I started this blog with this in mind: A blog on insights & anecdotes of my life, family, home, motherhood, parenting, lifestyle, health, home & fitness tips, entertainment, current issues and more...to vent my rants and rages. I had no intention of interacting with fellow bloggers. My main goal was to blog, blog and blog. It has been six months since my first post - and I do declare that I have come a long way (babeh!)

I started out as a blogspot. I was and am a desperateblogger - as the essence of my blog was a mom who was desperate to blog. After a couple of months I wanted my own domain. I really prefer the domain name desperateblogger but I also wanted a domain name that would identify me as a Filipina. Thus, pinaymomblogs it is.

I have changed my blog's template 4 times. I have learned the importance of back links and technorati authority. I have gotten to know bloggers from all around the world. I have read all about their lives ( at least the part that they want to make public) all graciously spread out in their blogs.I have been informed of pregnancies, births, weddings, baptisms, parties - birthday, graduation, farewell, etc. Like most bloggers or SAHM or WAHM, I too have become involved in monetizing my blog.

My posts have become a hodgepodge of articles - sometimes not even remotely connected to the genre of my original blog - all for the mighty moolah! However, I cannot possibly abandon my extra income source - oh no! not when this blog is PR 3! I just have to consistently incorporate my extra income ventures to my blog's genre. Note how I do not use the word p*id b*ogging - g*o*gle robots, you know.

Six months of blogging - 325 posts, PR 3, Alexa 188,042, Top Blog #37, Real Rank 544, Technorati Rank 12,810 and most of all a blog roll full of wonderful blogger friends like you! From the bottom of my heart, I thank each one of YOU for being part of my blogging life!

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Computer technology has been around for the past 70 years or so. Early electronic computers were the size of large rooms consuming power close to several modern personal computers. Today personal computers, in various forms, are the icon of the Age of Information. In the wake of computer technology is information technology. Information technology is defined as the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, specifically software applications and computer hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.

There are a lot of young blood and the not so young who are taking up courses related to IT. IT schools have mushroomed and we just cannot say if indeed these schools are competent and accredited. A nephew of mine graduated with a degree in computer science. He mentioned that for him to boost his career he needs a credible IT certification. He chose a Cisco certification and so far that opened more doors of opportunities for him.

The internet has come a long way. All leading companies and industries are using the internet for their daily transactions. There is definitely an increase in IT infrastructure translating to an increase in demand for IT professionals. A wide range of companies are always on the lookout for IT jobs like network technicians, network securities, administrators, network design specialists and more. Get your Cisco certification online and pave your way to a better future.

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Pinoy Humor is an Art by itself. You have to be Filipino to fully comprehend and experience the nuances of a Pinoy joke or its humor. Here I post some Pinoy signs. It is not my intention to laugh at the Pinoy, rather, laugh at the humor that is Pinoy in all its essence.

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A lawsuit is a civil or criminal action brought before a court where the plaintiff, the one commencing the action, seeks for a legal or equitable solution. A lawsuit or claim may take weeks, months or possibly years to settle. The summons for court appearances and litigations as your case drags on, might make it more difficult for you to meet your everyday needs.

A lawsuit finance company is what you need to avoid financial crisis at this point. LawMax can assist you avert such predicament. With LawMax, money is available for you now. Make no payments until you settle your case. If your claim does not happen, then you'll own the company nothing. Check it out.

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Vicks Vaporub is a mentholated topical cream intended to assist with minor medical conditions that temporarily impair breathing, including the common cold. It is applied to the chest, often immediately before sleeping, or inhaled by melting it in very hot water - and that what was I have been doing for the longest time. Well, there's a new way to use the medicated ointment. I tried it myself and applied it to Ethan and to my son too.It worked!

To stop night-time coughing in a child or an adult, put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime and then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about five minutes, and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. I had cough and cold when I tried this and I was really relieved. This works 100 percent of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition,it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.The Canada Research Council described these findings by their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure. It was found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime and in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on sleep soundly.

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Stem cells are the beginnings of human life. They have the ability to develop into different cell types that continue to grow to repair and replenish our damaged or diseased cells. The extractions of adult stem cells were from bone marrow, adult peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood at birth. These methods proved to be quite limiting in some aspects. Another form of extraction is from 4-5 days old human embryos which is a highly controversial process.

Stem Cells have been found to help in the quest to cure degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Presently adult stem cells can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological damage caused by stroke to name a few. A new technology to harvest adult stem cells was developed by C'elle. Research shows that menstrual fluid stem cells can be easily collected, processed then cryo-preserved for potential cellular therapies that may be viable in the future by using C'elle. To better comprehend About the Science of stem cells, I did a little research and I was truly amazed on the possibilities. To know more about C’elle visit the website and browse on C'elle Client Testimonial. There is a current promo called "Caring is Sharing" where you get one kit for free. Click the links to know more.

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My mother-in-law celebrated her 79th birthday on July 24. Her 4th son together with his 5 kids and wife, came home from Houston for the occasion. My late father-in-law and mother-in-law have 8 children, 27 grandchildren and 3 great grand children. Below is a picture of nanay with her grand and great grand children.

Before the stroke that left nanay partially paralyzed, she and I used to go ballroom dancing 2-3 times a week. She was really an avid dancer. She still is! To make nanay's party more fun, the grandkids thought of presenting a dance number for her. With 30 minutes to prepare, they put up this hilarious - for lack of a better adjective to use - dance presentation. Watch the video. You will hear in the background, cacophony of voices typical of Cavitenos.

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Please vote for my jumping pics entries at bridgearoundthecorner. I'm entries # 9 and 10. One day left for voting. Come to think of it, I just submitted my pics yesterday!
Please click link and vote!

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My family is crazy about pictures... that is posing for one. There is nary an occasion where picture-taking is not involved. By the way, in case you're interested in destination photographers (weddings et al)I could recommend a nephew, Karl Emmanuel de Leon of Mimi and Karl. They shoot anywhere in the world and I'm not getting paid for this either.(big grin)

Anyway, the latest craze among my kins is jumping while having their picture taken. It does not matter what the occasion is- parties, weddings, gimmicks. You might remember a picture of me jumping too in one of my posts. Here are some best jumping pictures in my picture file.

This crazy one is daughter #4. She is the ultimate Jumping Queen.

More pictures.....

Daughters # 4 & 2 clowning

Daughter # 4 with her college friends

I think this was taken in Zambales for their school community surfing, errr... service

Daughter #4 (again) with two cousins, Sheena and Sasha

The three mismatched body types again....Sheena is 5'11"
daughter#4 is 5'6" and Sasha 5'7"... you should see the cousins (my hubby's side)
when they are all together....

big and small cousins

Jumping session at a wedding reception

Ethan with his buddies.

