Everyday of My Life

A time to celebrate

2010-01-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

She got discouraged but she did not give up. The pressure of time and strain of finances did not stop her from reaching her goals. Three colleges, tons of medical cases requirements (some of them were "repeats" as she transfer from one school to the other) a lot of family drama (i missed her graduation day) and sacrifices, arguments, and eight years later, my sister finally reaped the product of her labor. On January 31, 2010 we celebrated with the thousands who passed the Philippine National Licensure Exam. You deserve it little sis. I am so proud of you.

Ps. 136:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

2009-09-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

A verse highlighted in green caught my eye as I read my Bible today. The verse is found in Genesis 18:14 " Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

Is anything too hard for the Lord? - He created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1), He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14), He sweetened the Bitter Waters of Marah (Ex 15:23-27), He provided Israelites with mannah and quails from heaven (Ex.16), He caused the water to flow out of the rock (Ex 17), He caused the sun and moon to stand still for the Israelites which led to their victory (Josh 9), with God's leading, the walls of Jericho fell down (Josh 6), He healed Naaman leprosy (2 kings 5) - considered incurable in those days and purposely instructed Naaman to dip in the dirty waters of Jordan River to show his power.He forgave a sinner 7 times (Mary), He stilled a storm, made the lame walk, raised the dead. He died and rose again. Seriously, Is anything too hard for the Lord?

May 11

2009-05-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

May 11, 1998 eleven years ago a tragedy hit my family killing my younger brother Lloyd. Last night I dreamed about him. I saw his young face smiling back at me – bringing up once again the pain that was buried deep in my heart. They said time heals all wound but each time I remember that fateful day the wound in my heart breaks anew. Death - an enemy that no one can defeat. Death can snatch away our loved ones or even ourselves in the blinking of an eye. We cannot fight against death by ourselves but the good news is Jesus fought death and he already won and one day will put an end to death and give those who believes in Him eternal life. It would be a great reunion for families separated by death to see each other again when Jesus comes - I am looking forward to that day. Until then, I will be missing my brother and allow father time to heal my wound.

Paper Anniversary

2009-04-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

One Year Married and We've only just began! went to felini's restaurant after work.

Hair - Cut

2009-02-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hair is a girl thing. Hair care products never left my expense list until I came to USA. I used to pamper my hair with all kinds of hair products to make it shiny, glossy, soft and manageable. My hair is not long and shiny like a shampoo model but it's my hair and I do my best to take care of it like having a trim every month.

Next to personally taking care of your hair - the next best thing for your hair is finding a good hairstylist. I used to go to a lady (in the Philippines) who knows what I like and knows how to cut my hair that will look good on me. Hair cut here in USA is a little bit pricey (15-25 bucks) so when we got a coupon for a $7 hair cut from a neighborhood salon, we brushed our way to a new hair cut.

I explained to the person how I want my hair cut and she snipped, snipped my long hair away - and the final result was, well, so horrible it made me cry!!! She butchered my hair, gave me bangs, I looked like I have a helmet, I felt and looked so horrible I could not even look at my self in the mirror. Overwhelmed with sadness, I asked hubby to set an appointment with his hairstylist (she cut my hair before and I liked it). Even it was out of budget, I still had my 2nd hair cut and Brooke performed a "repair" cut on my hair and thankfully I liked the end result.

Before and After

Mystery Shopper Scam

2009-02-06T08:11:00.001-08:00

The other day, a letter from EAST INK FINANCIAL arrived in the mail telling me that I am hired to be a "mystery shopper" in my area. They sent me a whooping check of $3,950.00 with an instruction on where to use the money. They even had a break down of the enclosed check.

3 hours training pay - $300
funds for shopping in walmart, jc penney or home depot - $140
service charge for western union - $170
required funds to be sent - $3340

The whole things seems to be so wonderful. Imagine getting paid for shopping and giving reviews but they said, if a thing is too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

At first glance, the offered plan seemed so legitimate because they even put an address, a number to call, and other stuff. But I noticed that the company name on the check is different from the name on the letter head. The company on the check is SCHNEIDER LOGISTICS TRANSLOADING & DISTRIBUTION, INC while the letter head is EAST INK FINANCIAL.

