Friday, February 29, 2008

Friday's Feast

Feast One Hundred & Eighty One
February 29th, 2008
Appetizer
Who was the last person you hugged?
Since this is my first day in school for the second semester, the last person I met along the hallway before proceeding to the faculty meeting was Adam, an ESL teacher, who never fails to call me with my full name. He is also one of the friendliest among my colleagues.
Soup
Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.
Use whatever your skin is happy with.
Salad
What does the color yellow make you think of?
Sunshine, happiness, life.
Main Course
If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?
Architectural structures, people and flowers.
Dessert
What was the longest book you ever read?
"The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough (paperback)

For the rest of the Friday's Feast diners visit here

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Thankful Thursday


I am thankful:
**because I am given the time to praise His glory before Friday comes;
** for the doctors that help Ed with whatever ails him that he doesn't want to show;
** for Precy. Now I feel better every time I look at my well arranged cabinets and shelves;
** for the warmer weather - I don't need to layer my clothes or pull my comforter over my blankets;
** for the sunshine - it makes my cheeks warm I don't need any blush on;
** for the plants that are starting to bloom;
** for the pretty yellow flowers that brighten the freeways;
** for the mountains without which there will be no snow, without which there will be no water to flow into the streams and rivers below;
** to everyone.......
** for everything!

Meet the other gratefuls here.

Can't Ignore It Anymore

He had been ignoring it. Every time I would ask him about it, he would say: "Everything's OK," until the time came that I didn't ask anymore. After all he works in the medical field and should be aware of it, if anything. For the last three months, I've been noticing that his appetite had increased. I noticed, too, that he had started to squint as he reads and is so sleep hungry. Each time I gave him the "look" he would simply pat me on my shoulder and nod, his sign of assuring me that nothing's the matter.
Last week, before I went for an appointment with our eye doctor, he told me to make an appointment for him, too. He went and the diagnosis made me nervous. His diabetes had greatly affected his eyesight he needed to have his eyes X-rayed. And he was advised, emphatically, to follow his prescribed diet!
Please Lord, give me the wisdom to know how to feed him right and please give him the discipline to follow what's good for him.

Claim It

You love your job so much you don't want to miss an hour, more so, a day. You don't complain about anything. All that you want is to do your job, efficiently, honestly. Then, all of a sudden you felt pain you couldn't even pin-point at which part of your body it was coming from. You didn't mind it. Just shoved your feeling over your shoulder. After a week, the pain was becoming unbearable you had no choice but to see a doctor. Oh, how you hated to ask to be excused from work because you very well know that you are the only one who would finish everything anyway, and if you wouldn't come to work for a day, the work will simply pile up. And who will work harder? You! But you couldn't stand the pain anymore. You had to stop whatever you were doing every 10 minutes or so because of the excruciating pain. And your resting time gets longer and longer. With a heavy heart, you went to see a doctor. The diagnose? Carpal tunnel syndrome. Because you've been ignoring it for a long time, you were told that there is no other solution but for you to undergo a surgery. You almost fainted. What were you to do? Where will the money that you need for rent and food come from?
For personal injury that is work related, one can legally file a claim for compensation. It is one's right. It is not your fault that you got injured. Injury stemmed from the repetitive motion which is the nature of your work. Don't know how to go about filing a claim?
The very first thing one needs to do is to consult with notable legal services that specialize in injury claims. Keypoint Legal Services, for one, can help you go through the steps of filing a claim. It is a law firm with specialists that will always act towards your best interest. Another thing that the firm assures its clients: No Win No Fee.
Don't suffer in silence. Claim it!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Of This and That

Sideways interest me. Whenever I travel, the little nooks and crannies away from the hustle and bustle of a city or town are what my eyes like to feast on. Whether it be some graceful steps or a group of women in colorful garbs enjoying each other. Such are the things that I enjoy during my trips. I also thirst for old buildings. I sort of regard those as my library of history to a certain place, or people, or era. Of course I go to shopping centers, too.

