I Miss Doing This...

It's been some time since I posted on here. Facebook games took most of my online time. ;) I haven't forgotten this blog. I will always have this blog, me thinks. This is a place I can just go on and on about anything and everything. I hope to get more updates on here. We will see. If you're reading this. Thank you for your time. God Bless.

Working Gurl...

Wow, can't believe I haven't posted for a month. I'm still here. Just got busy with work. Yay. I have been working for Y for a month now, been good, the job is not rocket science hard. I am liking it. Also, got another part-time job at the B, and I started last Thursday. I can keep both jobs since their hours are different. I was praying about it and I got it. Thank GOD.

Will start saving for our trip back in the Philippines and helping out NG with the expenses here at home. I bought groceries last Saturday, that felt good. :)

Whenever I'm online, I can be found on Facebook or on Twitter. I haven't abandoned this blog. My online time just decreased a bit. I am not complaining though. Work = Cash. I'm all for cash baby.

Have a good one. God bless.

Count Me In...

My employment authorization card finally arrived last week. I have updated all my job applications from a while back. So far, I've gotten replies that say they're reviewing my application, some say the position was already filled but they will keep my file for future job opportunities, some just don't reply or haven't gotten around to it. My guess is due to numerous job applicants.

One called me last Wednesday and wanted to interview me for today. Last time I've been interviewed for a job was back in 1996-97 for my first job. I'm quite nervous but not like back when in the day. I guess, getting older does add.

Whether I get the job or not, I know, it'll be another experience to be added in my work life. Wish me luck. Better yet, say a little prayer for me. That would be appreciated. Have a good week ahead. :)

And Here I Blog Again...

I'm a bad blogger and I know it. I'm not like some people who can blog on a regular basis. I tried doing that before but it didn't work out so well. And I think, I found an answer to quick-blogging without having to worry that you've come up with 500 characters or less. Twitter to the rescue. I've have the site bookmarked since last year but never found the urge to sign up. I finally did. And I see myself updating my twitter account more than once a day. HAH! So, if you're on twitter, I'm on it too. :)

Last Friday, my cousin in-law from Jersey called me and we chatted for an hour or so. She mentioned a site that her kids are following, so, I checked it out and needless to say, I spent my weekend watching Happy Slip. My favorite were vids of her visit to the Philippines. It made me miss my family and friends more. The director/actor/writer of the vids explains 'What is a happy slip?'
While growing up, my mom was always quick to remind me to wear a half slip with my dresses or skirts. She would say "Be sure to wear your hap eslip!!". So I grew up thinking the term was always "happy slip", until I was corrected by classmates who asked me if I had a sad slip as well.

I'm pretty sure you are in one or more [like myself] of those network sites. I have my relatives here in the USA on my Facebook. I have my favorite musicians on my Myspace. I have my photos on my Multiply. I have my high school and grade school friends on my Friendster. Is that too much networking or what? Whatever. I have time for those things...for now.

It's the third month of 2009, how time flies FAST!!! In two months and a few weeks, it'll be my first year here in Omaha. Imagine that. I remember back in the day, I kept telling NG I don't think I'll make it out here but he kept saying, "you will, just a matter of time..." and now, I am here. Good sigh.

I think, winter is almost over. Yay. Can't wait winter to be over. I've experienced snow and negative temperatures, let's bring the above 50 degrees temps now. I need to sweat. :)

Have a good one. God bless.

February 2009...

The Australian Open [the first Grand Slam tennis tourney of the year] just ended. Rafa Nadal got the trophy vs Roger Federer in a 5-set match. I love watching tennis, it's the one sport that I follow. Someday, I'd be able to witness a grand slam tourney, I'm not picky as to which one, but the US Open is more likely to happen since I am already in the country. Though, I really want to be in Wimbledon. Someday. Somehow.


NG's co-worker gave us a Crock Pot last December, I tried it over the weekend. Cooked some ribs on it. Turned out really tender to the point that they were separating from the bone. I love it. Tender meat is goody. I know I'll be using this appliance a lot. Whee.


NG and I got to try the Wii last week. We tried boxing. I let him win. Hee. Though, he'll say he beat me. I know better. [wink wink]

Missy Higgins is coming to town next month. NG already got us tickets for her show. Howie Day will be in town too. Whee. Been a fan since Collide came out. I'll just hope NG is off that night for his show.

NG and I have been following Confessions of a Teen Idol on VH1 mainly because of Jamie Walters but as week goes by, I've realized, with or without Jamie, that show is actually a good reality tv show. One show that is not good but we watch it anyway is, Tool Academy. It's like a guilty pleasure. Hee. That show makes us laugh.

American Idol is on once again. NG gives me crap about watching the show but we both know we'll be watching that show if he's home in time for that. Hah. LOST latest season started too, I have to watch the 3 episodes on ABC.com, must see Sawyer. How I missed him.

It's a brand new month. Whew. Where did January go? In a few weeks I'll turn a year older [and a year wiser...hee] How time flies, indeed. Just praying my work permit will come this month. Here's wishing you a mighty fine February. God Bless.

The Notebook...

Whenever this movie is on, I can't help but watch it. It's been showing on ABC Family and each time I see that it's on, I have to stay on that channel and watch it. I love this movie. I love the book. I love it. Period. I just do.

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday." [Noah Calhoun]

A few days ago, we had the furnace checked because the flame of the pilot light went out again. The guy who looked at it found cracks on two of the burners/heat exchangers, over time it'll result to Carbon Monoxide emissions. Bottom line, it needs to be replaced. It's an old furnace, made in 1977. We're looking at around 3k++ to have it replaced. It is NOT cheap. NG will have other heating companies come over to give us options, just to compare the prices and get the best deal. Being a home owner is not fun in times like this. Not fun at all.

I made my first grilled cheese sandwich for brunch today, NG liked it, I liked it. I got the recipe from Betty Crocker. I love cheese. I will surely make that again soon. Pepperjack and Monterey Jack cheese. I'm loving it.

MajorDad just sent me an email if we have plans for NG's birthday, I replied saying, we'll either have lunch or dinner with him. I lovelike my father in-law and I think, it's safe to say that he likes me too. I get more emails than NG from his dad as it turns out. I told NG, that's because he doesn't reply to his emails. Hee. I can write an 18-page email [front and back..hee] and still have more to say. I am not that way in person, but when it comes to emails, I can be talkie IF I want to. MajorDad's birthday is on February 12th, he told me last year that we could celebrate our birthdays together when he found out that mine is a few days after his. We're all Aquarians. NG, MajorDad and me. I'm not knowledgeable about Astrology but it seems good from our end.

Keeping the faith. It may be tough once in a while but we just have to as much as we can. Have a good one. God Bless.

Worth Sharing...

* MajorDad forwarded this to me and I thought I'd share it with you too. Have a good day and God Bless.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It
is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about
what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues
of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years,
will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I
am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings.
You'll be smiling before you know it.

Oh, btw...

I got a letter of apology from the USPS [United States Postal Service] saying that a few of the Christmas cards I sent were damaged during the handling process. They attached parts of the front of the envelopes. I don't know if those were the only damaged cards. I counted 4. Sigh. It was frustrating but I am glad they told me about it. We sent out around almost 80 cards this Christmas. So, if you didn't get yours, it probably got damaged. :(

Been here in O for almost 8 months now. I'm still waiting for that work permit. Sigh. It gets to me most of the time but I really don't have a choice but to wait. I hope it gets here this month. This is, by far, the longest time that I haven't had work. Oh well. I don't like it but it is what it is for now. Must follow the law and what not.

NG will have his birthday soon, I asked him what he wants for his birthday, he said, he already got it. I wonder what that is or who that is. Hee. Either way, I already have something for him.