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Whaddaaaa........???!!!! Is this blog really PR 3?!!!
I'll sleep on it. Let's see by morning....

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A friend sent this to me. It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body! God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopene and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

What are you waiting for? Eat your way to health!

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Due to the escalating prices of gas and other basic utilities and commodities, my husband has declared that air conditioner units (ACU) will no longer be turned on as if we are the Lopezes (Manila Electric Company major stock holders). All my kids complained as they have gotten used to turning on the air-conditioner units the moment they arrive home. Of course, I am irritated too. Why? First, I too prefer cool rooms where I need not sweat. Second, because my kids are suffering from the heat! I hate it when my kids are uncomfortable. For moms out there, I know that you know what I mean.

There is now an ongoing cold war between my kids and their dad. In order to pacify everyone, I did not really (only slightly) say on whose side I am on. I explained that we just have to adjust to the ACUs being on only at bedtime. No one is happy with the set up. Ethan (the 24/7 ACU user) complained that he is melting. Daughter # 2 said her asthma has acted up. Daughter #3 and #4 had thought of paying for their own energy consumption. For the past week the two had logged in their ACU usage. The log is actually posted on their door where their dad can see it - which he cannot for he refuses to wear corrective lenses. My son is not greatly affected for he only comes home on weekends, likewise daughter #1.

So, now, after a week of suffering from heat, did my husband actually saved money? I think so for there was definitely a marked drop in the ACU usage. But wait! Did I actually saved money in this no-ACU-usage-till-bedtime ploy? I certainly did not! Ethan got sick with cough and cold. Electric fan induced air does not suit him. The intensity of the cough forced me to buy a new nebulizer- for the old one conked out- which cost me 3,000 Php plus another 1,000 Php for meds. I had to buy two new electric fans at 1,300 Php. I now have watery eyes and itchy throat. I am about to get sick, for like Ethan,I have very low tolerance to the air turbulence created by an electric fan.

Someone... please turn on the air conditioner.

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Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites that provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to civilian users on an uninterrupted worldwide basis for free. GPS started as a military application but was made available to the public in 1983 at the wake of the accidental shooting of Korean Air Lines flight 007. Since then, GPS has been used to aid to navigation worldwide, a tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, and even hobbies such as geocaching. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. Anyone with a GPS receiver can have access to the system. The system provides precise location and time information for an indefinite number of people in all weather, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Just how does it work? The GPS is made up of three key elements: satellites orbiting the Earth; control and monitoring stations on Earth; and the GPS receivers owned by users. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space that are picked up and identified by GPS receivers. Each GPS receiver then provides three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus the time. Individuals may purchase GPS handsets that are readily available through commercial retailers. GPS users can correctly locate where they are and navigate to where they want to go in any mode of transportation. GPS has become a part of the modern man’s life. Everyone uses it: farmers, bankers, surveyors, geologists, pilots, lawyers, doctors, housewives…... everyone! The question now is who provides the best GPS tracking system this side of USA and Canada?

GPS Insight vehicle tracking system uses the latest in AT&T mobile technology for accurate vehicle locations every two minutes. It is a hardware and web software-based vehicle tracking product which is the technical leader in the GPS tracking field. Targeted for trucking and service companies, GPS Insight provides reports on: Speeding, Engine Diagnostic Fault codes/alerts, Begin/End of day report (compare to payroll), Off-Hours Reports/Alerts Landmark Reports (by landmark or by vehicle), Detailed and Summary activity reports, Miles Per Gallon / Fuel Consumption report to name a few. The system also guarantees efficiency and money-saving ways like:

• Real time map updates and 2 minute vehicle locations to help your dispatchers know exactly which vehicles are close to new orders - no more calling your drivers or relying on them to provide their location and trip status.

• 90 days of history, allowing you to go back and ensure that you have unquestionable proof of service when billing or service questions arise.

• Reports to identify reckless and wasteful speeding with 100% accurate speed readings from the engine's computer.

• Begin/End of day reports and detailed, 2 minute updates, which can help to identify fraudulent hours claimed by your drivers.

GPS Insight support wiki for customers is also available 24/7. Company Updates and customer comments can be found at the Blog for GPS vehicle tracking. Check it out.

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Got tagged by Jhelea.

So here are the rules and the 10 weird random things about myself.

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment ("You're it") and ask them to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you.

1. I like to eat mangoes dipped in vinegar.
2. I love sweet pickles.
3. I hate to take a bath when it's cold.
4. There are times when I just want to get my red ballpen and mark all the wrong grammar and running sentences on some blogs I read.
5. I tend to look snobbish... I am.
6. I can drive any car, truck, bus, motorcyle, tricycle, pedicab....
7. I so hate tinolang manok, pesang isda and lengua.
8. I have nicknames for each of my in-laws. (shhhhh.. quiet! they are not internet savvies!)
9. There are moments when I think of my eXes and wonder what life would have been if I were with any one of them.
10. I was an avid fan of Tom Jones.

I am tagging anyone who cares to be tagged!

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Generations X and Y. These are the two generations who grew up with video games, MTV and the phenomenal rise of communication: internet, cellular phone, MP3, Ipod and what have you! I am positively sure that these two generations are the ones playing online video games. Sure there might be some baby boomers playing online games for there a lot of boomers who are internet savvies .

There are different online games available in the net today. There are action games, fighting games, puzzle games, racing games, retro games, room escape games, shooting games, sports games, word games ...name it, it's probably available online. The latest to hit the the cyber world is an online game called Dungeon Runners. It is an online multiplayer action role-playing game that brings you to a thrilling world of magic, adventure, giant monsters, and icky things. As a dungeon runner, you are required to explore the perilous dungeon, fight against mutants and at the same time acquire skills and powers, artifacts and loots. A player can choose to be Fighter, Mage or Ranger. A Bling Gnome will be there as your basic side-kick! It may have a bit of an attitude problem but it will follow you around and save you time. The Bling Gnome will pick up all the gold dropped in the ground and even convert dropped trash into gold.

I told my gen Y son to download it for it's FREE. He did and he judged it the BEST! I dressed up Ethan, a gen Z, as a pimped Bling Gnome. Cool huh?!

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Here is the fifth installment of my Amazing hole series.

5. Mirny Diamond Mine , Serbia

I'm pretty sure most people have seen this one.
It's an absolute beast and holds the title of largest
open diamond mines in the world. At 525 meters
deep, with a top diameter of 1200 meters, there's
even a no-fly zone above the hole due to a few

helicopters having been sucked in.

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I love walking. It is a good exercise and a good way to unwind. You can walk just about anywhere, anytime, with someone or just by yourself. Walking might just be the best exercise since it’s free. If you are an avid walker, why don’t you try walking for a cause?