For A Man's Best Friend

Who doesn't want a best friend? We all do, I know, but one who is loyal no matter what. Right? And who could be more loyal than a dog. Once a dog learns you like him, he'll love you back, without any condition attached.
Like you, a dog needs a place of his own: a place he can jump on, sit on, sleep on (even how much he prefers your bed!). And, just like any friend you want the best for him, right again? You want him to be comfortable, at ease, happy.
One of the furniture items a dog should never be without are dog beds. From puppy hood to adulthood, dogs sleep when they need to and whenever they want to. And just like you, he can also be grumpy when his nap time is interrupted. Choose one that is of the right size, and of durable yet comfortable materials. Don't forget, they love colors, too.
One's best friend also reacts to changes in the weather, especially when older. so gift him comfy throws that will be kind to some aching joints.
How about a car of his own? He'll be thrilled to "ride" it, for sure, and, your friend will appreciate your thoughtfulness without end.
Remember, all dogs remember little acts of kindness.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #11


For more Wordless Wednesday participants visit here

the Before and the After


Organization is not one of my forte. I appreciate an organized counter or closet or room. I have an idea of how things should be arranged so that the whole place will look......well.....organized. But every time I try to "organize" things in my own house the more disorganized they seem to me.
Precy, Glo's niece, sensed my problem/dilemma so she volunteered to organize my kitchen for me. Well the "before" and the "after" are glaringly evident and I feel so happy!
As my son had said when he came today, "Mommy, I don't know what it is but I sure can breathe easier now!"

Keeping a Child Happy and Safe

When my eldest child was born, day nursery schools were unheard of.
Mothers were supposed to take off from work and take care of their babies. After all, fathers were supposed to be the bread winners.
When my first grandchild was born, neither of his parents could afford to stay out of work so they were faced with this very big problem of where and with whom they could leave their child. I couldn't volunteer because I needed to keep my job, too. Luckily, my daughter-in-law found a stay-at-home grandmother who was baby-sitting her own grandchildren. She voluntarily offered to baby-sit my grandchild, too. But, it didn't last long. She had to give it up for some health reasons. That was when I found out how important and necessary a child care nursery facility was, not only to a child, but to the parents as well. We found one for him but how I wish it was like this day nursery where any parent is assured that quality child care is provided all the time. Aptly called Teddies Nurseries, and based in U.K., one can see the quality of care it provides from the virtual tour that the site provides.
Any child will be happy and safe in that kind of facility, and, any parent will be confidently at ease knowing that his or her child is well taken cared of in that setting.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Cruisin' in Color

I am always amazed by my country men's ingenuity.
They can find happiness in the simplest thing. If they can not own what they have been dreaming of, that should not pose a problem. If they can not have a Cadillac, ( my generation's dream car way back when) all that they need are great imagination with colors, luck with left-over leather materials, a working motor and voila, an elegant looking tricycle!
They don't even have to worry about air-conditioning. They have the fresh breeze to caress their whole being. Doesn't this picture say: "Hop in, let's start cruisin' around the Philippines sideways!" ?
((This photo was taken somewhere in Pangasinan when I was visiting my homeland in summer, '07))

Of Clocks and Time

Clocks fascinate me.
As soon as I enter a house, or an office, the first thing I look for is the presence of a clock. If there is one then I am convinced that whoever uses or owns the room, or office, is time-conscious enough not to let any customer or visitor waiting.
I always dream of owning a Grandfather clock. My house is, I think, rather small for one, so it still remains a dream. But I am not giving up hope.
I also consider clocks as integral part of any room decor. Either it builds up or spoils the intended ambiance of a place.
There is a place called Clocks Blog where one can read about clocks of all shapes, sizes, style and age. My favorite article, so far, is where customers are made aware of the fact that the market is becoming more and more saturated with clocks that are imported and are made from cheap materials. For me clocks, whether it be wall clocks or mantle clocks, should be able to last beyond one's lifetime.
My husband and I bought a wall clock that plays music to announce the hour. It gives us a thrill whenever our grandkids are around because they will automatically stop whatever they are doing and start dancing each time the hour is announced.
Until they get their own clocks, I really don't mind my musical clock taking the place of my dream clock.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Flan Cake


