HoT STuFf!

New world, New Life!

2011-03-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm in CANADA!!! Wow!!! It surely is a beautiful place. I never imagined myself living here. Life is really full of surprises. One day I was just dreaming about snow and now i'm actually experiencing it. It's wonderful!!!

I'm still have lot of things to do before i can really get settled in here. I just have to take my time. It really takes time. I'm very blessed to meet wonderful people too. God is really taking good care of me. I knew it in my heart. Thank you Lord! :)

2011 Horoscopes - Taurus

2010-12-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

Taurus Outlook for 2011

Taurus

4/20 – 5/20

Year 2011 Career

Any lingering clouds obscuring your professional vision will pass as Neptune leaves your career sector in 2011 in April. This is a momentous shift considering Neptune has worked to glamorize, spiritualize and at other times blur your professional aims since 1998. Neptune will retrograde back to unleash one last floodgate in August but the clarity gained over the spring and summer will support you through the imminent changes over the course of the year in preparation for more and more of your bigger dreams coming true between now and 2012. Your confidence in your talents and ability to make money is tip-top. Saturn remains in your work sector for another year continuing to deliver the teachings on what it means to value yourself and take yourself and your talents more seriously. No more settling for short shrift, Taurus.

A little bravado goes a long way in January and February with Mars firing up your career sector. Don't be afraid to push for what you really want. The squeaky Bull gets the promotion, so declare your intentions loudly and clearly while the opportunities are peaking. You have no problem working yourself to the bone to help others realize their vision, but now it's time to put that same effort into making your own dreams come true. Saying no to others is the first step towards finally saying yes to yourself. Your best moneymaking opportunities arrive just in time for your birthday. Working hard in June and July garners major pay-offs for a decadent vacation in August.

Taurus Outlook for 2011

Year 2011 Romantic

As 2011 kicks off, you continue to benefit from the long-term effects of Venus in Scorpio in your relationship sector (since September 2009). But by early January, Venus (your planetary ruler) moves on to your sector of transformation, bringing deep relationship issues home to roost. You'll have a chance to incorporate each and every powerful lesson from 2009 into the core of your being prepared for the next level of intimacy. Enough is enough, Taurus -- you're ready for the real McCoy when it comes to love. Haven't you settled enough, taking care of everyone else's needs without getting in touch with what it is to love and be loved in return?

By the time your birthday rolls around, Venus will have blissfully entered her home turf in Taurus, assuring that you'll feel at your beautiful best. This also bodes wonderfully for attracting love and connection in the best of all possible ways. Make the most of late April and early May (your strongest Venus period) to get your beauty rituals on. When you look good, you feel irresistible so it's no wonder you are suddenly a date magnet this spring. When Venus enters your romance and pleasure sector in August, you'll have no problem putting work on the back burner in favor of a little romantic raucous. In October, Venus enters your partnership sector to seal the deal on your summer flirtations. Commitment and compromise are absolutely necessary if true love is what you seek.

[source]

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a blissful 2010 for me. All my wishes came true. Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Thank you to my family and friends for the love and support. May God bless us more this coming 2011. Looking forward to a new life ahead of me. =)

Stop Comparing..

2010-11-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

We live in a pathologically dissatisfied world.

And Im going to tell you why.

Because we love to compare.

Go around the world and discover that people aren't happy with their

bodies. Filipinos want to be fair-complexioned like Westerners, and so buy bleaching stuff. Westerners want to own bronzed bodies like ours, and so purchase tanning lotions. Those with moles have them removed, while those who dont strategically implant beauty spots. Some people want to shed a few pounds to look like Ally McBeal, while others want to gain some baby fat to look like Drew Barrymore. When are we ever going to stop and simply be happy with how we look?

We live in a sick world, I tell you.

And that sickness is comparisonitis.

Take a look at wealth.

When we drive our old Toyota, it really suits us fine. We feel blessed

in fact when the rain pours outside and we feel snug and cozy on its faded upholstered seats. But the moment we see our own officemate (or neighbor, or buddy, or cousin, or brother) drive his sleek sky-blue, four-door, four-wheel-drive Honda Rav4, we automatically feel like

third-class children of God. Next time we drive our bumpy, noisy, rusted, dilapidated Toyota (notice how all the defects come out all of a sudden?), we feel deprived, dispossessed, pariah, debased, and only a little higher than the insects of the earth.

Listen carefully.

Bill Gates total assets are worth $60 billion. Thats more than the GNP

of some small countries. Tiger Woods earns $80 million simply by smiling on TV in a Nike shirt. And the stars of the sitcom Friends are paid $50,000 per episode!

My point? No matter how hard you work, there'l still be some people

who will be richer than you are. And there'l be some people who will be more beautiful, have more sex appeal, have more boyfriends, and have more problems.

Try it for once. Stop looking around. Don't compare!

Don't compare her nose with your nose.

Don't compare his wife with your wife.

Don't compare his salary with your salary.

Don't compare her breast size with your breast size.

Don't compare here kids report card with your kids report card.

Don't compare his prayer group with your prayer group.

Don't compare her cellulite deposits with your cellulite deposits.

For crying out loud, stop comparing and start living!

And you'll be happier with your life, I guarantee.

This is crucial: The most difficult thing in the world is to be who

you are not. Pretending and trying to be someone else is the official

pastime of the human race. (I don't think dogs and cats and cows and horses have this problem.)

And the easiest thing in the world is to be yourself.

Be happy. Live! There must be a reason why God made you tall or short

or fat or thin or bumpy all over.

Love who you are!

Bo Sanchez

The Boss

5 Drinks That Help You Calm Down

2010-10-14T04:34:00.000-07:00

Stressful day? Don't reach for a candy bar. Try one of these soothing liquids instead.

1. Drink a glass of milk. It contains tryptophan, which as it is metabolized is converted to mood-boosting serotonin. Plus, its calcium, magnesium and potassium content may help keep blood pressure down.

2. Drink hot cocoa. Warm drinks raise your body temperature—a feeling we associate with comfort, so it triggers a similar response in our brains.

3. Order black tea instead of coffee. A study by University College London shows that drinking black tea four times a day for six weeks lowered the stress hormone cortisol after a stressful event.

4. Drink green tea—packed with theanine, which increases the brain’s output of relaxation-inducing alpha waves and reduces the output of tension-making beta waves.

5. Drink a glass of cold water, then go for a walk outside. The water gets your blood moving and the air invigorates by stimulating the endorphins that de-stress you.

[source]

Anima Christi

2010-09-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Soul of Christ

Sanctify me

Body of Christ save me

Water from the side of Christ

Wash me, Passion of Christ

Give me strength

Chorus:

Hear me Jesus

Hide me in thy wounds

That I may never leave thy side

From all the evil that surrounds me

Defend me and when the call of death arrives

Bid me come to thee

That I may praise thee

With thy saints forever

(Repeat Chorus)

[source]

Baby lyrics - Justin Bieber

2010-09-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ohh wooaah Ohh wooaah Ohh wooaah

You know you love me, I know you care

Just shout whenever, And I'll be there

You are my love, You are my heart

And we will never ever-ever be apart

Are we an item. Girl quit playing

"We're just friends"

What are you sayin?

said theres another and looked right in my eyes

My first love broke my heart for the first time,

And I was like

Baby, baby, baby ooh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby ooh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby oohh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby ohh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

For you,i would have done what ever

And I just cant believe we ain't together

And I wanna play it cool, But I'm losing you

I'll buy you anything, ill buy you any ring

And I'm in pieces, Baby fix me

and just shake me til' you wake me from this bad dream

I'm going down, down, down, down

And I just can't believe, my first love won't be around

And I'm like,

Baby, baby, baby oooh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby ooh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby oooh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby ooh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

Luda, When I was thirteen, I had my first love

There was nobody that compaired to my baby

And nobody came between us

or could ever come above

She had me going crazy

Oh I was starstruck

She woke me up daily

Don't need no Starbucks

She make my heart pound[wwwhhhooo]

and skip a beat when I see her in the street

and, At school, on the playground

But I really wanna see her on the weekend

She know she got me dazing

Cuz she was so amazing

And now, my heart is breakin'

But I just keep on sayin'

Baby, baby, baby ohh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby ohh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby ooh

Like baby, baby, baby noo

Like baby, baby, baby oooh

Thought you'd always be mine, mine

(Now I'm all gone)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Yeah Yeah Yeah

(Now I'm all gone)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

(Now I'm all gone)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Now I'm all gone, gone, gone, ooh

I'm gone

[source]

Practice makes Perfect!

2010-08-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

I can say that I know how to drive now. But I need a little more practice to make it perfect! As they say, practice makes perfect! I can't way for Monday to have another driving lesson. I'm excited to go out to the city and drive!

But for now, i have to take it easy. Patience is a virtue. I have to relax. It gives you a lot of confidence when you are able to drive. It's like you are in control. It gives me strength as a woman.

This time I am seroius to get a license on driving. I know I can do it! :)

'3' Lyrics - Britney Spears

2010-08-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

Everybody loves ***

Countin'

Babe, pick a night

To come out and play

If it's alright

What do you say?

Merrier the more

Triple fun that way

Twister on the floor

What do you say?

Are - you in

Livin' in sin is the new thing (yeah)

Are - you in

I am countin'!

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

Everybody loves ***

Countin'

Three is a charm

Two is not the same

I don't see the harm

So are you game?

Lets' make a team

Make 'em say my name

Lovin' the extreme

Now are you game?

Are - you in

Livin' in sin is the new thing

Are - you in

I am countin'!

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

Everybody loves ***

Countin'

Babe, pick a night

To come out and play

If it's alright

What do you say?

Merrier the more

Triple fun that way

Twister on the floor

What do you say?

Are - you in

Livin' in sin is the new thing (yeah)

Are - you in

I am countin'!

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

Everybody loves ***

Countin'

Three is a charm

Two is not the same

I don't see the harm

So are you game?

Lets' make a team

Make 'em say my name

Lovin' the extreme

Now are you game?

Are - you in

Livin' in sin is the new thing

Are - you in

I am countin'!

1, 2, 3

Not only you and me

Got one eighty degrees

And I'm caught in between

Countin'

1, 2, 3

Peter, Paul & Mary

Gettin' down with 3P

Everybody loves ***

What we do is innocent

Just for fun and nothin' meant

If you don't like the company

Let's just do it you and me

You and me...

Or three....

Or four....

- On the floor!

Everybody loves ***

What we do is innocent

Just for fun and nothin' meant

If you don't like the company

Let's just do it you and me

You and me...

Or three....

Or four....

- On the floor!

[source]

Small World!

2010-08-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

It's a small world after all! I've seen today a long lost friend while getting a student permit in driving. We ended up having lunch together and update each other about our lives. The lunch was her treat. How a lucky I am to bump up on her. I never expected and imagine to see her. I am so happy to see her.

What a coincidence also, me and my cousins whom I am not so close to bump to each other too. We are at the same place at the same time. It was not a bad encouter. They did not snob. I think your relatives will always be your relatives.

Mission accomplished! I got my student permit. I can now be able to drive along the highway. Can't wait! weeeeee ;))

FOOD AS MEDICINE

2010-08-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!

Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches..
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!

Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.

TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!

Prevent build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!

Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!

Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (onion packs place on chest helped the respiratory ailments and actually made breathing better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!

Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea..

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!

High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!!

Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!

Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!

Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!!

A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage

Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!

A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!

Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!

Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!

Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!

Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!

The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fibre. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke..

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young...........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer..

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system.. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients

Found in watermelon are Vitamin C & Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn UV rays)

Guava & Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fibre which helps prevent constipation.

Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)

Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies......GOOD AS MEDICINE..

Telephone Lyrics - Lady Gaga

2010-08-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello, baby;
You called, I can’t hear a thing.
I have got no service
in the club, you see, see
Wha-Wha-What did you say?
Oh, you’re breaking up on me
Sorry, I cannot hear you,
I’m kinda busy.

K-kinda busy
K-kinda busy
Sorry, I cannot hear you, I’m kinda busy.

Just a second,
it’s my favorite song they’re gonna play
And I cannot text you with
a drink in my hand, eh
You shoulda made some plans with me,
you knew that I was free.
And now you won’t stop calling me;
I’m kinda busy.

Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna think anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna talk anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I’m busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Can call all you want,
but there’s no one home,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
Out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

Call when you want,
but there’s no one home,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
Out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

Beyonce:

Boy, the way you blowin’ up my phone
won’t make me leave no faster.
Put my coat on faster,
leave my girls no faster.
I shoulda left my phone at home,
’cause this is a disaster!
Callin’ like a collector -
sorry, I cannot answer!

Not that I don’t like you,
I’m just at a party.
And I am sick and tired
of my phone r-ringing.
Sometimes I feel like
I live in Grand Central Station.
Tonight I’m not takin’ no calls,
’cause I’ll be dancin’.

‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
Tonight I’m not takin’ no calls, ’cause I’ll be dancin’!

Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna think anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna talk anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.

Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna think anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna talk anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I’m busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Can call all you want,
but there’s no one home,
you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

Call when you want,
but there’s no one home,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

My telephone!
M-m-my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

My telephone!
M-m-my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

We’re sorry the number you have reached is not in service at this time.
Please check the number, or try your call again

[source]

Twitter!

2010-08-03T03:48:00.000-07:00

I love to tweet! It's a new thing for me. I also love following the tweets of different people. It shows how they feel and what they are going through!

I'm taking things slow now. I take each day as it is. Enjoying each day. I'm not complaining. God is so good to me. I just have to wait patiently.

There's no much activities in my life right now. But it's okay. The most important thing is that I'm with my family. And that we are together.

Steady pace...

2010-07-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in a steady pace but i'm not complaining. I just hope and pray that the result that I've been waiting for would go as what I am hoping and praying for.

The feeling is so tense while waiting for the result. But it's beyond of my control right now. It is out of my hands. I submitted the needed requirements for my application. So the decision now is with them. So I better relax and continue praying. Help me Lord.

Just waiting for my mom and dad to come home. I'm going to sleep in a while.

Feelings...

2010-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

We feel different feelings and emotions every now and then. We may feel happy or sad. But these feelings pass. We can't hold it for too long.

My feelings now is just moderate. I am on a neutral mode. I stop trying to hurry things. I can't do anything about it. It's beyond my control. I have to slow down.

I have to enjoy my moments now. Tomorrow is another day. I will not think too much of getting there. It will surely come without my knowing.

There's No Place Like Home!

2010-07-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to be home. It is true that no matter how beautiful a place is, nothing beats our home where our heart is.

I had a vacation in Singapore! I can say that Singapore is a very beautiful country. The people are very discipline, helpful and courteous. It is very clean. The government really did a great job. How I wish my own country will do the same.

I will not forget my trip there. I had a lot of fun. There are a lot of tourists spots. I also love the great big sale.

Still, I miss my home. But I will definitely come back to Singapore soon.

New beginnings..

2010-06-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

In every beginning there's an end. Ending doesn't always mean an end but it means a beginning of a new life, a new challenges in life. I have made a choice to end a relationship that i felt i was trapped with for the longest time. It feels good to be free now. I am at peace with oe myself. I know what I want in a relationship and i think i deserve someone who would truly love and respect me. I felt sad in the beginning. I felt regrets whether if i had made a right or wrong decision . But now, no regrets! I feel that I have made the right choice. To free myself from misery and heartaches. I am hoping that the love that i truly deserve will come my way anytime soon. I am read for it.

I also made a decision to resign from my job of 3 years since I am no longer happy. I felt that i am unproductive and stagnant. I have to make a change in my career. I'm glad i did it. I am going abroad a few days from now hoping that I can find a greener pasture. I am thinking positive. Taking this step is a big decision for me. But i'm excited about it. I have the support and love of my family. I would never go wrong.

I am more at peace with myself now. I am happy. I am looking forward to a wonderful days ahead of me. God bless us all!

Cherish the moment!

2010-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Time flies so fast. So, we have to cherish each day. I've been feeling emotional lately. I feel sad and depressed. But, why am I feeling this way? I have to count all my blessings. I've been very blessed! I think this is my year. I have a great life ahead of me so I should be happy for that.

It is true that we can't have everything we want. But I believe that someday soon. I will be complete. People come and go in our lives so we just have to cherish every moment that we had with them. I don't know sometimes the reason why I've met them but God has it's own reasons.
I don't have to regret meeting them because somehow they've made my life happy. I enjoyed their company. As they say some good things never lasts. I just have to cherish the times I was with them.

Election 2010...

