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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What? A Blog? From me?...

I wish I could sign. Both images from Post Secret.

Something To Do...got this from my archive...thought I'd update it a bit...

Ten Years Ago: The year was 1998. I was 22. Started working for Uncle Boss if memory serves me right. Litemail was getting active as the days go by.

Five Years Ago: 2003. Attended my 10-year HS dinner/reunion. It was nice seeing some of my batchmates again. Even saw some guys who grew up nicely. Hee.

One Year Ago: April 2007. Not much going on. Keeping the long distance relationship going with NG. Nadine turned 8. Tatay turned 61.

Last month: March 2008. Had my medical examination for the visa interview requirement. It wasn't fun. Took two days. Been sick for almost a week for some reason that I had to go to the doctor for a check-up a week before my medical examination. Thank God it wasn't something major. I don't like being sick. Sigh. It's not fun to be in bed all day/night. SisterM was here for a month-long, much-needed, much-deserved vacation. Happy month.

Yesterday: Woke up from NG's text message. He was bummed that he had to take an hour extra at his 2nd job coz two people didn't show up. Chat was postponed because he didn't set the alarm for him to wake up for our chat. Times when I wish that I'm not in a long-distance relationship. Sucks at times. When you want to be there for someone but you can't since you're apart. Sucks. Big time. Sigh. I distracted myself from feeling sad about that fact by doing my weekend chores: handwashing my undies and ironing my clothes. Played computer games too. Napped in the afternoon. It was a lazy Sunday for me.

Five Songs I Know All The Words [or I think I know...heee] To:
How Do You Talk To An Angel by The Heights
You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
Baby I Love Your Way by Big Mountain
I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts
Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey [only found out I know the words to this song when David Cook performed this song on AI]

Five Favorite Songs at the moment:
Low by Flo Rida
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
Touch My Body by Mariah Carey
Love Song by Sara Bareilles
Always Be My Baby by David Cook

Five Things I Would Do with 100 Million Dollars:
>> Give to charity
>> Give to the church
>> Share it with the people I love [give them things that they want that couldn't afford..there's always that one thing that we always want BUT we can't just afford no? If I can afford it, it's a done deal.]
>> Set up college funds for my cousin Nadine, my nephew Dylan, and my other nephews and nieces.
>> Finish a college course.

Five Things I Would Never Wear: Stiletto shoes, Corsets, Mini-skirts [O dear God!], yellow colored shirts, and those longish-biggie earrings.

Five Favorite [current] TV Shows: Ellen, House, Lost, American Idol, Wheel of Fortune [the US version]

Five Bad Habits: Worrying too much, Not getting enough sleep, Can be negative at times, Worrying too much, Thinking of bad case scenarios.

Five Biggest Joys: Talking to Nadine, Sleeping, surprise snail mail/card/postcard, getting massages, finding a purple undies for someone [this was just recent...hee]

Five Fictional Characters I Would Date:
Lloyd Dobler [John Cusack/Say Anything];
Peter Wright [Robert Downey Jr./Only You];
Noah Calhoun [Ryan Gosling/The Notebook];
Ed Stevens [Tom Cavanagh/Ed]
Sawyer [Josh Holloway/Lost]

This is the last week of April 2008. Where did the months go? Why does it feel fast yet it's slow at the same time? Am I making sense? I have a tummy ache right now. Does drinking coffee makes you do #2? Listening to David Cook's version of ALWAYS BE MY BABY on loop. [LOVE the version...] It's 3am-ish and I'm still awake. This is one of them days. Monday blues. I have somewhere to be today. Might miss work or the first half of it. Good thing it's a light work week as far as I know. I went to the dentist last weekend, had some work done, cost almost 20000 pesos. Yikes. The money I saved wasn't enough, had to borrow from my sisters. What else? Oh, I found out I can connect my Nokia6300 phone to my computer. Yay. I was able to transfer songs and pictures from my computer to my phone. I tried transferring a game but the file type is not supported by my phone. That's okay. I am happy that I was able to transfer songs and pics. I am tired but not that sleepy. Will just go for now. Have a fine last week of April 2008. Thanks for reading my blog. I am trying to keep my faith in every aspect there is. God Bless.

February Twenty Five Twenty Oh Eight...

From Post Secret
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to sign? I never learned how to do this. I still could learn yes?