I couldn't sleep the whole night after the first time I ate this cake.
It was my freshman year. One of my senior dorm mates was finishing her practicum and she needed a guest to her Practice House Experience's final dinner party. I was so excited. After all it was my first intro to the adult social life.
My culinary knowledge was very provincial. The only dessert I knew then was either a piece of ripe banana or a peanut brittle. Then came this dessert. I knew the leche flan. One of my aunts always prepared some in several llaneras (leche flan molds) during fiestas. But how did the spongy cake get under the flan? Were they cooked separately and just put together before serving? I couldn't imagine the two being baked at the same time in the same pan because I was so sure they would have gotten mixed together somehow. During my time, you had to do your own research before you asked questions.
I had to wait for a whole year before I would be enrolled in a food preparation class. That was how long it would take me to find the answers.

Work at Home savings

"Those are beautiful pictures," my mother-in-law said. "Do you think you can make copies for me?" she added. I told her I would be more than happy. So off I went to my computer. I set the pictures for scanning. When it was time to print, the ink level said "Ink running low."
What? I just bought new bottles last month. I tested a page from the screen to print and there it was - all black. Those that were supposed to come out in colors were all blank. Then I remember. My son printed his sons' pictures last week. Knowing him (after all he is my own son) that must have been a bundle.
My budget registers pinkish already. But can I disappoint my MIL? Then it hit me. I can save with coupons. All that I need now is patience. I started looking for online offers on printer inks. Before I knew it my mother-in-law was already inserting the pictures in between the pages of her magazines. And she was smiling.
But wait. While browsing there was something that caught my eye. I always wanted my name on a colorful business card with the faces of all my grandkids stamped all over the edges. Then, I will have a rubber stamp to go with it. Won't that be cool?
But my heart skip a beat to find articles on the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, small business credit cards and working from home tips. Exactly the information I need to start my little nook in my computer room's corner functional with attached liberal savings.
That's what I call unexpected gifts.
What more can I ask for?

Friday, February 22, 2008

I Miss You

I was excited to get home. I was thinking of the hours I could spend in front of my computer with nothing to worry about. I was free as a lark. I had no more classes to think of for the morrow or for the coming week. No more worry about not waking up on time. Intersession was over!
My favorite lane was empty. Getting home was a breeze.
Then the bomb fell.
"Was there any call?" Had to ask hubby. In my excitement, I forgot my cellphone on the dining table.
"Yes. from Patrick. You have to pick Jacob from school."
"What else is new!" I was talking to myself. "Let me check my mails first."
"Oh, before I forget, the computer is down. According to Kirby, no internet connection," said hubby.
"WHAT?!?!?"

That was some 23 hours ago, which seemed like an eon if you count it by computer time, after I called the tech people.

I love Love Letters


I still remember those love letters.
They were written hastily on pages torn from a notebook. Before our first bell would ring, he would borrow my algebra book and every time he returned it there would be a note or two inserted between pages. His words were very simple and direct but to my young romantic heart they were enough to keep my heart go thump-a-thump-thump as if it was a basketball being dribbled on a shiny wooden floor!

Then I went to college where I met my future husband. Because we couldn't see each other everyday, he made it a point to write me a letter for each day of the week. Then those letters, written on pink linen paper, were tied with a satin ribbon, and given to me in a whole bunch every weekend. He would patiently watch me as I read each one silently. Then, without a word, he would take my hand and we would just look at each other dreamily. This often happened inside a public bus on our way to the Sunday Mass.
I still carry those moments in my heart. And I still get goose pimples every time I remember.

With the advent of the internet, romance tips are at one's fingertips. No one should be caught unprepared when it comes to ideas on how to woo a loved one.

I am now a Royal Banana

Rachel of My Soulful Thoughts accorded me The Royal Banana award.

What a beautiful image to greet you on the first morning after the last day of intersession classes!

Thanks a lot, Rachel. To give the award more credence, I will try my best to create yummier posts! More chocolate, maybe?

I am now an accredited (grinning) Royal Banana!
More curtsies to you, Rachel.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

I can't help but wonder ....