2010-05-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

I've casted my vote! I hope that there's a real change that would happen after this election. A change for a better government. I hope that my country Philippines will prosper. I hope everyone would give their support to make our country a better place to live.

I don't know what's gonna happen next. I am just hoping for the best to come. Let's continue to pray for this... God bless Philippines! =)

Things We Can Learn from a Dog

2010-04-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Loving Our Dogs

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.

5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

6. Take naps and always stretch before rising.

7. Run, romp and play daily.

8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

9. Be loyal.

10. Never pretend to be something you're not.

11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

14. fThrive on attention and let people touch you.

15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

17. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout.
Run right back and make friends.

[source]

Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry) Lyrics - Craig David

2010-04-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

[VERSE 1]
For all the years that I've known you baby
I can't figure out the reason why lately you've been acting so cold
(didn't you say)
If there's a problem we should work it out
So why you giving me the cold shoulder now
Like you don't even wanna talk to me girl
(tell me)
OK I know I was late again
I made you mad and dinners thrown in (the bin)
But why are you making this thing drag on so long
(I wanna know)
I'm sick and tired of this silly game
(silly games)
Don't think that I'm the only one here to blame
It's not me here who's been going round slamming doors
That's when you turned and said to me
I don't care babe who's right or wrong
I just don't love you no more.

[CHORUS]
Rain outside my window pouring down
What now, your gone, my fault, I'm sorry
Feeling like a fool cause I let you down
Now it's, too late, to turn it around
I'm sorry for the tears I made you cry
I guess this time it really is goodbye
You made it clear when you said
I just don't love you no more

[VERSE 2]
I know that I made a few mistakes
But never thought that things would turn out this way
Cause I'm missing something now that your gone
(I see it all so clearly)
Me at the door with you in a state
(in a state)
Giving my reasons but as you look away
I can see a tear roll down your face
That's when you turned and said to me
I don't care babe who's right or wrong
I just don't love you no more.

[CHORUS]
Rain outside my window pouring down
What now, your gone, my fault, I'm sorry
Feeling like a fool cause I let you down
Now it's, too late, to turn it around
I'm sorry for the tears I made you cry
I guess this time it really is goodbye
You made it clear when you said
I just don't love you no more

[BRIDGE]
Those simple words hit so hard
They turned my whole world upside down
Girl, you caught me completely off guard
On that night you said to me
I just don't love you no more

[CHORUS 2X]
Rain outside my window pouring down
What now, your gone, my fault, I'm sorry
Feeling like a fool cause I let you down
Now it's, too late, to turn it around
I'm sorry for the tears I made you cry
I guess this time it really is goodbye
You made it clear when you said
I just don't love you no more

[source]

Already Gone Lyrics - Kelly Clarkson

2010-04-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Remember all the things we wanted
Now all our memories, they’re haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye
Even with our fists held high
It never would have work out right, yeah
We were never meant for do or die
I didn’t want us to burn out
I didn’t come here to hurt you now I can’t stop

[Chorus]
I want you to know
That it doesn’t matter
Where we take this road
But someone’s gotta go
And I want you to know
You couldn’t have loved me better
But I want you to move on
So I’m already gone

Looking at you makes it harder
But I know that you’ll find another
That doesn’t always make you wanna cry
It started with the perfect kiss then
We could feel the poison set in
“Perfect” couldn’t keep this love alive
You know that I love you so
I love you enough to let you go

[Chorus]

You can’t make it feel right
When you know that it’s wrong
I’m already gone, already gone
There’s no moving on
So I’m already gone
Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone
Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone

Remember all the tings we wanted
Now all our memories, they’re haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye

[Chorus]

You can’t make it feel right
When you know that it’s wrong
I’m already gone, already gone
There’s no moving on
So I’m already gone

[source]

Clash of the Titans (2010)

2010-04-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

Synopsis

In “Clash of the Titans,” the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.

My Movie Review

I really like the movie. It is beautiful and wonderfully made. Persius is very handsome and strong. The fight scenes were very exciting. What I can say is that the downfall of a man is always a woman. Man cannot leave without a woman on his side. During Persius journey, there is one woman who accompanies him and guide him. Also, with every success of a man, there's a woman behind him. I therefore conclude that women are really powerful creatures here on earth. They are the weakness of every man.

Holy Week!

2010-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is the time for reflection. Remembering our savior Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

To some this is a time for a long break from work. It's a long weekend. Still, it's a time to reflect on our lives.

I've listen to the 7 last words of Jesus yesterday the good Friday. I can't help but cry over the testimonies of different people. How the Lord touches their lives in so many ways. They may have encounter difficulties in their lives but God is always on time to save them from their misery. Yes, I agree. God is never late to answer to our call. His answer is always on time.

Remember the footprints in the sand? There are times that we ask God where is he when we needed him most and we thought we are all alone in the darkness? Jesus said that during this time when we see only one footprint in the sand, this is the time when he carry us. God is really good and merciful. He will not abandon us.

Let us continue to serve Him for the rest of our lives. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! Have a meaningful Holy Week to all. God Bless us all! Mama Mary loves us.

Party In The U.S.A. - Miley Cyrus

2010-03-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

I hopped off the plane at LAX
with a dream and my cardigan
welcome to the land of fame excess, (woah)
am I gonna fit in?

Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to the right and I see the Hollywood sign
This is all so crazy
Everybody seems so famous

My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous,
That's when the taxi man turned on the radio
and a Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on

CHORUS:
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the USA
Yeah, It's a party in the USA

Get to the club in my taxi cab
Everybody's lookin at me now
Like “whos that chick, thats rockin' kicks?
She gotta be from out of town”

So hard with my girls not around me
Its definitely not a Nashville party
Cause' all I see are stilletos
I guess I never got the memo

My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous
That's when the D.J. dropped my favorite tune
and a Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on

CHORUS:
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the USA
Yeah, It's a party in the USA

Feel like hoppin' on a flight (on a flight)
Back to my hometown tonight (town tonight)
Something stops me everytime (everytime)
The DJ plays my song and I feel alright!

CHORUS:
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah (Oh, nodding my head)
Moving my hips like yeah, (Ooh Yeah)
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok (gonna be okay)
Yeah (huh huh), It's a party in the USA (Yeah)
Yeah, It's a party in the USA

So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away (flying away)
Noddin' my head like yeah (nodding my head like yeah)
Moving my hips like yeah, (moving my hips like yeah)
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok (I'm gonna be okay)
Yeah (Yeah), It's a party in the USA
Yeah (hahaha), It's a party in the USA (Party in the USA!)

[source]

You First Believed lyrics - Hoku

2010-03-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

How many times did I pray you'd find me...
How many wishes on a star,
Gazing off into the dark
Dreaming I'd see your face
Safe at home unafraid,
Captured in your embrace.

So many times when my heart was broken,
Visions of you would keep me strong.
You were with me all along,
Guiding my every step.
You are all that I am
And I'll never forget.

It was you, who first believed
In all that I was made to be.
It was you, looking in my eyes.
You held my hand and showed me life.
And I've never been the same,
Since you first believed.

There were times when I thought I'd lost you,
Fearing forever was a dream.
But it wasn't what it seemed,
Placing your hand in mine,
You could see in the dark,
You were guiding my heart.

It was you, who first believed
In all that I was made to be.
It was you, looking in my eyes.
You held my hand and showed me life.
And I've never been the same,
Since you first believed.

It was you, who first believed
In all that I was made to be.
It was you, looking in my eyes.
You held my hand and you showed me life.
And I've never been the same,
Since you first believed.

How many times did I pray you'd find me...

How many wishes on a star...

[source]

Ever Ever After lyrics - Carrie-Underwood

2010-03-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Storybook endings, fairy tales coming true
Deep down inside we want to believe they still do
In our secretest heart, it's our favourite part of the story
Let's just admit we all want to make it to

Ever ever after
If we just don't get it our own way
Ever ever after
It may only be a wish away

Start a new fashion, wear your heart on your sleeve
Sometimes you reach what's real just by making believe
Unafraid, unashamed
There is joy to be claimed in this world
You even might wind up being glad to be you

Ever ever after
Though the world will tell you it's not smart

Ever ever after
The world can be yours if you let your heart
Believe in ever after

No wonder your heart feels it's flying
Your head feels it's spinning
Each happy ending's a brand new beginning
Let yourself be enchanted, you just might break through

To ever ever after
Forever could even start today
Ever ever after
Maybe it's just one wish away
Your ever ever after

(I've been dreaming of a true love's kiss)

Oh, for ever ever ever after

[source]

2010-03-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

Winning doesn't always mean being first.

- Bonnie Blair

God is madly in love with you and is longing to give you the things you need.

- Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.

- Tori Amos

ANGEL lyrics - Leona Lewis

2010-03-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

I feel it, you feel it
That this was meant to be.
I know it, you know it
That you were made for me.
We can't deny this any longer
Day by day it's getting stronger.
I want it, you want it
It's what the people want to see.

We're like Romeo and Juliet
Families can't divide us.
Like the tallest mountain or the widest sea
Nothing's big enough to hide us.
When we make love its overwhelming
I just touch the heavens
You're an angel, you're an angel

I said this world, this world.
Could leave us anyday
But my love for you, it will never go away.
And I don't wanna go to sleep
'cause you are like a dream
For every night I say a prayer,
And I swear you are the answer
You're an angel, you're an angel, you're an angel.

So we take it each moment our love grows
I see it, you see it,
What we have is made of gold
We're so filled with meaning,
Nothing can make us shallow.
So I hold it, and you hold it
The promise of tomorrow.
When we make love its overwhelming
I just touch the heavens.
You're an angel, you're an angel

And I said this world, this world
Could leave us anyday
But my love for you, it will never go away.
And I don't wanna go to sleep
'cause you are like a dream
For every night I say a prayer,
And I swear you are the answer
You're an angel, you're an angel, you're an angel.

I don't need three wishes
Well I just need one
For us to never be finished
For us to never be done
When they say it's over
We'll just say I love you
And when they say it's finished
We'll just keep on building.

And I said this world, this world
Could leave us anyday
But my love for you, it will never go away.
And I don't wanna go to sleep
'cause you are like a dream
For every night I say a prayer,
And I swear you are the answer [x2]

You're an angel, you're an angel, you're an angel.

Yes you are. You're an angel

[source]

A Name among Thousands

2010-03-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

I was a junior in college at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. I had been dating a senior, and in May I found myself attending his graduation from ASU's School of Business. We were sitting high in the stadium, watching a very long ceremony and I was bored. The procession of students seemed endless, and the air horns were giving me a headache. It would be at least another hour until his name was called.

To pass the time, I began thumbing through the directory of graduates looking for my boyfriend's name. A name other than the one I was looking for caught my eye. Brian Geiger. My favorite uncle is a Geiger, and in all my years in Arizona, I had never met anyone with that last name. It jumped off the page at me. Laughing, I pointed it out quickly to my mom, and then kept searching through the thousands of names. Little did I know I had just picked out my future husband's name -- nor did I know that fate would introduce us a few short weeks later.

The next month passed without much incident. I was working as a research assistant in a university science lab, and because I was employed by ASU, I had a summer pass to the campus gym. My relationship with my boyfriend had deteriorated since graduation, so I spent a lot of time at the gym playing volleyball. A group of us played every Tuesday and Thursday. That day, I had signed up for research lab time but didn't feel like being alone in a sterile science lab. I decided to stop by the gym and see if the regular crew was there to play.

The minute I walked in, I noticed a new guy playing on the far court. Wow. He was amazing! He hadn't seen me, but all I saw was him. I felt my face flush, and I knew I had to meet him. Luckily, I did. By the end of the afternoon, there were only enough people left for two teams of three. I was supposed to go to work at the lab, but that would have left uneven teams. I knew I should leave, but I still hadn't officially accomplished my goal of meeting this new man. When the game was over, the new guy, Brian, and his friend, Matt, asked me to go with them for drinks. Volleyball and drinks gradually became a weekly routine: just Brian, Matt, and me. However, it wasn't until a few days later that I actually realized who this Brian guy was.

In order to check out a volleyball, students use their ID cards. When the ball is returned, the ID is given back. One afternoon, I had checked out the ball, but I had to leave before everyone was ready to quit. So my new cute friend, known simply to me as Brian, gave me his ID to exchange for mine. On the walk down the hall, I looked at his name. I got chills. It was Brian Geiger.

If he had graduated, why was he at the campus gym? I later found out that he had intended to move back to his home state of Illinois immediately after graduation, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Arizona. And he had persuaded the gym to let him have a free summer membership. I was stunned. ASU didn't give out free memberships. He never should have been there. We never should have met. I hadn't ever put a lot of stock in destiny, but I was becoming a believer.
By August we were dating. He took me to meet his parents and we laughed that we were all in that same stadium, watching that same graduation ceremony. I knew after four months that he was the man I would marry. Looking back at the graduation ceremony, I am now fully convinced that I didn't notice his name by chance. It was just too unlikely. Thousands of names, and I saw his, which was later to become mine.

[source]

Nature Trip!

2010-03-07T04:12:00.001-08:00

I just got home from a long nature trip day. We went to Epol. It was my first time to visit the place. I have no idea at all on what the place offers.

I can say that it is a nice place to unwind. If you are a nature lover, you would love going there. There's a fall. The water is cold. It takes a lot of walking so it is a good exercise too.

After that we went to see endangered turtles. They were found at the beach side and was taken cared of by good people since these animals don't know how to feed themselves. The beach was so calm and beautiful. It was really nice walking along the beach.

Lastly, we ended our day with a yummy dinner. We all our tired and ready to go home. It was a very long and wonderful day. I also gained new friends! Till next time!

Graduation March...

2010-03-03T03:57:00.000-08:00

March is the month of graduation. Graduation march is fast approaching. Students are busy completing requirements for graduation. At last, after how many years in college, the day finally arrived that they can receive their diploma.

I can still remember my graduation. It was one of the biggest events of my life. But during graduation, it is always a mix emotion - happy and sad. Happy to finally finish school and get a diploma. Sad because this means a separation from your closes friends that you shared everyday of your life with. Still, it is a big event worthy of a celebration.

So I would like to congratulate all the graduates of the year 2010. All the best to all of you. More power. This is the beginning of a new chapter of your life so keep on going. Aim high! Cheers!

Fireflies lyrics - OWL CITY

2010-02-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell

But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

[source]

Saying No!

2010-02-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes.... no... most of the time I have a hard time saying No! I always try to please others even if I don't feel good about it. Sometimes, it makes me sick. And some people take advantage of me because of it.

Well, I am learning now how to say No. I am learning to assert myself. To assert my rights. I would settle for something that would make me happy. I would please myself first. I don't care much of what other people may say. I would protect myself.

I feel good. I hope that this feeling would continue...

The Climb lyrics - MILEY CYRUS

2010-02-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

[source]

TGIF!

2010-02-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

Thank God it's Friday! It's been a busy week for me. We had a lot of activities at work. So today, I will go home early. I miss my family. I want to bond with them. I want to eat dinner with them.

I had a great time last night with my long time friends I haven't hear and seen for a while. I missed them. I miss talking and sharing jokes with them. It was so much fun.

It's really different when you are with your good friends. There's a bond that kept you together. You feel at ease. No pretensions whatsoever. They will accept you for what you are. They will not argue with you. They are there to listen. They are my real friends I can really count on.

2010-02-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES EVERYONE!!! Love love love.....

A V A T A R

2010-02-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

Synopsis

A paraplegic ex-marine finds a new life on the distant planet of Pandora, only to find himself battling humankind alongside the planet's indigenous Na'vi race in this ambitious digital 3D sci-fi epic from Academy Award-winning Titanic director James Cameron. The film, which marks Cameron's first dramatic feature since 1997's Titanic, follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a war veteran who gets called to the depths of space to pick up the job of his slain twin brother for the scientific arm of a megacorporation looking to mine the planet of Pandora for a valued ore. Unfortunately the biggest deposit of the prized substance lies underneath the home of the Na'vi, a ten-foot-tall, blue-skinned native tribe who have been at war with the security arm of the company, lead by Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Because of the planet's hostile atmosphere, humans have genetically grown half-alien/half-human bodies which they can jack their consciousnesses into and explore the world in. Since Jake's brother already had an incredibly expensive Avatar grown for him, he's able to connect with it using the same DNA code and experience first-hand the joys of Pandora while giving the scientific team, led by Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) and Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore), some well-needed protection against the planet's more hostile forces.