I have been playing Texas Hold'em Poker online, I'm really enjoying it, keeps me occupied while I wait for NG to come home from work. Come join me at Poker Palace.

I spend more time at Facebook nowadays, more relatives are in there. All good. Fun to catch up with their dailies. I'm happy about that.

I'm having cramps right now, it's that time of the month once again. Must go. Have a good one. Keep the faith. God Bless.

And We Turn 4...

Today, NG and I are celebrating our fourth anniversary. Who would have thought? Coming from a long-distance relationship, 4 years is quite a long time. This is our first time to be together on our anniversary. No more emails, webcam chats, text messaging and phone calls on this day. Been there, done that. Don't wanna do that again. We've exchanged cards. Tears abound, mostly mine, I'm such a cry-baby. SIGH. We have a long way to go, I pray we'd always have our faith in each other and most importantly in God. Do include us in your prayers too. Keep the faith, I know, it can be tough from time to time. God Bless.

Cold December in O...

It's December.

I don't like getting my period, the painful cramps makes me bitchy and irritable hence I just wanna take naps. Hate cramps. Men are sooooo lucky they don't endure this every month.


Saw the commercial for Trust Me last night while watching Cheech & Chong Roasted with NG. I half-squealed when I saw Ed Stevens on the screen, the show will start airing in January 2009. Something to look forward too.


According from Yahoo Movies, The Dark Knight is the most-watched trailer of the year, I thought it would be Twilight with all the buzz on that book/movie. I miss E! Coming Attractions.

My first Thanksgiving went good. It was NG's first Thanksgiving here at the casa. Our first Thanksgiving. I prepared the gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes. NG was in charge of things that went inside the oven like the pies, biscuits and heating of the smoked turkey breasts. NG enjoyed preparing the our first Thanksgiving as much as I was. MajorDad brought 2 bottles of white wine. I don't normally drink wine or champagne but since it's a special occasion, I finished half a glass. I like my drinks fruity where I can't taste the bitterness of the alcohol. I like it that way with my drink.

It snowed Sunday morning. My first snow experience. I took some pictures. Will just post it when I get them transferred from my camera to my laptop. I'm lazy right now. Speaking of laptops, NG bought additional memory and disk space for my laptop, I didn't ask for it but he said, consider it an advance Christmas gift.

I've been playing Texas Hold'em on Myspace, Facebook and Pokerstars. I win some, I lose lots, good thing they are play money. I've never played poker for real except for that one time with the EBC gurls and most of us didn't know what was going on. Hee. That was fun.

Here's to a good December for you and me. God Bless.

A Week Before Thanksgiving...

YEAH, that's how fast my laptop is...I WISH.

I got me some flairs. You surely can kill time at Facebook, I don't even know how many apps I got in there. I go in and just whatever. I like the Unending Trivia quiz though.

November 15, 2008 @ The Slowdown. Matt Nathanson. I wanna be taller when I grow up. Hee. The gig was sold out a few weeks before the show date. NG got lucky and won some tix [and a meet & greet pass] from Q98.5 . It was a fun night. I added 2 new artists [Jessie Baylin and The Break & Repair Method] on my Myspace page. The next night, we watched Ingrid Michaelson and I added two more artists [David Ford and Newton Faulkner, they're both English, hearing them talk was a bonus] on my Myspace page. It was a goody weekend for us. Glad NG's weekend-off fell on those dates.

I thought I'd get back to reading with these books. I miss reading even if it makes me sleepy. The Twilight series is the best-seller nowadays, I don't know what's the fuss is about. Hee. I guess, I'm getting old for that stuff? I don't know. Though, I want to see the movie, looked interesting.

NG got me a purple mini-mouse. He was excited as he handed it to me. I was more excited, of course, purple mouse, baybee. Sweet.

Sam & Ruby is a must.

Made a list of people to send Christmas cards to for this year. NG only had a handful of people to send to but since we are considered as one now, he's sending to about 70 people as well. We went to the FACTORY CARD OUTLET last Sunday. That place is sooooooo my happy place. Lotsa cards, I would have to go there by myself one time, I just have to figure out which bus[es] to take.

http//www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/how-many-countries-can-you-name.php I only got to name 40 countries in 5 minutes. There are 195 listed on that quiz.

It's 30 degrees F here in O! and it's bound to go down to 15 throughout the day. COLD COLD COLD for myself. It could also snow tonight.

It'll be my first Thanksgiving next Thursday. We might have it here at home. MajorDad, NG and me. We'll just buy our Thanksgiving grub at Walmart, most likely. If that doesn't pan out, we'll be having Thanksgiving dinner @ one of the Casino buffets in town. Hee. NG's off Thursday to Saturday for the Thanksgiving weekend. Yay. Happy about that. He'll have 2 weekends off next month as well. All good. So many things to be thankful for this year. SIGH. I am grateful for everything and I ALWAYS thank God for that. Keep the faith.

On a cold October day here in O...

Jamie had a small gig last September 30th in LA and he's working on a new album and will have a TV project due out next year. Yay. For now, you can get updates via his myspace page at www.myspace.com/jamiewaltersofficial or at jamiewalters.com.

Your Pizza Says:

You love the food you grew up eating, and it's mostly what you still eat. You don't go for a big variety of foods. You just have a few favorites you stick to. Pizza Topping You Should Try: Sausage or Canadian bacon Stay away from: Anything you can't pronounce

The Pizza Test

I am here. Thought I'd do an update. I finally filed my status adjustment beginning of the month. I got the receipt notice last Friday. It'll be around 90days or more for the status adjustment to be processed. 60-90 days for the employment permit. Waiting game it is for now.

I watched Sex and the City, the movie yesterday, it made me miss my gurlfriends, made me nostalgic too. Sigh. I need a drink. Did I cry while watching the movie? If you know me, you'd know the answer to that.

I've been following Survivor Philippines and I'm enjoying it. I don't like the host much but other than that, I'm glued to the show.

It's getting colder here in O, yesterday it was in the 40s. We didn't even turn the AC on. Even NG used the comforter. If NG gets under the comforter that means it is cold. Right now, it's around 50s but it's supposed to go down the 30s tonight. Wow. I am not looking forward to the winter. Just have to deal with it. Will get winter clothes soon.

I'm gonna go for now. Must do some grilling, we're having Tilapia flakes for dinner. Hope you're all having a good mid-week. Keep the faith. God bless.

From a year ago...

"The following is an e-mail from the past, composed on Friday, September 28, 2007, and sent via FutureMe.org
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Future Me, today is September 29, 2007, and you're still awake, as always...it's been tough lately between you and ..."

I forgot about that email I sent for my future self to read after a year...thinking back, that was the time that the distance was really getting to me. It was VERY tough to be in a long-distance relationship. It is not easy to be in a relationship period, much more if it's long-distance. A year after I thought we're not gonna make the relationship work because of the distance, look at us now, together in one timezone and married and dealing with life as one. I still won't recommend long-distance relationship to anyone though. It's a toughie. I'm glad we got through that.

Have a good week ahead. I'm gonna go back to my tv shows for now. I finished House [season 4] and watched the first two episodes of the latest season. Love that show. I'm 3 episodes away from finishing Dexter [season 2], I can't stand a few of the characters on the show but I still like the show. I like shows that is very talkie and Dexter talks to himself all the time. The third season started last night, same with the 2nd season of Californication [David Duchovny is love...I love hearing him talk...good speaking voice...] Until next time. October is around the corner. God bless.

I'm Not Bored...