After tomorrow another group of students shall have come and gone from my classroom one more time. Have I enriched their minds? What of their eating habits and practices? How much, I wonder.
Five years, or ten, from tomorrow, will they still remember that good nutrition is essential to one's health and well-being? Every time they prepare special meals for friends and families, will they still remember to use eggs because they need to leaven a bread, or to coat a chile relleno, or to thicken a flan? How about because eggs are rich in essential nutrients like protein and iron?
How much of those squashes in the market will they include in their dishes so their children will grow up shielded from possible eyesight problems? And those lemon trees. How much of those lemon fruits will they squeeze into lemonades so they'll acquire some protection from winter viruses?
Or will they just go to the nearest fast food and order the first item on the menu?
How many of them will refrain from resting elbows on the dining table, or slurping as they drink soup, or talking while their mouths are full?
I wonder.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Bedbugs? Yikes!!!

Bedbugs are the most irritating and hardest to get rid of among the little creatures that bug (no pun intended). Bedbugs control can also be the most time consuming. The best control method to use is to prevent it from coming into your domain. One can "collect" bedbugs from traveling. It is a good practice to check the mattresses and walls for telltale signs of the critter: droppings, smell, stains on bed linens, among other things. Before leaving the hotel, check that your luggage is free of the creature, too. They are quite smart to creep into the tiniest nook, you know.

Jacob and Joshua - inventors

Children are the most innovative and creative. When ever Jacob and Joshua come for a visit, like last Saturday, they right away head for their toys that are kept in a trunk and in a wicker basket. Since Christmas, I've removed the center table because I wanted them to have more space in our living room, where they romp and watch their favorite TV shows. Last Saturday, they discovered two empty boxes - a big box and a small box. At first, they used the boxes as sleds. Then, Jacob started using his as a bench, or chair (?) and Joshua followed with his. They discovered they were comfy and fitted them perfectly. And as a fairy tale would end: they watched their show happily ever after.

E-Store

Setting up store and marketing through the internet? Why not?
Computer technology has advanced so much that the world has become smaller and smaller between buyers and sellers. As a seller one of your goals is to have your target buyers coming back to your site as often as they want to. And they will do that if they find your site friendly. A site that is easy to navigate, secure, pleasing to the eye. It must be a site where if customers happen to face some technical problems, they can be assured that help is only a click away.
In any business, time is of the essence.
A shopping cart software sold by Ashop Commerce, an Australian company based in Sydney, is creating a buzz worldwide. With the cart you can even e-mail everyone on your list (and beyond) to your heart's delight. Above all else, your program can be customized for you.
The best feature, for me personally, is that users are given the freedom to create their own design. I find that cool. Your internet store can really be YOU!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Friday's Feast (3)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feast One Hundred & Seventy Nine
February 15th, 2008

Appetizer
Name one thing that is unique about you.
I believe it is my name. Many couldn't figure out if it is my title or my legal name.


Soup
Fill in the blank: My favorite _color is __green_ but I like _yellow and purple too.
Salad
What type of wood do you have for your home’s furnishings?
Oak
? Walnut? Mahogany? I really couldn't tell from the finish and I didn't ask. I just thought they would all go right with our leather sofa. And I am glad that after a decade they still go right together!
Main Course
Who do you talk to most often on the phone?
I am not very much of a phone person but whenever the phone rings I know that 99 out of 100, it will be my friend Glo.
Dessert
What level of responsibility do you have in your job?
The highest in my department. Quite impressive, huh? Except for one thing, I am the only one in my department !

For more Friday's Feast participants visit here.

Jacob's logic, again...

This will be a busy day.
After I picked Jacob from his school, I went straight to get Joshua from their place so the three of us could go straight to my place. (Their parents will be attending a dinner function till midnight). I decided to ask Jacob to move to the other side of the van so he could sit where the sun wouldn't hit him. When hit by the sun rays he starts scratching and I wanted to avoid that. Well, he moved allright, but not without a scene. Halfway thru our trip he asked why we weren't on the street where McDonald's was. I told him we were not getting any fries because he hasn't been a good boy.
His remark? "That's not fair, Grannie. I like fries!" folding his arms akimbo, his trademark pose.
How can I make my grandson understand that through his sense of unfairness will he grasp the meaning of fairness?

