Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Making ends meet and meat....

Every time I sit in front of this computer, I always have my hopes high even though I know that most likely it's going to be the same old thing everyday. Searching for a better thing for your family is a weekly or monthly activity or even a daily crusade for others like myself. I know I'm not supposed to be on the Internet while at work. But, I guess I am trying to save money (by not having to got to the internet cafe after work) and be productive at the same time? Somewhere I read that blogging or any activity taken 1 hour off from work increases productivity. So, I decided to give it a try.

Living from paycheck to paycheck isn't something new. For many, it's everyday life and some either have embraced it or tried to find another way. At least, they tried and succeeded or failed, I tip my hat to them for breaking the mold. Where I live right now, everything is going up. The gas (lpg), rice, vegetables, meat and other everyday stuff that you would end up buying at the marketplace. Living below your means is not always easy, but it will help you survive. You won't have to end up wondering or worried about where your next meal will come from after you've paid all the bills. Believe me, those bills will never go away!

Here are some tips that you can use to save you some money. Either save it or spend it, but spend it wisely. After all, you are the ones who sacrificed for it.

1. One of the most obvious and helpful tips. Live below your means. That means differentiate the items that you "need" vs. "want". For example, you "want" that awesome car stereo for your car (save for it instead) but you do "need" to pay your rent on time. Be a good "spender and earner at the same time".

2. Make a list of "needs and wants" that way it will help differentiate the two and you can always refer back to your list if you "forgot".

3. Pay the bills that you do have on time. This avoids you having to pay surcharges and interest. Imagine, all the money you can save, just by avoiding this!!

4. Bring your lunch to work if time permits. It's a lot more frugal to bring a sack lunch instead of having to buy your lunch at a restaurant. (Eat out on special occasions or when you "have" to).

5. Research on the internet about ways to save your electrical consumption (using fluorescent bulbs etc.) and water usage (controlling leaks, baths). It might bring those utility bills a little lower "to a much more manageable state at least".

6. Open a savings account and set aside at least 20% of your final pay. At least you will have "emergency" money or money set aside if you need it.

7. Learn how to cook. This can go along with #4 above. This will help you bring those eating costs down and it might be fun!!

8. Always research the various companies when buying insurance for your home, car or whatnot. There is always a lower price out there, you just have to look.

9. Have your partners, be it your wife, husband, roommates or whatever chip in and help you. They will learn to be better at saving and be better spenders also.

10. Carpool- it helps you save on the gas money or car maintenance expenditures and will get you to work on time and safe. You are also doing the earth a favor by lessening pollution.

11. If you own a vehicle, keeping it tuned up and running great will help you avoid costly repairs, thus saving you a trip to the grease monkeys.

12. Have a garage sale and throw out all of that junk. You don't really need those ugly sweaters anymore do you? Having a garage sale will help alleviate expenses and maybe you might find stuff that you can revive from the dark abyss called your closet.

13. Use coupons when you can. Companies didn't print them out for nothing. A hefty discount can be had if you use them frequently. You would be surprised I betcha!

The above list is by no means complete, maybe there are some good tips I missed or didn't list, but these are some that I have implemented into my life and am now just recovering from debt. Abide by these tips and they will help you save. Living frugal doesn't have to suck. You just have to adjust and see where you are free to move.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Blogging for beginners...

O.k. so I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing (actually really new). But, during my times of surfing the net and various blogs, I have come to this conclusion and beginner's guide to blogging. It's not complete and maybe I missed a few concepts, but it will still help a little, especially for the beginners. Here they are, enjoy and good luck!!

1. I cannot underestimate this enough. Write good content!! If you have good content and a unique writing style that people love, it will work out great for you.

2. Don't forget to sign up your URL with various search engines. If you have an awesome blog, but no one can get to it or has even heard about it, then what's the point?

3. Share the link love. Linking to other people's blogs is a great help. If you leave great comments on their site, then they will want to know and be interested in finding out who that person is. Get my drift?

4. Join a community blogging group. By reading other people's blogs and immersing yourself in that community, then they in time will find your blog and read it also!

5. Always check your grammar. This is very important you know. Who wants to read a blog with a lot of misspellings and grammar usage?

6. Be patient!! You can't expect to set-up a blog for one week and then think there will be hundreds of people coming to your site!!! This also goes with no. 1 above.