Why is it that I can't blog as often as I want? I have the time, but like always, when I'm in the compose page of Blogger, the things that I wanted to blog about just doesn't seem worth sharing anymore? Oh well. Here I am, just writing whatever comes to mind. I wanted to blog about being stressed when your partner is stressed a few weeks ago but won't do that right now. Thankfully, NG's not as stressed at his part-time job nowadays unlike a few weeks ago.

My cousin AJ turned 18 last month, it makes me feel a bit oldish thinking that she's 18 now. Yowza. Where did the time go?


This was taken December 2000-2001 me thinks, AJ is the one on the left [wearing glasses] and Nadine is on my Nanay's lap on the right. It didn't seem that long ago.

This is Nadine now. She was in charge of the candles on her sister's birthday. 9 years from now, Nadine will be 18. Sigh. I'm getting nostalgic now.

Speaking of nostalgia, these guys are back. They had a concert in the Philippines when I turned 18 but my parents didn't let my sisters and I watched the gig. They will be here in town in November, maybe, just maybe, I'll get to see them this time around. I still have to persuade NG in coming with me. Hah. Bribes might work. We will see. Wish me luck.

I'm back on TV mode since the start of the week. I've downloaded the House [4th season and the first episode of the fifth season], I'm on episode 6 now, will finish it in a few days for sure. Loving it, I just can't take Kal Penn's character seriously, I kept thinking, that's Kumar! Hee. I also have Pushing Daisies [season one], How I Met Your Mother [2nd and 3rd seasons] to watch. I have to finish Dexter [season 2] on Showtime ON DEMAND as well. Must catch up on CSI, Brothers & Sisters [season 2], Scrubs [season 5 to present] as well. Accck. I love my shows. I may not get to watch them in real time anymore but it's all good, I actually prefer watching them one after another. No commercials. Gotta love technology for that. Any shows you think I should be watching nowadays?

Baked Ziti with white sauce and eggplant parmigiana. I miss this!!! and I MISS the gurls I'm with whenever I have that yumminess.

Even if the show ended years ago, with this calendar, they will always be there for me. Must have. It's on my Christmas wish list even if I don't have a list yet. Hee. You can get yours at Danilo.com.

I've started this post 2 hours ago and I'm still here. I think, it's time I go for now. Until next time, whenever that will be. Hee. Keep the faith. God bless.

And You Did What?...

I always want to post something in here but for some reason, I couldn't come up with anything that I think is interesting enough to share. Now, I'm just shooting the breeze, whatever will be, will be.

Got married a few weeks ago. It's bound to happen, was just a matter of time. Relieved we were able to pull it off. My Nanay was a bit worried how I'd be able to prepare for it. Dress, shoes and what not. Hee. I was able to handle it by myself, Thank God. We made the long-distance [not easy] thing worked while we had to. No more of daily emails, sms chats, weekend webcam chats and phone calls. In person communication is so much better. NG and I have been like a married couple since I got here but when it became legal and all, it was more special than anything that has happened to us, so far. I'm loveliking it. Very comforting to be married to someone you really want and love and viceversa. I feel blessed. Thank you to those who congratulated us. Do include us in your prayers and thoughts that we'll have a blessed married life.

I cooked something yesterday...it was tasteful enough, hee...NG liked it, he said, I should make it again...you can check the recipe here.

This one is from Post Secret. I tried to think of my fears and the most is about death. I shouldn't be afraid of that yes? I have faith. I know, it'll all be okay once we reach our time. I pray I'll be okay about that.

MajorDad gave us 72 bottles of Powerade. He told us he got a good deal on it, 50 cents/bottle at WalMart. He also gave us a bunch of [more] microwaveable foodies. I am grateful. He's one generous man.

Anyhoo, that's about it for now. Have a good day. Keep the faith. God bless.

Blackout...

My crush for this guy started when I was still in HS, that's quite a long time ago, and I still have this high school girl type crush whenever I see a recent photo of him. He was the Bench undie model for years until he got "overweight" and lost his right [if you can say that] to be the underwear model for Bench. Nowadays, it's Jon Avila, Dingdong Dantes [my friend said he kinda look like Zoolander whenever he poses...], Rafael Rossell who dons the latest undies for Bench.

Last Friday night, Bench had it's every other year denim/underwear show in the Philippines. If I was still there, I KNOW I would have been there to see that. Jomari is not as underwear ad worthy as 10 years ago, but he still and will always be my Bench undie guy. SIGH. He'll turn 32 next month. I should update the website I made for him me thinks. I've been saying that for the longest time. I just might. If I don't get too lazy. I got the images from the Team Kapamilya Multiply group, click on the link to see more pix from the Blackout Denim/Underwear show. I miss buying stuff from BENCH, they have a limited online store as of the moment, still not the same as being inside the store and being surrounded by the colorful undies. I lovelike undies on men. Bow. Don't ask. It just how it is. Hee.

My EBC friends...missing them...this was taken when Slutty Nurse [2nd from left, I don't remember how she became the "slutty nurse" coz she's really not, I think, we got it from FRIENDS...I don't remember for sure] had a recent vacay in the Philippines. The lucky dude in the pic is Neo.

Eeee, Ada aka Slutty Nurse, Miss Gwynnie and Doctora aka Nerdy Nurse [she recently passed the nursing exams...we now have two nurses in the group...CONGRATS again Doctora Nurse...your being studious and incommunicado during your review months really paid off...a mini wave for you...whooo]. I miss our VS [vodka session] gurls. Not fun to drink by myself. Maybe, I'll drink tonight.

I have been playing this game UNO!!!!!! My cousin Nadine and I used to play this card game back when I was still in the Philippines, now they have a computer version of the famous card game. Wheee. I wish it's an online game where you can play against real people though, that would really be FUN.

Been here in O for 2 months now...where did the time go? What has changed? I definitely gained weight. I haven't been eating much but the lack of activity [like walking a lot back when I was still working] on a daily basis could be the reason for my gain weight. I need a weighing scale, NG promised me one. I'm not overly conscious about it but I know how not easy it is to lose weight, I never really tried, I just played badminton a lot a few years and that's where it all started. I miss playing badminton. Who wants to play versus me? I'm not good at it but I can hit the ball when need to. Hee. I wake up at 5:45am every weekday, the same time as NG gets up. Then just do whatever is needed to do during the day. My computer is always on, just on standby until someone from home gets online and started chatting with me. Had a long chat conference with two of my friends yesterday, must have been more than 5 hours. So many subjects have been talked about. We even tried voice chat. Ain't technology cool? Yes, it is.

I went to the mall again today, not much time though, I was there for only two hours because had to get home before NG gets here since they keys were with me. Saw one skirt that I actually really liked. It was white, AND I'm not a fan of white clothing but for some reason, I liked it instantly. Might go back to get it. It was on sale too, so, it's like, coolness.

It's Saturday night, NG's night to unwind [loud tunes + drinking his Yukon Jack], so, I'm here in the living room, unwinding with him in the other room, I can hear the tunes LOUD and CLEAR out here even with the door closed. It's loud and I don't like it but that's how he unwinds AND knowing how a creature of habit he is, he will lose his mind if he don't get that each weekend. Hee. It's all about compromise yes? We have so many things to discover from each other, even if we've been together [long distance] since December 2004, we still have a lot of things to discover [both good and bad] about each other. An Aunt told me about something she read about this guy who's had a successful and lasting relationship, the guy said, you must have the 3 Cs: Commitment, Communication & Compromise. Will just have to keep that in mind for now yes? Hee. Sounds easy but it could be tricky.

Must go and play my game for now...and I think, I'd have a few glasses of AbDew or AbCran-apple. Have a good day. God bless.

Hah!...

I have a lot of time in my hands nowadays and I don't know what to do. Is that bad? I could just sleep all day but I can't sleep whenever I'm alone in this house. Not that I am feeling bad vibes in this house. Just can't. For some reason.

