On Get-togethers, Food Indulgence and Weight Loss

The long weekend is over but I still can’t get over with the fantastic get-together we had with my sis and her family.  Her navy man son and his family arrived home for a short visit from their home base in Seattle, Washington.  They took advantage of the limited time to have their new US born baby be baptised here. They chose to carry out their baby’s baptism here  in the country because they wanted their families and close friends to join them in celebrating the special occasion.  Fortunately for them, they achieved what they wanted.  It was indeed one great day of celebration and bonding as well.  It became a reunion of sort, although our own clan wasn’t complete.  But still, it was one remarkable day of get-together and bonding!

And what is there to expect when family reunions take place?   Always, there’s fun and laughter, endless updating, and food, food and more food!  Yup, there was endless eating with no control at all. Lol!  And pig-outs continued until yesterday when we met again in the cemetery, ordered pizzas and other snacks  then ended up in an “Eat all you can” dinner in one popular restaurant.  I’m a bit glad I hardly gain weight despite voracious eating habit. (blush!)  Everybody’s teasing me where am I depositing all those calories I am taking.  But it’s a question the answer of which I could not find.  It’s a different thing nonetheless for my daughter.  She gains weight so easily after just few “Eat all you can” indulgence.  She is very conscious of this but she can’t control her eating habit when she sees sumptuous food.  Quite given where she got it!  Lol!  Nevertheless, she would remorse over  excessive eating when she starts to notice her waistline getting big. Then she would start doing some rigid fitness exercises to lose weight fast.  But I could see it is not an easy feat for her.  She could be exerting full efforts at the start but would ultimately quit in the end.  A bad typical practice indeed.  She obviously needs those weight loss tips from the health buff site I’ve visited.  Like, finding a friend to walk with, set the alarm thirty minutes earlier or maybe engaging in something new can be more fun.  Also stocking up on the Bodytrim ultra low carb snack range so cravings will be diminished. There are many other ways to keep fit.  Exercising in front of TV is her favourite but seems more interesting when I am joining her.  

Get-togethers and food indulgence aren’t much of a problem to me. But to those who easily gain weight just like my daughter, you only need to be aware of your body’s needs.  The route to fast weight loss is being active and eating the right things.  Any form of exercise will get the job done as long as you guard against excessive eating.  And this I’m sure, daughter is well aware that next to get-togethers and pig-outs are weight loss training.

New Bowling Ball

After the Village’s Third Conference Bowling Tournament set off a couple of weeks ago, I make sure that I drop by the bowling lanes every once in a while to practice.  I usually play along with my friend who’s a good player.    Last time we visited Commonwealth Bowling Lanes, I was fascinated to check out the bowling balls on display at their Bowling Store.  Then, the OC in me took over my sanity.  The last thing I knew, I was carrying home my new bowling ball in its new bowling bag as well.

Just like a kid who’s got a new toy, I was ecstatic with my latest loot.  Now that I have my own, I won’t be using those grimy house balls being used by everyone.  The other lady players can’t snatch this ball from me anymore.   I wonder why they love to use the particular ball which I am using, when there are plenty others that weighs the same.  I was the one who looked for that particular ball, (it’s always been the same ball I am using) searched for it all over the place, then stash it beneath the ball ramp.  What is annoying is that they would really try to reach for that house ball which I set aside even though there are too many of its kind right in front of them.  Grrrr!

Now, I don’t need to come early to the game to search for that ball.  It’s all theirs including its grimes!  Lol!  I just need to find the right way to give out a consistent smashing strike. Woot!

Little store by the road

It’s always fun to exit the city and go ’round the nearby provinces. The fave place we frequently visit is Bataan.  In one of our weekend beach outings, we headed to Morong.  As we pass by Bagac town, a number of signages show cashew nuts for sale.  We’ve been passing by this town for quite a long time since I was younger but didn’t notice the many cashew trees lining up the road.  ‘Twas only then that I saw how the cashew fruit looks like as it hangs on the tree.  

We stopped by this little store on the side of the road and found cashew nuts in plastic bags hanging for customers to see.  They also got fresh honey for sale.

Nice to discover new things although such stuff have long been there since time immemorial.  It’s just that they are being ignored for other more interesting stuff along the road.

Moving to a new place

A friend vehemently complains of the arrogance of some of their next door neighbours.  Every morning she said she would endure the infuriating attitudes that are intentionally thrown on her.  Until lately, she’s fed up and can no longer take any further provocation.  Now, the solution she has in mind is to move to another place, a solution of which I discourage her from doing.  But from the looks of it, she’s keen on moving to a fresh and trouble-free community for her family.  This brings to mind the difficulties that go with the process of transferring to a new place.

If you are one like my friend who’s decided to relocate, plan ahead.  What’s the easiest way to move the whole household without exerting a lifetime of effort?   Nowadays, it is a lot simpler than you could imagine.   Get the service of one of the Local Movers in case the household transfer is just locally or get in touch with one of the Long Distance Movers if you plan to move to a distant location.  It’s best to inquire first for some Moving Estimates or ask for Local Moving Quotes.   With prices to compare, you can pick the best priced movers.  What a huge help for those who are thinking of relocating just like my friend.

I surmise, she is inexorable from carrying out her believed right solution.  She won’t  face much trouble though, in case she pushes through her plan.  I only wish she’ll thoroughly weigh things up before she jumps into such decision.  Nevertheless, she deserves to be happy. And it’s all that matters.

Get a degree thru online studies

Are you aspiring to get the good position in your office but can’t, simply because you are an under graduate and have no time to go to school?   Don’t be sad!  There are Online Schools that  provide online degree programs in business management or any online degree program that you may actually need.