I searched online and I found out that this is one of the many scams. MYSTERY SHOPPER SCAM. What they do is send you a fat check with instructions to cash in the check, wire them half of the money, take a portion of the money for yourself as your first payment, then use the rest of the money to shop at certain stores and write down your experience and then send them your report. Sounds easy but the moment you en cash the check, the bank and the police will be hounding you for cashing in a fake check / bounced check etc. The scammers get their money and you alone is left to face the prosecution of the bank . So be cautious and don't be fooled.

Kind Stranger

2009-02-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

Kindness is a virtue not everyone has. Too often, we tend to repay kindness only to those who are nice and kind to us but I learned that by showing kindness to those who are mean, we can indeed heap coals on their heads and win them (Prov. 25:21-22).

I went to a college that was a 12 hour bus ride from my hometown, so going home was never frequent and it was always an anticipated break from my busy student life. One night, I decided to go home, it was a warm night, perfect for a long ride back home. It was almost midnight and I was a bit sleepy and drifted off to sleep as soon as I slumped onto my seat on the bus.

My trip to lala-land was cut short when the bus stopped and more people got on the bus. Then a blurry image of a man appeared beside me and I heard him say "is this seat taken?" Honestly I didn't want any seat mate for I planned to sleep on the empty seat, but I said "no the seat is not taken". So the man sat on the next to me and then I realized I made a big mistake! My seat mate talked a lot even I told him I was really sleepy, he still kept on talking and asking me questions which I answered with irritation, sarcasm and a dash of insult.

Hours passed and it was almost dawn when our bus stopped in the middle of nowhere. There was a commotion and I noticed the passengers where leaving the bus with their luggage. Confused, I went out of the bus to see what was happening. Well, our bus was stuck in a kilometer stretch of knee-high mud pile. The bus could not go any further and the only way to get out was to walk and brave the mud to the other bus waiting few kilometers away.

I tried to lift my luggage but it was too heavy. Jut then, someone offered to carry my luggage - it was my seatmate. Even though I was mean to him earlier, he was still kind enough to help me carry my luggage. With shame and gratitude in my heart, I let him carry my stuff and I carried his little back pack and together we walked through the mud pile - this time I was wide awake and was happy to talk.

Dakak Experience

2009-01-12T08:16:00.001-08:00

My country Philippines is composed of over seven thousand islands - that means we have over seven thousand beaches to enjoy.

In 2007, we visited one of those many beaches. We went to DAKAK Beach Resort in Taguilon, Dapitan City.

Dapitan City is also the place where my country's national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was exiled. The exhibit of some of his life's works are displayed in Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City.

It was my third trip back to Dakak but each time, I feel like seeing the place again for the very first time.

The trip going to Dakak was a long one but the reward of seeing the pristine waters, powdery white beach, lush mountain and blue skies was really worth it.

In 1994, Dakak resort was used as one of the official resort for the Miss Universe beauty pageant. Although it is not as 'grand' as it used to be, Dakak is still a must place to go - a perfect place for people looking for tranquility, privacy and relaxation.

Experience Dakak. Experience Philippines.

Camp Heritage

2009-01-08T12:56:00.001-08:00

Last 2008, I had the chance to visit CAMP HERITAGE with some students from Summit View Adventist Elementary School. Their principal and fellow church member Mrs. Kathy invited me to be one of the students' sponsors for the outdoor class. I had a great time with the children and I also learned a lot from the lectures about trees, climate, survival in the woods, and etc. The scenic view was awesome but it was verrrry cold in the morning but other than that, everything was great including the food in the cafeteria. I am looking forward to another visit there.

Camp Heritage

Morning at the lake

Teachers/Sponsors and Students

Good Morning Sunshine!

Together with one of the students

New Year's Resolution

2008-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

Do you have any new year's resolution this year? I do. (smile) I used to have resolutions like to exercise, to study hard, to be more friendly and nice (it's not that I am not friendly and nice).