My routine is pretty much the same, M-F, get up at 5:45am, fix NG's lunch sandwich. Have my coffee. [sometimes, I eat breakfast when I feel like it]. He leaves before 6:30am. I turn on the computer, update the dailybread. Check my yahoo, gmail, hotmail, multiply, myspace, friendster and my blog. Then, will do some cleaning [not much really, since, there's not a lot of dust in here]. Laundry day is Friday. Then, just be online and wait for someone to chat with from home. My cousin Nadine messaged me via YM earlier [4am-ish my time] asking if I'm already awake and that she misses me, it was ALL CAPS. I miss her the most. Sigh.

I don't wanna cry right now. Hee. I am extra emotional whenever I have my period. Damn. My emotions go haywire whenever I have my period. Does any of the gurls reading this experience the same?

I still am getting used to being alone most of the day when NG is at work. Hoping to get work as soon as possible. Next month, will file my adjustment status and that work permit, I am praying the work permit will not take too long. Really wanna help out with the finances here. I know, NG says its all good and that he'd take care of me and whatever that I may need and everything else but I didn't plan to not work when I got here. I don't feel good not contributing something, anything. This is the longest time [I stopped working the week before I left the Philippines in May 25th] that I've been out of work. It's actually not fun. It would be fun to not work if I'm rich rich rich but I'm not.

This week, NG works 2 jobs, until 9pm, Tuesday to Friday. I just fix something for him to eat, mostly microwaveable foodies, since he's got lots to dispose of before we start buying, and I plan to learn how to cook, I just don't feel the urge yet each time I see the food that must be consumed first. And I want to learn how to cook, I brought some recipes with me and I have friends and my Tatay to ask when the time comes. NG found out last night, he'll get a Sunday [July 27] off that he didn't ask for. All goody. It's better than nothing. The next weekend off he'll have will be the weekend of August 15-17. He was surprised to find out that he gave him that Sunday off, he'll take it he said. He'll go to church with me again he said, I didn't ask, he said it first. THAT made me happy.

Anyhoo, I'm just rambling here. Trying not to think about negative thoughts on my present situation. I am happy. That much I know. Just that, sometimes, in life, you have to leave some people behind in order to be with someone. I don't like that fact but it is true. My friends and family makes me happy. NG makes me happy. But they are two different kind of happiness no? Tough to explain. I just wish my family and friends are happy for me. Though, I kinda know they are. But still, I know, they still worry about me. Everything that is happening [and will happen] to me nowadays will be mostly firsts for me. Some will not be goody but it's part of a package no? You can't choose to experience all the good things only. There have to be a balance of sorts. Whatever, I don't know what I'm saying. Will go for now, CRAMPS is acting up bad. Guys are so lucky they don't have monthly periods. For that fact only, I would want to be a man. Hee. Have a good day. God bless.

Love is a 4 letter word...

Ask the Love Guru [got this from Beliefnet]

>>What is a Love Guru?
My goal is to help and guide people to finding LOVE. Love with themselves, love with others and just surround themselves with love. Love is the ultimate jacket that one should wear to face the world. Love is a powerful force when used for good.

>>When Will I Meet "The One?"
Greetings Gurudev,
I am wondering, what can you share with singles who seek their soul mates? How will they know when "The One" comes along? How will they recognize this special person? What will your special movie teach us about this?
I think that when you meet someone that you are going to be with, you just know. However, soul mates are sometimes difficult to identify. They aren't all prince charming holding a red rose and making the bedroom eyes at you. They may be disguised as the postman with the B.O. who just needs a chance. And some new shorts. Yikes! Lower the hem, Chief, because no one ordered that special delivery! I think that to find your soul mate you need to be open minded. Let people in! And as for what my movie will teach, it shall be peace, loving yourself, being one with the universal energy that courses through all things, and that the price of a Turbo Tub of popcorn is at least a dollar too high. It's hot corn, for Pitka sakes!

>>Should I Train My Man?
After 7 years, he's willing to put down the seat on the toilet and various other tasks. But, when I say, "jump", he doesn't say, "how high." Love Guru, do you recommend "training your man"?
Training anything is very difficult. Trust me I know, I've got ostriches, elephants and all kinds of other critters running around my ashram like they freaking own the place. And they also refuse to turn the lights off when they leave a room. Annoyyyyying! My electric bill is higher than Guru Maltanto on Chibatar berries. As for your hubby, I don't think training is the answer, because every being on this Earth should walk their own journey while you walk yours. This is the most basic law of the universe... respect. Every person's path is their own for a reason. Like my gardener, who has chosen his path right past my bathroom window when I am busy "dropping the little Gurus off at the pool." Perhaps I have shared too much, but you get the idea. And if you also happen to know about any new, respectful gardeners, let me know.

>>Should I Stay With Him?
Have you ever been in a situation where you love someone but you also hate them at the same time? I certainly have. You love them for the wonderful things that they do for you, but you hate them for putting you through "unnecessary torture", by not doing those things "with you."
I hear you man-knockin', so I hope this answer is a-rockin'. Men are like asparagus: good for you in principle, but too much makes your pee smell. I say it's time to mix up your diet. Be heart smart and read the labels first when you are relationship shopping. Not too much fat, enough sugar, and no MSG (Mortal fear of Sharing and Growth) Otherwise you'll keep going home with bags of bad news. And that just gets you a sore back and a fridge full of fury. Good luck!

>>Should I Return to My Ex?
I have been in a relationship for 5 years to a great guy. We get along well and co-exist happily. The problem is, there's no passion anymore. Any kind-of sex is always initiated by me and it's been this way for a long time. I've tried talking to him and I get no where. Recently, my ex resurfaced and the spark is hotter than ever. He makes me feel beautiful and sexy! My boyfriend rarely takes his eyes off the video game when I enter the room. It's getting really hard to stay faithful! Any advice would be most appreciated.
Five years is a long time, for anything. Ask Braksheer down in the village, who hasn't trimmed his nose hairs in almost six. He looks like he's jumping rope when he walks. But back to you: After putting so much of your life spirit and energy into an individual, and it still being bad, while a previous individual is looking good, could lead to a big problem. For Mr. Five Year Lazy Video Game Boring Weiner! Tell him your worries, and that if there is no change following your chat, then it is time to seek greener pastures. Not necessarily with your past. It's all about moving forward! But if the ex is still as foxy as I am guessing, then I say "release the hounds!"

>>Can I Get Over Him?
I had a break up one year ago and I still love that person. I am sure he loves me too but there is an issue between us that bothers him too much and can't be resolved. Can I do something about it or am I supposed to remain sad and depressed???
First of all, you should never plan to remain sad and depressed. Definitely take steps to alleviate the sadness and depression. Turn on a fan of positivity to whisk those negative energies away. Perhaps once they are gone, you will miss this man less. It is also a truth that things happen for a reason. If it didn't work out, there was a reason. If that reason is a big boulder standing in your path together, you can agree to try and get around it separately and meet on the other side to continue your journey together. But if on your way around the boulder, you happen to meet a sexy lifeguard who has a nice tan and shiny white teeth who asks you to join him at the Burger Shack for dinner, you can alter your path. You are the master of your own course through life, and let's be honest... a free burger is always tough to pass up.

