just like that we are back blogging! And proudly announcing the First Ten Books We Read for the Year 2012! Happy New Year! (a little late, but, hey, it is still new year!)

What a great way to start the year but to haunt for books at the library. Okay, a little bit late but we were so inspired reading and reading at the start of the year. Thought we shared with all the first ten books we read for the first few days of January!

1. The Deluxe Potty Book and DVD Package for Boys: Henry Edition : We tried to potty train our little boy with this book but the parents lack follow through. We are still afraid of the mess and what a mess it was during the first day. I suppose the story is a little dull for our tot Kerim. The song is not as catchy as Barney or Disney songs. But just the same, it was well read book for December and January. And maybe we'll try again in a few weeks or so - depending on our cleaning mood.

2.Woodcutter (Tales of Arabia) : Since we are in the Middle East, it is just fitting to read books about Tales of Arabia and this book is a good start to expose the kids on the stories of Arab values. Classic story of hard working man who found an easy fortune, the story detailed the extent of things the man would do to keep his easy earned fortune.

3. My First Christmas Board Book (My 1st Board Books) : Celebrating Christmas far away home, where there's not much festivities, this book is perfect for introducing to our toddler the Christmas traditions. Made the kids so eager to celebrate the next Christmas back home in the Philippines. Next year, we hope!

4.Disney Storybook Collection (Disney Storybook Collections): Our little one read this every day enjoying all the stories, as if the Disney movies are not enough. Well, we have drastically reduced the movie and TV time at home and apparently, no TV, makes them crave for the Disney character that it made them want to read everyday. Look how that turned out!


5.Usborne Sparkly Touchy-feely Mermaids: Our Kylie girl wants to become a mermaid when she grows up, hence this mermaid stories are just perfect. We enjoyed each story and relating how our girl would react if she's already a mermaid and faced with the same situation as each of every story. Fun bed time stories.


6.Illustrated Stories for Girls: Love the girly stories based on the original stories. Kylie was able to read by herself most of the stories and answer most of the questions we have asked her for our bedtime story discussion.


7.The Berenstain Bears: All Aboard! (I Can Read Book 1): This I Can Read book series turned out to be for our 2- year-old. He loves the story of how the train works and definitely enjoy how his big sister read to her. CHOO CHOO!


8 - 10.Horrid Henry's Birthday Party (Book & CD), Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick (Book & CD), .Horrid Henry's Revenge

We will definitely borrow these books again from the library. I adore this little bad boy and his horrid experience. A perfect way to teach the kids NOT to do things. The kids were disgusted and annoyed with Henry's horridness and it reminds them not to act like him. The  books are for seven years old up but our five year old reader was definitely able to capture the content and read it by herself.


It did kick off our reading objective for the year. We aim to read more and more books for the kids. We can't underestimate the value of reading and reading to kids.

If you are in Doha and want to know more about these books, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are anywhere else in the world and want to get copies of these fabulous book, we have linked up with Amazon already. These books are just a click away to your online shopping convenience. Shop away!



 Keep reading!

Thought for the Day: The Starfish

Kylie's Masterpiece at 4

The Starfish is one of story that inspires me every time I question why we are doing the things we do. I believe that the Turknoy family are good people with good intentions. Despite differences in faith and culture, we share the same passion to make a difference in this world and to have an impact to some people in our lives.

Here's the thought for the day.


Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.  As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean." "I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" "The sun is up, and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
 "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

 The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."

 Each of us can make a difference to this world. Everybody is useful and it is just the matter of whether you want to make a difference.


 Keep inspiring others!

Qatar Cinema: The Lorax

We are so excited to see The Lorax Movie in Qatar Cinema! It will be showing March 2, 2012 worldwide and we are definitely wishing that it will be shown simultaneously in Qatar cinemas. This date coincides Dr. Seuss 108th birthday!

(On a side note - happy birthday Dr. Suess! Thank you for bringing so much joy and imagination to all kids of all ages around the world!)

We are so crazy about Dr. Suess's books. We have all his books in hard bound books or iPad application.

The movie is, of course, just an adaptation of the original book, The Lorax, but Dr. Suess imagination can be seen all throughout the movie, what a genius he truly was.


In the movie, Audrey is not in the original book. She's been added here and named after Dr. Seuss' widow. So smart, right?

We also love the fact that, Dr. Seuss' widow, Audrey Geisel, was the executive producer of the movie. She is doing the right  thing to keep the memory of her beloved husband alive in all these productions, movies, Broadway musicals, TVs, applications.


The Lorax was first published in 1971 and was met with criticism by the logging community. Long before saving the Earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty.

The book is awesome and great for kids. Grab you copy here and enjoy the book before the movie comes out.



Here are the full trailers for the movie, The Lorax. We prefer the second preview, how about you?