So here goes my little new year's resolution.

not to be too argumentative with my husband (too often I am right) hehehe
smile often
have more patience (i want to be patient - NOW)
shed off some baby fats ( they dont have a variety of veges here)
be early for the Sabbath School
learn to like the cat that Shaun adopted
be a better person and rise above my common self

May we all be blessed with patience and endurance to carry through our resolutions. Have a great New Year Everyone!

2008 - The Year That Was.

2008-12-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

How was the year 2008 been to you? Was it a bad or a good year? Have you been a better person this year or became worse? My 2008 is a memorable year. It is a year of change, adjustment and one heck of a roller coaster ride. Relocation to a new country, marriage, marriage bliss, marriage woes, unemployment, bills, pregnancy, - It all happened this year and I felt like I became a older overnight.

Like the past years, this year has taught me life's lesson like sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things wont come out the way we plan it. Shaun and I had plans and our plans didnt get through so the best thing to do was to get over it and to move on. Sadly, I also learned new appreciation to my country and work when I was already thousands of miles away.

I cried buckets this year but I also had my share of laughters and smiles. Loads of trials came my way but bountiful blessings were showered too. Through it all, the Lord never left me. He has been my comfort and guide this 2008. I thank Him for my husband, for my family back home, for blessing me with friends, my sansan, for shelter, for food, for health, for forgiveness, for Salvation and for love.

Overall, I think I am a better person now, some of my experiences were frustrating and sometimes I feel like giving up but I also believe that it is the darkest before the dawn. The next year will be better.

When Work is Fun

2008-12-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

I know some people who go to their day to day job bored and tired, their job is a burden for them. I also know some people who find their job inspiring and fun regardless of the salary.

The day after Christmas, hubby and I stopped at Bob Evan's for dinner. There we met a bubbly, friendly, smiling waitress. Her personality is contagious I felt embarrassed for not smiling enough. We told her we were on a budget and she offered us the saver's menu for the ages 55 above! We got our food in less than 10 minutes and our waitress checked on us every time to give us more rolls. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal for a lesser price and a free chitchat with our waitress.

Our world would be a better place if we put our hearts in what we do. An old proverb says "If a work is worth doing, it is worth doing well". When work becomes fun - people can serve better, quality is made better and satisfaction is always guaranteed.

Be it as a surgeon or a garbage collector - “A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist”

Happy Holidays

2008-12-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

How did you spend your Christmas holiday? My Christmas eve started bad since hubby and I had an argument but it turned out good before the night ended. We went to see the lights in downtown plaza. We were surprised to see a lot of people walking around the plaza enjoying the
lights!

On Christmas morning we shared a family meal together with Shaun's brothers and mom and step dad at his mom's house.

And oh, I got Christmas presents...two pair of boots from our Indian friend Mamie!

It's Christmas !!!

2008-12-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

This very moment, while I am sitting in front of the computer suffering from dry air and cold, my fellow men back home is celebrating Christmas with fireworks. Sometimes loneliness hit me with much pain and I tend to wallow in self pity as I ask my self what am I doing in this cold and lonely place. But then again I think of the real reason of the season - it is the birth of Jesus. So no matter where we are in the world, Christmas is Christmas because Jesus was born!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

My Christmas List

2008-12-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Remember the time you make a christmas list with the hope that each every wish in the list will come true? I remember my excitement when i opened my christmas present to see the school bag i wished for. This Christmas, this is my wish list.

A stronger relationship with God
A healthy and happy marriage
To be together with my whole family back in Philippines someday
A fulfilling career in my chosen field
A Job
A Job
A Job
To make a difference, one life at a time
Food for all the hungry
Shelter for the homeless
Education for everyone
No more bullies and underdogs
Cheap but quality products in the store
To see my sansan again
To be able to have a mini-me in the future

And above all, I wish that love and peace will abound in the whole world even for just a while.