The Alzheimer's Memory Walk is an event sponsored by the The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®. It is a national event focusing on raising the nations awareness on Alzheimer’s disease. The event is also a fund raiser to help support researches that will hopefully cure if not totally eliminate the disease. A favorite aunt suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Through the years I saw her condition gravitate to worse until one day, she was just a shadow of her former self. It came to a point where she has to be fed and bathe. It was so sad.




Walk with a purpose. Register for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk to help raise fund and awareness of the debilitating disease. There are over 600 communities participating in the 2-3 mile walk. Join today and help in the fight against Alzheimer's.

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Remember my post about the Japanese square watermelons? The Japanese found a way to store the bulky round watermelons. They made it square. Now, why would anyone be that compelled to go to such lengths just to effectively store and sell watermelons? There are three answers.

First, watermelon is full of lycopene. Lycopene is said to be a cancer-crushing element. Tomato and pineapple are said to be full of lycopene too but the watermelon, beats them in content. Second, watermelon is said to be beneficial to our skin. It is loaded with a key compound credited with helping skin's healing and regenerative processes. Lastly, watermelon is practically calorie-free. A cup of watermelon has about 50 calories. You can satisfy your sweet-tooth and not worry on calories.

It is better to leave your watermelon out of the fridge until you plan on eating it. Watermelon continues to ripen and produce antioxidants after it has been picked. Chilling it would stop the process.

Next time you're at the grocery's fruit section go pick your watermelon- round, oblong or square.

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I love to write. I find writing as an expression of my thoughts, opinion, or merely an outlet for my rants and rages. I was never really keen on writing. I think I was pushed into in and finally honed my writing skills by the numerous essays and research works, then finally thesis writing that I went through to finish my degree. There was no help online or not, back in those days.

It really amazes me that there are actually online help for writing papers nowadays. Once such website is custom-essay.org. The site boosts of professional US and UK writers who can help you with just about anything regarding your school writing requirements. It offers help in professional essays, research and term papers not only in the form of writing template but also in editing and proof reading. Now every writer or student knows that the backbone of every term paper is the Research project proposal. If you are writing your Master thesis proposal, the site has some pointers on how to write your proposal. Custom-essay.org even has a manual for writers of term papers. The manual contains various tips and hints on how to construct and write an outstanding paper. If I were writing any term paper, I would surely check on this site.

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I was flabbergasted! outraged! then finally defeated when I saw the 3 peso-gas-price-hike last Saturday. There seems to be no break from this gas-hike madness! There are those who say that the continuously rising gas price will lessen traffic in the metropolis because more people will opt to commute. Wrong-O! The volume of cars has not lessen. There appear to be more people in the malls - watching movies, shopping, eating out, working out, night-out with friends... name it... more people are doing it. Why? How can they afford it?

I have been feeling out of sorts for the past week (s). A niece-in-law died at the very young age of 27. She has orphaned a girl of 6. A cousin is about to be operated on prostate cancer. My family is in the throes of problems- great and small. I feel that there are those who wish us ill. Sometimes, I just don't know how to cope. Often, I feel like crying out of helplessness and wish fervently that there is indeed a happy pill that I can buy and take.

I was 15 minutes early fetching Ethan in school today. I got off my car and went to sit in the waiting area. There were a couple of mommies, late 20's, early 30's talking with each other. I can't help but listen.

Mom1: Oh I ordered converse rubber shoes for my girl. I got it got it for $28 international shipping included.

Mom2: Oh that's a bargain. Where did you order? (referring to website). I got 2 pairs for my little boy and the package has arrived all the way from US!

Mom1: Oh that' nice! I also ordered a V-tech camera for my girl as she is just dying to have her own camera. She is just into it, photography. (note: the girl and boy being referred to are probably 3-3.5 years old)

Mom2: My boy too! I already ordered his and the seller said I'd receive the parcel tomorrow. Exciting! I think I'll just do my Christmas shopping online.

Mom1: Isn't online shopping wonderful? I just want to buy everything! I have this almost limitless visa card that my husband.......

At this point Ethan came out. Right on cue too for I was about to tear-out my hair out of frustration due to the boastful and insipid conversation the two mommies were having. Oh well. After listening to that conversation, I felt normal again.

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I knew that there was something special today, July 19. I knew that it was my father-in-law's birthday. He passed away some seven years ago but my in-laws insist on celebrating it anyway. As I was blog hopping this morning, I read Juliana's post about her tatang. Truly, what she said about her father touched me.

I went about my usual Saturday errands when it suddenly hit me. July 19 here is July 18 in the US. Juliana's tatang died on the exact same day as my papa. What a coincidence I said to myself, then I cried. I so miss my papa, imperfect as he was. But I cried more for other fathers out there whose children will have nothing to say or reminisce about when they leave the world.

I stumbled on this video. It is a story of a father's undying and unconditional love for his son. The son told his dad that he wants to join a 5 K run. So they did. Then the son and father gradually progressed to 10K, 26K, 42K then ultimately the nightmare of all triathletes, the Ironman Triathlon. No big deal you might say. Great father-son bonding. Please watch it and be touched.

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Daughter #4 did it again. She was on an overnight stay with her thesis #2 group mates when she sent me an SMS message.

Mom, are you free on August 2?

Most likely. Why?

I need you to attend a formal function. I am a recipient of the school's annual Honor's Award and I have two tickets for the occasion. Can you come?

Of course I'll be there! I know that was not an easy feat. She has been a consistent first honor awardee and the school will finally confer her an award.

I excitedly told the news to my three daughters and the first thing that came into their minds was.. what was I to wear. I have had my share of 5 high JS Proms and 5 high school Senior's Ball. You can just imagine the number of prom dresses my girls have in their wardrobe. Add to the list the numerous other long gowns and cocktail dresses that are akin to celebrity dresses they have used in 3 undergrad Grad balls, 2 doctorate Grad balls and 3 Oath taking ceremonies. I am not kidding when I say that these special occasion dresses cost me a fortune! Now, what will I wear for the occasion? I chose to wear something black in a classic cut - nothing obstructive. It's daughter #4's day anyway, not mine.

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I need an iPod. Everyone who is anyone has an iPod. Even our friendly neighborhood postman has an iPod to listen to while he delivers the mail. My kids have iPods each. They say they download their favorite songs from the internet and save it in their iPods. I am into jogging now and most joggers have Ipods stuck to armbands while they jog listening to stimulating music to pep them up.

It is good that there's an iPod Auction online now. There are about 1000 units for auction and bidding starts at $1! Unbelievable! I checked out the site and found different styles of iPod open for bidding.