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Saving with Coupons

Who doesn't want to save on anything? You? I don't think so.
I am sure you have that feeling of great shopping satisfaction upon learning that you had saved a few dollars more because of the coupon that you remembered to insert in your wallet. And isn't your satisfaction doubled because you found out that some of your friends had paid the total amount? I know. You feel guilty just thinking about it, but, come on, you are only human.
If you and your friends have children there is this online shop for discounts on electronics and online stores like Best Buy, Dell.com, Circuit City and Buy.com are where all of you can save equally.
If you love receiving chocolate and flowers you can drop dearest hubby a hint as to where to browse; or do you need sports apparel and gears for your coming vacation, then this online discount site is for you.
Incidentally, do you know that whenever you go on vacation, savings on hotel accommodation and transportation can easily contribute to making your trip more memorable? Would you agree with me that a 20% discount, or promotional specials on several items, can easily add up to several hundred dollars?
Then, what are you waiting for. Start browsing, then shop and save!

Happy Anniversary to Larry and Fina; Mercy and Andy


Today, Valentine's Day, Mercy and Andy; Larry and Fina are both celebrating their Wedding Anniversaries.
Congratulations to all of you and may you enjoy many, many, many more years of blissful blessedness!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Thankful Thursday



This morning as I drove to work somebody waited for me so I could change lane easily. Because of you I am thankful.
This morning two of my students made me laugh I almost burst into tears. Because of you I am thankful.
On my way home I noticed that the cracks on the road were patched. Because of whoever did that, I am thankful.
This morning I was able to hold my piece so I didn't utter a word I would be later sorry for. For that I am doubly thankful.
Today, I saw more blooms on my Japanese magnolia tree. For the beautiful colors against the sky, I am thankful.
Today, I am thankful I still have my sanity.
For more Thankful Thursday paticipants visit here.

Backup, Manage and Share

Vault is defined as a room or container for valuables. I consider my files and pictures my valuables. Since I keep my files and photos in my computer, I consider my computer my vault. Does that make sense?
Whenever I take pictures I can't wait to upload those photos to my computer so I could share them with my friends and relatives. I also keep files and files of triviata. Lately, though, I noticed that downloading and uploading my pictures take longer and longer. Also, the program I am using does not show the pictures properly while on the slide mode. Two things that drive me crazy sometimes. It also tends to crop the picture unattractively. And most of all, some pictures don't even show!
Then today, I saw this site - www.bt.com. where your photos and files can be automatically backed up, (depending on the storage space you select), managed and shared. The amount of online storage ranges from 1GB to 50GB. Now that will surely hold a lot of pictures and files, would you agree? Signing up is as easy as 1-2-3. Also, it offers the option of opening with a free account (1GB and 5GB) and then upgrade to 50GB later on.
Ain't that a good deal?

Why?

I had so many things to say and yet there was nothing I could utter but "OK.". I didn't want to feel down and yet I felt so low I couldn't speak a word. Then, I hated myself after putting down the phone. Have you ever been caught in the same situation? Or, am I the only one who is so sensitive to circumstances that I couldn't accept any reason for anything?
I don't want the sound of the word 'depression'. But is that where I am heading?
Oh, Lord! I pray not!!!

A Place of Your Own

The picture's still so fresh in my mind. My son and I arrived in America with only our luggage on hand. We were dreaming of this day, but, where were we to stay? I had this idea of living in a well appointed apartment or condo in Los Angeles, but to my disappointment, I couldn't afford the rent. My son and I ended up living in one room and sharing the kitchen, the dining area and the bathroom with two more families!

Had I landed in Chicago today, I could have easily connected with Chicago IL apartments and start my Chicago apartment search . The apartment that I will choose will be under the umbrella of either the Chicago condo association management or the Chicago Condominium association assuring me that I won't be over-priced nor be mis-informed. Also, I will be at peace knowing that there is a reliable management I can contact anytime I need answers to my questions about my apartment or condo.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #9

To see more Wordless Wednesday participants go here.