Paid Blogging

2008-12-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

Is it really possible to earn money by blogging? I have a lot of friends who got paid by blogging and one of them even bought herself a laptop. Challenged, I gave blogging a try. Blogging can be frustrating and boring if the blogger's sole aim is to earn money, but it can work to one's benefit if blogging is used to share an experience, tell a story or just to express one's self.

For months I tried to enroll my blog to paid blog websites but was denied until I came across PAYING POST. They approved my blog in less than twenty-four hours! I am excited and elated
as this will be my FIRST Paid Blogging experience.

To those wondering how to start a blog - the steps are easy. First, create an account in a free blog website like www.blogger.com. Second, manage your blog site, be creative, make your site attractive. Third - write, write, write (or should I say post, post, post). Write anything you want, be it your favorite recipe, your school, any experience, you can be more specific too and just write stuff that pertains to what your blogsite is all about. Then submit your blogsite to PAYING POST, if you get approved, you can write your way to more paid blogging opportunities.

With PAYING POST advertisers are able to reach millions of targeted visitors through individual blogs and that give them a better chance of introducing their products and services to consumers and customers through personalized blogger reviews. In return, blogger gets paid by writing a review about a product, website, companies and services!
Blogging is an easy way to earn money especially for unemployed house wife like me - get your imagination to work, make a blog, write about anything, and get paid for doing it!

The Sight and Sound of Christmas Back Home

2008-12-16T06:19:00.001-08:00

Philippine Christmas is like no other. Even in the midst of financial crisis or natural disaster Filipinos were still able to find ways how to celebrate Christmas with cheer. The Christmas decorations need not be luxurious too. When I was younger, my Mamang made a Christmas tree by coating a dead branch with white soap flakes that looked like icing! You will know it's Christmas when the wind starts to blow a lot cooler, when the vendors start displaying their lanterns on the side walks, children start making star lantern or parol from bamboo, and in some places, the local government puts up giant christmas trees for everyone to enjoy, some people put up the nativity scene made of corn husk and other indigenous products, and of course - you will know it's christmas when you hear the sounds of christmas. . . the ageless christmas songs on the radio like "pasko na naman", "himig pasko" among others, and the sound of the christmas carolers. Truly, there's no Christmas like pinas krismas.

Christ and Santa Claus

2008-12-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here once again but it seems that the world has forgotten what Christmas is all about - and the world has seemed to replaced the reason of the season. Santa Claus and his elves and reindeer became the center of the season. Christ was placed somewhere else. To the younger generation christmas is a a time they get lots of gifts, candy and see santa claus. But Christmas is not all about Santa Claus - It is about the birth of Jesus and Jesus is the reason why we have Christmas.

Santa lives at the North Pole.
Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
Jesus is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and enters your heart.

You have to wait in line to see Santa.
Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
Jesus lets you rest in His Arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is
"Hi, little boy or girl, what's your name?"
Jesus knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name,
He knows our history and future,
and He even knows our hearts and
how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
JESUS has a heart full of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO .
JESUS says, "Cast your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa may make you chuckle but.
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree.
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree, For you and me.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember, WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas,
JESUS is still the reason for the season.

Yes, JESUS is better, He is even better than Santa Claus.

Merry CHRISTmas

Pacquio won

2008-12-06T22:34:00.001-08:00

We met new Filipinas today as we watched the "dream match" between De la hoya and Pacquiao on PPV from a friend's hosue. I lost my voice from screaming and cheering during the match. I am not a boxing fan but I am a pacquiao fan. Every filipino shares in the honor of his victories. :)

Static Shock

2008-12-05T04:26:00.000-08:00

Static electricity shocks -I am so sick and tired of it. My clothes cling to my skin like I'm a big chunk of magnet, my hair stands up when I brush them, Touching the doorknobs give me the shocks, and even touching or kissing my husband is giving me static electric shock.

So what is this static shock thing and why this thing happens? I remember my highschool teacher illustrate static electricity with a comb and shredded paper.