The Auction itself will be conducted by uBid.com. There's a difference between services offered by Ubid.com and Ebay. Ubid.com is a business to consumer site while Ebay is consumer to consumer. To be more explicit, Ubid.com approaches companies who have excess products and help these companies or businesses dispose of their surplus. Most of these companies sell branded and high quality products. Ubid.com is 100% fraud free. Check it out.

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Cast of Mamma Mia

Ethan had this wracking cough and cold that I let him stay home yesterday. By 1:30 pm he said he was bored. I was bored too. Then I remembered my girl friend’s text that I just have to watch the movie Mamma Mia. So Ethan played hooky (classes were eventually suspended yesterday) while we met with my other daughters at MOA for the movie.

I love the music of ABBA. For those who are not familiar with the quartet, this Swedish group was an international hit in the 70’s and 80’s. Chiquitita, Dancing Queen and Thank you for the Music were some of their greatest hits. An enterprising Brit, producer and fan Judy Cramer had the idea of using the Abba songs for a musical. Working with Abba song writers/performers Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, Catherine Johnson, the writer, and director Phyllida Lloyd, Cramer staged "Mamma Mia!" in London's West End in 1999. The musical has been seen by over 30 million people and translated into 11 languages since then. The movie surpassed my expectations.

Every hit stage musical eventually turns into a movie. Mamma Mia is a celebration of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper join Meryl Streep as the lead, Donna. Donna is an independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island. She (Streep) is about to give away in marriage Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends--practical and no-nonsense-never been married- book author Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy-hot-sexy- multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski). The girl friends were from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. Without Donna’s knowledge, Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. Sophie grew up without knowing who her father was and what better way to find out than bringing back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. The story folds and unfolds in over 24 chaotic, magical hours. New love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this paradise full of possibilities. The truly inspiring part was that the story and the performers gave justice to ABBA’s music. Oh did I mention, the movie was a musical? I had to bite my tongue and hold on to my seat to stop myself from bursting into a song and grooving to 70’s moves.

Meryl Streep was brilliant. She can act, sing, dance and even do the Russian! Pierce Brosnan – Bond, James Bond - was a revelation when he sang S.O.S and more! My gosh! The vocal blending and choreography of Streep, Walters and Baranski was unbelievable. The costumes were to die for (at least for me). Firth and Skarsgard did their bit well too although Firth was looking peculiar while doing the Travolta-staying-alive bit. Amanda Seyfried as Sophie fit the role to a T. Her voice was pure and simple. No frills and trills but in pitch.

Mamma Mia maybe the cheeriest, most positive movie I have seen for the longest time. It is a "feel good movie" best seen with your family and friends. The whole theater sang with Donna, Tanya and Rosie as they sang Dancing Queen. I clapped my hands after the movie to show my appreciation. Viewers took a while to get off their seats to go home. I waited a bit longer. I just had to do my solo bit first. I stood up and sang Thank you for the Music together with Sophie as the movie credits rolled on.

It's a see it again and again and again movie.

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I was about to post in my inspirational blog Manna from Heaven when I found this.



Yes. The Google Spam Robot decided that my inspirational blog is a spam blog- a linking farm- a blog that has no coherent posts. LOL! Whatever! Now I have to request for a review of site. Tsk!

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My hair has always had a mind of its own. It does not follow my lead or my hairbrush. It has always been my constant battle to tame my wavy hair into some sort of style. I have always fancied myself to be that girl with the long-straight-shiny hair. Well I am not. If I wear my hair long, I tend to develop split ends then my hair turns real curly and fluffy. I am left with no option but to wear my hair short. Maybe it’s time to try a new hair product by Extreme Style by VO5.






Maybe that would bring about a Victory Hair. What is a Victory Hair? It is actually that wonderful –flitting moment when you lock eyes with a stranger or a loved one and you just know that this is it! It is the magic that is brought about by one meaningful look that could in fact lead to deeper gazing then eventually… messed up hair! If it were up to me I could look at a man meaningfully, talk and listen intently to him, maybe flatter him a bit to lead to a Victory Hair.

Try your approach to a Victory Hair. Join the Ultimate Flirting Championship. Rehearse your flirting for practice makes perfect!

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The dawn broke gray and murky. As usual I was way wide awake before my alarm rang. Time: 3:50 A.M.I stretched and yawned and tried to figure out why I am awake at this ungodly hour. Right! Today, July 13, is my 5 K run! I got up and checked on dentist. She was to run too. By 4:50 A.M. the dentist and I were traveling along Coastal Road. At 5:15 A.M. we were at The Fort. The race was due to start at 6:00 A.M. I was surprised by the number of people who were to run. There were thousands! – young, old, fit, fat, tall, short. The run was sponsored by De La Salle and you can just imagine the number of student runners (not real runners) all gearing up for the race. There were three categories: 3K, 5K and 16 K. Dentist and I chose the 5K race.

Jerome, Dentist, Jay, Moi, JP

By the time my race kicked off, it was drizzling. At the 2K mark, I was dripping wet with three kinds of liquid – sweat, rain and tears. The rain was no longer a drizzle, it was a soaker! Tears –metaphorically- more of tears of frustration-were onthe verge of falling. I was irritated by the seemingly grating demeanor of some runners. Others were hugging the left side of the street while they talk, walk and giggle their way to the finish line. Some were throwing empty mineral bottles on sidewalks. Still there were those who cut across corners in the hope of shortening their distance.

After crossing the finish line

I trudged on, scanning the sea of faces for the dentist. I can’t find her. At the 3 K mark (or so I thought) the 5 k runners pushed on straight ahead only to be told that we made a wrong turn. Great! The organizers were morons who forgot to mark the race’s route! The morons did not even have the basic knowledge to post their people at crucial turns. Later, I found out that the organizers were actually experienced runners who didn't have the brains to organize such events.

The last 2Kof the 5K run was uphill. My stride was nil until a certified grandma of about 65+ jogged passed me! Whadda!! The lola was overtaking me! Ego pricked, I was pushed jogging to prevent granny from overtaking me. My bad! The uphill jog was compensated by the downhill run. I reached the finish line and was surprised that there were no official timers at the finish line. Some guy just took a stub out of my number and that was it. I then saw the dentist, two nephews and a grand nephew waiting for me a few meters from the line. They finished way ahead of me. As we were talking they just realized that they actually did not run the whole race because they took the wrong route. Kudos to the organizers! Half of the 5 K runners made the wrong run and the organizers never found that out. The three top finishers were all from the wrong-short-route pack.

Jay and I discussing the mis-organized event


Dentist, Jay, Me and JP

Dentist was pissed that she did not actually run 5K. My two nephews – avid, experienced runners- were just laughing it off. I was elated. Unprepared that I was, I still finished the race. Now, I am priming for my next race in October. Ummmm…. 10K perhaps?