>>Should I Wait for Him?
I am talking to this guy, he sound like everything that I want in a man but right now he is very occupied with his grandmother being sick with lung cancer. The way it sound like she might not have much time to live. I don't know if I should just sit around and wait for him to take care of his grandmother than be with me what should I do? Should I wait for him?
Well, this is a tricky situation. Illness is a sad reality in our world. However, I don't think hanging out with you and hanging with his g-mom have to be mutually exclusive. You just need to decide if you really like this guy. If you do, then put on your understanding pants and stick with him like peanut butter on rice (an old family recipe--great for when your poop pipe is packed) If you do not like him that way, then let that butterfly fly. I think that the g-mom is a non-issue. She could be here today, gone tomorrow or here today, and gone never, like my great aunt Felicia, who was run down by a rogue steer, got pneumonia from the puddle she fell in, and then outlived the entire family. She claims it was because of vitamins and prayer, but I think it was just pure old fashioned anger. Bottom line: if you like him, stick with him.

>>How Do I Find a Good BF?
I am so glad you asked this question, and believe me, you are not the first. So here is my answer. The way you find a good Buttocks Funnel is to shop around online, then go to this Swedish place that... what? Ohhhh, a Boy Friend! I knew that is what you meant. No, I'm not lying. Yes, my face is normally this red. I'm part Irish. Let's move on. I think to find a good boy friend, you need to find someone who complements you and who you are, but with the extra yummy of romance. An equal, with similar interests, and knowledge, and goals you can enjoy on a deep personal level. It also doesn't hurt if they are a tiger in the sack! They need to be a good match in all areas, but a word of caution: before someone else can love you, you must love yourself. But don't love yourself too much. It'll make you go cross eyed, and then the only boys interested in you will be optometrists, and they're a little boring.

15 Love Lessons From 'Sex and the City'
by Valerie Reiss [Senior Editor at Beliefnet]

I'm single, a native New Yorker, a writer, and a former sex columnist. To say I could relate to Carrie's NYC existence is an understatement--if you add hilarious dialogue, many guys, a dream apartment, and a wardrobe worth more than most journalists make in a lifetime.

Through my late 20s I was with the girls all the way, even though I often thought their romantic choices were misguided, obviously wrong, spiritually and psychologically clueless, superficial, selfish, and jaded. Pretty much like most of my own.

But in a city where love can be as elusive as affordable housing, SATC gave so many of us perspective, validation, and reminders of the core lessons of love--sometimes in spite of itself, sometimes in the scripts. With the ladies hitting the big screen this week, here's a bit of what I've learned, or remembered, about love thanks to Carrie & Co.

1. Single is Not a Dirty Word
The SATC gals transformed "single"--"spinster"'s more evolved cousin--from being a hole to a presence; they made singledom cool. Even when it hurt.

One of my favorite moments is when Carrie's silver Manolos get swiped from a smug-married's apartment and the friend refuses to reimburse her. She lectures Carrie about spending too much on shoes and not enough on family, playing right in to her singleton's shame.

This, after Carrie has bought engagement, wedding, shower, and baby gifts for her. In a genius move, Carrie registers herself at Manolo Blahnik just for those shoes, single "bride" that she is, forcing the friend to pay up. To me this said the single life is just as valid as the married. We deserve as many gifts and even blessings from our friends and society, regardless of what others might think of our struggles and choices.

2. It's Okay to Expose All to Your Girlfriends
Women talked about sex with their friends long before SATC. But the show gave us permission on a large scale to get graphic and detailed in cathartic and hilarious ways. It was like a six-season long Consciousness Raising group with better outfits.

This seems especially true when it comes to discussing self-pleasuring; it's now much more socially acceptable for women to admit they do it ("I'm getting carpal tunnel syndrome"), and even talk about the tools they use (Rabbit, anyone?). By treating it like any other normal, human function, a burden was lifted, even for those of us who were raised to be open about sex.

3. Fate is Not Always Fate
It's so tempting to interpret the tea leaves of love, to decide that fate is (finally) working in our favor. When Trey saved Charlotte from being mowed down by a speeding taxi, she decided it was fate. Not just that he was a nice guy who saved her life, but that he must be the guy to live out her "marry tale" with.

Turns out--not so much, and I think after that divorce, Char developed a very different notion of fate, i.e.-we don't know how the universe works and just because it seems like synchronicity, it doesn't mean you have to marry the dude. A lesson better remembered than re-experienced.

4. Sometimes to Be Real You Have to Get Ugly
When Charlotte first met her handsomely chiseled divorce lawyer, she kept to the prim, nice decorum that defined her. When she realized she needed to be fierce--and ugly--to battle her Bunny-in-law, she dropped him for sweaty, obnoxious, bald Harry Goldenblatt and then felt free to be as nasty as she wanted to be, fangs and all. Turns out he found her "incredibly sexy" anyway. And once she was able to shatter her preppy, WASPy notion of her ideal man, voila, there he was, right in front of her.

5. Be Vulnerable
More than anyone else on the show, Samantha and her mien of steel taught us that true strength is in opening and trust. She started to get this from her girl-flame Maria ("I've got monogomy, I think I caught it from you people") but mostly from her hot-hot boyfriend Smith Jarrod.

First, he forced on her his "perverse" desire to hold hands, and then, most touchingly, shaved off his golden locks when she lost hers to chemo. We all have an inner Samantha--the part that feigns bravado in the face of pain and trusts no one. Watching her set down her insecurity-as-sword reminded all us tough girls to do the same.

6. There's a Difference Between Childlike and Childish
In perhaps my favorite episode, a guy named Wade had a comic book store, a great record collection, and a scooter. Carrie was justifiably wooed when he drew a cartoon of her telling her to call him. And the girl needed some fun! Mr. Big? Sexy, complicated, but no bag of jacks.

With Wade, she played video games, took a spin on the scooter, got stoned on the balcony of his surprisingly vast Park Avenue apartment. Turned out the guy was living with his parents. And not only that, he lied to his mom that they were smoking Carrie's pot. Lesson? If he seems like a kid, investigate to make sure he's also an adult.

7. Know When to Kiss Goodbye
Miranda asked a date up to her apartment. He declined, claiming to have "an early meeting." Later, she asked Carrie's man of the hour for insight. Berger said, "He's just not that into you," and "When a guy's really into you, he's coming upstairs, meeting or no meeting."

Miranda is instantly liberated, giddy with the blame-free simplicity of it. Of course in real life, sadly, it's not always so simple. But through this and countless other moments, the show taught us that letting go is never easy--even when he's "not into you"--but that if you don't walk away when you know you should, only misery, over-analysis, and disappointment awaits.

8. Don't Mistake Scraps for Jewels
"It was the single most encouraging moment in our relationship." Was Carrie talking about Big sharing his heart with her? Giving her a thoughtful present? Nope. She said this when he gave her the "only" extra pink toothbrush head one night.

Sure, it was the only baby step toward accepting her into his life that he was capable of. But all of us need to love ourselves enough not to mistake glitter for diamonds, scraps for a meal--exactly what that toothbrush head was.

9. Read the Signs
When Carrie got engaged to Aidan, she promptly strung the gorgeous Harry Winston ring around her neck instead of putting it on her finger. Score one for costume designer Patricia Field for the fresh accessory, minus one very big one for the happy future of Carrie and Aidan. Both continued to ignore the signs of doom--like so many of us do--in exchange for hope.

It was a reminder to all of us not to ignore those persistent yet subtle doubts, accumulating red flags--and full-blown panic attacks--no matter how much we want something to work out.

10. Patience & Compromise
Sure, the show was often about taking, and Goddess knows the characters' self-absorption grated horribly sometimes. But as the ladies matured, we saw more and more examples of selfless compromise.

Miranda agreed to have her son Brady baptized even though it conflicted strongly with her beliefs; Charlotte converted to Judaism to be with Harry; and most hilariously, Harry put on underwear to sit on Charlotte's pristine white sofa. As for patience, the girls had a giant Birkin bag full of it for each other. And Carrie, in spite of herself had it big-time with Big.