My friend google has this explanation:

Seventy percent of the human body is water and that makes us a walking conductors continuously conducting charges while performing normal activities.
The build-up of these charges in our body increases when air is dry and arid like in winter. The low level of moisture in the air and the dryness of skin does not provide much oppurtunity for the electrons gathered in the body to dissipate quickly and easily.
When a person comes in contact with a conductor like metals, the charge in the person's body gets transfered to the metal rapidly resulting in a static shock.

SOURCE

HOW TO LESSEN CHANCES OF SHOCKS

1. Humidify the air

2. Moisturize your body (lotions galore)

3. Walk barefoot or cover your foot with foil - what??? see source

4. Carry a coin or metal to use to touch grounded metal objects.

5. Use fabric softener on clothes.

6. Use clothing made of cotton or wool.

Black Friday

2008-12-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

One of my many "firsts" experiences here in USA is the black Friday shopping. My friend Amy and I left home at four o'clock in the morning..yes 4am to beat the crowd in WALMART. There was a long long line of people wanting to grab one of the mammoth sized plasma tv on sale. Consumerism is rooted deep into the veins of those people I am sure. They do not NEED those plasma tv but they have to have it because their friends has it and they really wanted it. I am thinking what they will do with their old tvs - maybe sell it on a garage sale next spring.
Back to my black friday shopping - I got a vaccuum cleaner (our first brand new one). We were lucky to get out of walmart early and we hit KOHLS next but the queue to the check out counter is so unimaginably long we left without buying anything. Then we stopped at JC penny's and got some tights and winter gloves for me and shirts for Shaun. At 9 am, after five hours of roaming around, we were ready to go home and sleep. There's no guilt feeling for this shopping because we got what we NEED and not what we WANT.

My First Snow

2008-12-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the snow poured, they covered the tree branches, the cars, roofs, ground, grasses, everywhere. The snow covered most of the things outside with a cold blanket of white. It's like waking up to winter wonderland :):) They were exactly what I was thinking about - just like the frost on the refrigerator roof.

My First Snow Ball

Nasty weather outside

They look like icicles found in the refrigerator "roof"

Spirit of Giving

2008-11-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

He was dying with leukemia yet this boy did not ask anything for himself but his last wish was to be able to give and help others. May we, who still have our strength, use it to help our fellowmen and let us not forget to give to others the blessings that we receive each day, for we are blessed to be a blessing.

ReMARKable Evening

2008-11-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2008 we went to a Thanksgiving special in Lenexa KS. The event was sponsored by the Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
It was such a privilege to witness the performance of the Kansas City Symphony Brass Ensemble, Union College Unionaires, UMKC Heritage Chorale and the Choir of Lenexa Christian Center.

The evening was made more remarkable by the performance of the commedian Mark Lowry who wrote the song "Mary Did You Know".
Mark is a member of the group the Gaither Show.

More things to be thankful for

2008-11-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive.

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

A song says "there is so much for which to be thankful" indeed there are so many things that need to be thankful for and there are so many things that we take for granted too. This thanksgiving may we take time to count our blessings and give back to the One who gave us all life's blessings the thanks He deserve.

Be thankful…

That you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~

Joys and Pains

2008-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

October 18, 2008 one day before my birthday, I found out I was pregnant! Tears of joy, excitement, fear, and worry flooded my eyes. I was so humbled by the thought that there was a baby growing inside of me. Worried thoughts of how will we raise the child, are we ready to become parents, what will the baby look like, all thoughts entered my mind all at once. For the next few days, all i talk about are about babies, my plans for her/him, activities we will do together as family, etc. The joy of having a baby overwhelmed our worry and fear of our financial situation. We prayed hard for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Then four days later, I started to bleed and have abdominal cramps, my husband rushed me to the Emergency Room. After waiting for almost 4 hours in the ER, we were seen by a doctor and after a series of tests they told me something is very wrong. Based on my cycle, I was already 6 weeks pregnant but my blood HCG level is just on the early pregnancy range and they didnt see anything in the ultrasound.