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I am a romantic! I just love watching Hollywood Love flicks! I get giddy and excited when leading men or ladies say ardent and passionate lines. Here are a few of my favorites. In the film The Bridges of Madison County I cried when Clint Eastwood told Meryl Streep:I don't want to need you cause I can't have you. In Notting Hill, I swooned when Hugh Grant said: I live in Notting Hill, you live in Beverly Hills. Everybody knows who you are. To which Julia Roberts replied: I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.

Will these lines actually work in real life? Maybe. Maybe not. The thing is if these lines were uttered to me, I would definitely take notice of the boy! Why don't you try your lines in the Ultimate Flirting Championship? See if you can win a Victory Hair in your game. The Extreme Style by VO5 online game is proving to be quite a challenge. Play it yourself.

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Here is the fourth installment on the subject Amazing Holes....

4. Great Blue Hole , Belize



This hole frightens me in a way. Looking at it makes me think of an endless dark hole of no return!This incredible geographical phenomenon known as a
blue hole is situated 60 miles off the mainland of Belize .There are numerous blue holes around the world, but none as stunning (or frightening!) as this one.

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A Strong Cup of Coffee for Me! Sugarfree please......

Mommy Alleh gave me this award. I love coffee.
To those who love the brew, feel free to get the award.

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I have been blessed with a 20/20 vision... 20 years ago! I am an architect by profession and the many sleepless nights on the drawing board had taken its toll. Gradually, my eyesight started to fail me and I was left with no option but to wear glasses. There were so many times that I lost and changed eyeglasses. Why didn’t I settle for contact lenses? I can't! My ophthalmologist told me that my axis is only at 60 degrees making a fit for contacts difficult. Secondly, I am both nearsighted and farsighted. Surely no contacts can do that. My eyesight is progressively failing me- hindering me in some activities that I enjoy. I am definitely stuck with eyeglasses - and so I thought.

A niece told me of this wonderful LASIK surgery that she had. She was all excited because for the first time in 12 years, she was finally free of eyeglasses and contacts. She said the procedure was fast and painless. Her vision is now perfect. I know that LASIK surgery is not for everyone. About 25% are not eligible for the procedure and there is a 1% possibility of failure and serious complications. However, it is comforting to know that recent development now combines 3D mapping and customized treatment for the very first all-laser technology that the US Military and NASA have approved for use on their pilots and astronauts.

I will definitely consider LASIK. It is good to know that there are qualified doctors available to do the procedure. Be inquisitive and get LASIK information from your EENTs and Ophthalmologists.

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Hole number 3....

3. Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah



This is supposedly the largest man-made excavation on earth. Extraction began in 1863 and still continues today, the pit increasing in size constantly. In its current state the hole is ¾ miles deep and 2.5 miles wide.

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In ancient Rome a forum meant the marketplace or public square of an ancient Roman city, the center of judicial and business affairs and a place of assembly for the people. Now forum has taken on a new twist. It is still a public place where people can exchange ideas and debate on topics, but the twist is..... online.

So you want to host a forum to boost your website or just for the heck of it. Free Forum Hosting can be found at Forumity.com. It provides 100% FREE phpBB Forums hosting service using fast servers and high bandwidth. Anyone can create his own Forum in just a few simple clicks. Oh and you can retain your own domain to access your Forum. Plus! you will have the full freedom as the forum's admin. Great! Click the link for more information.

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Here is the the second installment on the series Amazing Holes

2. Glory Hole - Monticello Dam, California

A glory hole is used when a dam is at full capacity and water needs to be drained from the reservoir. Now you may ask "where does the drain spill to?". I don't know!



This is the 'Glory Hole' at Monticello dam, and it's the largest in the world of this type of spillway, its size enabling it to consume 14,400 cubic feet of water every second.

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To flirt means to behave in a charming, appealing, charismatic, irresistible or beguiling way. Everyone flirts. Whoever says he or she never flirts is lying. A person, whether young or old, married or single has his own personal style of flirting.

A shy smile while looking at your target is one way of flirting. You don’t have to bat your eyes as that is too blatant. The key to a good flirt is it should not be too obvious. Another form of flirting that I find effective is touching the target’s oh so very lightly when you talk to him. That light feathery touch would surely be more felt and definitely remembered. Being attentive and a good listener is one way of fIirting. I don’t mean for you to hang on your target’s every word while salivating. Just look interested and you’ll definitely score points. I don’t flirt that much anymore and I’d like to find out if I still have what it takes to be a good flirt. Do I still have the Look?


Wouldn’t you know. There’s an Ultimate Flirting Championship in the offing to test one's flirting skills or lack of it. It is an online game where your goal is to score a Victory Hair. All you have to do is login and register then choose who you want to be then do the best Extreme Style by VO5. Click the links for more information.

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Over the next posts I will be featuring 7 amazing holes.8 Amazing Holes! These holes are not only amazing, but some of them are really terrifying! The sheer scale of these holes reminds you of just how tiny you are.


1. Kimberly Big Hole - South Africa

Apparently the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world,
this 1097 meter deep mine yielded over 3 tons of diamonds
before being closed in 1914.

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I am not keen on politics. However, political satire do interests me. Witty writers and commentators surely render an altogether different yet humorous side of a seemingly (and sometimes) hopeless real-life political scene. Glenn Beck is one such a person, an excellent comedian in this genre.

He now has a website where he blogs about issues and views on topics like Current Events & Politics, Family & Relationships, Faith & Inspirations and more. His style of blogging is so natural and no-nonsense. I actually enjoyed reading the articles.

He’s also doing a current summer political tour that will kick-off with a show in Dallas on July 17. The show will be broadcasted nationally to select movie theaters nationwide on that date. Watch the trailer on his website.

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I have been sleeping well these past few nights. The reason is because I have started to jog again. I jog about 3 kilometers everyday and the endorphin is just flowing!

I have gained more than 10 pound since I quit smoking about 8 months ago. The evil that is blogging also added to the weight problem. The many hours spent in front of the monitor - typing, reading, browsing, sitting - took its toll in the form of 10 unwanted pounds. What made me take up jogging again? First, as I do not have time to go to the gym, what better way to exercise? Jogging is free, fun, and time flexible. Second, I find it hard sleeping at night. Third, I entered a 5K race for tomorrow.

Yes. I, who have not jogged for so long, entered a 5K run. What made me do it? Daughter #4 texted me a week ago asking if I want to join their school-sponsored run. Knowing full well that I am not fit to join such event I said YES! Now, why did I? Well, I know I was getting heavier by the day and no amount of self-ridicule could make me lift my butt off my computer chair. Entering this run forced me to jog to at least loosen my flabby muscles.