How People Change

She used to wear her hair in a pony tail or in a bun. Then I knew there is something I couldn't point my finger in. Then it hit me. She now wears her hair a la Rachel of Friends. I thought she looks great in her new hair-do.

It was the first time I saw her and I knew she was a newbie in school. She would smile and would greet me jovially. Then she joined a committee. I noticed that she is now chatty with other teachers. I also noticed that even when we pass by each other along the hallway, she doesn't even cast me a glance.

He started eating lunch with us but because it was the other teachers he really knew, we seldom talked. Then it was just him and me during lunch. He started filling me in into what's happening between him and his girl or should I say, girls. And he's very generous with his suggestions and help whenever I needed some. He now considers me a friend.
Ain't that sweet?

Sit, Eat and Sleep in Style

Do you need new sets of furniture in your house? Or, are you planning in changing just your living room furniture set because you think it had seen the best of times? Or maybe, you prefer placing things under your bed so you'd rather acquire a storage bed.
Sigh no more. Furniture From Home is a site for someone just like you, and may I add - me. The pages are stylishly laid-out, with template colors that are pleasing to the eyes. Cruising through the different sections is very user-friendly. Items are categorized in a very organized way that will leave one questionless, except if one wants to haggle for a better price. Pictures of items like the Media Sectional Sofa in Dark Brown Bicast Leather New are clearly photographed and one is given the opportunity to zoom in on a portion of the item. Furniture styles are very international as in European or Oriental. And I think they want customers to stay with them because aside from giving tips on how to take care of one's furniture, suggestions on how to buy on-line and how to improve one's lifestyle through one's choice of furniture are also provided. There is also a chance for one to get shipping charges waived.
I'd say: "If you want furniture for your home, then visit Furniture From Home!"

Monday, February 11, 2008

Welcome back, Yvonne!

Yvonne of Grow Your Writing Business is back and I can not be more than happy. Yvonne, together with Rachel of MySoulfulThoughts, have been my inspiration and reasons why I am still blogging. They both send me the signals to keep going on. Yvonne was the very first one I found on the blogosphere. She was also the first one who encouraged me to write and get compensated for doing so. Rachel, on the other hand, gave me all the courage to start blogging. Without her, I may still be contemplating on what to write for my first post!

A Light In The Box

An item at a wholesale price? Wow, I'd love that.
Do you have lots of friends or relatives to buy gifts for say, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, holidays like Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, or, simply just because you want to give? Then lightinthebox.com may be a place for you.
Do you own a retail business and would like to upgrade your inventory? Then pay China Wholesale a visit. Say you want just a single item, they will still accommodate you with a special sample item at a special wholesale price, and you can be sure you will receive your item, or items, at the fastest time you can imagine.
LightInTheBox, being a worldwide wholesaler, carries hundreds and hundreds of merchandise: from car accessories like GPS, DVD players, to electronic devices like MP3's, Bluetooths, and cellphones, to women's accessories like purses and jewelry. They even carry home and garden items, toys and pet supply.
Do you have an eye for ethnic accessories? They have those. Or, want to stay in the mood? Then get the mood lights. How about carrying your favorite photos as if you have your computer with you. Your answer may well be in the digital photo frame.
There is one item that caught my eyes, though - the tote bag that says: "I'm Not a Plastic Bag". This is one multi-purpose bag that can save us from the threat of global warming.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Images into a slideshow

As I was driving to work yesterday, with my new morning show turned on, I started thinking of how life can be cut at any time and all that one is left with are memories. Then this song by The Beatles suddenly cut into my reverie and images of all those who are gone from my life: relatives, friends, teachers, colleagues ........ just floated in front of me like a slideshow.

In My Life
(The Beatles)

There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends
I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all .............
........................
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
......

Friday, February 08, 2008

Dion (Boy) Garcia



Tomorrow we will say goodbye to another friend, Dion, who we fondly called Boy. Boy was one of those friends we met during our sojourn in Nigeria. He and his wife, Cita, didn't stop keeping in touch with us even after they've left Africa. He was the first one who contacted us the first time we arrived in America. He was a very thoughtful and loyal friend.