Official Trailer 1: 



Official Trailer 2: 



Will you be watching the movie with your kids? Do share.

Keep exploring!

Doha Event: Qatar Motor Show 2012

Another great Doha event to look forward to - Qatar Motor Show 2012! That's what so fabulous here in Doha - we get to be part of prestigious events like this.

And looks like this event is so well-organized. All you need to know about the show is in their website here: Qatar Motor Show

Photo from Qatar Motor Show Website

Other details:
Qatar Motor Show is the most important motoring event in the Middle East attracting 90,000 car lovers and trade

Date: Jan 25, 2012 to Jan 28, 2012Venue: Doha Exhibition Center

Qatar Motor Show is the most important motoring event in the Middle East, which attracted 90,000 car lovers and trade professionals last year.
The show brings together some of the most notable international carmakers to showcase their latest models. Exhibitors include many sports, luxury and mid-range car dealers, as well as car accessory companies.

Motoring enthusiasts, avid collectors, global industry leaders and auto specialists will meet once again in Doha for the second international edition of the Qatar Motor Show held from January 25 to 28. Organizers have confirmed that January 23 and 24 will be days dedicated for press and trade professionals. The show, held under the patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, is organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with q.media Events and GL Events .r. The show brings together some of the most notable international carmakers showcasing their latest models. Exhibitors include many sports, luxury and mid-range car dealers as well as car accessory companies showing the latest auto and performance trends.

We will definitely be caught oogling and drooling in the show! ;)

Keep exploring!

Thought For The Day

Thought For The Day - Our blog can't catch up with our almost-rollercoaster-ride life and decisions. Let's just keep the blog up-to-date with some thoughts and quotes we get from people around us.

When you are in the same country, same company, same people for almost five years, your thoughts get so much focused on the negatives so let's get the positive vibes going with this...

"I know that sometimes you become absorbed in seeing the mistakes of those around you.
It is a weakness to look at anyone else’s weakness.Sometimes people keep a whole shop in their minds of other people’s weaknesses,which they then distribute everywhere.The transformation of not seeing anyone’s weakness is NOW very essential.At this time, we must make the effort to become those with the highest quality of character.Someone who has a middle level of quality will see both weakness and strength.One who has the lowest level of qualitywill see that which is wrong as good and will not even be able to see that which is good.At this time, make the effort to make your character extremely highand you will only see the goodness and potential of all of those around you." ~ Dadi Janki

There you go - focus on the good, focus on things controllable by YOU! 

Keep exploring!

Happy and Settled...And Then What?

Happy and Settled, And Then What is Next?

Life is so good GREAT that it is not made to be like a fairy tale. Happy ever after stories are so understated. The best is always yet to come!

I have been raving since we started our Turnoy family and there are reasons for it. Okay, I sometimes rant about our life but not in a nagging fashion. I really love my husband and kids. I love how my extended family members have played an important role in our expat family life. And I especially love the diversity of our experiences so far and, unique places we've been to and the awesome people we've met.

The walking pieces of my heart and the main characters in my happy ever story! 

Life's turn of events is always a wonderful opportunity tp love one another more and more each day. 

Life is Doha is great. What happens next after the raving and occasional ranting is so boring, though. It is the expat bubble, the comfort zone, the mediocre expat life of finding interesting to do while waiting for the pay cheque so we can find new activities to do, new stuff to buy (which after buying it which after a long run, we realized we don't really need).

So when new challenges come our way, albeit so scary at first, is so welcoming. It offers loads of opportunities we didn't even realize existed for us. It made us look at things at a very different perspective, it is so refreshing that our story is starting again... Once Upon A Time, there's the Turknoy family.

And we'll be writing a completely new story. And since it's a new story, we can write whatever we want, wherever we want, in gazillion googol ways we would want to write it.

Our expat family story in Doha is coming to a close and a new one will be coming up soon.

We live happily ever after. Happy and Settled... And Then What?




Once Upon a Time, there's the Turknoy family.... 






Keep exploring life's options!

Linking this here:

Pilipinas, Tara Na! Biyahe Tayo!

Pilipinas, Tara Na! Biyahe Tayo! videos made me want to go to Philippines right now and explore. I am dying to go home especially now that our family has been away from our home country for the longest time. For almost two years, damn, that's a long time to be away from Philippines.

Watch the video, go home, explore our beautiful and breathtaking islands and help the country's economy!

Let's GOOOO!

Version 1:


Version 2:


Version 3:



Here's the lyrics of the original song. Obviously, the remake versions have different onces featuring other touristic spots of the country.

Pilipinas, tara na! Byahe Tayo!