7. Build a loyal following. If you write about a certain subject and people respond to it, great!! But don't forget your other audience also. Try to have a broad aspect on all views and subjects. always have a "special spot" for your other readers. ALbeit, there might not be a lot of followers, but at least they will be loyal and keep coming back for more.

8. If you come across a great blog that stands out in your memory, plugging it doesn't hurt. You never know, the blogger might just come to your site to see what you wrote about them or their site! Visit other blogs for advice and tips to arm yourself with the arsenal and knowledge of making a great blog. Experience helps!!

9. Connect with your audience. Let them know that they are appreciated and their comments noticed. It takes just a little time, but it will stick in their memory. Encourage feedback from your visitors about anything.

10. Have interactive "zones" in your blog. People like to read, but they also like to take time out and have a break!

These are just a few tips...If you would like to donate more tips, please comment!! That would be appreciated. Good luck and blog furiously!!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Stop smoking 30 day challenge!!

So, you're probably wondering, is it possible? You bet it is!!! Two years ago I was blessed by God for giving me a wonderful and beautiful daughter. Every morning she always looks for me to see if "daddy" is next to her when she wakes up. After hearing her voice in the mornings, I started wondering to myself...what if "daddy" wasn't there anymore? Especially, if the reason was one that I could have prevented. We all have our time and I wanted to extend mine to be with my family and my daughter so I could share more of those "special" times with them. Of course, I want the best for my daughter and her future. That is the major reason I had decided to give up smoking. It was either smoking or my daughter, I chose the better reason!

If you "just started" smoking, you have an easier chance to quit. If you are a long time smoker, you can also quit, but will take a little extra effort. It's an effort well worth your life. Here are a few facts about smoking, maybe you've heard of them or not.

Smoking causes lung cancer and emphysema. Emphysema slowly breaks down your lung function to the point where the person always has battles with chronic bronchitis among other infections and diseases affecting the lungs.

When you smoke, the little cilia in the lungs (hair like structures that help take out the bad microbes) cease to stop working and are damaged. But, all hope is not lost! After a person quits smoking, the little cilia start to repair themselves and function normally. Smoking again damages them over time to the point they don't work anymore.

Smoking raises your blood pressure, constricts your veins and can contribute to stroke. When your veins get constricted, the fatty deposits built up over the years have more chance to block the veins and you can have a stroke.

Carbon monoxide, (the stuff that comes out of your car) which is a colorless, odorless gas is harmful to your lungs and body. What happens is, your lungs are more likely to take in the carbon monoxide than oxygen. It has an easier time to transfer. If the carbon monoxide is high enough, you can get carbon monoxide poisoning and possibly die.

Smoking also causes cancer in your mouth or throat and the yellowing of your teeth.

Here is a listing of commonly found chemicals in cigarettes. Ammonia (yep the stuff in toilet cleaners and other cleaning agents), formaldehyde (the chemical used to preserve corpses) and acetone (nail polisher remover anyone?). These are just a few, but the most dangerous ones. There are over 4,000 chemicals found in cigarettes.

Smoking also makes you make that awful noise like your gagging when you cough, ewww.

Here are some ways you can stop:

You have to have the desire to quit, be it for yourself or your loved ones. No one has the power to make you quit except yourself.

Chew gum (sugarless) when you can. It will help fight the cravings. Candy also helps, but will contribute to slight weight gain!

If you say, "well I will gain weight if I quit" that's not a good answer. You can get yourself into a fitness program or start exercising to lose that extra weight. Besides exercise is great for you, speeds up your metabolism and makes you feel and look better!! You can also walk with your family around the block or to the park. That way everyone benefits from this and you get to bond a little more with your family.

Think of all the money you will save!! In the states, the cost of cigarettes are getting to an outrageous price. If you add up all the cigarettes smoked by you in one year, you might be surprised at how much you can save. I think that money would be better off going to your kids, don't you think? Or to yourself if you have no kids.

Try not to put yourself in the situation of having to smoke. I know for a fact that if you stand next to someone that is smoking, you are likely to want to smoke also. Distance yourself!!

If you are a heavy smoker, try cutting down on the smoke time for each cigarette. Putting it out let's say halfway or three quarters of the way down will help you. This is to gradually decrease your nicotine cravings that your body has.