With heavy hearts we went back home and then my abdominal cramps heightened, and I passed out a big glob of meaty tissue and clotted blood. I stared at it in silence and grief while hot tears streamed from my eyes. For two days I stayed in bed. The abdominal cramps was too painful it took my breath away. We went back to the hospital and test results showed that I am not pregnant anymore and that it was a complete miscarriage.

For a moment I want to think It was God's plan, But God doesnt plan to kill people. Deaths, miscarriages, illnesses and all other bad things are the result of sin. Losing my unborn baby is painful, how much more painful it was for God the Father to see His son suffered on the cross for humanity.

I am doing fine now, the cramps and bleeding were gone. But the joy that i once felt to be given such wonderful gift and the pain of losing it, still remains in my heart and reminds me that no matter what we go through in life, there is a God who understands our joys and pains because he experienced it

My Birthday

2008-10-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today I turned twenty seven. To my ears, the sound of that number means maturity, adulthood, seriousness in all life's aspect but my heart is shouting I am still a child. A lot of things happened this year: I got married, relocated to the US, resigned from my 4 year job, and I was given a very special gift that I will write about next time.

I am thankful for today and for many other things:

I thank God for the warm rays of the sunrise
and the beautiful glow of the sunset.
For the birds, for the flowers, for the trees and the fruits,
For the air and water, shelter and food.
I thank God for friends and family and my husband.
Thank you Lord for the 27 colorful years, You always stayed
and will always stay beside me.

Autumn Experience

2008-10-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

The trees around me burst into colorful flames of yellow, red, purple, orange, brown, pink, etc. This is my first autumn and I love it. This pageantry of colors is such a pleasant scene to behold.
But why do the leaves change color in this part of the world? So i reviewed my science books and searched the internet and found amazing facts about trees and how they make autumn so beautiful.

COLORS OF LEAVES
Leaves are green because of the presence of CHLOROPHYLL. Chlorophyll is the molecule that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.
Some leaves also has CAROTENOIDS and ANTHOCYANINS but they are masked with the green coloration of the chloropyll.

CAROTENOIDS - produces yellow, orange and brown colors to leaves and fruits
ANTHOCYANINS - gives red color to leaves

WHY THEY CHANGE COLORS
Sunlight regulates the production of chlorophyll.
As the Earth rotates on it's tilted axis around the sun, different parts of the Earth receive higher and lower levels of radiant energy. This creates the seasons. In the tropics the sun doesn't shift up and down in the sky as much. This means that the length of day temperature doesn't vary as much. So countries near the equator only have two seasons - rainy and dry. That explains why trees there bear green leaves all year long - well, except when the leaves die they turn brown.

During autumn, the north pole moves away from the Sun. The Sun rises lower in the sky so the days continue getting shorter and temperature drops. (This happens in temperate regions like North America). The lower temperature and fewer hours of sunlight signal the tree to go into storage mode for the winter. The chlorophyll now starts to break down, causing the green in the leaves to disappear - allowing the carotenoids which was hidden due to the presence of chlorophyll to show through.

The range and intensity of autumn colors is greatly influenced by the weather. Low temperatures destroy chlorophyll, and if they stay above freezing, promote the formation of anthocyanins. Bright sunshine also destroys chlorophyll and enhances anthocyanin production. Dry weather, by increasing sugar concentration in sap, also increases the amount of anthocyanin - thus the red color of leaves we see.

References:
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/CHEMWEEK/fallcolr/fallcolr.html
http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/fallleafcolor.htm
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html

Miracle in a Trash Can

2008-10-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

This week was a hard week for me and my husband. Our household economics has gone out of balance - too many bills to pay, too little funds. I searched my wallet for money we can use in the laundry mat, but instead of dollars, I found pesos - then I remembered a heartwarming experience of God's love and care. . .