On a chance meeting after getting separated from his team, Jake's Avatar is rescued by Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), a Na'vi princess, who brings him into her tribe in order to give the humans a second chance at relating to this new environment. When word gets out of his increasing time with the alien species, Quaritch enlists Jake to do some reconnaissance for the company, as they'd like to persuade the tribe to move their home before taking more drastic measures to harness the treasure hidden below. Yet as Jake becomes one with the tribe and begins to understand the secrets of Pandora, his conscience is torn between his new adopted world and the wheelchair-bound one awaiting him when the psychic connection to his Avatar is broken. Soon battle lines are drawn and Jake needs to decide which side he will fight on when the time comes. The film was shot on the proprietary FUSION digital 3D cameras developed by Cameron in collaboration with Vince Pace, and offers a groundbreaking mix of live-action dramatic performances and computer-generated effects. The revolutionary motion-capture system created for the film allows the facial expressions of actors to be captured as a virtual camera system enables them to see what their computer-generated counterparts will be seeing in the film, and Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning Weta Digital visual-effects house supervises Avatar's complex special effects. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

My Movie Review

I had a great time watching the movie. It is a good quality film. Since Valentines day is near. I'd like to connect it with the movie. Love really comes in the most unexpected places. You will never know when and where you'll gonna fall in love. It just happens. And when it does, you'll do everything to protect the one you love and to be with him/her no matter what. Sigh. The magic of love.

Love has no boundaries. Even if you came from different worlds, love will always find its ways to unite you. Love is really unexplainable. No words can really define and express it. You can just feel it. Amazing! No matter what the hindrances are, in the end love will always prevail.

Double Celebration!!

2010-02-10T16:57:00.001-08:00

February 14 would be a double celebration. It's a celebration of the Chinese New Year and the Valentine's day. Wow! Love will surely be in the air in the year of the tiger. I hope that there will be more peace in the world. Everybody would love each other more.

I am always looking forward to the forecasts of the Chinese experts. Every year I always want to know what's in store for me for the year. Hoping for a better and much brighter year. I also do some of the chinese rituals even if I'm not Chinese. There's no harm to it anyway. I am always excited every year doing it.

I guess, the new year brings another hope to all of us. It's another chance for us to do better in life. To change and to work harder to reach our dreams. I am looking forward for a better year for me. I think that I have started it right. I have accomplished one thing that I've been wanting to be done and get over with for the longest time. I was brave enough to face the consequences of my action. And it felt good.

Well, only God is in control of our lives. So, let's give it to Him to take control. The year is still a long way to go. Let's continue to pray and ask for His guidance. Surely, our year would be more wonderful and joyful.

Kung Hei Fat Choi and Happy Valentines everyone!!! =)

Life story...

2010-02-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

I have come to realized that every person has it's own struggles in life. Sometimes I tend to complain on my life. I feel bored at work. I feel unproductive. I feel that my life is not evolving. I envy my friends who are working abroad. But, I've found out that they also feel my anguish in life. They have their own struggles too. Life abroad is not all bliss. They are still struggling. They are also facing problems.

And the sad thing about it is that they are away from their families. I'm more luckier since I'm still with my family. I have a work. I should be thankful for all the blessings that come my way. My life is so much easier. Their problems are more harder and difficult than mine.

Come to think of it, my life is so beautiful. I should complain less! =)

Monday Fever!!

2010-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

It's Monday once again. Back to work. I had a great weekend. I was fully rested. he he I brought my laptop with me today. I planned to watch Avatar. But my plan failed. I was assigned to take charge of someone else office. sigh! I felt frustrated! grrrr.

Anyways, Mondays are really boring. I guess I'm just bored with my work. I wanna move out. It's not healthy for me anymore. I am unproductive. I'm stagnant. Help!

I want to have a change of environment. The system here also sucks. No proper management. My stay here is long enough. It is time to move on and move forward. Can't wait!

Perfect Timing

2010-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Love is the greatest refreshment in life.
~Pablo Picasso

I wriggled out of my underwear underneath my ankle-length skirt and slipped on my shorts. In one decisive move, I undid the knot that held the skirt wrapped around my waist, and let the long, hot fabric drop to the ground. My boyfriend and I had been cycling for nearly a month in Morocco, and despite the ninety-degree temperatures, I usually kept my skin covered out of respect for the Muslim culture.

We had decided to take this detour to Africa halfway through our six-month bicycle trip in Europe. Now I wished we hadn't come here. Bob and I had been dating for five years, and we'd joked that we'd either come back from the trip engaged, or on separate planes. It didn't seem very funny any more.

Wearing just my running shorts and a T-shirt, I felt practically naked. All day, we'd been riding east along the Route des Kasbahs through a broad, flat valley bordered on our left by the Atlas Mountains. As we peddled through miles of empty desert, I thought about just one thing: ice-cold watermelon. It was my birthday, and since we were in the middle of the desert, I knew there would be no fancy dinner and no celebratory alcoholic beverages. But there could be watermelon.

I told Bob my fantasy. As I set up our tent in the garden at the youth hostel in Goulmima, Bob had walked to the market down the street to get a watermelon. A group of men sat in the shade in front of the hostel, talking and drinking sweet mint tea. I had wanted to sit in the garden under the apricot and pomegranate trees, split the watermelon in half, and eat until all that was left was the empty, green bowl of the rind.

Bob had returned, cradling a large watermelon like a baby. In a friendly gesture, he had offered to share the watermelon with the men at the hostel. I, however, wasn't going to budge. As Bob walked back to the men, he promised to bring me a slice of watermelon. I sat in the garden, fuming. Bob didn't come back. Finally, I walked over to the house and saw the men eating watermelon. My watermelon.

"Thanks for bringing me some watermelon," I had snapped at Bob. I was so angry I was shaking. Bob looked at me, startled. This wasn't like me.

I'd been struggling with how to maintain my sense of identity on our trip. The clothing was just the beginning. My relationship with Bob had changed. Public displays of affection -- holding hands and kissing, but also the casual touch on the arm -- were taboo, and after trying so hard to remember these new rules all day, at night when we were alone in our tent, we forgot to fall back into our old, affectionate habits. But mostly, I hated that we had to call each other husband and wife to appear proper, because I wasn't his wife. And I wanted to be, more than anything.
Suddenly, I felt trapped in the walled compound of the youth hostel. If I couldn't have my watermelon, I was going to give myself something I'd wanted for a long time. And that was when I stripped down to my running shorts.

"I'm going for a run. Alone." I told Bob.

"Be careful!" he called as I turned to leave.

Outside the gate, I looked right, the direction we had come from, and turned left down the dusty street. I'd been a faithful runner for years, but had given it up after a painful marathon. As I started running, it felt like being reacquainted with a lover after a long absence -- I remembered how good it used to be, but now it was just awkward. My stride was stiff, and I could feel pebbles through the worn-down soles of my shoes. The wind was blowing dust so thick that I closed my eyes and held my breath as I ran through a tunnel. On the other side, I opened my eyes to see people filling the narrow street.

"Ça va bien?" people called out to me.

Nodding, I replied tersely, "Oui, ça va bien." It's going very well.

It was true. My stride wasn't smooth, and I was breathing hard, but it felt good to run. My feet kicked up puffs of dust as I ran past boys playing soccer and girls filling plastic jugs at a well. Soon, my body took over and I found my rhythm. Running was as easy as breathing when everything's right in the world. As my pace slowed to a walk, I realized it had been a long time since I'd felt at peace with myself.
My anger about the watermelon had been hiding something else: a hurt that sat like a hard lump in my throat. I had thought Bob was waiting for the perfect opportunity to ask me to marry him. But maybe it wasn't about the perfect opportunity. The truth was, I probably wanted more from Bob than he might be able to give me.

I turned around and headed back to the hostel. I wanted to go back and tell Bob about the kasbah I ran past in town. Most evenings we'd sit outside our tent in the dark, drinking tea and talking. But after taking so many turns on my run through town, I wasn't sure how far it was back to the hostel. My mouth was chalky dry, and I regretted leaving my water bottle behind. At the edge of town, when I looked up to see Bob walking towards me, carrying a bottle of water, I almost didn't believe it could be him.

"I'm sorry," he said, and handed me the water. I took a long drink. "Here's your birthday present." He handed me a Picasso postcard from a museum in Madrid we'd been to more than a month ago. On the back of the postcard, he asked me to marry him.

"How did you find me?" I asked.

"I just knew," he said. "I walked out of the hostel and I asked myself which way you would go, and I knew that if I just kept going, I'd find you."

I looked down at the card. Bob always knew when to keep me company and when to let me go on my own, like when he helped me train for the London marathon, and then waited for three months for me to come back from Europe.
"You don't have to answer now, if you don't want," Bob told me.

It was the worst time for a proposal. We'd just had a fight and I was covered in dirt. There was no ring. Instead, he brought me a bottle of water because he knew I'd be thirsty. He followed his heart to find me, and I realized that's all I needed.

"Of course! Of course I'll marry you!" I told him. A group of twelve-year-old girls were watching us nearby, and to their delight, Bob gave me a brief hug. We held hands for a moment, and the girls covered their mouths and giggled as we walk side-by-side back to the hostel.

That night, we sat outside our tent, eating watermelon and spitting seeds into the garden. When you just know, you don't have to wait for the perfect time to ask.

[source]

Just Dance Lyrics - Lady Gaga

2010-02-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

(feat. Colby O'Donis)

A red one
Konvict
Gaga

I've had a little bit too much
All of the people start to rush.
Start to rush by.
A dizzy twister dance
Can't find my drink or man.
Where are my keys, I lost my phone.
What's going on on the floor?
I love this record baby, but I can't see straight anymore.
Keep it cool what's the name of this club?
I can't remember but it's alright, alright.

[Chorus:]
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Spin that record babe.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Duh-duh-duh-duh
Dance. Dance. Dance. Just dance.

Wish I could shut my playboy mouth.
How'd I turn my shirt inside out? Inside out, right.
Control your poison babe
Roses have thorns they say.
And we're all gettin' hosed tonight.
What's going on on the floor?
I love this record baby, but I can't see straight anymore.
Keep it cool what's the name of this club?
I can't remember but it's alright, alright.

[Chorus]

[Colby O'Donis]
When I come through on the dance floor checking out that catalogue.
Can't believe my eyes so many women without a flaw.

And I ain't gonna' give it up, steady tryna pick it up like a call
I'm gonna hit it, I'm gonna hit it and flex and do it until tomorrow, yeah
Shorty i can see that you got so much energy
The way you twirling up them hips round and round
There's no reason at all why you can't leave here with me
In the meantime stay, let me watch you break it down.

[Chorus]

Half Psychotic, Sick hypnotic got my blueprint its symphonic.
Half Psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint electronic.
Half Psychotic, Sick hypnotic got my blueprint its symphonic.
Half Psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint electronic.

Go. Use your muscle, carve it out, work it, hustle
I got it, just stay close enough to get it
Don't slow! Drive it, clean it lysol, bleed it
Spend the last dough
(I got it)
In your Pocko
(I got it)

[Chorus]

[source]

Celebrate 'Love Month' in style

2010-02-03T23:05:00.001-08:00

On Valentine’s Day, make your loved ones feel more “special” by cooking up something from the heart – while also celebrating it in style right in the comfort of your own home.

Chef James Antolin, vice president of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, with the help of Glad Cook ‘n’ Bake, a versatile cooking partner you can use not just for baking but also for other cooking methods, has prepared this unique recipe in celebration of the 'love month.' Read on.

Pavlova with Seasonal Berries

Ingredients

3 pcs egg whites
½ cups granulated Sugar
1 tsp white Wine Vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch
¼ cup Caster Sugar
1 ¼ cups whipping cream
½ cup kiwi
½ cup strawberries
½ cup blueberries

Procedure:

1. Whip egg whites until soft peaks. Gradually add the 125g caster sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

2. Mix the white wine vinegar with cornstarch and 50g caster sugar. Fold into the egg white mixture.

3. Shape into a nest of about 5cm in a sheet tray lined with Glad Cook n’ Bake paper.

4. Bake at 150oC/300oF for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and leave the meringue to dry out and cool.

5. Whip cream until stiff peak form.

6. Fill shell with whipped cram no earlier than 1 hour before service. Garnish with fresh fruits.

Yield: 4 to 5 pieces.

[source]

Waiting Game..

2010-02-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Life is full of mystery. We have to be patient to know what's God's purpose in our lives. We have to wait for the day to unfold to reveal some mysteries in life. I don't know what's in store for me in the future. I just walk by faith and not by sight.

I'm only human, I also get frustrated every now and then. I am impatient over things. For the prayers not yet answered. But there's no other way for me but to wait. In God's perfect time, all my prayers and questions wil be answered.

Still, I am very blessed for having a supportive family and friends. God is so good to me. Thank you Lord.

Late Reaction..

2010-01-31T01:41:00.000-08:00

Things don't sink in to me immediately. I don't know, I think I have a late reaction over things. I also don't know if this is bad or good. Well, this is me. I have to accept that.

Sometimes I need to be push to my limit so they can get me to act or reveal my true feelings. I don't know if it is cool or not but I'm just the way it is.

I think that I just think things over so many times before I do an action. I always use my mind most of the time and weigh things over. I guess I'm scared of failing. But I've realized that failures make us strong. So, I am choosing what makes me happy no matter what other think. It makes me feel more free too.

The One Who Never Was

2010-01-31T01:33:00.000-08:00

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
~Alfred Lord Tennyson

It was Thursday, around 5:30 P.M. on a perfect spring day; I was sitting in the patio section of a restaurant across the street from a busy train terminal, waiting for Marie to arrive. Every couple of minutes the terminal would unleash a fresh batch of homebound commuters. The seemingly endless waves of commuters served as a good distraction as I continued battling the army of butterflies in my stomach. I am not accustomed to being nervous but it seemed appropriate to feel anxious before my first date with the girl who I didn't want to remember and could never forget.

One week before, I had seen Marie for the first time since graduating college three years earlier. I had finally revealed the truth that had been haunting me since the first moment I ever saw her, a truth I had spent years trying to ignore, a truth which had to be confessed, a truth she deserved to hear, a truth she needed to believe -- Marie is the standard against which I measure all other women. Another train pulled in and the terminal started producing a new mob of commuters when Marie called to tell me she had arrived.

The butterflies kicked into high gear as I looked across the street. This wave of commuters contained the woman who forever changed the way I look at all other women. Marie stood out from the crowd like a rose in a barren desert. She wore an unforgettably bright smile and casually walked with an elegance that was as surreal as it was intoxicating. My breath was taken away at the first sight of her beautiful smile. Somehow Marie found a way to make her smile even more alluring when she spotted me from across the street and started walking over.

Little did I know, this date would be the start of an enlightening journey that would ultimately leave me with the knowledge that following your heart will prove insufficient if you allow your fears to create even the slightest bit of hesitation or restraint.

The next two years were a roller coaster. During good times we talked for hours, laughed and enjoyed being together as if our ups and downs and everything else in the world were completely irrelevant. I found myself totally at peace with the job I created for myself -- making her feel as comfortable, safe and happy as possible. I thought her eyes revealed that she reciprocated my feelings.
It was not only Marie's physical beauty that captivated me; it was something infinitely more rare and significant. By my standards, nothing can compare to a person who effortlessly exudes an energy that eases the mind of all stress, while simultaneously enabling all that truly matters in life to be displayed with brilliant clarity and joy. The women I had dated in the past all possessed the attributes I wanted (intelligence, humor, physical/inner beauty and compassion) but those characteristics were never enough to make me content -- I needed more. I needed a woman with the unique ability to profoundly strengthen and inspire me, a woman who forced me to become a better person simply because I knew she deserved the absolute best I could offer, a woman whose well-being I viewed as being equally or more important than my own.

Eventually we drifted apart, leaving me wondering why the vicious hot/cold cycle had continued for those two years. Was it because I hadn't been assertive enough about what I wanted? Was it because we are both afraid to trust each other with the inherent responsibility that a deep connection like that requires? Maybe my instincts were all wrong and she never felt the same way for me as I did for her. Regardless of what the real reason was, I don't feel any differently towards her or see her in a lesser light. In a strange way I don't care what the reason was; all that matters to me is that she is happy and safe. Regardless of how much I want to be the one to make her smile like no one else can, I'd be content knowing she is smiling and being treated like gold (as she deserves to be) by someone else.