Instead of lighting up first thing in the morning, do some morning stretches. Go for a brisk walk (even 5 minutes only) helps.

Here is a tip for the new smokers. It usually works and is great!! One or two sticks in an hour won't do anything to you, in fact that's the way of putting yourself on the road to lung cancer. Smoke yourself sick!! If you caught your kids smoking, this is an idea that will surely change their mind. Smoke the whole pack non-stop. When I say non-stop, that's exactly what it means. You will end up not feeling too good and hopefully the feeling and impression will stay in your brain.

Find a hobby that keeps you busy and away from smoking. Starting crafts or joining sports can be a great way to start. Playing with your kids also can contribute to your daily routine.

If you put this advice into action, I guarantee you will feel better (even within one week) of starting this regiment. If you need help or support, please feel free to e-mail me. I would like to know how you are doing with this regiment. Going "cold turkey" might be good for others, but if you are having a hard time, here's another method.

O.k. here is the hard part:

Let's say you are smoking 20 cigarettes a day (one pack). We will use the month of November as an example since it's coming up and you can start already!! On November 1 (Thursday), you will still be smoking 20 sticks a day right? O.k. on November 2 cut that down to 18 by implementing at least one tip that I gave you above. November 2-4 repeat previous steps. From November 5-9 cut your sticks to 16 and keep on implementing a tip. November 10-14 cut it down to 14 sticks and implement a tip. From November 15-19 cut it down to 12 and implement a tip. O.k. after November 19 cut each day by one stick while implementing an above tip and by November 30 you will have smoked your last stick. Congratulations!!! Starting Dec. 1 you are no longer a smoker. Keep on with the tips and get your family or friends to join you for an easier time. Hope this works out for you!!

Car insurance? Try www.advantageautoquotes.com

I was breezing through the web searches one day looking for a car insurance company that had quick quotes that I could compare with other companies at the same time. Finding a good insurance company can be real time consuming, not to mention frustrating. Well, now you can check out http://www.advantageautoquotes.com/. Their site is provided with a user friendly interface that it's a snap to grab that free quote now.

So, whether you are looking to have your sports car, family car, or that classic car insured, this is the way to go. They have policies for teen drivers, poor drivers as well as good drivers and commercial policies / student policies also. You can also save money by checking out their online quotes and comparing their better car insurance rates among other competitors.

Now you can rest assured and have peace of mind that a great company has you covered http://www.advantageautoquotes.com/.

AVOID SCAMS !!! STOP THE SCAMMERS !!!

O.k., so you open your e-mail and are scrolling down when you see that you have a new BMW!! or have an opportunity to withdraw millions for helping someone? Open your eyes!! You are being scammed. The hard truth is, there are no opportunities like the ones listed below. I am personally tired of these scammers and will contribute on my part to help others from being scammed. Before you start typing away all your information...RESEARCH what you are getting yourself into. Do a reverse phone number check on the persons delivering these messages. You can also do an address search and reverse email search also. The ones listed below have attached with them the I.P. address of the e-mailers. Please study them and save yourself money and hassle. As you can see on the last email scam, it's not even addressed to the right person! Along with misspellings and wrong grammar, there are other tell-tale signs of scams. O.k., maybe this is a part of the 419 Nigeria scam? Don't send any info. at all they will use it for fake passports or otherwise!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Dear,

It is with heartfelt hope that I write to seek your co-operation and assistance in the context stated below:My name is Mrs.Mariam Abacha,the wife of Late General Sani Abacha (former Military head of state and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) who died suddenly on 8th June 1998. I got your contact on the internet as I was making contact for a honest foreigner who will help save my life and my children,hence our country has been frustrating us since the death of my husband.

I have lost confidence with anybody within the country. Having noted the confidence reposed on your person I became convinced of your capability and goodwill to assist me in receiving the sum of US$16 Million secretly willed in my favour by the late general (my husband).
This money was kept in a Security Company in DUBAI UAE and I have all documents with me as of when it was deposited in a Security Vault for safe keeping.This money has been defaced for Security reasons and also to avoid it been spent by unauthorized persons.We have been deliberating on how to invest this fund abroad in a confidential manner until we came to a conclusion to use it to buy houses and part of it will be used for non-speculative investments in your country.