Korean baby covers Hey Jude...you must watch this...

From Monday's a Bitch:
1. Did you watch the Oscars last night? What did you think of them?
Woke up late for it. Saw bit parts. Saw James McAvoy. Not much into awards shows now than I used to.

2. Have you ever called in sick to work when you weren't really sick? What did you spend the day doing instead?
I try not to because karma is a bitch. The few times I've had, I just stayed in my room, whenever I feel down or something, it's not just easy to get up and pretend that you're okay when in fact, you're not, if you know what I mean.

3. In school did you ever have to serve detention? What for?
I cut class and got caught. First time I did it AND I got caught. Never did it again after that.

4. Have you ever had food poisoning? What did you eat that caused it?
No food poisoning. Though, I remember, years ago, during lunch, I ate just a bit of rice and pork asado, then ate LOTS of watermelon, was throwing up for quite a while.

5. Do you have any tattoos? If not, would you ever consider getting one?
I don't have any though there are times I wish I'd get one but I'm not too keen on the needles.

I don't get to watch Gossip Girl but isn't this guy too good looking? There are gay rumors buzzing around him, that he's with JC Chasez of NSYNC. One time, it was a news bit on ET that he's with Carrie Underwood. Hmmm. I don't care what his sexual preference is, he's easy on the eyes, I don't even know if he's a good actor. Hee. Not crushing on him but you just can't help but notice his good looks yes? Oh, his name is Chase Crawford btw.

Kids say the darndest things: [a brief conversation between me and my 8-year-old cousin Nadine]:
Nadine: Ate, ano ba yung condom, yun frenzy? [apparently she saw in on a TV commercial]
Me: Hindi mo pa maiintidihan kahit explain ko sa'yo, pag laki mo na lang.
Nadine: Try mo, baka maintindihan ko...
[She forgot about her question once we got to the chocolates section inside Watsons...heee...As far as I can remember, we just learn about those things as we grow up no? I can't remember how I learned about condoms. And even if I do remember, I will not tell it here. Hee. I do have a condom I got free from a Cosmo mag a few years ago, I have to find it and get rid of it, they have expiration right? The packet it came with is purple, that's why I kept it, I guess. A FRIENDS episode is flashing back right now, Ross calling the condom company...hee. I miss FRIENDS.]

I celebrated my birthday with the EBC gurls. We had body massages before our crabs, tofu and palabok dinner. We were online after dinner. We helped Eee start her own Multiply and Facebook accounts, yay. No VS, imagine that? No one really craved for it. Coffee, tea, popcorn and cakes are what kept us awake until we parted ways at 6am. It was a good way of celebrating my birthday. I pray I get to celebrate it with them again sometime soon.

This is the last week of February 2008. Where did it go? Next week, my youngest sister will be here for a month-long vacation. I can't wait for her to have it because she's been really swamped with work. Getting her vacation wasn't easy either. Her bosses didn't want her to go because they need her a lot. I told her that could by why the person before her resigned, because of too much work load. Hee. But she enjoys what she do. I think, I can say, she's pretty blessed that she enjoys what she does for a living. If only I could afford to give her a Macbook Pro for her birthday next month, I would, maybe someday, somehow. It's not impossible, will just take some time to get that. Can't wait to see her again next week. Yay. It was July 2006 that she was last here. I still am praying and wishing that one day, we'd all be in one timezone and we'll all just be a phone call away. Distance can be a bitch, thankful for the internet, text messaging that keeps us closer in some ways.

Have a good week ahead. Keep the faith and God Bless.

My Favorite Month...

This was the cover of the latest W Magazine. Saw it at a magazine store and I wanted to buy. It was Php599 though. I changed my mind. I don't wanna splurge on a magazine just because hottie McAvoy was on the cover.
Look at him! Hummina Hummina! Hotness! Hoping I'd get the mag on sale and take this pic and have it mounted on wood and/or plastic. It's been awhile since I had the urge to have a guy's pic mounted on wood. He's hot right? Or is it just me?

From Post Secret. Just gotta have perspective yes? We have so much more than what other people have. Must focus on the good in life than the bad. Easier said than done, I know. Keep our faiths. We must.

10 Ways to Bring the Sacred into Everyday Life

Got this from Beliefnet. Worth sharing.