11. Hold Out for Romance and Butterflies
This is a tricky one, right? Knowing when to hold out for what you want and when to embrace what you have. The SATC girls grappled with that again and again, knowingly, and not.

Romance (and belly full of excitedly batting wings) is fleeting--and yet it's really hard to sustain a happy union that never had it. After dancing with bitter Berger in the Hamptons one night, Carrie reflects with clarity: "Some people are settling down, some people are settling, and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies."

12. Romance Isn't What You Think It Will Be
After the most romantic French meal ever--candlelight, fromage, the works, Charlotte and Harry are in bed, gazing at each other and then suddenly find themselves doubled over with food poisoning. They trade urgent, loud, smelly runs to the bathroom all night long.

"There's a moment in every relationship when romance gives way to reality," Carrie says of the two lovers and her own Big fart incident. "Surviving a night of food poisoning together wasn't the stuff of great romance, but it was the stuff of lasting love." And then we see Harry and Charlotte holding hands in a sweet, real, puddle on the bathroom floor.

13. Love Beyond Yourself
Though ever-cynical Miranda adored her baby, she was not instantly maternal, referring to him as "meatloaf" at one point. But she eventually warms to motherhood. And later on, she grows her heart an extra size when she cares for her mother-in-law with dementia, gently bathing her in one especially heart-breaking scene. The girls--and all of us--are at their best when they give and extend themselves to others.

14. Chicks Stick Together
The entire show is about the consistency of friendship (even when alleged off-screen spats seem to be visible on-screen). They fight, work it out, offer support, drive each other nuts, and always come back together--whether it's Carrie making sure there's no "cheerleading" during Miranda's birth, or Charlotte giving Carrie her old engagement ring.

Toward the very end of the series, when Carrie is in Paris, Big sits with the remaining women, polling them for advice. "You guys are the biggest loves in her life," he says. "A guy is just lucky if he comes in fourth." We can all do to remember to treat our friends like the primary love providers they can be, even when we're in deep, central union with a partner.

15. Always Come Home to Yourself
When Carrie is off with the Russian in Paris (wearing that amazing tulle dress that goes on forever), she loses her signature nameplate necklace. A heavy-handed metaphor? Maybe. A key lesson in all relationships? Yes.

It's so easy for women especially to lose their identity in romantic relationships--we tend to merge with our lovers, sometimes dropping our own "names" in the process. Ms. Bradshaw does find her necklace, and any good shrink (or scriptwriter) would say it's important to note that it was with her all along, fallen into the lining of a Dior purse.

The series ends with these words from Carrie, after she has gone back home to New York, to herself, her friends, and her Big love: "...the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."

I've been here in Omaha for 3 weeks now. Still adjusting. I'm so not used to being by myself for a long period of time. Sigh. But that's been the case here. I want to work but I can't yet until I get a work permit which will be filed with my status adjustment once NG and I get married. I thought I can file the work permit first but turns out I can't. Oh well. Trying to find things to do here. I pretty much been productive. "Organizing" NG's stuff here. Not fun to do by myself but it keeps me busy. I even alphabetized his CDs too.

TV has been my company for most of the time here at home. Comedy Central is my fave. I get to watch MADtv, Scrubs, Just Shoot Me, Dharma & Greg. I steer away from the drama shows though. Must make myself laugh at most times when I'm alone or else, I'd just be crying. Oh well. NG's cable got 351 channels. He even got this movie on demand channel, it's like having your own dvd playlist available 24/7. It's quite cool. We've seen Office Space [Ron Livingston/Jennifer Aniston] twice now. I watched Before Sunrise, Serendipity, High Fidelity last week.

42 months with NG last Friday, we didn't celebrate that day, just stayed home but we had dinner and strawb/banana margarita at La Hacienda, we love it there.

NG had a day off last Sunday, we had lunch with his dad at China Buffet, gotta love the shrimp there. Then NG and I watched Zohan. Loved it. Gotta love Adam Sandler. We might watch the Love Guru next.

Must end this one for now, nothing much else to blog about. I still have one blog on draft, it's actually a survey-type meme, will finish that next time. Thanks for reading. Have a good day. Keep the faith. God Bless.

Where Do I Begin?...

Hmmm...this is my first post for this month, in a totally new environment, a galaxy far far away [25 hours++ plane trip & 2 stopovers] from the Philippines. I've been here in Omaha for 2 weeks now and adjusting is still in effect. Good and not-so-goody changes since I moved here:

> no more daily emails/sms chats/weekend phone calls/weekend webcam chats with NG
> starting a life with someone I might [hee, if I can deal with some of his habits that sometimes annoy me] spend the rest of my life with, praying about it, we never know, the future is out there, just gotta have faith
> get to know NG on a daily basis [the good and the not so goody ones too...heee...]
> efficient services and what not [getting our marriage license took 30 minutes; applying for a ss number took 10 minutes; drive-thru banks, as long as you have the withdrawal/deposit slip you can go thru a drive thru-bank; you can pay for most, if not all, household utilities online; most of the public toilets have ample stock of toilet paper, soap, paper towel and some have toilet seat cover refills too]
> adjusting to a new life living with a boy
> sleeping next to a person who sometimes snores [he claims he doesn't though...]
> sleeping next to a person whom I lovelike [hee...]
> doing things together with NG at the same time...dining, watching tv, grocery-shopping etc etc...
> missing my family and friends [THANK God for the internet]
> missing Nadine's stories that ALWAYS makes me smile/laugh
> missing the daily group text messaging between friends [I can still receive texts on my phone, just can't reply the way I used to coz it be a bit pricey]
> missing my clean and good smelling blanket/sheets [don't ask...hee]
> might gain weight coz of all the edibles in this house [I've been good though, for some reason, I don't get the munchies, maybe, coz I get busog just seeing the foodies]
> being home alone all day while NG's at work [he works everyday with 2 jobs, hoping to get work this month or early next month]
> fussing at NG for a few things that he should be doing on a daily basis [again, don't ask...heeee...who doesn't want to feel fresh after a day's work? it's not just a girl thing right?]
> adjusting to NG's loud muzak [his speakers are busted, he's got like 3 other new speakers in the house BUT he doesn't wanna change it until it dies on him...tsk tsk tsk...NOISE!!! Why do some people like to play their tunes TOO loud? I'm surprised he doesn't have a hearing problem.]
> missing VS [I have a bottle of Absolut Ruby Red in the fridge, it's been there for almost as long as I am here, just don't have the urge to drink...]
> not a lot of public transportation here, can't just go from one place to another via bus, really want to explore the area but can't yet, in time, maybe, I did get to visit the Zoo, it was HUGE...
> mail delivery everyday except Sunday
> 24 hour supermarket [NG does his grocery-shopping early in the morning, where not a lot of people are shopping, still have to do that with him soon, maybe this coming weekend we might since he gets the weekend off]
This is just the start of a new beginning. I'm just taking it as it comes. I don't know what the future holds. We still are getting to know eachother, we know a lot about eachother but there are lots more to know as the days go by. We just gotta compromise on things and keep the faith. And a friend told me, LOVE CONQUERS ALL, I hope she's right. Hee. Here's to living with NG here in Omaha, may we both deal with each other's quirks and what not. Leaving you with something I got from Beliefnet, enjoy...happy Sunday. God Bless.

10 Simple Soul Exercises [from Beliefnet.com]

By Rabbi Brian
[the author of "How to Find Out What (the) God (of Your Understanding) Wants from You." He is a teacher and the Chief Religious Officer of Religion-Outside-The-Box. For more information visit his
website.

Our spiritual life is like singing. Most of us can sing, but few of us do it in public. Even fewer can do it in public without embarrassment! Try these simple, soulful, spiritual workouts to help develop your religious voice so that you can--to use the words of the Psalms--"sing a new song to God."