Even though things turned out much differently than I believed they would, I learned valuable lessons from my experiences with Marie. Truth be told, although I have called Marie "the one who got away," the fears and hesitations which I believe to have ultimately kept us apart made Marie "the one who never was" more than anything else.

Even though I would love to go back in time and change how things unfolded between us, I have no regrets. I followed my heart, and although she never truly returned my feelings, she deserved the kindness I gave her nonetheless. I learned that when a person as special as Marie comes into your life you owe it to yourself and to her to follow your heart and put it all on the line. Otherwise you'll allow your fears to restrict your future, leaving you with nothing but memories of "the one who got away" or even worse, memories of "the one who never was."

[source]

10 Signs He's Not the One..

2010-01-30T02:19:00.000-08:00

Some people say they "just knew" that they were dating their future spouse. But what about the rest of us? What happens when you're not sure if he's The One? If you're considering long-term commitment or marriage, it's time to ask yourself some tough questions. Below, 10 signs that may indicate he's not for you.

1. You have a list of things he needs to stop doing/saying/wearing if he wants your relationship to work. If you're fixating on his flaws, he's either not the one you want or you're not ready for a serious relationship. Cutting him loose allows you time to grow and gives you the opportunity to meet a guy whose flaws you can embrace -- or at least accept.

2. You don't trust him. A small dose of jealousy can be healthy, but if you're hacking into his email account, and going berserk when he goes out without you, something's wrong. If there's something about him that truly warrants your distrust, then perhaps he's not the right one for you.

3. You avoid conflict at any cost. Fighting is healthy. And, when done right (in the non-accusatory, rational sort of way), it can be a great way to air grievances, fix problems in your relationship, and come to a deeper understanding of each other. Ignoring problems is not the same as having no problems at all... even if it looks that way.

4. When you're sad, you don't turn to him for comfort. When you're a giant ball of tears and snot, do you lock yourself into the bathroom so he can't see you at your worst? If you're worried about scaring him away, one of you isn't ready for total commitment. Mr. Right should make you smile through your tears and be a calming, not stressful, presence.

5. One of you is struggling with an addiction. He's sweet. He's exciting. He loves you very much. But he loves his alcohol habit or his weekly gambling fix more. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can change him or that your relationship will be strong enough to withstand the heartache that addiction will inevitably bring. An addict may be able to change, but he'll do so on his own terms.

6. You can't really imagine him as the father of your children. Ask yourself: Would he make a great parent? Is he financially responsible? Would he be an equal partner in your future together? If you have doubts, he's probably not the one.

7. Your long-term, non-negotiable goals in life are incompatible. You want kids; he doesn't. You go to church every week; he's an atheist. He lives in the country and doesn't want to move; you can't imagine ever leaving the city. Superficial differences can be overcome, but differences in basic values are harder to smooth over. Ask yourself: "Would I be willing to compromise on this?" If the answer is absolutely not, you may not be right for each other.

8. You don't respect each other. He puts you down in front of your friends and complains about you to his parents. You roll your eyes when he talks because there's just something about him that embarrasses you. A relationship without respect can't sustain itself.

9. You're not attracted to him. Physical intimacy is a hugely important component of a romantic relationship. If he doesn't do it for you, he's probably not your best long-term match.

10. On paper he seems great, but you have this strange feeling... Don't ignore your gut. You may get along on a superficial level, but if your instincts are telling you he's not the one for you, listen. That little voice inside your head does not lie.

[source]

2010-01-30T02:06:00.000-08:00

The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do,

something to love, and something to hope for.

- Allan K. Chalmers

So fast!

2010-01-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have read from an article that if something is meant to be it happens quickly. I think I believe that. Do you also believe? I have proven it to myself many times. Just like today. I've done something I never imagine doing. I swear before that I will never do it. But I did it today. It just happened. I did not plan about it.

Well, I can say that I have made the right thing. No regrets! I feel good. It is so liberating. I think that sometimes you have to lose in order to win. You have to give up something in order to gain. It did not make me feel weak. I think I am strong enough to have the courage to make a decision.

This is really a great time to start anew since it is a new year! Looking forward to more better days. I've made it! =)

Two Is Better Than One Lyrics - Boys Like Girls

2010-01-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

[ft. Taylor Swift]
I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought
"Hey, you know, this could be something"
'Cause everything you do and words you say
You know that it all takes my breath away
And now I'm left with nothing

So maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

I remember every look upon your face
The way you roll your eyes
The way you taste
You make it hard for breathing
'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away
I think of you and everything's okay
I'm finally now believing

That maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought, "Hey,"

Maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
Maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking
I can't live without you
'Cause, baby, two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
But I'll figure it out
When all is said and done
Two is better than one
Two is better than one

[source]

At every opportunity...

2010-01-26T03:40:00.000-08:00

So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. – 2 Timothy 1:8

My wife and I take pride in our Christian faith and we try to give glory to God at every proper opportunity we have. In our home, the family Bible is visibly enthroned at the entrance and foyer. In our business, we took our company name from the Holy Scriptures. When you open our websites, you'll readily see the Christian character of its owner.

Once, we had a chance to share our faith with our neighbors at the subdivision we recently moved into. During our turn to host the monthly acquaintance party, we had Christian musicians as entertainers. My wife and I also sang a song about our heart's thirst and longing for Jesus even if we don't sing well.

We wanted our guests to know that we were striving to be Christians — and even prospering — in the business world. We want to tell the world that we can be in the world without compromising our faith.

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I' ve got a feeling Lyrics - Black Eyed Peas

2010-01-24T02:15:00.000-08:00

I've gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good good night

I've gotta feeling (woohoo) that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good good night

Tonight's the night night
Let's live it up
I got my money
Let's spend it up

Go out and smash it
like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let's get get OFF

I know that we'll have a ball
if we get down
and go out
and just loose it all

I feel stressed out
I wanna let it go
Lets go way out spaced out
and loosing all control

Fill up my cup
Mazel tov
Look at her dancing
just take it off

Let's paint the town
We'll shut it down
Let's burn the roof
and then we'll do it again

Let's Do it (x3)
do it
and do it (x3)
and live it up

i've gotta feeling (woohoo) that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good good night (x2)

Tonight's the night
let's live it up
I got my money
Let's spend it up

Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let's get get OFF

Fill up my cup (Drink)
Mazal tov (Lejaim)
Look at her dancing (Move it Move it)
Just take it off

Let's paint the town
We'll shut it down
Let's burn the roof
and then we'll do it again

let's do it (x3)
do it
and do it (x2)
let's live it up
and do it(x2)
lets do it...
do it..
lets do it...
do it...

Here we come
here we go
we gotta rock

Easy come
easy go
now we are on top

Feel the shot
body rock
Rock it don't stop

Round and round
up and down
around the clock

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Friday, Saturday, Saturday and Sunday

we keep keep keep keep on going
we know what we say
party everyday
p-p-p-party everyday

got a feeling (Wooohooo)
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good night
that tonight's gonna be a good good night. (X2)

Wooohooo

[source]

Network Securities..

2010-01-23T20:34:00.001-08:00

If you are an individual who has a big status in the community. If you have a business or a company. If you are looking for you and your company's safety then you have to get a security to protect you. I have come across a site that would help you on this. They would give you the security that will be made easy for you. And assures you of your peace of mind.

Security Companies you've been searching for is here. I would like to introduce you to Network Securities UK. They will give you the security services you've been needing all this time. Guaranteed that they will cater to all your needs in terms of security. Also, you can trust on them since they have won awards to prove to you of their reliability. They are SIA Approved contractor. They hold valid SIA licences.

So why use Network Securities? There are many reasons they can give you. One is, they can give you the highest possible levels of Security Services at guarding and management levels. Another is all their officers are SIA registered. Their offices and control room are manned 24 hours a day / 7 days a week all year round.

Do you need more information in all of these? You are very much welcome to visit their site and know more about the Network Security. All your questions will surely be answered. So, what are you waiting for? Visit their site now!

2010-01-23T03:04:00.000-08:00

"Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must also have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."

- Hans Christian Anderson

I Will Take You Forever (Duet With Denise Laurel) – Kris Lawrence

2010-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

I Will Take You Forever (Duet With Denise Laurel) – Kris Lawrence Music Code and Lyrics Code

I was a man who always played around in love
So quick to take but so afraid to give enough
But now I’ve found the one
And heaven will only know
What only my eyes can say
And time can’t take away

I was a girl who trusted no one with my heart
And the dreams that young girls dream
Were just vanishing in the dark
But now I’ve found the one
And heaven will only know
What only my eyes can say
They say

That I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else in my heart but you
And I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else but you
Anyone else but you

Now my heart belongs to you
And I will always be your best friend
Now my secrets are safe with you
And the magic will never end
Now you are the one
And heaven will only know
What only our eyes can say
They say

That I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else in my heart but you.
And I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else but you
anyone else but you, anyone else but you.

You (you)..oohhh.
That I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else in my heart but you.
Now I will take you forever
And there will never be anyone else but you
anyone else but you.
I will girl take you forever
By your side I won’t leave you never
I don’t need anyone else but you
And I will take you… ohhh…forever. Ohh…
I will (I will) take you forever.

[source]

The Best of 2010 Autos

2010-01-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

Jaguar XF/XFR

Base price range: $52,000-$80,000

When the XF received significant improvements for 2010, including three new V-8 engines, Jaguar was rewarded for making a good thing even better.

The XF/XFR is both a sports car and a luxury touring sedan, and its uncompromising practicality and refreshed performance establish the Jaguar XF as an All-Star.

Audi S4

Base Price: $46,725

Cheaper than the car it replaces, the sure-footed, all-wheel-drive Audi S4 takes everything from the Audi A4 on which it's based — comfort, safety, and solid build quality — and cranks it up.

Compared with the previous model, the S4 sheds half a second in the 0 to 60 mph run (5.2 seconds with a six speed manual) while managing to increase fuel economy.

Chevrolet Camaro

Base Price Tange: $23,530-$34,595

2009 wasn't a good year for General Motors, but amid all the turmoil there have been glimmers of hope.

One need look no further than the brash, beautiful Chevrolet Camaro — if one can be found on dealer lots, that is — for proof that GM can build great cars. With its old-school charm, the Camaro is a smashing sales success.

BMW 335d

Base price: $44,725

The BMW 335d is the most important car this year to get lost in the crowd. Going from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, the 335d is game for hard driving, but its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel six-cylinder also returns subcompact-like fuel economy. There is no other car that combines performance and fuel economy at this level.

Dodge Ram 1500

Base Price Range: $21,510-$43,550

Dodge engineers created a vehicle that works smarter, drives quieter, uses less fuel, and secures cargo storage better. The Ram sets the standard by living up to the radical idea that the cabin of a $40,000 truck should be as nice as that of a $40,000 car.

Ford Flex

Base Price Range: $29,325-$43,635

For 2010, Ford has equipped the Flex with its much anticipated EcoBoost engine, thereby addressing the Flex's only weakness — power — and effectively transforming it from a well rounded family hauler into a large sport wagon. The Flex is unique in a market brimming with compromised, look alike utility vehicles and is one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market.

BMW Z4

Base Price Range: $46,575-$52,475

The previous Z4 was a little rough and tough, a little unsophisticated, and undeniably masculine. BMW took a good look at its customers' needs and traded racetrack readiness for everyday elegance.

The interior is a marvel of simplicity and elegance, the sheetmetal is at once sexy, sultry, and supremely muscular, and 60 mph can be yours in five to six seconds, depending on the powertrain combination you choose.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Base price: $28,350

Quietly, Ford has put a car on the road that essentially enlists Toyota hybrid technology but uses it more cleverly than the originating company did. It is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you're driving a hybrid.

Mazda 3

Base Price Range: $15,795-$23,945

With three engines and five trim levels, the 3 accounts for nearly half of Mazda's U.S. sales. The 2010 version brings a stiffer unibody, firmer suspension, tauter steering, revised seats, and a larger engine.

Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Base price range: $48,550-$62,450

According to Automobile Magazine, the Porsche Boxster roadster and its hardtop sibling, the Cayman, are as close as a car company can get to the perfect everyday sports car. With fully optioned models climbing to $70K and beyond, the Boxster/Cayman isn't cheap, but buying one will allow you to achieve sports car nirvana.

[source]

Interview Myths That Keep You From Landing the Job

2010-01-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

With so few jobs currently available and so many people currently hoping to fill those jobs, standing out in an interview is of utmost importance. While jobs themselves are scarce, job advice is overly abundant. And with an influx of information comes an influx of confusion. What career counsel do you take, and what do you ignore?

There are a number of common misconceptions related to interview best practices, experts say. Kera Greene of the Career Counselors Consortium and executive coach Barbara Frankel offer tips below that can help you stand out from other interview subjects, avoid frequent pitfalls, and secure the job.

Myth #1: Be prepared with a list of questions to ask at the close of the interview.

There is some truth in this common piece of advice: You should always be prepared, and that usually includes developing questions related to the job. The myth here is that you must wait until it is "your turn" to speak.

By waiting until the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, "it becomes an interrogation instead of a conversation," says Greene.

Greene recommends that you think of an interview as a sales call. You are the product and you are selling yourself to the employer. "You can't be passive in a sales call or you aren't going to sell your product."

Frankel mimics Greene's comments. "It's a two-way street," she says. "I recommend asking a follow-up question at the tail end of your responses."

For example, Frankel says, if the interviewer says, "Tell me about yourself," you first respond to that question and complete your response with a question like, "Can you tell me more about the position?" The interview should be a dialogue.

Myth #2: Do not show weakness in an interview.

The reality is that it is OK to have flaws. In fact, almost every interviewer will ask you to name one. Typically job seekers are told to either avoid this question by providing a "good flaw." One such "good flaw" which is often recommends is: "I am too committed to my work." But, these kinds of responses will only hurt you.

"Every recruiter can see through that," Greene says of faux flaws.

Recruiters conduct interviews all day, every day. They've seen it all and can see through candidates who dodge questions. "They prefer to hire someone who is honest than someone who is obviously lying," Greene says.

And for those of you who claim to be flaw-free, think again. "Everybody has weaknesses," Frankel states. But one is enough. According to Frankel, supply your interviewer with one genuine flaw, explain how you are working to correct it, and then move on to a new question.

Myth #3: Be sure to point out all of your strengths and skills to the employer.

Of course, you want the interviewer to know why you are a valuable candidate, but a laundry list of your skills isn't going to win you any points. Inevitably, in an interview, you will be asked about your skills. What can go wrong in this scenario?

"You don't want to list a litany of strengths," Frankel says.

"What is typical is that they will say: 'I'm a good communicator,' 'I have excellent interpersonal skills,' 'I am responsible,'" Greene explains. "You have to give accomplishments. I need to know what did you accomplish when using these skills."

Frankel recommends doing a little groundwork before your interview so that you are best equipped to answer this question. She tells her clients to find out what the prospective job role consists of. "What makes an interview powerful is to give an example related to their particular needs or challenges that you have demonstrated in the past."

Provide three strengths, with examples. You will get much further with a handful of real strengths than with an unconvincing list of traits.

Myth #4: Let the employer know your salary expectations.

One of the trickiest questions to answer in an interview relates to salary. Money talk can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be. The fact is you don't even have to answer when asked about desired salary.

According to the book "Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You The Job!" a perfect response would be: "I want to earn a salary that is commensurate with the contributions I can make. I am confident I can make a substantial contribution at your firm. What does your firm plan to pay for this position?"

Greene suggests a similar response: "I prefer to discuss the compensation package after you've decided that I'm the best candidate and we can sit down and negotiate the package."

Myth #5: The employer determines whether or not you get the job.

While yes, the employer must be the one to offer you the position, interviewees have more control than they often realize. According to both Greene and Frankel, candidates have a larger say in the final hiring decision than they think.

"They should call the interviewer or hiring manager and say: 'I'd really like to be part of the company,'" says Greene. "It can't hurt you. It can only help."

"Acing the Interview" encourages all candidates to conclude their interviews with one question: "'Based on our interview, do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?' -- If the answer is yes, ask the interviewer to be explicit. Deal forthrightly with each concern."

[source]

2010-01-10T03:18:00.000-08:00

Angels are speaking to all of us...some of us are only listening better.

- Unknown

Snack treat..

2010-01-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

They all ate and were satisfied. – Mark 6:42

I was in a dilemma. My caring group (CG) head scheduled a council meeting at a time when my finances were tight. Because I had to limit my spending, I had no budget for my food. After much contemplation, I decided to attend anyway. I figured I could take a heavy lunch at home and bring crackers for snacks.