However,the former civilian administration of retired General Olusegun Obasanjo(The former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) whose seeking vengeance on the Abacha family because of the life prison jail sentence confirmed on him by my late husband while in office.
Please you can view this site to see things by your self.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3577032.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3333557.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2492425.stm
In pursuit of this vendetta,the former President Government have resolved to freeze all known assets of General Sani Abacha including properties at home and abroad and are presently embarking on to seize the various bank accounts of my husband in Swizerland,UK,Australia. In fact, the attack on our family (The Abacha's) is so devastated to an extent of seizing our travelling passport,family accounts and even trying some members of our family in court for offences allegedly committed by my latehusband.

In view of this grevious threat to our Economic and personal survival,our family trustee have secretly protected the will,The Security Company has called me to do something about claiming this consignment because of the demurrage it is incurring and I told them we would come and claim it very soon. but my son seriously advised me to move the fund into an overseas amount, hence the reason why I have chosen you and hope that you will come to my full assistance and unlimited co-operation.

In the meantime,there is a travelling embargo on us(the whole family members) and our local accounts are seized. We are currently living on goodwill of people who believe we cannot be held responsible for the sins of my late husband.

In view of this plight, I expect you to be trustworthy and kind enough to respond to this distressed call to save me and my children from a hopeless future. And if you agree to help me, we will compensate you sincerely for your candid effort in this regard with 20% of the total amount of $16 Million US Dollars. In that case, when the money ($16 Million) is moved into your discrete account, you will be allowed to withdraw 20% in your favour,while 10% has been set aside for any expenses you might incur (There are demurrage to pay before the consignment is sign and claimed by you.)during the process of securing this consignment.
The remaining 70% will be invested meaningfully for my children's My cousin (Dr ISA AHMED) has perfected arrangements with the Trust Company concerned and has been assured 100% risk free and safe operation.

What I demand from you now is to arrange to visit the Finance Company where this money is being deposited and claim it as the bona-fide owner.And in due course, all contacts must be made through (Dr ISA AHMED) whom is presently staying in Senegal through this E-mail address: (isa.ahmed007@hotmail.com) and phone:+2214661140. I look forward to your quick response while thanking you for your co-operation. In view of all above details, I request you to keep this letter and co-operation highly confidential.

Best wishes,Mrs Mariam Abacha.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW UP LETTER

DEAR +####### ,

Your email message was gratefully received and well appreciated particularly Mrs.Mariam Abacha, She thank you very much for your acceptance to assist her in a Godly manner to help her children out of their present predigament and financial difficulties. After my detailed discussion with her in respect to the success of this highly beneficial project,we are about to solidify.She gave me the final go ahead order to reply you and execute the business with you.According to Mrs.Abacha,she chooses you because she will want to finally settle down in your country after you must have claimed the money. Based on the confidence she have on you, she instructed me to agree with you, work with you in transparent honesty, she also begged me that you and I must be very honest and truthful to her.She relied 100% on us to properly take care of the business. I have formalized and finalized all necessary arrangement with the Financial Security Trust Company where the US$16 million was deposited in DUBAI United Arab Emirate.

Now I will need your full data that is: (A) Your Full Name(B) The photocopy of the first 2 pages of your international passport for proper identification (C) Your personal address(D) Your private phone and fax number for easy communication. This information is highly and urgently needed to make the change of deposit possible then forward them to the security company and they will get in touch with you since we are under pressure to claim the consignment due to the high demurrage it is incurring, then you can easily and successfully claim the money for the late Presidents wife. Send me the details as soon as possible.Once more, thank you for your good conscience nature and we pray to almighty God that we must succeed on or before the next 14 days. I hope to meet you in your country.God bless you abundantly and you will be Godly rewarded. You can call me.On +221 76 466 1140.

Yours faithfully,Dr.ISA AHMED.Phone:+221 76 466 1140
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From BMW PROMO Mon Oct 8 03:00:25 2007 X-Apparently-To: ##########@yahoo.com via ###########; Mon, 08 Oct 2007 03:02:22 -0700 X-Originating-IP: [81.103.221.49]

Return-Path: <b.karcheski@ntlworld.com> Authentication-Results:

To: hzlmaglangit@yahoo.com

Subject: CONFIRM YOUR WINNINGS WITH THE COURIER COMPANY fastwaycourier@worker.com Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2007 10:00:25 +0000 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Message-Id: <20071008100025.NVDJ26699.aamtaout03-winn.ispmail.ntl.com@smtp.ntlworld.com> Content-Length: 3347