1. _______, Therefore I Am

French philosopher Rene Descartes wrote, "I think, therefore I am." But what if thinking isn't the reason for your existence?

What word or phrase might you substitute for "I think"?

Here are a few ideas:

* I complain, therefore I am.
* I have stuff, therefore I am.
* I improve on things, therefore I am.
* My parents procreated, therefore I am.
* I create, therefore I am.
* God loves me, therefore I am.

Every version gives a very different perspective on life. Meditate on what you would put in the blank and see what you discover.


2. Spend Time 'Not Doing'

Parkinson's Law (named after 20th-century British historian Cyril Northcote Parkinson) states, "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." That's just the way it is.

Paradoxically for adults, it takes work and planning in order to successfully rest. Can you spend five minutes today not doing? How about 10 minutes? Or a half hour?


3. Take a 'Universe Job Survey'

I saw the following quote: "Many people want to serve God, but only as advisors." If we aren't here to advise God, what is our job?

Here's a way to think about answering that question: Imagine for a moment that the universe was your employer. Based on the way you actually live your life--not on how you wish you did--how would you answer the following questions on The Universe's Job Survey:

* What is your job title?
* What department do you work in?
* How high-ranking are you in your department?
* Do you have a job description?
* Does your job have fixed hours or benefits?


4. Create Your Own Holy Day

Rather than commemorate a truly significant religious or secular event, many of our culture's holidays are invented and exist primarily for commercial purposes. If you could invent a holiday what would it be?

* Bob, my brother-in-law, advocates "Creativity Day."
* Larry, my friend the retired minister and sociology professor, likes the idea of an "International Day of Contrition."
* I would have everyone celebrate "Faith Day."

What "holy day" do you think should be observed?


5. Give Yourself Advice

If you could go back in time to when you were half your current age, what advice would you want to give yourself?

Might you tell yourself:

* to have more faith?
* to love more freely?
* to be less anxious?

And, if you were to take that advice today, how might that change your current outlook?


6. Try New Words

For the rest of the day, see if you can substitute the verb "get" for "have." For example, if you were going to say, "I have to check my email," say instead, "I get to check my email." It's amazing how the little change of one word can affect our attitude.


7. Read an Email from God

Imagine you open your inbox and find an email with the subject line: An email from God. What do you imagine the message would contain?

* Praise?
* Condemnation?
* An answer to a question that you've been asking?
* Advice?
* A forwarded joke?

What about your response? What would you write back? How would you sign it?


8. Surprise Yourself

Imagine that at half the age you currently are, you fell asleep. And imagine that you slept right through (like Washington Irving's story of Rip Van Winkle) until today. What five things about your own life and the world would be most surprising to you?

Would you be surprised by where you live? Would you be surprised by your wealth? Would you be surprised by your state of mind? Would you be surprised by technology? Would you be surprised by world politics?


9. Change It Up

If the only constant is change--as paradoxical as that might seem--it would behoove us all to learn how to deal gracefully with it.

For the rest of the day, change your cell phone ringtone or put your watch on the opposite wrist. (Really, do this.)

Now, each time your phone rings or you look at an empty patch of skin instead of finding out the time, notice how you react. Your reaction to this change is going to inform you about your natural, pre-wired response to change.

Change is just change. It isn't inherently good or bad. It's just different.

See if over the course of the day you can learn from yourself and accept both change as well as your reactions to it.


10. Have a Talk with God

If you were in a couples' counseling with God, what complaints, grievances, grudges, etc., would you have about your recent relationship with God? In other words, what is it that you have not said to God that you know deep in your heart you want to say about your relationship as of late?

It might be something that you haven't felt particularly safe saying or just something you haven't had the opportunity to say. Or it might just be something you've said before that bears repeating.

See if you can come up with at least seven sentences. (There is no one who can't do this--those claiming to have no relationship with God can use that as a wonderful starting point.)

This and That and More...

I get daily inspirations via email from Beliefnet and they help me cope with the daily things in life, reading a positive phrase on a daily basis really is a good thing to have. And from time to time, Beliefnet share ways to help someone in different situations, like what I'm about to share below this rambling of mine. Mostly, I love the Beliefnet website because, there's so much wisdom to read, about different faiths, on how strong people can be in the midst of tragedy or loss and what-have-you. Now, I don't know why some people experience more hardships and tragedies and what not as compared to others BUT inspite of all that, whenever I read something about someone going above and beyond their hardships in life, it just makes me believe MORE that God will not give us something we can't bear. And when we experience something that someone already experienced and got through it, I think, if that person got through that, so can I.

Praying for the people who loss their loved ones in Myanmar and China. I can only imagine how they're dealing with the loss they're suddenly faced with. Continued prayers. Sigh.

Anyhoo, a few overwhelming things has been happening in my life right now and it's really overwhelming. I think, I already said that yes? "One thing at a time" is how I can sum it up. Happy/Sad/Excited/WorriedScared in moving to another country but it is what it is. Wanted to be with NG where we have the same timezone and now, it's just a matter of time on that. After moving, then more grown-up things to do. One thing at a time and I'm sure, we'll get there sooner or later. It's not easy to be a grown-up sometimes, where you have to decide on life-changing things in life. Prayers for me too ok? Thanks and will be appreciated.

On with some goody, positive and could be helpful ways in dealing with happiness and change now. If I have to recommend one website to anyone, it will be WWW.BELIEFNET.COM. Go check it out when you have time. Have a fine mid-week. Keep the faith. God Bless.

10 Ways to Find the Happiness in Front of You
By Addie Johnson [Content from Life Is Sweet.]

We struggle with war, poverty, global warming, rising crime rates, and a barrage of news, hardly any of it good. We hear of people getting sick, getting divorced, or dying. Celebrities have fabulous lives, but you don't, and the "if only's" threaten to win the day: "My life would be sweet if only I were richer, more famous, thinner, younger, older, had a better job, lived in a different city..."

But happiness is all around you. And it doesn't care how much money you have or the circumstances of your life. Here are some tips on how to look on the bright side and find the happiness in front of you.

>> When Off to Bed, Forget the Fight
Maya Angelou's brother gave her a painting with the instruction to hang it so that it was the last thing she and her husband saw before going to bed at night. So if they were in the middle of an argument, they could look at the painting and say, "Oh, stop. Whatever it was, whatever you said, forget it," and go to bed with a twinkle in their eyes.

>> Create a Love List
If I'm feeling low, one of the best ways I know to perk up is to make a love list. It's simple, just a list of every single person I love. Then I follow it up with another list of all the people I know who love me. I can stash it in a pocket to take with me on a tough day, or just keep it in mind as I get on with my life.

>> Find Lost Friends
I recently took some time to follow up on the impulse I get every week or so to seek out people that I've lost touch with over the years. I don't know what we did before the Internet. It took only a little time to shoot a few quick emails around the country, and within 24 hours I had baby pictures, recent histories, and writing clips. But the interesting thing was that all three people I got in touch with had been thinking about contacting me a couple of days before getting my email. It was as if I had sent out a psychic detective to people I once had a very close connection with, and before I got around to following up, half the work had already been done. So the next time you think, "Hey, I wonder what ever happened to So-and-So," you might surprise them by tracking down their email address and telling them you got their psychic message.

>> Gossip
I know, I know, your mother was right when she told you not to gossip, but what about a new take on it? Why not get together and have a feel good gossip party, where the "omigosh" is not so much about scandal, but about celebration of the great things in your friends' lives?