Tomorrow’s run is set at 6:00 A.M. Registration is not later than 5:30 A.M. That means I have to be up and about and raring to run by 4:00 A.M. What?! Somebody, please wake me up!


photo courtesy:

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Bloggers! Tired of your so slow internet speed? Are you still waiting forever for your page to load? Here's a new deal from Charter internet. Get a speed of up to 5Mbps for the very low price of $14.99 a month. Included in the package are:

* automatic protection from hackers and viruses

*10 e-mail accounts

*20MB of webspace

Charter is also giving a $25 Shell Gas gift card upon online purchase. What are you waiting? Click the link and get your very own 5Mbps high speed- risk free 30 day trial. Hurry! Offers ends July 31, 2008.

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This is the Statue if Liberty - in the eye of a regular needle! The fantastic microscopic art work is done by Willard Wigen. Willard is a resident of Birmingham, England. The show is in Manchester .He has a learning disability (Dyslexia),but has talented hands. He makes the sculptures out of dust particles,sugar crystals, etc. Works only around midnight, and can only do some of the work between heartbeats.

More pictures....

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There is a growing concern today regarding the use of antiperspirants and deodorants. Its main components, aluminum and parabens are said to be linked with breast cancer among women. Aluminum compounds in antiperspirants and deodorants bind themselves to the sweat effectively plugging the glands while parabens are used as preservatives.

The aluminum and parabens in hygienic products are linked to breast cancer because it is believed that the skin can absorb these elements. Women shave their underarms and in the process sometimes nick the skin resulting in more absorption of the questionable elements.

Independent studies have been made regarding the link between aluminum and parabens with breast cancer. Results of the studies are still inconclusive. There are two views on the issue. A study done in 2003 found that women who use such products and shave their underarms are more likely to develop breast cancer at an early age. Whereas a study done in 2002 and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concludes that there is no link between deodorants and breast cancer.

You will notice that all deodorants and antiperspirants have warnings that it should not be used in broken skin. Why? Do the manufacturers of such products know something that the public does not? What is your opinion? Join the Breast Cancer Link Debate. Let's try to figure this one out.

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New Seat Belt LAW

The National Highway Safety Council did

extensive testing on a new seat belt design.

Results show accidents were reduced up

to 45% when the belt is properly installed.

Correct installation is illustrated next page......

This is very important. Please pass to family and friends.

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You may ask "Who is Glenn Beck"?

From his humble beginnings as a Christian radio DJ, Glenn Beck is now a leading American television and radio host. He is a known conservative political commentator, a businessman and an entertainer. His radio show The Glenn Beck Program airs in over 280 radio stations US wide. Making quite a stir in political satire, his very first television show aired in CNN's Headline News in 2006. He is also a best-selling author in New York Times and is also the publisher of Fusion Magazine. The magazine features comedic articles based from a Conservative's point of view.

His one-man stage show which tours the US this summer will kick-off in July 17 at Dallas. For one night only the show will be aired in select theaters by the Fathom Events. Reserve your tickets now to experience Glenn Beck.

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BLACK

Not Black.................

RED

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I need a new pair of eyeglasses. My old pair is ready to quit. I was browsing the internet and found these Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni. There are so many styles to choose from that I can't decide which one to pick! There are really cool and quite affordable Variable Dimension Frames From Zenni that are made of lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminum alloy. Cool! The best part is Zenni Optical $8 Rx Eyeglasses are offered too. For a prescription eyeglasses that inexpensive, I can order one for each day of the week. What do you think of my first choice?

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I am bored! Bored as in I have nothing better and exciting to do but try to finish dropping 300 entrecards. Bored as in I keep on refreshing the pages of my sponsored post programs in the hope of finding an opportunity to do. Bored as in I have not had an intelligent-stimulating-neuron-jarring conversation for the past... ummmm... year! Bored as in there is nothing to excite me nor make me want to wake up all eager for a new day. For the longest time, the only thing that raises my heart rate is my jogging.

I am not unhappy. I am just bored. There is a great big difference between being unhappy and being bored. My free time used to be full of energy-filled activities like playing tennis, workout at the gym, and ballroom dancing. Economics was added into the equation thus putting on hold all my extras.

I am bored... so bored that I have gained 10 lbs in the last 6 months. Now, I am not only bored. I am bored and fat.

I need to get back to my regular jogging regimen. The jogging might somehow elevate my endorphins thus making me feel "less" bored. Sigh!

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When Walter Camp modified and tweaked some rugby football rules, the present American football game was born. The origin of professional football can be traced back in 1892 when William "Pudge" Heffelfinger was paid $500 to play for Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Football has become the most popular and highly anticipated sports in the USA today. The game has come a long way. We cannot all be football players or coaches or owners in real life. However, in our wildest fantasy, we may be.

DimeSports.net has come up with Fantasy Football. It is an online game where you can organize your very own football team and compete with other teams. Participants form leagues and draft real-life American football players into their teams. Keeping scores are based on the professional players' actual performance on the playing field this season. Entry fee is at $49.95 for the Ultimate Play with a total pot prize of $250,000. If you chose to play the Mid-Season, entry fee is at $29.95 with a grand prize win of $10,000.

Hurry! Join Now The Ultimate Play kicks-off in September 4.

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My I have been smoke-free widget says I have been without a smoke for 257 days and 2 hours, saving me some $257.12 and 5,142 cigarettes avoided. Oh My Gosh!!! It just hit me that I more or less consume 11,000 sticks of cigarettes a year! That's a lot! No wonder I developed chronic cough, congested chest, melasma and fine wrinkles on my face, a general darkening of my facial complexion, diminished lung capacity, a voice quality that progressively went down from lyric soprano to alto and... a smoker's stinking breath!

Boy! Am I glad I quit smoking. My daughters tell me that my face has regained its fairness. The melasma is gone. The wrinkles diminished. I can once again sing. I smell good too. The congested chest and chronic cough lone gone. For you out there who still smokes, consider quitting.

picture courtesy

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Blogging has come a long way. Anyone who has a desktop or a laptop and can string a couple or more sentences together, and perceive themselves as bloggers. The sad news is very few blogs do make it. Why? The reason is a blog’s lifeline is its traffic. Without visitors, there is no traffic. Without true traffic, what good is you blog?

As bloggers have long ago known, regular posting is the basis in attracting new readers and encouraging regular visitors to keep coming back. RSS feeds have made it easier for readers to subscribe to blogs- and we thought that that is that! There is a new way to promote your blog’s new content to visitors. Zookoda may well be the answer to promote your blog and at the same inform you readers and visitors of your blogs’ new content through email newsletters. Through Zookoda, you will have full control over visitor subscriptions, email design and content, broadcast times and conditions, and real-time reporting.