I was already at the restaurant where we were supposed to meet at 2 p.m. when my CG head texted that she would be late. By 3 p.m., I was starving. Although I had crackers, it wasn't enough to satisfy my hunger. The sight and aroma of the food from the restaurant made me even hungrier. It was torture for me!

My CG head arrived at 3:30 p.m., apologetic for her tardiness. She said, "Since I'm late, I'll treat you all to a snack." Jesus was able to feed and satisfy the multitude even if they initially had a measly five loaves and two fish. All I had that day were crackers but the Lord turned it into a full meal. That experience taught me not to worry over anything because the Lord provides.

REFLECTION:
"My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Lord, You are my Great Provider. I trust that You will provide for my every need.

From:

friends_reflections

Mailroom Equipment..

2010-01-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a manufacturer, designer, and distributors of a Mailroom Equipment? Search no more! I have come to know UK's manufacturer of Mailroom Equipment that you can really depend on. It is the Norpak. Norpak with its comprehensive line of innovative document processing gives you the highest quality of a mailroom equipment. It also provides the highest standard of its mailroom service. It ensures a trouble free life and reliable operation. You can guarantee that it maximized efficiency. Hence, you can get your document out on time.

You can purchase it online and they have technical sales team that will assist you for your questions and inquiries. You can have their full support. You can expect it in all stages of your project. It starts from initial design to after sales support, including installation, training, maintenance and service assistance.You can also expect discounts from Norpak.

Just visit the site and you can see the products for itself. All your questions will also be answered. Visit the site now!

7 reasons why we get hurt..

2010-01-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

PROTECTION IS OFTEN equated with physical means—vaccines, security guards, martial arts or amulets. But majority of us would never think about protecting ourselves from being emotionally scarred by others. Says London-based author and motivational speaker Mike George, “We will never need to worry about being hurt by others as our average day carries very little physical threat. However, if we move to the mental and emotional level, there appears to be a different kind of possibility that we may get hurt. Our symptoms of hurt emerge as a result of blaming, complaining and accusing others for ‘making me feel this way.’ Is that because, like physical hurt, we are not strong enough or not powerful enough to protect ourselves, or is it because we feel we are at the mercy of other people and circumstances ... Do we need some kind of ‘bouncer system’ standing guard at the windows of our minds and at the doors of our heart?”

Here are seven reasons why we might feel hurt.

Insulted. “How dare you say that to me!” We can easily feel disrespected or sullied when somebody makes derogatory or unflattering remarks about our work or our personality.

Offended. “Can you believe what they just said about ‘my’ religion, beliefs, ideas, etc.” The feeling is similar to being offended after someone makes disparaging comments of another person’s appearance, actions or speech. In our “conclusion” of the other, we see them doing or saying something against our own values or beliefs.

Let down. “I’m so disappointed in you because you’ve let me down.” Getting upset or disappointed comes from the perception that someone has not met our expectations. Whether they showed up late or failed to do what they said, we take it personally. Once our sorrow has waned, we hold on to a negative impression of them.

Betrayed. “How could you tell them what I said, how can I ever trust you again?” In truth, people don’t have the power to merge especially when they are asked to keep a secret. The hurt comes when we expect people not to pass on what we said.

Robbed. “They took everything from me.” We feel violated when something precious is taken away from us. It’s not just theft; even businesses are out to mooch us they can for their product and service.

Broken promise. “But you promised me...” It’s a personal hurt when someone does not keep his word, whether it’s the parent who fails to purchase the toy for Christmas, the boss who fails to deliver a promotion, or a friend who fails to pay a debt.

Excluded. “You didn’t invite me...” You feel insecure when you’re not included to an event or group that you aspired to be part of. The sensitive feelings are heightened when there’s the thought, “What’s wrong with me?”

It feels as if life offers many opportunities to feel hurt and powerless in the face of other people’s behavior or the prevailing situation. That’s just a matter of perception. George points out that these responses are actually habits of creating our own suffering.

Self-empowerment

Here are his suggestions for self-empowerment.

1. Accept responsibility. The main responsibility in life is the ability to respond. Any hurt reactions are self-created and not caused by another person or event. That’s easier said than done. George says it takes time for the situation or the reaction to die down. By then, we see things more objectively and realize that we feel hurt because “the world is not dancing to our tune.”

2. End controlling. Majority of the hurts stem from the fact that people are not behaving the way we want them to behave. “Our emotional reaction is a sign that we are trying to control what we cannot control,” says George.

3. Be happy anyway. The media and social conditioning have led us to believe that we can’t be happy unless we’ve got this or that. But as long as our contentment is based on another human being or situation, our emotions will vacillate and we will be unable to be centered inside and be genuinely nice to others.

4. Letting go. The cause of all sorrow is holding on to ideas, belief systems, possessions, people and, more significantly, attachment to images of how others should behave. Letting go means not expending our energy on these attachments and instead responding positively to the situation.

5. Self-awareness. Take a few minutes each day and note down the times you felt hurt by someone or by a situation, and see why it was caused by your reaction and not them. This exercise will remind us that we create our own feelings regardless of other people’s behavior. George points out that we could even be guilty of doing what hurts others and we may not be aware of it.

Once we’ve taken up the cudgels for change, here are the signs of self-empowerment:

1. Whatever insults are hurled to you are just words, not sticks and stones.

2. You are not offended when you are no longer holding on to a belief system about how people should speak or behave or dress up.

3. You don’t feel hurt when someone lets you down because you’ve learned not to make your happiness dependent on your expectations of others.

4. You don’t feel betrayed when a person divulges confidential information which you shared. “You know that you cannot control what others will do with what you share,” says George.

5. You can’t be robbed of anything because the real treasures are spiritual. Everything else that is material is ephemeral.

6. You can’t be hurt by broken promises because you accept that people can’t always be relied upon to conform with what they’ve said, and your happiness is not dependent on a fulfilled promised.

7. You don’t feel bad if you’ve been ignored or even blackballed. Self-esteem is not dependent on acceptance from others. “You no longer need to be involved in anything to be content within yourself. You know there is nothing wrong with you. You are a free spirit,” says George.

[source]

Bath Robe for you..

2010-01-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

Do you need a robe that will keep you warm after bathing in the privacy of your home? Do you need a robe that preserve modesty at times when there is no immediate need to fully dress? Well, I have good news for you. I would like to share with you different robes that would suit your need and comfort.

One is Terry Bath Robe. It is 100% made of cotton suited for both men and women. They are very thick and warm. It comes in many colors that you can choose from. You can order it with personalized embroidery with special instructions you can made.

If you want a lighter weight robe, you can also have the Waffle Bath Robe. It is lighter in weight than Terry Bath Robe. It is made of 60% cotton/40% polyester woven waffle. Also suitable for men and women. You can also have it personalized.

There is also the Bath Wrap. It is softer than Terry Robe. They are very colorful and available in different sizes.It is a beautiful and perfect gift for any special occassions like birthdays and graduations.

All these robes are very much affordable. So what are you waiting for? Don't miss it. Visit the site now!

Year of the Tiger!

2010-01-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

Another year has come. I thank the Lord for the bountiful blessings and graces He had showered to me and to my family in the year 2009. It was a good year for me even though it has its ups and downs. But in general, it was okay.

I am looking forward to the promise of the year 2010. I had a good start of the year. I am hoping that it would be a fruitful year for me and for my family. It is the year of the Tiger. According to what I have read in the New Year's forecast, my year which is the year of the Horse is the best friend of the Tiger. The year of the Tiger would be a good year for the Horse person since horse can connect well with the tiger. It would be a great year ahead for me. I am hoping that it would come true. I am staying positive.

I am wishing for a good year for everyone. I hope that all our wishes will come true. All the best for 2010. Love, love, love... =)

Drinking White Wine Can Lead to Stained Teeth

2010-01-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

If you think you’re doing your teeth a favor by sipping white wine instead of red, you may need to rethink your tooth-whitening strategy. White wine has an acid content that tends to increase the risk of dark dental stains if you also drink tea or similar beverages.

New York University researchers compared the staining effects of red and white wine by submerging cow teeth in wine for one hour—the same effect as sipping a couple of glasses of wine over the course of a leisurely dinner. Why cow teeth? Their surface is similar to human teeth, says Mark Wolff, DDS, PhD, a professor and chairman of the department of cariology and comprehensive care at NYU’s College of Dentistry. The researchers then soaked the teeth in black tea, in an effort to mimic the same exposure you’d get from drinking several cups of tea.

Compared to water, the acidity of the white wine left teeth more susceptible to the tea stains. While white wine was still better than red wine in terms of subsequent tooth staining, if you drink any shade of vino you seem to be more vulnerable to staining by so-called chromogens—substances in tea and other food that discolor teeth.

“I used to give out this voodoo advice that patients should drink white wine, not red,” says Wolff, who was scheduled to present the study Wednesday at the International Association for Dental Research meeting in Miami. “But I was wrong.”

When combined with the beverage’s acidity, the tannins in white wine act as a binding protein and help chromogens to saturate the tooth’s surface, says Wolff. So when you linger over a cup of tea at the end of dinner, you are inadvertently discoloring your teeth. “Every time you do this, you increase the amount of stains on your teeth,” he says.

And although the researchers didn’t look at coffee, java drinkers might see some staining as well. In general, though, coffee doesn’t stain teeth as much as tea. “The intensity of the chromogen is less,” says Wolff.

Wolff says you don’t need to switch beverages just yet. It’s not the white wine itself that stains, it’s what you eat and drink while consuming it that counts. “If you’re consuming white wine, white grapes, and cheese, you aren’t going to see any staining,” he says.

However, brushing your teeth right after a sipping a crisp Chardonnay may actually make the problem worse. Brushing immediately after consuming a very acidic beverage may damage the tooth’s structure, says Wolff, so it’s better to wait for a bit. “Saliva has the capability of re-mineralizing the tooth structure and neutralizing damage,” he adds, “so give it 40 minutes to an hour before you brush your teeth.”

Still, some experts aren’t convinced. “When you take a sip of wine, your front teeth probably aren’t even touching it,” says Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “That’s very different than submerging your teeth in wine, so I don’t know what the relevance to real life is here.”

And if saliva acts as a neutralizer over time, naysayers of the study claim that it would act as a buffering agent over the course of the meal, so winding down with a cup of tea shouldn’t leave you with a dingy grin.

“I’m not going to give up my Pinot Grigio,” says Price, “and I wouldn’t tell my patients to either.”

[source]

Every Little Thing (He) Does Is Magic lyrics - Shawn Colvin

2010-01-04T03:08:00.000-08:00

Though i've tried before to tell him
Of the feelings I have for him
In my heart

Every time that I come near him
I just loose my nerve like Ive done
From the start

Cause every little thing he does is magic
Every thing he does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for him goes on

Do I have to tell the story?
Of the thousand rainy days
Since we first met

Its a big enough umbrella
But it's always me
Who ends up getting wet

Cause every lil thing he does is magic
Every thing he does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for him goes on

I resolve to call him up
A thousand times a day
And ask him if hell marry me
In some old fashioned way

But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reached the phone
Long before my tongues tripped me
Must i always be alone

Cause every little thing he does is magic
Every thing he does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for him goes on

Cause every little thing he does is magic
Every thing he does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for him goes on

Goes ongoes on

[source]

Only Love lyrics - Braxtons

2010-01-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Chorus:I'm over you somehow

Only love knows howI have the strength to move on again

The more you put me down"

Cause love knows how

It gave me the strength to move on

Spent so many days wondering what's my chances

I never thought I'd be alone

When all I really needed was answers

For the love that you've given to me(the love you give to me)

I was in need

Where we are where we're at

Boy I coud not see

Every night (every night)

That I cry (that I cry)

I needed you here by my side

But now I'm over you

Repeat Chorus

Had to use my mind

Couldn't use my heart

I didn't wanna see us apart

This vision is so clear to me

That we were not meant to be(that we were not meant to be)

I coudn't seethe desire inside wouldn't let me be

Every night (every night)

That I cry (that I cry)

I needed you here by my side

But now I'm over you

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:Life goes on until the new beginning (ooh ahh ahh)

Set me free from all of these feelings

Now I can see that love's no guarantee (ooh ahh ahh)

That's why I hold it all inside of me

Repeat Chorus

Only love knows how (knows how)

Knows how

Only love knows how (knows how)

Knows how

[source]

Metal Garden Sheds

2010-01-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

Do you need a metal shed that you can assemble easily at home? Do you need a storage device where you can store your equipments in gardening? I have come to visit a site that is a leading supplier of steel storage systems for over 30 years. Their products are highly reliable. They also have prestigious accreditations. It has a metal fabrication experience so you can really rely on them. They have a good reputation of supplying quality products.

Metal garden shed can store garden equipments and other things that you need to store to a safe place. It will make your things organized and less hazardous to you and your family if left unattended. Your things will not be destroyed easily since you can keep it in a safe place that you can lock.

All you need to know about metal shed can be found at the site. All your questions will surely be answered very clearly. There are also pictures that you can look at. So what are you waiting for visit the site NOW!!!

2010-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Your heart will always make itself known through your words.

To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go.

- Tao Te Ching

Bad Romance lyrics - Lady GaGa

2009-12-31T02:26:00.000-08:00

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want you leather studded kiss in the scene
And I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want a bad,your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
‘Cause you’re a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your psycho
Your vertical stick
Want you in my room
When your baby is sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want a bad,your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
http://www.elyricsworld.com/bad_romance_lyrics_lady_gaga.html
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Walk walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy
Walk walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy
Walk walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy
Walk walk fashion baby
Work it
Imma Freak bitch baby

I want your love
And I want your revenge
I want your love
I don’t wanna be friends

(The Same But In French)

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your loving
and all your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

[source]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-31T00:51:00.000-08:00

To leave the old with a burst of song;
To recall the right and forgive the wrong;
To forget the things that bind you fast
To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
To have the strength to let go your hold
Of the not worth while of the days grown old;
To dare go forth with a purpose true,
To the unknown task of the year that's new;
To help your brother along the road,
To do his work and lift his load;
To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

from the Guideposts
(forwarded by Fr. John Cef Ledesma)

Family Reunion..

2009-12-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

It's feels good spending the holiday season with our family. It makes the season more significant and joyful. This Holiday season is more memorable for me. I spent it most of the time with my family. We go to the malls together, eat together, watch a movie together. Christmas season is really a time for our loved ones.

I really treasure the time I spent it with them. Nothing ever could surpass it. I'm also back to my old self. I love myself more. And I've come to terms with what I really want in my life and what is really important. I feel free and at peace now. I thank the Lord for all the blessings!

Little Things Matter..

2009-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love

Last year my husband, Bob, and I stopped celebrating many special occasions, including Valentine's Day. We were busy and neither of us felt like going out just to buy cards and chocolate. Usually, I decorate the house with special candles and heart-shaped ornaments that I've had for over twenty years. But I didn't bother. So the day came and went with nothing more than a "Happy Valentine's Day" peck on the cheek.

During a plain omelet supper, I looked over at Bob and said, "I feel badly we didn't do anything special." He did too. It seemed like we were two people who'd been married for many years, and these little things just didn't matter anymore.

But they do.

After supper, we snuggled together, recalling wonderful memories of how we met.

Over thirty years ago, I taught a class called "Life After Divorce." Bob, a handsome blond blue-eyed man, who looks no different to me today, was a student.

Back then, I was crazy-in-love with a fellow I'll call Michael. But I was always unlucky in the love department. That was because I picked guys who were commitment-phobic. I believed I could change them. Finally, I realized I was the one who needed to change.

Michael was "perfect" -- funny, handsome, and smart. The problem was that he wasn't in love with me.

The more Michael would get close, then back off, the harder I'd try to win him over. But I failed. With each "failure" I felt more undesirable, which eroded my self-esteem.

While dating Michael, I started hanging out with Bob. But we were just buddies. We had a blast -- biking, swimming, hiking. I never worried about what I said or if my apartment was messy. With Michael, I'd berate myself for everything I thought I'd said wrong. I'd usually run words through my "Is this clever and smart?" filter before saying them.

There was no filter with Bob. I never felt self-conscious. We confided our inner secrets and spent most times in joyous laughter. If I dripped mustard on my chin from my hot dog, I didn't care. Had that happened with Michael, I'd have been mortified.

It was such a shame that I wasn't crazy-in-love with Bob.