>> Find Your Own Fountain of Youth
If you want to keep a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye, all the while keeping senior moments and other more serious memory lapses at bay, one of the best things to do is to change your routine. Drive a different route to work, switch your right and left hands for everyday activities, eat dessert first, and wear your pajamas to work. Wait, no, that last one will get your family giving you worried looks for sure?

>> Think Positively
Did anyone ever tell you the glass is half full? Somebody told me once it depends whether you're pouring or drinking. Seriously, though, if you can figure out how to get optimistic and stay that way, you're home free. I'm not saying your problems are over, but simply looking at the world through rose-colored specs means that half your problems will look like exciting challenges, and the other half you'll probably realize aren't problems at all, just facts of life.

>> Go Out Dancing
Salsa. Two-stepping. Line and square dancing. Hippityhop, as my grandmother likes to say. Even if you're way past that college/post-college phase of going out clubbing to drink too much and hook up with hotties, you can still have a blast going out with your best friends for a night on the town. Loud music + exercise + adrenaline + mild social anxiety = guaranteed mood elevation.

>> Go to the Playground
I love to watch kids on the playground screaming with laughter about the silliest things. Completely invested in make-believe worlds, totally in their bodies, and overflowing with sensory awareness--that's the way to live.

>> Wish Upon a Star
The best time to see shooting stars that I know of is the Perseid meteor shower, which happens sometime during the second week of August. At its peak, on a moonless night away from city lights, you can see one to two shooting stars every minute. Imagine all those wishes coming true.

>> Create Your Own Soundtrack
In high school my friends and I used to sit for hours making mixed tapes for each other. Now it can all be done with a couple of mouse clicks, but the impulse is still great--to share the soundtrack of your life with someone you love. As you play it, it becomes shared background music for both your lives.

10 Ways to Handle Change
By Ariane de Bonvoisin [Adapted from "The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change (and Loving Your Life More)" She is founder and CEO of First30Days.com, a company dedicated to helping people through life changes. Learn more at First30Days.com.]

Life's transitions are ultimately positive, even if they don't always feel it. Here's how to navigate them gracefully.

Everyone experiences change--it may be a job change, relationship change, health change, or a change you've initiated that suddenly seems daunting. If you find change difficult, you're not alone. Many people think change is hard. But it's possible for the change you're going through to be easier, smoother, and less stressful--you can find the positive in transitions and learn to love your life more...you can become a Change Optimist.

>> Remember That Change Happens to Us All
Change happens every day, to everyone; it's the one constant in life, the thing that connects us all. And whether life has thrown a change at you or you've sought one out, it's natural to find it difficult.

But I believe change is positive, that anyone can change (you're never too old or too young), and there are always ways to make change easier. It's time to learn one of life's most important skills: how to navigate change!

>> From Every Change, Something Good Will Come
People who are good at change always focus on the positive that will inevitably come from any transition. The gift that comes from change may not be related to what you're currently going through. For example, you may lose your job but find yourself in a rewarding new relationship that you wouldn't have had time to pursue.

Change may lead you to new people, help you develop a stronger faith and belief in yourself, give you new opportunities, or inspire you to live a healthier life. It's important to be on the lookout for good changes, and not necessarily where you expect to find them!

>> Your Beliefs About Change Are Your Foundation
What you think about change will have a direct effect on how easy or hard you find the process. If you believe that change is difficult and terrible, then you will probably have a difficult and terrible time. But if you believe that change exists to teach you something--to make you a better person and put you on a new path--the transition will not be so daunting. Identify your beliefs--what you think and say to yourself and others during change--and turn them around.

For example, if you are having financial trouble, you may think "I am incapable of managing money." Or if you're going through a difficult break-up, you may believe "I am unlovable." But you can trade these disempowering beliefs--and their accompanying negativity and complaining--for thoughts that will give you strength and hope.

>> Get 'Unstuck' with the Change GPS
Because of emotions brought up by change, it's easy to get stuck in the past and to lose your ability to move forward. You may feel trapped by these Change Demons, but you can get unstuck by turning on your Change GPS! A GPS navigator only asks two questions: "Where are you now?" and "Where do you want to go?" Your Change GPS helps you move through transitions by alerting you if you're off-course and encouraging you to focus on your final destination.

If you're hoping to lose weight, for example, be honest about where you stand today (how much you need to lose and the most realistic approach), then create a plan and stick to it. The GPS won't tell you what you did wrong yesterday or what you could have done differently; it simply keeps you moving along the path to your ultimate goal.

>> Turn to Your Change Support Team
It's normal to feel isolated during change. We often think what we are facing is so unique that no one else can help or understand us. But change is easier when you let other people in. Whatever the situation, there is always, always, someone who can help.

One of the quickest ways to embrace change and move through it is to surround yourself with a team of supportive people. They can be family, friends, clergy members, therapists, co-workers--or anyone else who might help you through a change. These people are there to listen, support, and encourage you. They believe you can change, they want you to change, and most importantly, they will keep you on a path of hope and optimism as you move through the transition.

>> Change Demons Are a Healthy Part of Change
Change Demons are disempowering feelings that arise during any change. These emotions--fear, doubt, impatience, shame, blame, and guilt--can wreak havoc with your self-esteem and destroy hope. But they also remind you how you don't want to feel during change so you can return to how you do want to feel.

When Change Demons visit, remember: 1) they are temporary; 2) they encourage you to make a choice--you can choose to feel better or worse than the emotion you are currently experiencing; and 3) they can be replaced with better, brighter emotions that will help you move through change with ease and grace. Faith, patience, endurance, and honesty are some positive emotions that can replace Change Demons.

>> Use Your Spiritual Strength
When everything is changing, it's important to find the part of yourself that doesn't change--your calm, centered, spiritual side, your higher self. It's the part that's connected to something greater and uses your intuition as a guide. You need to reconnect to it through prayer, meditation, nature, silence, or journaling...anything that helps you go back inside, where your true spirit and power reside.

While your lower self may slip into self-pity and hold grudges, your higher self doesn't allow you to become a victim, to blame someone else when things get difficult, or to get lost in anger. This side helps you shine in strength, compassion, and clarity. During change, make an effort to act from your higher self and ask: "What would the better, wiser, calmer part of me do or say or think right now?"

>> You Have a Change Muscle
Everyone is born with a will to survive, get better, and be happier--I call this the Change Muscle. It helps you accept the reality of your situation and find your center again. Every time you are faced with a change and move through it, you are activating that muscle. And once you flex it, it's strengthened for life--you can never lose all that you have gained from experience. Next time you're faced with transition, remember that your Change Muscle will give you the strength to get through it.

>> Accept Change
When change happens, you often look longingly back to what used to be. You don't like where the river of life seems to be taking you, so you cling to the rocks or row vigorously upstream--that's what makes change tough! Accept change by taking in your new circumstances without fighting, arguing, explaining, or asking "What if?" It may be difficult at first, but you will soon see that life will lead you through this change and into a place of greater happiness and peace.

Go in the direction that life is taking you. If it's a divorce, accept it; if it's a health diagnosis, accept it--only then can you focus on re-aligning yourself with a plan and an optimistic view that focuses on the future, not the past.

>> Take Action
People who are good at change stop talking and take positive action. Whether life has thrown you a change or you want to make a shift, get a journal and start writing down your feelings. Then make a plan that feels right and is realistic and hopeful. Next, start moving physically. Getting some form of exercise is an absolute must when going through change--don't forget the S.E.E.D of all change. (Sleep, Eat Well, Exercise, and Drink Water).

Doing something for someone else--helping a neighbor, calling a lonely friend, spending extra time with your child--will also help to keep you moving forward during change. You can also try something brand new--a new route home, a new class at the gym, a new restaurant, to get things flowing. During transitions it's also helpful to create a "wall of change" with images of what you want to shift and work towards.