It is easy enough to apply. Once you join you will be provided with a code for a subscription form that must be placed in your blog. Readers can then fill up the form by providing their e-mail addresses which will then be encoded to Zookoda’s mailing list. You can choose which feed to use, what template to use and then schedule the time and date of your broadcast. The best part is it’s FREE!

The company will keep all your private information confidential. A member can also opt-out of the program anytime and without obligations. Check it out now.

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Got tagged by Sheng!



RULE:

What you are supposed to do… and please don’t spoil the fun… Click copy/paste, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag 4 people in your lists!



(A) Four places I go over and over:
- malls/supermarkets
- fun places
- schools
- eating establishments


(B) Four people who e-mail me regularly:
- friends
- relatives
- former classmates
- SPAMMERS


(C) Four of my favorite places to eat?
- Fridays
- Italianni's
- Tony Roma's
- my mother's kitchen

(D) Four places I’d rather be?
- at a Parisienne Cafe sipping coffee
- at an outlet store in New Jersey, shopping to death
- in Rome, Italy, viewing the masterpieces of da Vinci and Michaelangelo
- in the PCSO office, collecting my Lotto winnings!

E) Four people I think will respond:
- Juliana
- Wena
- Shiela
- Joy


(F) Four TV shows I could watch over and over:
- Friends
- Grey's Anatomy
- Dr. House
- Sex and the City


So I am now tagging the 4 ladies I have mentioned above namely: Juliana, Wena, Shiela, Joy

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It is a lazy, rainy, gloomy, Monday. As usual I woke up before my alarm clock was set to ring at 5:30 A.M. Monday mornings are just hectic for me. My son is off for the week and I have to make sure everything is ready and packed. Daughter #1 is on duty today until tomorrow. Daughter #2 has to be in school real early - she has been elevated to senior level teacher and IB teacher. Daughter #3 has a patient at 8 A.M.- a child of 5 is to have multiple teeth extraction and has to be sedated. Daughter #4 is all toxic for today is the start of her midterm exams. Ethan added to the hullabaloo by waking up earlier than usual and demanding to be fed ASAP.

By 6:30 A.M everyone's out of the house. I was left with Ethan and was tasked to take him to school later. As I was seeing my kids off I noticed that the sidewalk gutter at the front is filled with mud. Instead of assigning the job to the maid, I got the shovel and started to dig up the mud. Oh, this is hard. Just then a neighbor passed by and shouted "hoy! bakit ikaw gumagawa nyan?" ( why are you the one doing that?). I just put down the shovel -mind you it's the rectangular biggie shovel- and smiled and waved at her. I continued with my work. The mud was pretty thick and smelly. I started to sweat and swear. If my mother could see me now she'd die!

I tried to hasten my work for several neighbors ( going to work) are coming out of their houses now. I got the broomstick and dustpan and started sweeping the remaining dirt. I was able to clean up the front sidewalk pretty well. The stinking mud is gone and I am left with the thought that for the rest of the day "I have nothing better and of consequence to do."

I felt sad.











picture courtesy

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The University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) opened its 71st season at the Araneta Coliseum, Saturday, July 5,2008. The host for this year's UAAP is the University of the Philippines coinciding with their centennial celebration. Tickets were hard to come by. Daughter #4 tried her best to score tickets for the De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) game slated on Sunday, today!

Tickets for the Sunday games are sold out! I even went to UP last Friday to try bribe someone on giving me tickets. I failed. However, I got to watch the UP Pep Squad practice their routine for the UAAP opening. As of this moment the DLSU and ADMU game is ongoing. It's a very close fight - between the two teams and their minions! You have got to watch a basketball game between the two teams. It's unbelievable! The venue is always filled to the rafters. One half of the coliseum is reserved for the DLSU minions who are in green while the other half of the coliseum are for the ADMU fans in blue. The noise is always deafening! The crowd highly agitated. The alumni of both schools ready to die for the game and glory. Seriously, there's nothing like watching a match between the two schools.

Shucks! Even Mannny Pacquiao graced the event! He was given a citation by the UAAP and a centennial jacket and cap by the UP president. For a moment there I thought UP was going to give Pacquiao an honorary degree! As we say in Filipino parlance: ano ka sinusuwerte? (you're not that lucky!)

Last 40 seconds and ADMU is up by three points! Crap! Final score: 73-79. ADMU won.

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A butcher watching over his shop is really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop. He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back again. So, he goes over to the dog and notices it has a note in its mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have twelve sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in its mouth, as well." The butcher looks inside and, lo and behold; there is a ten-dollar note there. So he takes the money and puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is so impressed, and since it's about closing time decides to shut up shop and follow the dog. So off he goes.

The dog is walking down the street when he comes to a level crossing. The dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the button. Then the dog waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to turn. They do, and it walks across the road, with the butcher following him all the way. The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable.

The butcher is in awe at this stage. The dog checks out the times, and then sits on one of the seats provided. Along comes a bus. The dog walks around to the front, looks at the number, and goes back to its seat. Another bus comes. Again the dog goes and looks at the number, notices it's the right bus, and climbs on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, follows him onto the bus.

The bus travels through the town and out into the suburbs, the dog looking at the scenery. Eventually it gets up, and moves to the front of the bus. It stands on two back paws and pushes the button to stop the bus. Then it gets off; the groceries still in its mouth.

Well, dog and butcher are walking along the road, and then the dog turns into a house. The dog walks up the path, and drops the groceries on the step. Then it walks back down the path, takes a big run, and throws itself against the door. The dog goes back down the path, runs up to the door and again, throws itself against it. There's no answer at the house, so the dog goes back down the path, jumps up on a narrow wall, and walks along the perimeter of the garden. The dog then gets to the window, and beats its head against it several times, walks back, jumps off, and waits at the door.

The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts abusing the dog, kicking him and punching him, and swearing at him. The butcher runs up, and stops the guy. "What in heaven's name are you doing? The dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for the life of me!" to which the guy responds: "You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten his key."

Moral: No one is completely contented or satisfied with himself or his life or his job or social status or whatever else there is to complain or whine about. Life is just too short. Be grateful for what you have. If not, work for it, not whine about it or for it!

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Today I went to CAP (College Assurance Plan) main office in Makati. I was browsing the internet yesterday when I chanced on CAP's website and read that daughter #4's SY 2005-2006 first trimester tuition fee check is now available. Whoopdeedoo! Scholars of CAP have not been paid nor reimbursed for the last four years due to the company's lack of funds.

I checked my old file and found that I filed a refund for 32,890 Php. Ka-ching! Moolah! So daughter #4 and I went to collect.