THE LOTTERY DEPARTMENT BMW Automobiles22 Garden Close, Stamford,Lincs, PE9 2YP, LondonUnited Kingdom

Dear Winner,This is to inform you that you have been selected for a cash prize of ?450, 000.00 (Four hundred and fifty thousand Great British Pounds) and a brand new BMW 5 Series Car from International programs held on the 1st SEPTEMBER 2007 in London Uk.Description of prize vehicle;
Year: 2007Model: 530iAColor (exterior/interior): Black Sapphire Metallic/Black LeatherMileage: 5Transmission: Automatic 6 Speed Options: Cold weather package, premium package, fold down rear seats w/ski bag, am fm stereo with single in dash compact disc player.
The selection process was carried out through random selection in our computerized email selection system(ess) from a database of over 250,000 email addresses drawn from all the continents of the world.

The BMW Lottery is approved by the British Gaming Board and also Licensed by the The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). This promotional lottery is the 3rd of its kind and we intend to sensitize the public.
To begin the processing of your prize you are to contact the courier company foryour claims================================================================BMW LOTTERY DEPARTMENTUK7 DOCK WAY, SEFTON BUSINESS PARK LONDON, T40 4RTUnited KingdomMR.CLOCK ANDERSON BY EMAIL Email: fastwaycourier@worker.com================================================================Contact him by please providing him with your secret pin code x7pwyz2007 and your Reference Number BMW: 2551256003/23.You are also advised to provide him with the under listed informations as soon as possible: 1.Name in full. 2.Address.3.Nationality.4.Age.5.Marital Status.6.Occupation.7.Phone/Fax.8.Present Country.9.Nationality.10.How do you Feel?.==================================================================

Please you are to provide him with the above listed details as soon as possible so he can begin with the processing of your prize winnings.
Congratulations again from all our staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program.

NOTE:there is a notification right here in our office that states that some on-line fraudlent stars do send to our winners like you a spam email,if you receive anything like that,please forward it to this email address: spamkillers2007@yahoo.com to help fight against this issues that are rising up.

THE DIRECTOR PROMOTIONS
MRS REHANA ANDERSON
WISHING YOU GOOD LUCK
BMW LOTTERY DEPARTMENT UNITED KINGDOM

Friday, October 5, 2007

Knowledge from the blogosphere...

I was running through my usual searches one day, when a search tag stood out and got me wondering. So, I clicked on it and lo and behold a great site! This site is none other than http://www.pinoyblogero.com/ that is run by Mr. Karlos. This site got me hooked by reading just one of his articles. There are tons of informative advice as to how to better your blog. Reasons why no one reads your blog and so forth. Anyways, I have to give my props to Karlos, he's got it going.

Good thing na lang, he is willing to more than share his knowledge with us. So if you're new to blogging or not there's alot of neat advice and a comic strip to boot! For the beginners, you should really read this, it will help you out on a lot of questions you have. There are technical expertise/advice and the "truth" behind blogging. Especially if you are Pinoy, support each other in the blogosphere. Who knows, I might even read yours too if I come across it!

Well if I come across another great blog, I will post it and its specs. But, for now I will have to log off and go back to work. If things are not going the way you want with your blog, keep trying and eventually it will be great. Even though it's Friday, there's still a little work to be done!!!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

My recipe for Filipino eggrolls (lumpia)

This is my recipe for one of my favorite Filipino foods and maybe you will love it too. Give it a try, it doesn't take long and I'm pretty sure you and your family will enjoy them.

Level of difficulty - 2 out of 5

Time to complete-30 minutes-1 hour or less (depending if you have help rolling!)

Makes 25-50 eggrolls (depending on your size of scoops).

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground pork (or beef)

1/2 cup coarsely grated celery

1/2 cup coarsely grated carrots

1/4 cup finely grated onions

1 package of eggroll wrappers (25-50/pack)

3 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and 2 eggs (leaving 1 egg for later). You can mix the ingredients by fork, but using your two hands is better so that the mixture is mixed well. Set aside and let the mixture marinade within itself. At this time, peel eggroll wrappers (try not to peel them too early as they dry out and are hard to roll and tear).