Byahe Tayo Lyrics

Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot
Naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba'y napapagod
Araw gabi'y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba'y walang saysay
Walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa't araw ba'y pareho
Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo
Para mag-enjoy nang todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba
Sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan at Batanes
Subic, Baguio at Rice Terraces?

Namasdan mo na ba
Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon
Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto
Ang ating kapwa-Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.






Keep exploring, Kabayans!

Doha Event: Al Khor Fly-In 2012

It's another must-see annual Doha event! The Al Khor Fly-In Open Field 2012!

It's in the news:

This year, the event has been completely reshaped to become an annual attraction, where aircraft and aircraft enthusiasts from all over the region pull in the crowds in an exciting and educational family-oriented day out.

Organised jointly by QCAA, Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC), light aircraft owners from Qatar and the region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE), the remote flying section at the Science Club, Al-Khor Airport, the ultra-light amateurs, and regional flight clubs, the Fly-in will see a diverse range of light aircraft from Qatar and the Gulf region at Al-Khor Airport, a 30-minute drive north of Doha.
The objective of the Fly-in lies completely in educating Qatari youth about the concepts and practicalities of aviation, offering them the opportunity to plan their future and choose the adequate specialisation to make a career in the discipline, should they feel the urge to ‘reach for the sky’.

It’s a great opportunity as well for those with a passion for aviation to immerse themselves in a fantastic and original experience by taking a closer look at a diverse range of aircraft - from jets, to propeller aircraft, to micro-copters and many others.
QAC will be represented at the event for those willing to learn more about scholarships and a potential career in aviation.

The main day, Friday, starts at 8am with a general inspection by the organising committee who will declare the readiness of the site. The official opening of the Fly-in will be at 9am, with tours for visitors and a display of remote-controlled aircraft, set to traditional, local music.
At 1.30pm, a police squadron will provide an air show accompanied by a ‘search and rescue’ scenario. This will be followed by a flying show at 2.15pm. At 4pm, a remote-control display will take place, accompanied by a commentary.

The Fly-in concludes for the day, but on Saturday, there is more octane-fuelled excitement just after midday with another air show in memory of the deceased Captain Ali Hadi and friend al-Noaimi followed by interactive activities before the event winds up at 4.30pm.
“I am really looking forward to the Fly-in. It’s going to be a very attractive event, a real crowd-puller. Thanks go out to the Organising Committee of the Fly-in open day for their endeavours in making such an event possible. What we seek to do is entertain, but also something more important than that: we need to demonstrate to Qatari youth the excitement, glamour and purpose of the aviation industry. It’s an exciting place to be, and the Fly-in will undoubtedly be as exciting and informative,” said al-Nuaimi.

“Raising awareness of aviation is the ultimate goal, and I am confident that that will be achieved over the course of the weekend, especially on Friday, when the main events take place,” said Sheikh Ahmed al-Thani.

“The potential of the Fly-in is evident by the number and stature of Qatari companies that have rushed to sponsor the event. ‘Blue-chip’ private and government companies like Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Steel, Qafco, Ras Gas, Al-Khor Space City, Barwa Real Estate, Qatar Foundation and its partner the US Museum of Flights, and HBK Holding have recognised how important the Fly-in is to Qatar’s development,” he added.

There's still time to visit Al Khor today. Hurry and head to the Open Field and observe lots of amazing aircrafts. There are also crafts for kids of all ages. The Turknoys definitely enjoyed the day out yesterday.

someday, we're buying a private plane like this - nah! 

to add to bucket list - to try aviation sport! 

Kerim loved it!

 Enjoy!

Keep Exploring!

It's More Fun in the Philippines!

It's More Fun in the Philippines!  - our first blog entry for the year 2012. Happy New Year! Happy New Strategy to drive tourism to our beloved home, Philippines!

Oh how proud we are that we are Filipinos! How we miss the Philippines every time we are having those expat family moments. Sometimes, we just want to leave everything behind and run back home, where it's more FUN!

Here are some of the photos - here's hoping that this campaign, amidst controversies, will succeed in its goal. Mabuhay Pilipinas!

this is a personal favorite - we can so relate!  

breathtaking  view, right?

this is definitely not an exaggeration - heavenly scene, right?

imagine all homes designed in fruits and vegetable - a must see!

we were once lost in this view - shame we got found! 

climbing can never be more fun this way!

splash away!

surf paradise 

 a sweet little tweet from home

now that's a fun hidden agenda!

spectacular scene!

dying to ride those mga kalesa again 

tiny drops from heaven!

now this is really only in the Philippines!

***DROOLS***

the perfect cone volcano! 

stairways to heaven!

Let's all go visit the Philippines! Book Now, mga Kabayans and try to bring tourists every year home. It's great for our economy. Help the country while we enjoy heavenly pleasures!


Cheers!



Keep exploring the Philippines!