Excuse me; I am here to collect the check for daughter #4, I said.

The clerk checked his monitor and told me that I should go to window 10 for the update. I did and found out that the 32,890 Php that I filed for claim three years ago is now a measly 11,890 Php. I asked why and the lady said all claims have been re-computed. Fine! Just as long as I get a refund.

Back to window 2. I presented the clerk with the new amount due me. Once again the clerk checked his monitor and quietly said that daughter #4's name is not on the list of recipients. I argued that I did see my daughter's name and then he challenged me to present to him a printed screen shot of my claim.

Hah! I immediately went out of the building, looked for an internet cafe, browsed and printed what I needed. I then presented the printed screen shot to the clerk. He took it and was gone for about 5 minutes. When he came back, he had the check.

Oh wow! I now have an extra 11,890 pup, I thought as I signed for the check's release. I took the check while daughter #4 was happily watching. She asked if she could use some of the money for a new pair of rubber shoes. Umm... why not?! I looked at the check making sure everything is all right. Huh? Whadda? The check was for 594.50 Php!!!!

It turned out that the 11,890 Php due me was to be paid in 20 installments. With the next installment not even in the offing - with eight more trimesters unfiled and uncollected - I may never ever be reimbursed in this lifetime!

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Japan has always had problems with spaces, especially in the urban areas. This space dilemma goes all the way to shelve spaces in grocery stores. Where one can see mega malls and super-duper markets in most western and eastern countries, the Japanese grocer had problems in stacking watermelons. Watermelons are round and big and consume so much space. What are we to do?, laments the Japanese grocer. So the Japanese farmer thought of growing square watermelons. Impossible! said the rest of the world. Not so as the picture indicates.

The solution to the problem of round watermelons wasn't nearly as difficult to solve for those who didn't assume the problem was impossible to begin with and simply asked how it could be done. It turns out that all you need to do is place them into a square box when they are growing and the watermelon will take on the shape of the box.

Lessons learned?

There are a lot, actually, but let me just say two things. First, Never Assume.The major problem was that most people had always seen round watermelons so they automatically assumed that square watermelons were impossible before even thinking about the question. Things that you have been doing a certain way your entire life have taken on the aura of the round watermelon and you likely don't even take the time to consider if there is another way to do it. Breaking yourself from assuming this way can greatly improve your overall life as you are constantly looking for new and better ways to do things.

Second: Impossibilities often can be possibilities: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error.

Truly, nothing is impossible.

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Back when the gas price was still outrageously cheap, my husband and I used to frequent video arcades to play. I remember playing my first ever arcade game which was Space Invaders. Over the years, arcades transformed into higher technology and mind-boggling games. When portable gaming consoles were invented, I became a video game addict. There were nights that I don't get to sleep at all because I just have to finish the level, pass through the last hurdle or kill the last monster or eliminate the last warrior. Now, my son is the online game addict. I've changed keyboards so many times for the letters A and S were always blurry or totally erased from his constant playing.

His passion now is Dungeon Runners. Yup! Basically it is an online multiplayer action role-playing game that transports you to an exciting realm of magic, adventure, giant monsters, and icky things. As a dungeon runner, you get to explore the dangerous dungeon, fight with mutants and at the same time acquire skills and powers, artifacts and loots. Sounds like a lot of work for one Fighter, Mage or Ranger. Worry not! Bling Gnome will be your basic side-kick! It may have a bit of an attitude problem but it will follow you around and save you time. How? The Bling Gnome will pick up all the gold dropped in the ground and even convert dropped trash into gold.




I dressed up Ethan as a Bling Gnome- a quite healthy one too! The site has a PIMP Your Gnome contest where a $350 Best Buy Gift Card is at stake. I had a blast pimping up Ethan. You can join too if you're a blogger. Go check Social Spark for specifics.

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If you've been an internet savvy for quite sometime, I guess you're familiar with the Wordless Wednesday link that some bloggers join. Well, I am not a WW member but since I am quite wordless today, a Wednesday, let these pictures do the talking.

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While my mom and I were fixing things at the US embassy last week, Ethan and the dentist thought of going to Museo Pambata. It is located at the edifice corner T.M. Kalaw and Roxas Blvd., right beside the US embassy. From Ethan's enthusiastic story, I gathered that he had a blast at the museum. Established in 1994, Museo Pambata is an interactive museum where children can use their total senses and learn various concepts at their own pace. It establishes the concept that learning should excite the minds of the young, inspires them to learn more, and make fun and exciting! See some of the photos....

There were interactive nooks for science and other technology but Ethan preferred the make-believe stores. He loved them! Sad to say the museum has very small patronage. That day, Ethan and the dentist were the only ones touring the museum. More parents and therefore more children prefer to go to malls rather than to museums and other educational facilities.

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I got this Blog Readability Tag from The Fab & Furious. When I started blogging in February 2008, my blog's initial level was genius! Yes. I even posted it in my blog. As my blogging days progressed I took the icon out for the result rings false. I am no genius. From time to time, I still checked my blog's readability level and steadily my blog's level went down -post grad - grad - undergrad and now this. =)

Good or bad, True or false... who cares!? I can't even figure out the basis for rating the readability level.


Here are the rules:

1. Check out your blog Readability Test here then post the result on your blog.

2. (OPTIONAL) Stop pondering on the results of the test (LOL!).

3. Add your blog from the list together with the results.

4. Tag as many friends you like.


I am tagging :Filipina in Hawaii*Honey In Love*Maternity Woman* Everything that has Breath..*Wife of a Warrior* Just me Eds

(1.) Big Eyed Gal - High School (2.) The Chronic Shopper - Elementary (3.) Vital Sighs - Genius (4.) Princess Vien - High School (5.) Em’s Detour - Junior High School (6.) Strawberrygurl and Busy Mom - Elementary (7.) Reflexes snapshots of life (on manillapaper) - Junior High School (8.) expressions and thoughts - Genius (9.) our family story - College (Undergrad) (10.) MOMEMO - Genius (11.) Deranged Insanity - Genius (12.) Blessings and Beyond - Genius (13.) Aeirin’s Collections - Genius (14.) Faery Dancing - Junior High School (15.) Caffeinated Muse - College (Undergrad) (16.) The Fab and The Furious- Elementary (17.) and Life Goes on for a Filipino Mom - High School

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While in the wait for blogging opportunities I chanced upon this site. It is a survey site. Being a veteran of survey sites, pay to read sites, surf sites and whatnot, this one pays quite a lot. The program is offered to anyone who has a paypal account. If you live in the US, no need for a paypal account since check payment can be sent through mail. Sign up now! You'll get a $6.00 bonus survey if you do. Joining is free. Click the icon to be taken to the sign-up page.

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