I can recall a pivotal moment as vividly as an earthquake. I was home, waiting for Bob. I was wearing my baggy shorts and gray T-shirt. It was the only outfit I had put on, which was such a contrast to trying on outfit after outfit before seeing Michael.

Then it hit me. I had a smack-bang revelation. I said out loud, "What are you doing?" It was at this most crucial instant, like Dorothy with her slippers, that I realized that what I had been looking for had been there all along. Someone who loved me as I was, make-up or not, clever repartée or not. In other words, I had found my best friend.

I can still picture looking up at him and taking the first step. I kissed him... and you can probably take it from there.

It was thrilling to change my never-going-anywhere dating path and wise up to what's really important. To me, true love means being each others' best friends.

And now, after so many years of marriage, we still are.

But last month we learned that relationships can't lie still. They need to be nurtured.

After Valentine's Day, I put out our St. Patrick's Day ornaments and candles. Bob came home with a three-dollar heart-shaped cake from the "day old" bin. As he presented it to me, his eyes were brimming with happy tears. He said, "Every day is Valentine's Day with you." I looked up and kissed him... and you can probably take it from there.

And so we vowed we'll never be too busy to make trips for just a card. Little things do matter.

~Saralee Perel

[source]

Free Press Release!

2009-12-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

Do you have any announcements or news you want to release in public for free? Do you want to promote any thing for the public viewers and readers? I have good news for you. I have found a site where you can do this things for free. It is a Free Press Release! It has a very unique features. You should see it for yourself. It's really amazing and fun!

So what are you waiting for, come and visit the site now!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas is really here! I am so happy. I feel free. Thanks to my vacation leave. I can feel the holidays! =)

We are going to attend mass later this evening. Jesus is really the essence of Christmas. I already give my gifts to my nieces and nephews. I'm happy to see their happy faces.

I really had a great time. My worries are set aside. hehe I forgot all about it. I just choose to be happy this holiday season.

Merry Christmas Everyone! God bless! =)

Silent Night lyrics - Mariah Carey

2009-12-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Silent Night
Holy Night
All is Calm
All is Bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly Peace

Silent Night
Holy Night
Son of God
Oh loves pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord at Thy birth...
Oh Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

[source]

Christmas Vacation..

2009-12-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Yipeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! My vacation leave was approved. I'm so happy! I'm going to have a long vacation. I'm going to have a long rest. Can't wait.

It's been a busy week for me. I was so busy buying gifts. I'm happy that they love it. I still have to buy gifts for my nieces and nephew. We will also have our grocery this weekend. I'm so busy and I love it. It's a happy Christmas! I love the rush.

I love the Christmas lights, the Christmas decorations. I love Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Let It Snow : Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne (c) 1945

2009-12-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.



[source]

A Routine...

2009-12-09T00:12:00.000-08:00

My job is a routine. It's kinda boring sometimes. I am just happy that the kids love me. That just compensates everything. But my salary is so frustrating and so disappointing. I just think of all the jobless people in the world and I feel lucky enough.

Maybe someday I can find a fulfilling job that would make me happy in all aspect. I am still hoping that time would come. For now, I am just I try to enjoy what have.

I am pretty excited and looking forward to my much needed vacation. I need to have a change of environment. I feel that I am enclosed to a box, I need to be free and breathe new fresh. Can't wait...

Christmas Party!

2009-12-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas party is fast approaching. I don't have a dress to wear. I already bought a pair of shoes but I don't have anything to wear yet. sigh I hate it. I'm cramming!

I still have to buy gifts too. It's hard to think of wonderful gifts that they would love to receive this Christmas. I hope that I could make them happy. I already have my list of kids. I'm in a Christmas rush once again. I can do this. I just have to stay focus.

I think this would be one of my happy Christmas! I'm pretty excited. he he Merry Christmas everyone! Have Fun!

Be jolly — or else! 14 ways to force it or fake it

2009-12-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

Add a few of these instant get-happy tricks to your arsenal, so you can whip them out whenever you need a burst of bliss.

Experts say you won't find true joy in a paycheck or miracle wrinkle-remover. According to happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, of the University of California, Riverside, life circumstances account for only 10 percent of happiness. Half depends on our genetic "set point," which is kind of like the weight our body bounces back to after that crash diet.

And about 40 percent of our happiness is influenced by what we do deliberately to make ourselves happy. Next time you need to turn around a hellish day at work or brighten up a draggy afternoon, try one of these proven tips to lift your mood and make you smile.

1. Flip through old photos

When you're feeling down, break out your kids' baby albums or pics from your favorite vacation.

It may actually make you feel happier than a square of Godiva chocolate would! That's what researchers at the United Kingdom's Open University found after they examined how much people's moods rose after eating a chocolate snack, sipping an alcoholic drink, watching TV, listening to music, or looking at personal photos.

The music and chocolate left most people's moods unchanged; alcohol and TV gave a slight lift (1 percent), but the winner by a long shot was viewing pictures, which made people feel 11 percent better. To keep your spirits high at work, upload your favorite pics to your computer and set them as a rotating screensaver. Or splurge on a frame that flips through digital photos; amazon.com has plenty of options at a wide range of prices.

2. Munch on nuts
For a mood-lifting snack, stash walnuts in your desk drawer.

Or sneak salmon into your salad for lunch. They're both packed with omega-3 fats, which may make people less prone to depression — and easier to get along with, say researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. They measured the blood levels of omega-3 fats (a reliable indicator of consumption) of 106 healthy adults and gave them psychological tests. Those with the highest omega-3 blood levels scored 49 percent to 58 percent better on the tests than those with the lowest blood levels.

3. Inhale a calming scent
Fill your office with a fragrant candle or diffuser to calm down during a deadline-packed day.

In an Austrian study, researchers wafted the smell of oranges before some participants and lavender before others. The two groups felt less anxious, more positive, and calmer when compared with participants who were exposed no fragrance at all. Add a few drops of either oil to a room diffuser (we like the Scentball, available at amazon.com) and use in your office on stressful days.

4. Open your shades
To feel happier in seconds, let the sunlight stream in when you first wake up.

One study of more than 450 women found that those who got the most light, particularly in the morning, reported better moods and sleep. Got more time? Eat breakfast near a window that gets plenty of daylight, and put exercise equipment near a bright view. Some researchers speculate that combining exercise with morning light exposure may amplify light's beneficial effects on mood, sleep, and alertness, says Anthony Levitt, MD, a University of Toronto light researcher.

5. Walk around the block
If you work in a windowless office, make sure you step out to see the sun a few times throughout the day.

"A couple of studies show that people who get more light exposure during the day have fewer sleep problems and less depression, and evidence suggests that light can keep you alert and productive," says Daniel Kripke, MD, a University of California, San Diego, light and sleep expert.

If you have more time, a longer bout of exercise may also spark a smile. "Lots of people skip working out when their moods aren't ideal because they don't have the mental energy to switch gears," says mental health and exercise expert Jack Raglin, PhD, of Indiana University. "But the trick lies in finding the right workout to match the mood you're in." When you're battling blues, try something low-key and mindless. "Studies have shown that even mild exercise — about 40 percent of your max heart rate — can lift your mood," says Raglin. "So if you're not up for the usual high-energy stuff, do some leisure activity you enjoy, such as digging in your garden or walking in a park. View it as mental recreation, not exercise."

If you're angry, pick something that makes you focus. "As tempting as it may be, skip the kickboxing," Raglin advises. "You can't punch away anger. Instead, do something that involves your mind and keeps you from focusing and ruminating on what has you angry. Play racquetball, or take an aerobics class you've never tried. Learning new moves will free your mind from what's upsetting you."

6. Clear away clutter
Disorganized heaps of paper in your cube or on the kitchen counter can make you anxious.

For some, "clutter is a reminder of things that should be getting done but aren't," says Elaine Aron, PhD, author of "The Highly Sensitive Person." "It can make you feel like a failure." For a quick fix, straighten up a few surfaces in your office or in the areas of the house where you spend the most time. "It's when every bit of space is messy that it's most disturbing," says Aron. Don't bother to organize unless you have a chunk of time. Instead, arrange papers, books, and other detritus of daily living in neat piles or store them in baskets. "Just the illusion of order is enough to ease the mind," she says.

7. Think fast
Turn your thoughts into a race — it can lift the blues in minutes, says Princeton University psychologist Emily Pronin, PhD.

For example, when your mother-in-law is driving you crazy, give yourself 30 seconds to make a list of all the ways she's been helpful to you in the past — you'll feel better fast. (If nothing nice comes to mind, quickly jot down other ways she bugs you; speed thinking negative thoughts can still improve your mood, Pronin found.) Researchers believe that rapid thinking may release feel-good brain chemicals — or it could just be a helpful distraction.

8. Cue up YouTube
A hearty laugh produces a chemical reaction that instantly elevates your mood, reduces pain and stress, and boosts immunity, studies show.

Stanford University researchers literally saw this on fMRI scans, where they traced changes in brain activity to a region called the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), which rewards behaviors such as eating and sex (and laughing) by releasing dopamine, a natural opiate. When stress builds up or you feel as though you may snap at any minute, make yourself giggle: Watch a funny video clip online, or stop by the office of a wisecracking pal for a quick chat.

Also, keep an eye out for the unexpectedly silly side of daily life to combat negative thoughts. "At the end of a recent worry-filled day, I turned on a news channel that referred to its meteorologists as the Weather Team That Tells the Truth," says Thomas Crook, PhD, a clinical psychologist and former research program director at the National Institute of Mental Health. "I thought the implication that other weather teams lie was hilarious. I laughed and immediately felt my worries melt away."

9. Rethink your retail therapy
Before you plunk down that credit card at the mall to feel better, read this.

To get more happiness for your dollar, splurge for experiences instead of stuff. Psychologist Miriam Tatzel, PhD, of Empire State College surveyed 329 shoppers and found that "experiencers" — consumers who are easygoing about spending on a great meal out or a concert, for example — are happier than those who lavish their money on material goods such as clothes or jewelry. Added bonus: Experiences allow you to spend quality time with family and friends; a new pair of shoes is a solo endeavor.

10. Put on a happy face
There's good evidence that just smiling and looking like you're happy will make you sunnier.

Studies show that even muscular changes in your face can elevate your happiness, as can good posture, says Lyubomirsky. Call it the blush effect: To apply blush to your cheekbones properly, you need to smile. Smiling works, she says, because "if you act like you're a happier person, you can experience all these positive social consequences. You make more friends. People are nicer to you. And these things can have real consequences."

11. Zone out
Rest, peace, quiet, and solitude can also create joy.

Some research suggests that we may have an inborn need to zone out once in a while. In an exploratory study, researchers observed three babies who turned away or blocked their eyes in response to overstimulation. Mothers who recognized this behavior and gave their children needed downtime had happier, easier babies. Give yourself a time-out during a hectic day: Push your chair away from your desk, kick up your feet, and close your eyes. Think about something that takes your mind off the daily grind, like fun plans for the weekend.

12. Chat up a friendly neighbor
Socializing with a cheerful person in your neighborhood increases the likelihood that you'll be happy too.

Surprisingly, this had even more of a mood-boosting impact than spending time with an upbeat sibling, according to a recent study. How often you get together matters most, say the researchers: People who live within half a mile of buoyant friends increase their odds of being happy by 42 percent. If your friends live farther away (within a 2-mile radius), the chances drop to 22 percent — probably due to fewer get-togethers. Other research found that "very happy" people visit with neighbors 7 more times a year than unhappy people.

13. Chop veggies
It's a favorite unwinding technique of Andrew Weil, MD, a Prevention adviser and leading integrative medicine expert.

After a particularly emotional and stressful day during his residency, Weil went straight to the supermarket. "I bought ingredients and spent several hours cooking in the kitchen. There was something about chopping vegetables, making order, creating something wonderful — that whole process neutralized my negative mental state," he says. On the menu: soup, vegetable lasagna, and poached salmon. Weil still uses the method — along with exercise, yoga, and meditation — today. "I still like to cook; it's a very satisfying feeling."

14. Do a good deed
People who volunteer are likelier to be happier than those who don't — regardless of how much money they make or other socioeconomic factors.

Pitching in for a regular cause in your community is ideal, but you can make a difference in other ways in mere minutes. Researchers believe volunteering boosts happiness because it increases empathy, which makes you appreciate all the good stuff in your own life.

[source]

2009-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.

- William A. Ward

Good habits are as easy to form as bad ones.

- Tim McCarver

Thought of the Day: Accept periods of suffering with gratitude, knowing that suffering can teach you very important lessons.

- Barbara Ann Kipfer

12 Ways to Manage Anxiety

2009-12-03T03:53:00.000-08:00

If your mind were a diesel engine, anxiety would be the leaded gas that was accidentally poured in and responsible for all the burps and stutters. Even more so than depression, I think, anxiety is the big disabler in my life, with a capital D, which is why I try to nip it in its early symptoms. That doesn't always happen, of course, but here are some techniques I try.

Recognize the Reptilian Brain
My therapist friend Elvira Aletta gives a brilliant neuro-psychology lesson in one of her posts where she explains the two parts of our brain: the primitive part containing the amygdala--which is responsible for generating and processing our fear and other primal emotions--and our frontal lobes: the neo-cortex or the newest part of our brain, which is sophisticated, educated, and is able to apply a bit of logic to the message of raw fear that our reptilian brain generates.
Why is this helpful? When I feel that knot in my stomach that comes with a message that I am unloved by the world, I try to envision a Harvard professor, or some intellectual creature whacking a reptile on the head with a book, saying something like "Would you please just evolve, you overly dramatic creature?"

Exaggerate Your Greatest Fear
I know this doesn't seem like a good idea, but truly it works. I learned it from a fellow Beyond Blue reader who explained on a combox: "Tell your fear to someone else and make sure to be as dramatic as possible, with very descriptive words and emotions. Then, when you've told every detail you can think of, start over again. Tell the entire, dramatic story, again with very elaborate descriptions. By the third or fourth time, it becomes a bit silly."
My friend Mike and I do this all the time. He will tell me how he is afraid he has diabetes, and that his leg will have to be amputated, and then he won't be able to drive a car with one leg, and because of that his wife with leave him, and he will be a single, lonely old man with one leg. Funny stuff, right?

Distract, Distract, Distract
For the last two months I have been under the very clear direction of my doctor to "distract, don't think." My thinking--even though I thought I was doing the right thing by using cognitive-behavioral techniques--was making things worse. So she told me to stay away from the self-help books and to work on a word puzzle or watch a movie instead, and to surround myself with people as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, there is a place for cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness. But when I reach a point of disabling anxiety, it's more beneficial for me to try to get out of my head as much as possible.

Write Twin Letters
Fresh Living blogger Holly Lebowitz Rossi offers a smart strategy for anxiety in her post about cold feet: "Compose a love letter to your object of feet-chill [or fear]. Celebrate all of the reasons you fell in love with him/her/it in the first place. List everything positive you can think of, and nothing negative. Now write a missive. Vent all of your worries about the situation, and try to make a case against moving forward. I'll bet you can't come up with a single true deal-breaker, but giving your worries some air will feel good.

Sweat
I have found only one full-proof immediate solution to anxiety. And that is exercise.
Bike. Walk. Swim. Run. I don't care what you do, as long as you get that ticker of yours working hard. You don't have to be training for an Ironman to feel the antidepressant effect of exercise. Even picking the weeds and watering the flowers has been shown to boost moods. Aerobic exercise can be as effective at relieving mild and moderate depression as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft).
In his comprehensive book, "The Depression Cure," clinical psychologist Stephen Ilardi writes: "Exercise changes the brain. It increases the activity level of important brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.... Exercise also increases the brain's production of a key growth hormone called BDNF. Because levels of this hormone plummet in depression, some parts of the brain start to shrink over time, and learning and memory are impaired. But exercise reverses this trend, protecting the brain in a way nothing else can."

Watch Your Thought-Movie
In his blog, "Psychotherapy and Mindfulness," psychologist Elisha Goldstein explains that we can practice mindfulness and experience some relief from anxiety by procuring some distance from our thoughts, so that we learn to watch them as we would a movie (in my case, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"). That way, we can sit back with our bag of popcorn and be entertained by our wacky fear-driven thoughts. As you do this, try to let go of judgments…but remember, bad movies aren’t worth watching again. The same goes for toxic, anxious thoughts that seem to be on permanent "on-demand" repeat in our brains. It might just be time to change the channel.