Leave Work Earlier Than Usual
There is always one more phone call or one more email. Consciously stopping early once a week (at least one half-hour) affirms that we do not just live to work, but work as part of living.

Let Go of the Work Week
Cease doing and worrying about the work of the week. Practice gently letting go of thoughts and concerns about work that inevitably pop into mind and take over. Eventually these thoughts soften and recede. Sometimes I take a more scenic route home to help clear my mind.

Turn It Off
Set aside your BlackBerry, turn off your computer, set your cell phone to silent, at least as it relates to work. See how your consciousness shifts and how it doesn't. If you feel incredibly uneasy and even destabilized, you are being invited to discern new ways of taking control of your life.

Eat a Special Meal with Family or Friends
Taking time to reconnect to those we love expands our sense of who we are. Savoring our food (a new recipe once a week adds adventure) deepens our connection to the material world; candlelight invites us to bring forth more light from within and see beyond the surface.

Make Love with Intention
Take pleasure in the sensual part of life. Set aside a time to engage in some activity that creates greater intimacy with someone you love.

Give a Blessing to a Child in Your Life
Remember what it was like to feel genuinely blessed by an adult in your life. In a world in which children are so vulnerable, an adult's blessing is transformative and life-affirming.

Experience the Beauty of Nature
Take a walk or a bike ride; go for a drive or a hike. Experiencing the awe and wonder and amazement of the natural world creates a reverence for life--and gives the enlivening and ethical sense that we are each an interconnected part of such an infinite cosmos.

Engage in a Contemplative Practice
Find a contemplative, reflective, or centering practice that you can do regularly. This can take the form of reading from a wisdom text, listening to music that touches your soul, looking at art that engages the heart, or engaging in more traditional prayer or meditation. Try not to listen to the news.

Laugh
Laughter is a signal of transcendence. It reminds us that no matter what is happening in our lives, this too shall pass; it helps us to hold our absolutes humbly and keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously--all qualities that insure we can deal with whatever life throws at us.

Express Gratitude
Find five things for which to be grateful over the past week. Consciousness is like tofu. Its taste completely depends on what it is marinated in. When we "marinate" our consciousness in gratitude, we become more grateful people.

Bonus Practice: Take a Nap
Sleep restores the body, refreshes the spirit, and is the place of dreams.

Wanna make a million? Click me. Interesting, I must say.

It's February, my birth month and have to say one of my favorite months [the other being December]. I'll turn 32 this month. Yep. Can't believe that I'm 30-something sometimes but that's that. Just have to accept as the number of years add up each year. We can't prevent that. Just have to accept and live with it. Hee.

I'm not really into celebrating much. Been doing an alone day on my day for years. Though, that has changed recently because I have people who I like to celebrate it with. My EBC gurlfriends and for two consecutive birthdays, NG was here. So, that was quite a change indeed. This year, NG will not be here since we have to move his arrival until March so he could meet my youngest sister. And hopefully, we'd get that something that we both been waiting for since August 2006. Praying about it.

On my birthday, I hope to have a body massage with my gurlfriends. I hope we're all free on that day. Then dinner. Maybe, a quick VS? I don't know, it's been awhile since we had a VS coz of different things going on in our lives. I got busy at work. Doctora got busy with school. Eeee got even more busy with things. [Hee] Mrs. G busy with work too. We're all busy but it's
a must to get together once in a while to catch up yes? And hopefully, will get to do that on my birthday.

And if you're thinking of giving me something for my birthday, will make it easy for you, two words, BIRTHDAY CARD. Email me for my home address if you're up for it. Hee.

2nd month of 2008 is here. This work week is quite busy for me. I am hoping won't encounter any hassles along the way. Praying about it.

Here's wishing a good February for you and me. God Bless.

I Find Peace...

I get daily inspiration on my email from Beliefnet, and once in a while they have specials like 10 ways of certain things, today, I got 10 Ways to Bring Peace to the World...and I thought, it's worth sharing, I want peace in every way I can get them. Here's 10 Ways to Bring Peace to the World By Susan Skog.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. illustrated with his life, the entire world is lifted up by one individual choosing peace. One person can create something that ignites all of our collective hopes, energies, and dreams. What if you could do that too? What if you are destined to be your generation's peacemaker?

"We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization," King said. Here are 10 real ways you can cultivate deep in yourself the loving peace you want to see in the core of the world.