Spoon on one golf ball size scoop onto one wrapper about 3/4 of the way down. Form a line left to right about the size of an uncooked hotdog, leaving a 1 inch gap at both sides. Fold bottom portion of wrapper over mixture. Fold the 2 sides in and then slowly roll from bottom up until you have 1 inch at the top remaining. Remember the 1 egg we set aside? Break that egg into a bowl and beat. Using a barbecue brush or your fingers if you're so inclined brush the beaten egg mixture onto the remaining portion of the eggroll to seal. Finish rolling completely.

You have just made your first eggroll!! Deep fry eggrolls in vegetable oil until crispy or golden brown. Not too dark, they don't taste too good well done! Drain off excess oil and enjoy as an appetizer, with rice or ketchup!! Enjoy and hope you like it.

Flashback to the 80's....the 80's?

I know, you are probably wondering what in the world? The 80's, I just have to reminisce as I sometimes do about the era that is still kind of cloudy to me in my memory. I was an 80's child what can I say?

Here are some things I remember, not everything but some....

1. Rushing home from school, I was always trying to make it home on time just to get a glimpse if not...try to view the whole episodes of my favorite cartoons. Number 1 on my list is of course the cartoons. Who could forget Transformers? That had to be the number one cartoon back then. Thanks to the movie remake of this great cartoon, it will not long be forgotten. Other cartoon greats were of course the Go-bots, Voltron, Thundercats, She-ra, Speed Racer, (haha I know you used to watch that too, don't laugh), Snorks, Monchichis, Robotech was awesome!

2. Toys, toys and toys....The designs of toys from back then compared to now are so simplistic. Yet, for many of us, they provided countless hours of enjoyment. The big wheel was one of my all time favorites. You could drive up all the way to the top of the street, then at full blast pedal as fast as you can downhill (if you had a downhill, you were lucky) and then swerve and slam on the brakes, sliding and spinning. What a thrill!! Who could forget about the Rubki's cube. It kinda bothered me that I could never figure out the whole cube, maybe 2 or 3 sides at the most.

The Transformer toys were incredible, imagine a toy that changed from one thing to another. Another marvel of engineering, the triple changer, holy cow 3 toys in one!! Cabbage patch kids were a collectible among the feminine side. They would drag those kids everywhere. Skateboards and being a skater was probably at an all time high in the 80's. It was kinda cool to skate or be a bmx'r back then. Other toys of note...Easy bake oven, Lite Brite, Glow Worm, Garbage Pail Kids trading cards, Legos, He-man, feel free to add if I missed some.

3. Clothes...and style...if you could call it that. Wow, ok, I didn't know you could wear clothes like that in public and be cool? Torn jeans, and the jean jacket. Trademark 80's don't you think? Every one wanted a jean jacket. Even if it was new, you just had to add your artistic flair and draw on it hehe. Skinny pants and leggings for girls. High high, wavy hair, you could almost surf on it! Pegging your pants was in and the tighter the better. Converse and Vans were the shoes to wear. I do however remember the Preps back then. Z. Cavaricci was the "in" thing for them, I don't know what some people were smoking...60 - 75 dollars for a pair of pants! Other styles of note...hawaiian shirts, rolling up of shirt sleeves, those ugly full length socks with the 2 or 3 stripes!, biker shorts, short shorts, and the Madonna and Cindy Lauper look for the bold.

4. Movies and t.v. Ahhh...my favorite. Kung-fu kicking my brother's butt on a Saturday in our living room while the show was on was great. I would always win, don't know if he just let me though!! Kung-fu theater aired at about 12 noon if I remember correctly. Miami Vice was cool. Everybody wanted to be Don Johnson. Heck, who wouldn't action, girls, cool cars and he was pretty well off. Of course, I pity the fool who didn't watch The A-team. Another great show lost to our memories. Sesame Street as a kid was great, with that I also watched 3-2-1 contact, for my mother always wanted me to watch educational shows..hmmm......

Well, that will do for me, until I get a chance to update this list. Yeah, just like I said, wow the 80's...

Bake a cake for Jesus...

Bake a cake for Jesus. Yes that's right, you saw what I wrote. Actually, the time is coming soon and it's almost here. Christmas time again. The season of cheer and hope and family bonding.
Growing up in a Christian home and Catholic parents, I didn't really know what Christmas really meant to me. Now, I know and I realize it. That's why these are some traditions I would like to pass on to my kids and hope they enjoy them.