Eat Super Mood Foods
Unfortunately, anxiety is usually the first clue that I should, once again, analyze my diet: to make sure I'm not drinking too much caffeine, not ingesting too much processed flour, and not bingeing on sweets. If I'm honest with myself, I've usually committed a misdemeanor in one of those areas. So I go back to power foods. What are they? Elizabeth Somer, author of "Food and Mood" and "Eating Your Way to Happiness" mentions these: nuts, soy, milk and yogurt, dark leafy greens, dark orange vegetables, broth soups, legumes, citrus, wheat germ, tart cherries, and berries.

Return to the Breath
Here's a confession: the only way I know how to meditate is by counting my breaths. I merely say "one" as I inhale and exhale, and then say "two" with my next breath. It's like swimming laps. I can't tune into all the chatter inside my brain because I don't want to mess up my counting.
When I bring attention to my breathing--and remember to breathe from my diaphragm, not my chest--I am able to calm myself down a notch, or at least control my hysteria (so that I can wait five minutes before bursting into tears, which means I avoid the public cry session, which is preferred).

Break the Day Down
One cognitive adjustment that helps relieve anxiety is reminding myself that I don't have to think about 2:45 pm, when I pick up the kids from school and how I will be able to cope with the noise and chaos when I'm feeling this way, or about the boundary issue I have with a friend--whether or not I'm strong enough to continue putting myself first in that relationship. All I have to worry about is the very second before me. If I am successful at breaking my time down that way, I usually discover that everything is fine in this present moment.

Use Visual Anchors
My therapist looks up to the clouds. They calm her down in traffic or whenever she feels anxious. For me it's the water. I don't know if it's because I'm a Pisces (fish), but the water has always calmed me down in the same way as Xanax, and since I don't take the latter (as a recovering alcoholic, I try to stay away from sedatives), I need to rely on the former. So I just downloaded some "ocean waves" that I can listen to on my iPod when I feel that familiar knot in my stomach. I also have a medal of St. Therese that I grab when I become scared, a kind of blankie to make me feel safe in an anxious world.

Repeat a Mantra
My mantras are very simple: "I am okay" or "I am enough." But one Beyond Blue reader recites what she calls a "metta meditation." She claims that it slowly changes the way she responds to things in her day. She says to herself:
May I be filled with loving kindness
May I be happy, and healthy
May I accept myself in the moment right as I am
May all sentient beings, be at peace, and free from suffering.

Laugh
As I described in my post, "9 Ways Humor Can Heal," flexing your funny bone does much more than relieving any crushing anxiety. It lowers your immune system, diminishes both physical and psychological pain, fights viruses and foreign cells, heals wounds, and builds community. You have no doubt experienced a moment when you were crippled by anxiety until someone made you laugh out loud, and in doing so anxiety lost its hold over you. Why not laugh all the time, then?

[source]

Christmas Countdown...

2009-12-02T00:17:00.000-08:00

I have read and heard different Christmas countdowns. It's funny how they differ. he he I don't know what's their basis on it. But anyways, Christmas is really near. I can feel the cool air. I'm pretty excited about it. I have yet to buy Christmas presents for my nephews and nieces. I'm still waiting for our 13th month pay. he he

Looking forward to attend parties. I love to eat and excited about it. he he I hope that I could recieve nice presents too.Well, I already pampered myself with gifts. he he

I have a feeling that my Christmas would be great! Just now, I feel good thinking about it. I'm excited! It's not so obvious right? he he Advance Merry Christmas everyone! =)

Family Bonding...

2009-11-30T05:37:00.000-08:00

We went to my aunt today since its holiday. We visit my aunt because she was sick a few days ago. It's really nice to be with them. They are really a family. They are very accommodating and warm.

We shared a good dinner together. It was a lot of fun. I am really close to this aunt of mine. She was my nanny when I was still small. I can feel her love for me. I love her too!

It's always nice to visit them when there's time. She's okay now. She has recovered. That's good. I am going to rest now, there's work tomorrow. Good night!

Spiritual Lessons of 'Twilight: New Moon'

2009-11-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

I asked an intelligent, professional, and deeply spiritual friend what she thought of the Twilight Saga and she said almost breathlessly, “It’s crack. I can’t get enough of it.”

I’m also a junkie for the Twilight Saga’s completely unrealistic love story. “Who acts like that?”, I ask myself, but I keep coming back. Deep down inside I knew who acted that way. Edward’s inhumanly perfect love and Bella’s passionate attachment to him echoed —don’t laugh—the sacred romance between God and me.

All of us bring our experiences, longings, fears, and hopes to a story. This gallery reflects the parallels I see between the Twilight Saga and my Christian life, but you don’t have to be a Christian to find your own soul’s journey in the books or movies. Go through the slides and let your own insights emerge. That’s one of the best things about good stories. They’re open to multiple, very personal interpretations.

A Facebook group exists whose members declare, “Jesus Christ is my Edward Cullen.” An overstatement I think, but the group’s creator’s ideas resonate with the hundred or so people who’ve joined and, I suspect, many more. “Deep down, deeper than anything,” she says, “we as girls just want to be pursued and to be loved in a way that leaves us feeling chosen and wanted.” To her credit she recognized Edward Cullen is pure fantasy, but he’s the kind of quixotic hero that emerges again and again in chick lit and flicks.

A shy, awkward girl is whisked from her dull life when the most popular boy in the school realizes she’s beautiful. Even sacred literature points to the yearning we common gals have to be wanted by someone extravagantly out of our league. The Shulamite woman in the Song of Songs captures the heart of the king and boldly asserts, “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Verse 7:10. You go, my dark and lovely! The possibilities make a sistah swoon.

Lonely, miserable Isabella Swan—such a revealing fairytale name—leaves sunny Arizona and is forced into exile in dreary Forks, Washington. Her flaky mother and clueless father frequently fail her, and her new friends, including that pestering Mike, don’t really “get” her. No one sees the real Bella, and she’s disconnected from the kind of love that will abolish the existential question, “Is this all there is?” To me, her feelings of alienation recall the human condition.

Christianity teaches we’re all banished from Paradise by the great alienater: sin. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” But once upon a time we walked with God in the cool of the evening. The memory of long-lost glory is in us. I think God keeps it there so we’ll return to Him and be restored to our original fabulousness.

When Bella sees Edward for the first time she’s stunned by his “devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful” looks, but in biology class when she has to sit next to him, he stiffens as if he’s repulsed. At the sound of the bell Edward bolts as if propelled by an ejector seat, leaving Bella staring after him. On the drive back home she fights back tears of humiliation.

As a child I had a picture of the Garden of Eden After The Fall. It depicted Eve shrinking away from a towering, angry God. The ominous image scared me. But the truth is, we can be as wrongheaded about God’s motivation as Bella was about Edward.

What I thought was God’s rejection turned out to be the beginning of a rescue plan driven by love greater than I can comprehend. The Song of Songs, a striking allegory of God and us, confirms His ardor. “

I belong to my beloved,

and his desire is for me

.”(7:10). I wouldn’t go as far as to say we humans are God’s brand of heroin, but He’s pretty crazy about us. That I’m sure of.

The next time Bella sees Edward, she’s irresistibly drawn to his gaze. “I don’t think he likes me,” she tells her friend Jessica. “The Cullens don’t like anybody… But he’s still staring at you.” Score one for the girl with absolutely nothing to offer.

Sure Edward is bizarre, maddening, prettier than Bella, and tenses whenever she gets too close, but she can’t help herself. Literally. She can’t help herself! Bella is a veritable trouble magnet, and later we see she needs Edward to save her from one terrible fate after another.

Questions haunt her. Who is Edward?

What

is he? She burns to know the mystery of why he chose to help

her

. I ask these same questions about the peculiar Man I’m drawn to, the Jewish carpenter slash God’s Son. But I’ve learned to trust Him. Maybe because He paid a high price to save me from my own terrible fate. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” The

Twilight Saga

gently nudges me explore the wonder of my Savior, although His unmerited love still baffles me.

In good stories archetypes abound. Edward as a type of savior is one, but he’s also a dangerous monster capable of killing Bella. It’s odd how little revulsion Bella has for her beau’s bestial nature once she discovers it. One could surmise that she sees him like an Aslan:

not safe, but good. Or perhaps Bella’s not afraid of Edward because she’s got her own beast within: lust.Bella relies on Edward’s strength to temper the devouring urges he arouses in her. His admirable restraint in all things—he doesn’t

want

to be a monster—tames the beast in her.

In Matthew 6:13, Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Sadly, I’m the evil one sometimes. The Twilight Saga reminds me to make sure I don’t let my inner monster take more than I’m entitled to, devouring those I claim to love.

Once Bella realized Edward is a vampire she told him. “I decided it didn’t matter.” Edward thought she was nuts! But the more he tried to convince her he was a fatal attraction, the more she fell “unconditionally and irrevocably” in love.

It had to suck to be Edward—again, no pun intended. He hated the soulless thing he’d become, but Bella shattered the eternity of despair stretched out before him with her love and acceptance. He’d be damned, literally, without her.

It doesn’t matter

are the grace drenched words of a fearless lover, who sees us at our worst and wants us anyway. Mercy, like the kind Jesus showed the woman found committing adultery, is a powerful incentive. It makes the command “go and sin no more” possible.

“Love covers a multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4:8 tell us. To cover here means more than “to hide from view.” It denotes restorative action. Love should ultimately restore us to be exactly who God created us to be: protectors, not predators; worthy, not worthless. The Twilight Saga reminds me of these truths.

The novel “New Moon

”

opens with Bella dreaming of her grandmother, only the creased and withered old lady isn’t her Gran at all; she’s Bella. When Bella sees herself in a mirror next to perpetually 17-year-old Edward, it illustrates perfectly how doomed their relationship is. She awakens from the nightmare with a start.

We are not immortal, but we do have immortal souls. This is why the notion of a love that lasts forever is so appealing. No human lover can give us eternity, but an eternal relationship is possible. The Westminster Catechism says the chief end of man is to “love God and enjoy Him forever,” and Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We were created for a happily-ever-after, so we don’t have to let go of the idea. What we need to release is the fantasy that we can have it with a guy. I don’t care how much he sparkles in the sun!

One criticism of Bella I’ve heard is her single-mindedness when it comes to Edward. She’d gladly ditch her precious humanity to be a vampire, but Edward restrains her. This disturbs many readers and moviegoers, who asked themselves, “What will it profit Bella if she gains Edward but loses her soul?” Good question!

But I wonder if something else might be going on here. If Edward is a type of Immortal Beloved, perhaps Bella’s crazy love is a type of extraordinary faith. John 12:24 talks about a seed falling to the earth and dying to produce many seeds. But the seed doesn’t truly die: it changes form. The verse is about us “dying” to our ambitions, desires, and sins. If we do, we will eventually reap a harvest of virtues many can enjoy.

“Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life,” is a passage I’ll bet Bella could relate to. And maybe that’s what Stephenie Meyer was getting at through several metaphors in the series: true love will cost us, but it’s a force with the power to transform us.

Edward saves Bella from car wrecks, gang rape, his brother, and even herself, all with relative ease. But the one enemy I worried about, a formidable, and certainly more vicious foe, was the group of roaming vampires who were the Cullen family’s nemesis. Those big, bad monsters didn’t share the Cullens’ values. They drank human blood and deceived people, not to blend in, but to lure them as prey and kill them. At first glance they regarded Bella as a snack, not a friend.

Not everyone believes in evil, but most religions acknowledge it, and that evil isn’t always “us.” 1 Peter 5:8 describes a spiritual adversary and gives instructions on how to deal with him that could be ripped from a Cullen family manual. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him.”

This Twilight Saga reminds me that love may offer us remarkable protection, but we can never lose sight of the very real conflicts in our lives, and our sometimes blood-drawing struggles to overcome them.

In a brave attempt at normalcy, the Cullens throw Bella a birthday party. When a paper cut slices her finger, she and Edward realize something so ordinary—a teensy paper cut—in a room full of vampires is life threatening. Edward decides to leave Bella for her own good, and she grieves his loss.

Enter Jacob, Bella’s new best friend, and soon-to-be love interest. He’s an affable "monster" with his own impressive superhero powers. His charisma inspired scores of Edward defectors to embrace “team Jacob.” But I didn’t. Jacob is not Edward. I turned a lot of pages trying to get back to Bella’s main squeeze.

Sometimes the Immortal Beloved hides from His lover. The ancients called this the dark night of the soul. We can’t see or feel an inkling of His love, yet His voice remains inside us. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Matt. 20:28, when Jesus assures His followers, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Fortunately, I don’t have to try keep myself in danger to hear Him. My Bible, Mass, and even teachers keep me hearing His voice. Sheesh, Bella! Nobody has to go out like that.

You may love it, hate it, or feel nothing at all, but you can’t deny the Twilight Saga is a force that has captivated multitudes of devoted fans for a reason. Jesus is not my Edward Cullen, but the series did remind me of aspects of my relationship with Him. Some read or watched and discerned a call for abstinence in a culture where we’re taught to give in to whatever we want, regardless of how bad it is for us. Other zealous souls saw the series as a gateway into the occult. I’d dare say most fans enjoy the Twilight Saga

hoping one day they’ll find someone a bit out of this world who will choose them—wonder of wonders—and love them fiercely.

I’m sorry to say he won’t be an Edward. No mere mortal can compete with him. But what the series can teach us about ourselves, our hungers and weakness—what it demonstrates about loving with passion—those things can be useful. Whether we apply what we learn—loosely—to our mates, or reserve such for our relationships with God, they’re lessons many of us can use.

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The Twilight Saga: New Moon

2009-11-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

Synopsis:

Just after Bella's (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday, Edward (Robert Pattinson) decides to leave her behind in an effort to protect her. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year, numb and alone, she discovers she can summon Edward's image whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks, including a new taste for high-speed motorcycle jaunts.

With the help of Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), her childhood friend and a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, Bella refurbishes a motorbike for her adventures. Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When Bella wanders alone into a meadow, she finds herself face to face with a deadly attacker. Only the intervention of a pack of extraordinarily large wolves saves her from a grisly fate and the encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the ancient secret of the Quileute tribe and Edward's true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is quite unlike the one she had hoped for.

My Movie Review:

I was not that satisfied with New Moon than with Twilight. I guess I expected so much from it. I really look forward to watching the movie. I even watch it during it's premiere night. But I was quite disappointed. I am hoping to see more of Edward in the movie but he has limited exposure. The story this time was not clearly told. Well, it's about breaking up with the one you love and the hurt and struggle of moving on with your life without him.

The most interesting realization of the movie is that the only person that could hurt us that much is the one we love. Even if someone comes along who could somehow ease the pain but we will always come back to the one we truly love no matter how much he has hurt us. He could still remove the pain in our heart no matter how deep it is.

I still recommend this movie. If you have watched the first part, you still have to watch New Moon for there's still a next episode coming soon...

2012 movie..

2009-11-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

Synopsis:

Disaster movie maven Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) crafts this apocalyptic sci-fi thriller following the prophecy stated by the ancient Mayan calendar, which says that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. When a global cataclysm thrusts the world into chaos, divorced writer and father Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) joins the race to ensure that humankind is not completely wiped out. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton, and Oliver Platt round out the cast of this end-of-the-world thriller co-scripted by the director and his 10,000 B.C. writer/composer, Harald Kloser. ~ Jason Buchanan

My Movie Review:

The movie is great. It has a lot of thrills. It is a little scary. Nobody really knows when would be the end of the world and who could really save us. We should all be ready for this. The movie also shown how different countries unite for the common goal, that is to save people during time of crisis. No matter what your status in life, everybody would face life's end. We should live our lives to the fullest. Tomorrow may never come. We should love the people near us especially our family. We should not hesitate to say "I love you" before it's too late. We should express and show our love to them.

What's Your Stone?

2009-11-23T03:59:00.000-08:00

You know your Sun Sign, but did you know that your sign is associated with a birthstone? Read on to harness the power of your sign's stone!

When you invest in jewelry for yourself or someone else, you often buy what looks the best or the most fetching - or because it is more expensive than attractive (Taurus) or more attractive than expensive (Aries). But did you know each sign has its own birthstone? Here is a guide to birthstones by sign that will help you next time you go shopping for jewelry. Feel free to use this as an excuse to go shopping.

Aries
Diamonds are (apologies for this old joke) an Aries's best friend! Because they are also crystals, diamonds also help to keep your chakras balanced. Diamonds are appropriate for the first sign of the Zodiac because they represent the unlimited potential of an Aries: nothing can stop you. And, you can cut glass with it!