* Wherever You Stand, Make It Camp David *
"The only way we can make peace is for each of us to be the peace we want to see." -- Susan Collin Marks

It's up to us. We can't wait for someone more powerful or wiser to deliver peace. We are the wise and powerful ones who choose peace in every thought and action.

King showed us that even the simplest acts tilt the world toward peace. When his house was burned during the civil rights movement, he raced home not knowing if his wife and young daughter were safe. And he knew whatever he did could affect the anger brewing in the country. He stepped onto his porch and said, "Remember, this is what God said, 'We are not advocating violence. We want to love our enemies. I want you to love your enemies. Be good to them. Love them and let them know you love them.'"

Global peace is a personal choice, hour by hour. Ask yourself, "Am I going to add to the fighting in the world? Or offer up something greater?"

* Nurture Peace in Yourself *
"The first step is to come home to ourselves. You don't need to become a Buddha. You need to become yourself." -- Thich Nhat Hanh

It's hard to stay peaceful if we're overwhelmed by life. Find some peace, calm, and stability in your inner world so you can be kinder in your outer world. Do whatever soothes you, daily. Spend time in nature, meditate, sing, dance, play, chill on the couch. Do yoga, read by the fire, eat good chocolate while watching an entire sunset. Disconnect from conflict and just breathe for a while. Center yourself and tap into the peace you already carry within.

* Heal a Piece of Your Anger *
"Peace is as much about getting the bombs out of our own hearts as out of the Pentagon budget." -- Colman McCarthy

It's normal to get angry. But as peacemakers, our challenge is to channel that frustration into something greater. Think of your anger as rocket fuel that can launch your dreams--not scald people around you. View it as a surge of energy to create what you really want and need. Practice breathing deeply, disarming yourself and asking, "Why am I so angry? What do I really want?"

If we can transform our anger into a higher dream, as King did, we take a stand for peace. We step away from the vise of anger and step into the lives we really want.

* Focus on the Positive *
"Plant yourself in the middle of what you love most--the thing within you that is most alive." -- Yael Lachman

Others may want to waste their precious time focusing on the perceived ugliness in the world. Be the one who focuses on the positive, and watch the magic happen. Our thoughts are powerful. What we pay attention to expands. Attract peace with your thoughts. Notice peaceful people and places, tune out violence.

And remember that more people are at peace than at war all across the earth. This is the story we need to focus on, broadcast, and amplify. The world is evolving and becoming a brighter place.

* Creatively Resolve One Conflict *
"Conflicts are a call to creative problem-solving." -- Louise Diamond

Whether you're hosting a family gathering or conferencing with your staff, conflict will pop up as surely as that annoying neighbor who wants you to vote like him. Intensity will always percolate in any community. Conflicts can't be avoided. But we can learn to navigate them more confidently and use the tension as an opportunity to express our views honestly and peacefully.

The next time conflict surfaces, keep breathing, stay calm, thoughtfully speak your truth, listen to others, and try to find some shared ground. Realize that your frustration may be about the situation, not the person. Set the intention to find a resolution. Try to find the humor. Agree to disagree, if necessary.

* Be the Bridge *
"Out beyond the ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." -- Rumi

When do you demonize and fear people you don't even know? When you have incorrect perceptions of others, it's easier to fear, even hate them. Get to know the genuine in others. Meet people of other cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Find shared experiences, hopes, and beliefs. Connect on that holy ground, and peace will flow out from those moments.

* Practice Self-Responsibility *
"We want to put an end to wars without giving up our violent intentions and violent relationships," -- Arun Gandhi

Wars break out over our evening meals--or in the world--when we try to control someone else. Accept that everyone holds a piece of the truth, Arun Gandhi says. Accept that you're only responsible for your own values, beliefs, and choices.

* Forgive One Person *
"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies." -- Nelson Mandela

This month, try to release one individual--it could be yourself--from your anger and judgment. If you can't change what happened, then change your thoughts about it. Let it go. Forgiveness isn't about forgetting, it's about being at peace in your own skin. It's about getting on with your life, says Arun Gandhi, who forgave the man who killed his grandfather. "Being obsessed with anger only destroys us."