But where do we fit within all this holiday cheeriness and glamour? I say myself that it's been too commercialized. There's nothing wrong with making money, hey I like money, but it's not the first priority. Jesus is and then my family.

Here are a few things you can do. You can always make your own list and stick to it!!

This Christmas, bake a cake for Jesus, celebrate his birhday, eat it with your family and remind your little ones why we have Christmas. Don't get too lost in all the glamour due to commercialization. It's not for all the gifts that we want or receive that's for sure. Giving gifts is though a part of it, just as the three kings gave gifts to Jesus when he was born.

Go to church, pray and feel better inside you. You will be happier this Christmas season for doing so. Even if you are alone for some reason, this is something you can do. Call your relatives, your mom, dad, sis or brothers, uncles and aunts. Don't hold a grudge. It will eat away at your soul. It is better to forgive people and make up with them.

Volunteer at a shelter. Not everyone on this earth are as lucky as other people. They might not have much due to unfortunate and unfortuitous events, but they are still people just like you and me. Love thy neighbor. It makes people happy knowing that they have someone out there who cares, even though they are not family members. Devoting a little time for other people doesn't take much and you have done your part on leaving something behind in this world.

Visiting kids at the hospital is also great. A kids smile is something that stirs up your soul and makes you happy. Kids at the hospital don't get too much attention and of course, they don't feel well either. Gather a group of friends, entertain the kids and put on a show or spend time with the kids for a little bit.

So, hopefully, these are some traditions you can start with your family and it sort serves as a reminder on why we celebrate Christmas.

Halloween in the Philippines...

Hey? Ok so you're saying to yourself, they have Halloween in the Philippines? Well, actually we have Hallow's Eve here but we celebrate it in a different fashion. It is celebrated on October 31 in the states but November 1 in the Philippines. A few people or companies get in the spirit by dressing in costumes, but not as big an occasion for dressing up and trick or treating as there in the states.

We celebrate Halloween here by visiting our near and dear relatives that have already passed away. Our whole family gathers at a meeting place, either one or two places. Almost the whole cemetary is full that we can hardly even move. Usually after the tents and chairs are set up, we then eat and spend the whole day at the graves of our family members, remembering him or her for them and when they used to be with us.

It is a sad and happy time also. Of course they are there in spirit with us also celebrating. People usually bring food as an offering to our family members and we clean the graves as best as we can. We light a candle and pray for not only them but also us and our families. We ask them for guidance and help with everything that's near or dear to our hearts. I guess by visiting them not only do we remember who they were but for the person they were and all their sacrifices that they have done for us. It makes us happy we are alive and brings us back to reality that we will be there in their place one day.

But in all in all it is a great day...full of love, bonding and remembrance for the people who gave us life and were there with us along the journey of life. This is my personal thank you.

It's almost haunting time....

It's almost haunting time!! Little ghouls and goblins running amuck in the streets from house to house. What a scary thought! Well, it's near that time again, Hallow's Eve or Halloween as we call it. Here are some tips for your little trick or treaters so that they may have more treats than tricks...

1. Always keep an eye on your kids. It will be dark and there will still be automobiles on the road.

2. Check and double check again all candies that are given out. Better to be safe than sorry. Try to moderate also the intake of all that sugar. Cavities are expensive as we all know and a toothache just doesn't feel too good, know what I mean?

3. Always bring a flashlight so you can see in the dark and pedestrians and drivers can see you easily.

4. Try to give out candy at home or have a Halloween party instead, so your kids can enjoy the occasion as well as the grownups.

5. Make your own costume! It's fun, you can be creative and get to spend time with your kids. You can even make it a tradition if time allows. If not, you can buy a costume.

6. Always make sure your kids have a responsible partner with them. It will be easier and safer that way.

7. Set a time limit on the hours for trick or treating, therefore ensuring they will be home on time.

8. Never venture into unknow neighborhoods, better stick to the neighbors that you know.

9. Please, discard all your wrappers and disposable items in the proper place! Littering is awful you know.

10. And last but not least, enjoy this occasion with your kids if you can. It will help you build a better bond with your kids and you can get some exercise while you guys are out there!

Hope this helps a little on the upcoming Halloween night. Enjoy, be safe and have a howling good time!!!