Taurus
Emerald City is your town, baby. Emeralds are crystals, too, the crystal of psychic awareness, positivity, and protection! They're excellent for a sign that tends to dive too much into negative thinking because they will help you see more clearly. Most important, emeralds can help you to have faith that your needs will always be taken care of!

Gemini
Ah, Gemini, you're so classy! Nothing but the best for you, so pearl is your birthstone (guess diamonds are too easy for challenge-craving Gemini)! Pearls help to ground you and keep you centered when you are flitting from here to there. Plus they make you feel real pretty, don't they? You can multitask and look good doing it!

Cancer
Taureans may have Emerald City to themselves, but you have the Ruby Slippers, you lucky Cancer! Rubies are very much a feminine stone and can help you with concerns about fertility, even if you're of the male persuasion. These powerful gems can also balance your kundalini energy. And you thought rubies were only pretty little stones! Turns out they're pretty, little, and powerful!

Leo
Leo, your gemstone is as unique and bold as you are. Peridot is your stone. Beautiful peridot, also called olivine for its deep olive color, is a stone that helps with emotional healing, perfect for takes-things-too-personally Leo - but don't take that personally! With peridot, your normal Leo confidence will be renewed in no time!

Virgo
Virgo, your birthstone is sapphire. What color is a sapphire? The answer is: every color except red. The most prevalent color of a sapphire is blue. This is a stone of understanding, both for yourself and for others, and can help you when you are experience that Virgo no-one-gets-me feeling. Relax, Virgo, all is well with sapphire.

Libra
Libra, meet opal. This stone can carry both Sun and Moon energy, helping you find the perfect balance when you are stuck in Libra Analytical Gehenna. Use this stone when you are having trouble going outside of your comfort zone to see all sides, and clarity will soon follow. And you won't even have time to annoy your friends with your depth of analysis!

Scorpio
Scorpio, your stone is citrine. This stone can help you calm that Scorpio anger by helping you find balance and peace. This will also help your sensitive physical symptoms when you are in need of healing. And yes, Scorpio, citrine is the stone of sexual energy! Is that all you ever think about?

Sagittarius
Sagittarius, have you been up all night partying again? Well, your stone is topaz, which will help you feel rested. Insomniac? Keep your topaz close by during the day so that your energies are balanced at night and you are ready for sleep. Also, cut down on the caffeine because we know you won't cut down on the partying.

Capricorn
Capricorn, we are sorry to say your secret is out. You are not as emotionally strong as you pretend to be. But that's no problem because your stone is garnet. It can help restore strength when you are physically and emotionally challenged. This is also the stone of renewal for those times you wish you could just start over again (you can).

Aquarius
Your stone is amethyst, and your stone, like your Water element, has amazing cleansing qualities. This can stabilize your system when you are feeling off either physically or emotionally. Cleanse and recharge with amethyst, and no one ever has to know you were anything less than calm and flowing! Perish the thought!

Pisces
Pisces, your stone is aquamarine. This is a great stone to keep close by during a Full Moon to protect you from the craziness and harness the power. Aquamarine can also help with healing, especially with the throat and heart chakras. If your psychic sensitivity is out of whack, wear aquamarine to help put it back in tune.
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2009-11-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.

- Peter Ustinov

Marketing...

2009-11-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

I am happy to join the marketing activity today. It is nice to get out of the campus for a change. To breathe a different air. It's kinda boring to stay always inside the campus. Although we went out of town, I still had a great time.

A good, yummy lunch cover-up our long travel. I was so full. We were able to accomplish our task. A marketing job is not easy. You have to have lots of patience towards the students. It's very tiring but if you're accompanied by a wonderful and caring office-mate then it is a lot better.

We ended our trip with a yummy dinner too. I am still full right now. I am tired so I guess I have to rest now. Good night!

Big Fun in Small Spaces..

2009-11-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a little secret: Very few people feel like they have enough closet space and even fewer think they have the square footage to entertain properly. Don't worry; you don't need a palace to throw a great party. You just need to plan carefully and use the space you have efficiently. Every room and every piece of furniture is fair game for a creative, alternative use.Decide how many people you can safely accommodate, then craft your guest list. Let the number of guests determine the type of party you give. For a full house, think cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, dessert and champagne, or even sliced wraps and microbrews. A slightly smaller crowd can be treated to a brunch or supper buffet. If you simply cannot have a Christmas party without inviting everyone you know, opt for an open house. Stagger start times on your invitations and plan for about four hours of good times with a rotating cast of friends.Create open space in the center of each room. Move your dining table against a wall, push your bed into a corner and remove any obstacles you can. Drape holiday-print tablecloths and runners over the tops of bookcases, chests and occasional tables. These flat surfaces will give guests places to rest glasses and plates while socializing. Smooth a quilt or tailored coverlet over your bed and prop big throw pillows where the bed meets the wall. The bed will become another seating area when friends get tired of mingling. In a pinch, the throw pillows can evolve into floor cushions.Create food and drink stations around the house so you don't wind up with a traffic jam in the kitchen or dining room. Place the bar or tubs of drinks at the farthest corner of the house or on the patio or balcony. That move alone will instantly draw guests away from the front door. Place platters of finger foods throughout the house. Mini-quiches, taquitos, bruschetta, chips and dip or chilled shrimp placed on small tables or draped TV trays will keep guests circulating. Save the dining table for main entrees and side dishes. You'll want a separate area — perhaps in the kitchen or on a hall table — for desserts and coffee.At a really good party, dirty plates and glasses can quickly overtake every surface and make things feel cluttered. Avoid the problem by investing in beautiful, holiday-print disposable plates, glasses and flatware. Make regular sweeps through the house to clear used dishes, and place baskets lined with thick plastic bags in a few strategic spots.Nothing makes a house or apartment feel small faster than stuffy air. Before the party, set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than normal. If you have ceiling fans, turn them on at slow speed. Consider lighting your fireplace with a pretty, low-heat tea light candelabra instead of hot-burning logs. Put a small crack in the bathroom window. Once all your guests have arrived, their movement and body heat will quickly raise the temperature in the house.

[source]

Looking forward...

2009-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

We are going to watch the premiere of New Moon the movie! Yipeeeeeeee!!! The most awaited event and movie of the year. And it's for free! Wow! Super happy! The movie will be shown this Friday. Can't wait! I've watched "Twilight" the movie. It was super romantic. The lines delivered by the lead stars really marked in my heart. he he I just hope that "New Moon" will also deliver good stuff.

I feel good today. I feel good about myself. I think that this is a good day. I just got a feeling. he he I'm back to my senses.

I have to go back to work now. Have a nice day everyone!

Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny) - Pussycat Dolls ft. A.R. Rahman

2009-11-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

(Jai Ho)
(Jai Ho) I got (I got) shivers (shivers),
When you touch away,
I’ll make you hot,
Get all you got,
I’ll make you wanna say (Jai Ho)

(Jai Ho)

I got (I got) fever (fever),
Running like a fire,
For you I will go all the way,
I wanna take you higher (Jai Ho)
I keep it steady uh-steady,
That’s how I feel it.
This beat is heavy, so heavy,
You gonna feel it.

(Jai Ho)You are the reason that I breathe, (Jai Ho)
You are the reason that I still believe, (Jai Ho)
You are my destiny,
Jai Ho! Uh-uh-uh-oh!
(Jai Ho) No there is nothing that can stop us (Jai Ho)
Nothing can ever come between us, (Jai Ho)
So come and dance with me,
Jai Ho! (oh)

Catch me, catch me, catch me, c’mon, catch me,
I want you now,
I know you can save me, come and save me,
I need you now.

I am yours forever, yes, forever,
I will follow,
Anywhere in anyway,
Never gonna let go.

Jai Ho

(Jai Ho) Escape (escape) away (away),
I’ll take you to a place,
This fantasy of you and me,
I’ll never lose my chance. (Jai Ho)
Lyrics are provided by Geniusbeauty.com

Yeah

I can (I can) feel you (feel you),
Rushing through my veins,
There’s an notion in my heart,
I will never be the same.

(Jai Ho) Just keep it burnin’, yeah baby,
Just keep it comin’, (Jai Ho)
You’re gonna find out baby,
I’m one in a million.

You are the reason that I breathe, (Jai Ho)
You are the reason that I still believe, (Jai Ho)
You are my destiny,
Jai Oh! Uh-uh-uh-oh!

(Jai Ho) No there is nothing that can stop us (Jai Ho)
Nothing can ever come between us (Jai Ho)
So come and dance with me,
Jai Ho! (Hear me it’s destiny)

Catch me, catch me, catch me, c’mon, catch me,
I want you now,
I know you can save me, come and save me,
I need you now.

I am yours forever, yes, forever,
I will follow,
Anywhere in anyway,
Never gonna let go.

Jai Ho, Jai Ho, Jai Ho

I need you,
Gonna make it, (Jai Ho)
I’m ready,
So take it!

(Jai Ho) You are the reason that I breathe, (Jai Ho)
You are the reason that I still believe, (Jai Ho)
You are my destiny,
Jai Oh! Uh-uh-uh-oh!

(Jai Ho)No there is nothing that can stop us, (Jai Ho)
Nothing can ever come between us, (Jai Ho)
So come and dance with me,
Jai Ho! (oh)

Jai Ho!

Baila baila!

Jai Ho!

[source]

2009-11-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.

- The Talmud

The greater part of our happiness depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.

- Martha Washington

Young and Care Free!

2009-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

The generation of today is more expressive and adventurous. I think one of the reasons is because of the new technology. During my time, I was very shy. Not expressing myself much. Actually up to now I am still shy. But now, I know what I want and expressing it more.

I have seen the pictures of my new young friends. They are very much carefree. I even learn more from them. I still have my inhibitions and they say things that make me feel good about it. I am still young but not a teenager anymore but I still have my time to enjoy life and express myself more. To do the things I really wanted. To follow my heart and just be happy. Life is too short for regrets!

I want to travel more. I don't want to please everybody anymore. I am really a straight girl but now I just want to change my mind as long as I feel like it and if I think that I would benefit from it and makes me happy. I am not in contract to anyone so why should I act like that.

10 Ways To Use Credit Cards Wisely..

2009-11-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that the world of consumer credit has changed dramatically over the past year. Banks have gotten more aggressive during the recession, trying to squeeze consumers for more fees and higher interest or closing down accounts entirely. Help is on the way: President Obama recently signed into law the CARD Act of 2009 to stop unfair practices. But until it goes into effect next February, here’s what you need to know to manage your plastic the smart way.

1. Micromanage your accounts
The same banks and card issuers who kept giving you more and more credit only a few years ago are now slashing those limits, raising interest rates smercilessly, and closing active and inactive accounts with abandon. So far, nothing is stopping them. At the moment, they must give you 15 days’ (45 days when the new law goes into effect) written notice of changes to the terms and conditions you agreed to—but those notices can go undetected if they’re hidden in what looks like junk mail.

Action plan
Register at your card issuer’s website so you can check your account online, even if you’ve been receiving paper statements. Then check the site a few times a week. Did you go paperless? Watch your e-mail closely. If you get one of those dreaded notices or are charged a penalty, make your case with customer service, pointing out your long history with the company and record of on-time payments.

2. Keep your balances low
Back in the day, you could max out your credit cards and cause yourself no harm, provided you didn’t go over your limit. Do that now and you’ll end up with a low credit score—which means you’ll pay higher interest when you refinance your home or take out a car loan, and you’ll pay higher insurance premiums, too. To boost your credit score, use no more than 30% of your available credit at any time on individual accounts and collectively, even if you pay your balances in full every month.

Action plan
Compare each card’s balance with its credit limit. Stop adding new purchases; at the same time, pay down your high balances to create a big gap between what you owe and the available credit. Shoot for a credit score of 700—the minimum most lenders consider “good.” Once you’re there, go for 740.

3. Watch when you pay
This is particularly critical if you’ve switched from paper to paperless billing. Credit card computer systems are set up to look for payments between the statement closing date and the due date; if you use paperless billing, you may not be aware of your due date. If you carry a revolving balance and pay early but no payment is recorded during that little window, you’ll be counted as late, and be charged around $39.

Action plan
Card companies can change statement closing and due dates, so verify them each month before you make your payment. (Even if you’re getting paper statements, check the dates.) And if you pay by check, always use the preaddressed bar-coded return envelope to ensure that your payment is processed promptly.

4. Think twice before transferring
your balance If you’ve found a card with a lower interest rate, transferring sounds like a great idea. But first, consider the ratio between the transferred balance and the credit limit on that new card. If you start out using all of your available credit on this new account(and remember, you’ve just added another line of credit to your collection), your credit score may suffer. And don’t forget the 3% to 4% fee charged for transferring.

Is getting a lower interest rate worth taking a hit to your score? I’d say no—unless you have a solid credit score of 700 or higher, you’ll use less than half of the credit limit on the new card, and the interest rate after the introductory period is a lot lower than you’re paying now.

Action plan
Before you make a move, call your current company and ask them to reduce your rate. Tell them you’re considering a balance transfer if they won’t cooperate. If you have a good credit score and a history of on-time payments, they should comply; however, you may need to call back several times and speak to a few supervisors. If they still turn you down, research your transfer options at CardTrak.com and IndexCreditCards.com, and make sure you read all the fine print before you commit.

5. Request a limit increase
If the amount of credit you’re using is way too close to your current credit limit (either on an individual card or all of your accounts collectively), ask for a higher credit limit. You may be able to increase the gap and improve your score. But be aware that this could also trigger the lender to pull your credit report, resulting in an “inquiry” that could affect your score. And don’t even consider a limit increase unless you’re very disciplined and you won’t see it as an excuse to spend.

Action plan
Call customer service and ask for an increase (have an amount in mind). Defend your request with how long you’ve been a customer and your payment history.

6. Don’t apply for credit you don’t need
Although your first few credit card accounts build and improve your credit score, there’s a point when acquiring more will reduce your score. Where that point is, no one knows, but generally, two or three cards are all you need.

Action plan
Say “no, thanks” when the cashier offers 10% off your purchase in exchange for filling out the store’s credit application. And don’t complete an application just to see if you can qualify. In my opinion, store credit cards aren’t necessary (and the interest rates are horrendous) unless there’s some overriding benefit that will offset the ding in your credit— like getting $500 off a $3,000 refrigerator.

7. Keep accounts open
Closing accounts may seem like the obvious way to fix the problem of too many credit cards. But it’s not. Once the accounts are opened, the damage is done. Closing them could actually drag down your score (the loss of available credit narrows the gap between how much you owe and your available credit). If your total amount of credit available declines, as it would when you close accounts, your credit score will go down too.

Action plan
Keep tabs on all of your cards. Know where they are; who, if anyone, is a co-owner or authorized user; how and when the monthly statements arrive; and the specific terms and conditions of each.

8. Keep accounts active
Banks and other credit grantors are on a campaign these days to reduce their exposure to risk by closing inactive credit accounts. No matter who closes the account—you or the credit grantor—it’s not a good thing.

Action plan
Until your debt is paid completely (or until you’re using very little, say, only 10%), keep all of your accounts active. Not using them gives creditors an invitation to close them. Charge something small each month or so, then pay the balance in full immediately. Consider setting up a small payment (such as a phone bill) charged automatically to a particular account, and have the bill paid automatically.

9. Lower your rate
Before you try to lower your credit card interest rate, know how long you’ve had the account, and have a general idea of your payment record and credit score.

Action plan
Call customer service and request a rate reduction based on your longevity, payment history and credit score. As we go to press, the average credit card rate in the U.S. is 14.3%. If you’re paying more than the average, ask why. Tell them this is unacceptable. If you aren’t successful, don’t argue; politely end the conversation. Call back in 15 minutes and speak with a different person. Keep trying every day until you receive a reasonable rate.

10. Get the right rewards card
Rewards cards only work if you’re not paying any interest on the account. If you usually carry balances, avoid them! Cards that earn miles or offer cash back tend to have higher interest rates (some are close to 20%) than no-fee, nofrills cards.

Action plan
When you’re ready for a rewards card, research your options at websites like those already mentioned in item 4, or check out LookupCreditCards.com and CardRatings.com. Match a rewards card with your needs. For example, if you don’t travel, go for cash back instead of air miles.

Before you pick up a rewards card, read all of the terms and conditions and understand the limitations. And a word of caution: It’s easy to justify needless spending in the name of earning points…but boy, will this come back to bite you when you have to pay the balance in full at the end of the month.

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