* Believe in Peace *
"Dream. Dream. Dream. Be idealistic. Dream the world can be a better place." -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Believe that peace can happen anytime, anyplace. Love the idea of living in harmony more than the idea of living in chaos. Spend time each day visualizing how your own life will be different when peace grows in all your relationships. Imagine your community cooperative and thriving. Imagine our country no longer warring with others. See our homes bathed in peace and prosperity. Feel the joy of that! Believe that a peaceful world is our destiny.

* Serve a Piece of the World *
"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The world is asking for your light. Find a way to give back and make a difference. Help someone else. You and I make all the difference in whether the world grows more chaotic or more peaceful. "You don't need a college degree to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve," King said. "You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

Serve the world with your peaceful heart, with your peaceful soul. Make it big. Make it so.

As for me, I find peace whenever I'm awake at 3am and it's all quiet that I get to think and realize about the good things/people I have in my life. I find peace in laughing effortlessly whenever my cousin Nadine tells me a joke [even if it's corny, she still makes me laugh] or something about a TV show she just watched that I have no idea of. I find peace knowing I'm loved and that I can love someone unconditionally. I find peace looking at my photo albums. I find peace browsing thru men's undies at Bench. [I have a thing for undies, let's leave it at that...] I find peace re-reading cards or letters that were given to me. I find peace re-reading my journal [though, I hardly write any but it's still peaceful to read them]. I find peace seeing my loved ones sleeping. [It's not like I watch them sleep...just seeing them sleeping is peaceful, knowing that in that moment, they are far away from whatever problems they might be facing]. I find peace in being with my loved ones. Though, I also find peace just being alone at times, not having to worry about not talking [which I'm VERY good at...heee] to whoever I'm with, just minding my own thing, it's a me, myself and I, kinda thing. I found peace in getting daily text messages and emails from NG, it's a comfort knowing he's out there even if he's not right where I am. I find peace watching my favorite TV shows [whether I laugh or cry at those shows, they are my shows...]. I find peace knowing that my loved ones are at home and that they are safe. I find peace in knowing that peace is not impossible to have in this lifetime. I find peace reading the daily bread. I find peace having God in my life, I KNOW, I can do so much in that area, praying and hoping, I'd get there someday. How about you? Where do you find peace?

Have a good week ahead, it is the last full week of January 2008. Hah. Where did the time go? God Bless.

I've come to realize...

*Snatched this from my nephew, Jeremy's Myspace bulletin post.

1. I've come to realize that, my last ex:
was nothing compared to the one I have now.

2. I've come to realize that, when I talk:
I tend to jump from one subject to the next, that's why I don't talk much. Hee.

3. I've come to realize that, I love:
sending and receiving greeting cards.

4. I've come to realize that my friends:
is a must in my life.

5. I've come to realize that, I've lost:
money in the past year to things that I didn't actually need.

6. I've come to realize that, I hate:
being in a long-distance relationship, at times.

7. I've come to realize that, marriage is:
something I'm considering now since someone wants to have it with me.

8. I've come to realize that, somewhere, someone is thinking:
about ending their life because they think they can't take any more of the life they have now.

9. I've come to realize that, I'll always:
have God in my life.

10. I've come to realize that, I have a crush on:
the guy from the workplace that I see once in a while, nothing special about him, he just dresses nicely and have nice eyes.

11. I've come to realize that, the last time I truly cried was:
months ago...let's not go there.

12. I've come to realize that, my cell phone is:
there to keep me in touch with NG when I'm not online in front of my computer.

13. I've come to realize that, when I wake up in the morning:
I wish he's right next to me, snoring and all.

14. I've come to realize that, before I go to sleep at night I:
pray and just think about happy thoughts.

15. I've come to realize that, right now I am thinking about:
what 2008 may bring...could be the year...I'm hopeful...I'm prayerful...I'm faithful.

16. I've come to realize that, I get on myspace/multiply/friendster/facebook [and the like]:
everyday [accckkk], I'm thinking of dropping one...will see...maybe, facebook.

17. I've come to realize, that today:
is the start of a brand new year, a fresh start for things and what not...2008 baby.

18. I've come to realize, that tonight I will:
try and get some more rest and I pray that it'll be the same all through out the new year.

19. I've come to realize that, I get annoyed:
easily whenever I have my period. [and that is a monthly thingy]

20. I've come to realize that, tomorrow I will:
be chatting with NG, be cleaning my room [if I don't get lazy], be ironing shirts and pants and be sleeping when I possible.