Dion was an architect by profession and the artistic gene in him showed in his paintings that adorn his home, a perfect compliment to his wife's love for plants. He loved music and was dexterous on the keyboards, proof of which was his commitment to several church choirs. He was a community man.

Best of all, he was a doting grandfather, a loving and caring husband/father to his wife and four children.

Boy, you will be terribly missed.

Smooth skin, a dream no more

Every time the season changes, so does my skin. In Winter, it is dry, flaky, itchy. During summer time it gets oily but rough and gets easily bruised.
One day, as I was driving, my good friend, Gloria, who was in front with me, suddenly blurted: "What happened to your skin? Your hands look like they're a century old!" If you knew my friend you'd learn that she doesn't mince words. She says what she wants to say whenever and wherever. Then she ordered me to stop the car. Before I could ask her why, she was already practically dragging me to a warehouse store that we often visit.
We went direct to the skin care area and she introduced me to Cetaphil. From then on I never used anything else to moisturize my skin. I use it on my hands, arms, neck, legs - anywhere my hands can reach. After a week, I noticed I lost some of the wrinkles and dryness in my hands and the callous around my heels. And friends start noticing the crows' feet shallowing in around my eyes. I've been on it for more than three years now and I have no plans of stopping.
Moisturizer is just one of the many cetaphil skin care products that I have tried. I've found out that soap bars are now available. Those will be good for my feet and elbows. I better pay my favorite warehouse store a visit soon.
I feel my nape itching because of the sweaters I've been wearing lately. Time for that Cetaphil rub again with an added bonus - no strong vaporrub scent and no oily shine.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Thankful Thursday


I am thankful for Thursdays because it means I have only one more day to a much awaited weekend.
I am thankful for those cold nights. They are the preludes to my Japanese magnolia plant to bloom.
I am thankful for the quirkiness in some of the kids in my classes. They never fail to make me smile.
I am thankful for my godson, Kirby. Without him I will still be frowning at a slow computer.
I am thankful for gigabytes. Now I have a fast computer.
I am thankful for finding time to be thankful.
I am thankful for my faith. It keeps me grounded.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #8

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Superbowl Forty Two

Whether I understood the mechanics of the game or not, all that matters is that today, Sunday, it's all about FOOTBALL!

Friday, February 01, 2008

Domain Registration

Ownership is a very interesting word. Everyone wants to own anything. Everyone dreams of owning something. Everyone takes pride in having a sense of ownership of anything, whether it be a car, a house, a ticket to a far away land. The latest one that one aims at owning is a site or domain. No, not the residential, but the internet site or domain. Owning a domain means you are the boss of that domain. You can showcase your own individuality from your selection of fonts to the size of your punctuation marks. Pay Less Domains offers domain ownership with a variety of options at very reasonable prices. One is given the freedom to choose the length of time he wants to own his unique name and address. One can even transfer or sell his domain name to another registrant. A free domain name registration also includes a choice of web hosting packages that range from 1GB to 4GB of storage spaces, e-mail accounts and sub-domains, to name a few.
Blog with pride. Have your own unique domain on the blogosphere!

What? I am not a genius???

Congratulations, P. T.! Your IQ score is 127
This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others.
Your Intellectual Type is Visionary Philosopher.
This means you are highly intelligent and have a powerful mix of skills and insight that can be applied in a variety of different ways. Like Plato, your exceptional math and verbal skills make you very adept at explaining things to others — and at anticipating and predicting patterns. And that's just some of what we know about you from your IQ results.
Want to know how intelligent you are? Here's the link. Have fun! http://web.tickle.com/tests/
Today is the end of what I will call, a good week. Many of my students brought their home assignments with pride. This is one day when everybody put out his camera without fear that it will be confiscated. They used their cameraphones or flash drives to record their work. Each student is aware that whoever engages any member in the family in the food preparation, gets extra points. Today, it is Eric's time to shine. He prepared a vegetable-cheese omelette