Although they had a hard time making ends meet, my parents managed to send me to a christian boarding school (South Philippine Adventist College Academy). On my part, I have to budget every peso in order to survive. One day, broke and out of monthly meal ticket, too embarrassed to tell my room mates that I ran out of meal ticket - again, too afraid to get another meal ticket as it means new fees to pay for, I went to class with an empty stomach. Silently, I prayed for a miracle as my stomach growled louder and louder I was sure the teacher heard it. My school had "work education units", meaning, on a certain day, each week, we spent few minutes of "work". I raked leaved and carried them to the trash cans when I saw a brown paper inside the bin. My heart skipped because it was not an ordinary paper - It was a ten peso bill! I told the teacher I found a bill and she put it on the lost and found. At the class period's end, nobody claimed the money so it was mine, that noon, I had a meal of steamy hot noodles. Then I went to college, and God was there with me every step of the way, He sent help in form of friends, a twenty peso bill on my doorstep, and even helped me graduate even though my college fees were not paid yet.

In life, trials and struggles are inevitable but we have a God who cares. He knows our sorrows and troubles. God helped and provided for me in the past and I know that My Heavenly Father will take care of His children who trust in Him.

All things work for our good

though sometimes we don’t see how they could.

Struggles have break our hearts in two

sometimes blinded to the truth.

Our Father knows what is best for us,

his ways are not our own.

So when your pathway grows dim

and you just don’t see him
remember your never alone.

God is too wise to be mistaken

God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand

when you don’t see his plan

when you can’t trace his hand

trust his heart.

One Brave Little Angel

2008-09-24T06:52:00.001-07:00

This morning, I experienced grief, sadness, loss, and inspiration. All these from a story of a family and their darling little boy who caused me to cry for a long time. His story reminded me that life is so precious, every moment we spend with our loved ones must be cherished. It's a story of a boy who at 2 years old became paralyzed, blind and mute because of the KRABBE DISEASE. His joyful and contented spirit reminded me that the trials and difficulties in life could not take away what is in our hearts, those things cannot take away the smile and laughter if we have God in our hearts. Even in his painful situation, he still continue to bring life and love to everyone around him. The little boy only lived less than 3 years but the life he lived will surely be remembered by everyone who knew him. In fact it is true that it is not the quantity of life we live that counts but the quality of life we lived. I hope you will find inspiration and learn to trust God like his parents did as you read about his story and see his videos.

This is Judson's youtube video

THE STORY OF JUDSON

God bless all the children.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

2008-09-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Shining, shimmering, splendid were the words to describe my weekend. (grin). My husband brought me to his favorite festival - The Renaissance Festival in Kansas City, KS. It's like being back to the period of kings, queens, pirates, elves, etc.

I went to London to visit the Queen!

Even the dogs are dressed for the festival

Fair Ladies

The damsels in distress

I finally met Captain Jack Sparrow!

Nose Bleed

2008-09-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ber months are here. It means cooler breezes and nosebleeds. Last night my nose bled and it scared hubby so much. (poor hubby). So why does we get nose bleeds? According to my research, nosebleeds happen due to many reasons and one of them is too much dry heat or cold.

Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters.(http://www.medicinenet.com/nosebleed/article.html)

My friends told me that an air humidifier or a nasal spray will help a lot as it helps moisten the air we breathe. In substitute for a real air humidifier, the mist from a boiling pot of water can also help moisten the air thus help lessen the nasal membrane irritation and nose bleeding.

Stolen Purse

2008-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

On my first few months here in USA a terrible experience happen. Last week, my husband and I stopped by to pick up a friend from her house. We left the car running (and stupidly my purse too) as we were in a hurry. We were not gone for even 1 minute and when we return to the car - my purse was missing! Thankfully, my passports and other important documents or cards were not in it, only some girl 's stuff and souvenirs from Philippines. There are always bad people anywhere in the world sometimes we grew too trusting we forget that these people exist. Here are some reminders i got from a website about crime prevention.

Make sure that all of the car doors are locked whenever you leave your vehicle.
Always lock the doors and leave the windows rolled up.
Never leave purses or anything valuable in the car or or keep it from full view.

My stolen purse is a gift from my mother and I feel so bad losing it. I feel that they also stole the memories attached to the purse. I am still hoping that one day I will find the purse in the dumpster somewhere, In the meantime, I am just thankful that nothing important was stolen, the car was not stolen and no body got hurt. We learned our lesson well and next time no matter how quick we will be out, we will always lock our car door.