Sadness...

I was going to blog about magazines this week but since a sad event happened yesterday in one of the malls here in the country, I thought, I'd do that post in the next couple of days.

Prayers check for all those people who were hurt or knew someone who got hurt from the explosion.

There are a lot of theories popping up here and there. Government diversion from another issue? Terrorists attack? Gas leak? [though, I think that's been ruled out].

I still pray that whoever were behind the explosion that they be haunted by their conscience for life. Karma. Do good things and good things will happen to you. Do bad things and it will surely bite you back where it hurts the most.

SIGH. We have to keep our faiths. Yes, it's scary but we just have to trust God ALWAYS.

Nadine and I were supposed to go malling later today but I told her last night we'll have to postpone it for now. She agreed. She did asked for 20 pesos though. I asked her what for, she said she's saving up for a cellphone [the phone that was passed on to her died on her, it was an old phone] worth 1600 pesos. Hee. I'm tempted to give her that for Christmas. Will see. Maybe, I could ask my sisters to share for that gift no? Nadine is only 8, man, when we were 8, we didn't have any gadgets to play with, well, we had ATARI though.

Anyhoo, thought I'd post my thoughts on that. For what it's worth.

Prayers for the friends and families of those who died from the explosion. I pray they keep their faiths and not dislike God because of this.

Going to a mall shouldn't be a scary thing. We go to malls to have a few hours of fun, away from our reality. SIGH. Prayers check for everybody.

From today's Dailybread:
Life can seem unbearable at times. Physical pain, difficult decisions, financial hardships, the death of a loved one, or shattered dreams threaten to engulf us. We become fearful and perplexed. Plagued by doubts, we may even find it difficult to pray.

"...You must put your soul in one position and keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may --- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers --- no matter what, you must hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus."

Better days ahead for all of us. God Bless.

Five Ninety Nine...

My all-time crush [hee] is back on TV via Lastikman, yes, I know, I won't be able to watch that show but I'm still happy he's appearing on TV again. Kampanerang Kuba was the last show he was in if I remember it right. I wish he'd have a BENCH ad sometime in the future again. He'll always be my Bench man.

My cousin Nadine called me awhile ago to tell me if it's okay that my Christmas gift for her is 599. Hee. She said, she saw something from a magazine of Toy Kingdom and the price is 599 pesos. I told her if I get her that gift she'll not be surprise anymore. She said, doesn't matter, she really like that 599 thingy [that I have yet to see on the magazine when I am at their house again]. I was smiling when she kept asking if it's okay that it's 599, if not, I could tell my sisters to send the money and I'll buy it. Funny lil gurl Nadine. Kids don't have any pressure about the value of money no? Wish I'm still a kid sometimes. Gotta love her and I'm thinking she will get that 599 thingy for Christmas.

It's been a busy work week for me. I'm so glad it's the weekend once again. No work for two days. Yay. Hope your week went okay.

It was my parents 33rd anniversary last Thursday. 33 years. I wonder if I will have that with someone in this lifetime? Would be nice to be able to be in your 60s and still be with one person yes? I still wonder how my Nanay can put up with my Tatay's "habits" ... I can't stand it for most part. Hee. I guess, it's love no? I'm happy they are still together. Lots more to come I pray.

Just found out that NG doesn't use his closets at home. His undies are in a big bag or laundry basket. Hah. A bit surprised but I know it was possible. He claims he's not messy though, he's just not organized. Hmmm. I guess, I'll find out in time no? I hope I can handle it just fine.

Also, he signed up for a raffle to be able to buy Spice Girls concert tickets awhile back. He got an email last Monday that he may buy tickets now but the show is in Vegas. He did the math for flights and hotel and what not. He decided not to go since he said, he's saving up for his trip here soon. He's a Spice Girl fan. Every weekend he plays one of their CD as we chat. I hope they add more tours near his area so, he could go and watch. Praying on that.

We'll have dinner and VS [finally again, after quite a long time, last time for me was back in February] with the gurls tomorrow night. Bound to be a good one. Will drink away my worries for now. It'll all be okay yes? I hope so.

Anyhoo, must go to bed, I'm sleepy tired. Hope you have a good weekend and I'm hoping I'd have a good one too. God Bless.