Bargain Shopping

2008-09-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am a cheapskate and I love to shop. Who doesn't? I love shopping for the cheapest but quality stuff. I love clearance sale, I love 90% discounts, I love renovation sale, midnight sale and all other price off sales :) Thought I would never find sale galore here in USA - until last sunday
when we went to TJ-MAXX.

I got a Guess Little Black Dress for $3,
A knitted top for $3 and a pair of jeans for $1!!!

It is important how to handle money wisely. People can wear the most expensive clothes and still look crap. It all boils down to style - how to carry one's self. Fashion like all other commodities in life, need not be expensive :)

CALL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR LESS!

2008-08-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Using a $5 call card to call back home in Philippines often disappoint me. Most of the time, the network deducts connection fee and before I knew it, my $5 is gone. With REBTEL I can now call home anytime at a very low cost. We dont have a free long distance calling but with REBTEL, I can call my friends in the US or any friends in the REBTEL countries for only a penny per minute. No hidden fees and you get free minutes once you sign up. I'm a happy caller.

Nelson-Atkins Museum

2008-08-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Shaun and I visited Nelson Art Museum in KC. We had a great time looking at the giant Buddhas from Thailand, sculptures from Egypt and Rome and Italy, paintings of known and unknown artists, and other stuffs under the name of art. It was a memorable experience but the most memorable of all - is our dinner in the Italian-inspired restaurant inside the museum. The ambiance, the smell of food, the lighting and the water fountain was so perfect we thought for a moment we were in Italy. There is one thing there though that Shaun and I love - the beef noodle vegetable soup. We love it so much that we plan to go there every Friday now :)

See also My beefstew

My San San

2008-08-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Fleas jumped in and out of her fur as the lady handed her to me.She was a chubby, black ball of fur, white furs wrapped her dainty little feet like socks. I knew i was in love the first time I laid my eyes on her.
She was a month-old baby owned by an old lady who lived near my grandma's house. The lady wanted to give her to grandma to look after her garden. But for 100 pesos i got her for myself. I paid 350 pesos just to transport her on the ferry from my grandma's to my own place in another island. I named her sansan. My family loves her as much as I do. I remember my sister staying late at night to tend for sansan while she was whining due to painful vaccination. I remember walking with her on the cool dewy mornings and hot summer nights chasing big dogs. Some people said she is an ugly mutt, but for me she is the most beautiful puppy - because i bought her with my own money, we spent lots of time together, we are the best of friends.
One year passed, then the time came for me to leave her.I have to go to the USA to be with my sweetheart. Leaving sansan is the last thing I want to do. I cried so many tears thinking about me leaving her. I gathered my luggage and said my byebye to everyone except sansan. She crawled under the bed and curled her legs when I tried to reach out for her. It broke my heart as much as it broke hers. Tears were streaming down my face as I knelt n front of the bed looking at sansan and saying my goodbye to her. I told her to eat well, to take care of her future puppies and that she will always be my sansan bop. She looked back at me as if to say she
understand. Then i got up and left. Just before I went out of our door, i felt a nudge on my legs - there was my beloved sansan giving one wet nose kiss and I know she will be waiting for me until I see her again.

Are You Blessed

2008-08-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle,

the loneliness of imprisonment,
the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation,

you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost
three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,

clothes on your back, a roof over
your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change
in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare,
especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand,

hug them or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over
two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways
you may never even know.

-author unkown-

The Music Man

2008-08-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, August 03, 2008, Rose - a very nice lady friend of my hubby invited me to watch a musical - The Music Man at the Starlight theater in KS (my first time to watch a musical show)
It was a melting temperature I have to fan my legs to keep them warm! The music were wonderful but it makes me miss home and my own country's wonderful songs too. When the Old Barber's Choir sang the Star Spangled Banner - my first time to hear the USA national anthem being sang live and saw the US flag on the display screen, it finally dawned on me that I am here in the US soil.

Rose and Eugene Rose

Starlight Theater