It is a well known fact that one of the obstacles in finishing one’s studies is the lack of time in attending  regular classes in a university or college.  For most who are already holding a job or who are too busy with scores of responsibilities but still want to broaden their talent and expertise, searching for  Online Universities and settling for a top-rating one proves to be the right vehicle to achieve the dream of getting a the coveted  college degree.  This appears to be very beneficial since one need not change  wardrobes and spend time travelling on the road just to attend classes in a regular school.  The good point here is that you can study in your own time and place and need not jeopardize the job you are holding or the various responsibilities you have in your hands.

There’s no reason not to reach your goal of getting a college degree.   Not even financial setback.  You can get help paying for college. Just log on to  http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov/  and submit a free Application For Federal Student Aid.

The door to success is wide open.  It is well within your reach! Go and get it now!

Car Trouble

Now that my mother-in-law is here again in town, I come to rememeber my old Toyota Corolla.  The car which was handed down to me after hubby had bought his own Toyota Innova.  I had been using it for years without any major trouble until one time when I drove MIL and SIL to the mall for some shopping.  We were at the middle of the road when suddendly the engine stopped.  I certainly know how to drive but totally ignorant when it comes to car engines and parts.  I tried to pull over by the side of the road but couldn’t start the engine.  Embarassing though, SIL  struggled to push the car by herself but didn’t quite move an inch.  Until some kind hearted men helped us out. 

Fortunately,   a towing service was readily available and it was easily brought to the Toyota  Repair Shop.  I later found out the cause of trouble.  It’s over heating.  I didn’t notice the warning lights on the dash board ‘cause  I was too engrossed in inching it out in a bumper to bumper traffic on the road.  Since that shameful incident,  I never would want to drive that car again alone.  Then eventually,  with much distrust to the efficiency of the car, I sold it.  Now,  I seldom drive, not because I’m traumatized but because I don’t have my own car anymore.  Anyway, I always have an efficient driver in the person of my hubby.

On Investments

Nowadays, having able to stash some cash in 401k or  pension plans  some ten years back doesn’t necesarily  mean it has doubled up or tripled up your investment.  Unlike investments on various accounts which face  greater risk as a result of descending financial crisis, gold investment continues to escalate in value. As the global economy continues to plummet,  many who are holding  an IRA, 401K accounts or pension plans sees the advantage in transferring  their investments  to IRA gold or to 401k gold.  However,  not  too many are aware that they can rollover their Individual Retirement Accounts to  gold IRA or gold 401K.

Gold is steadily getting more value despite the shaky global economy.   This is the  reason why it is often referred to as crisis commodity.  On this ground,  many who are holding on to their  IRA or 401k choose to have an gold IRA transfer.  It is important to note that transferring the traditional IRA or 401k account to gold IRA Gold or gold 401k has a conversion process wherein assets must be first be liquidated to execute a gold IRA account or a gold 401k account. It is beneficial to put your gold in these accounts  coz it won’t be taxed unlike taking the golds in your custody as it would be charged with distribution tax..

Well now,  although I don’t have that much money to think of investing on gold IRA’s and gold 401k myself, I  know now a where to put my finances if ever I get rich. Lol!

Replacing the old TV

Our old analog TV is already showing a defect on screen.  It’s still working well but the new released LED tech LCD TV displayed in the appliance store is so captivating, I wasn’t able to hold my OC syndrome.   Looks so cute to me coz it’s very thin, almost like a ply board.  There’ll be no need for those DVD’s, CD’s  and players coz you can download all the movies and music videos you want directly in it. No more voluminous stacks of CD’s and DVD’s! Download everything from the computer and voila!  You can have it on your screen. I just love this LED technology on LCD TV!

             The big kiddos taking charge in installing the base of the TV. 

                                                     Happy Sunday Everyone!

Ready for the Game

The HVHAI Bowling Tournament started last week.  This tourney is  simply like a small get together of homeowners in the village.  Composed of only 4 teams, it is definitely just a way of having a time to relax and enjoy camaraderie among other homeowners whom we don’t regularly meet.

Today is our second week.  The scores were tallied and our team, the Violet Team garners  the highest  overall score.  And the Highest Male Single was also obtained by a member of our team.  Luckily, it was hubby.  Can’t wait to face the second highest scoring team.  About to see who can give a better score.  The game starts at 3:00pm today.  Wish us luck!

Bowling Brush-up

It’s been eons since the last bowling tournament we joined in.  Each one of the  players are whining  of losing their familiarity with the game.  Last night, my friends, our bowling team,  converged to brush-up our skills on the game for an upcoming tournament .  The tourney will be carried out between the different groups  that will be formed within the village.  Thus our old team “volts-in” once again! Each one is excited and looking forward to a fun filled days of healthy bowling  game competition once again.

Hubby turns another year older today

Yeah, it is his birthday today!  I have no idea what his plan is ‘cause he’s still around the house in front of his laptop. Normally, he leaves early for work. Obviously, he took a birthday leave to enjoy his day. I don’t intend to cook something special for this day like I used to do as I’m pretty sure, he’ll be out on his bike anytime today. Today is a weekday, so  everybody nust be busy at work.  Maybe going out to dine tonight? I dunno! . .whatever he wants.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Man I’ve spent more than half of my life with! May you continually be blessed with good health.

Ten Rules for a Happy Marriage

It’s the month of June!  A lot of couples are jumping into the band wagon of making her a June Bride. Whether it’s June or not, weddings transpire. For couples out there planning to settle down, here’s for you.

          The basic rules couples are advised to follow.

                  1. Never both be angry at the same time.-  

                   2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.

                   3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your

                       mate.

                   4. If you must criticize, do it lovingly.

                   5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.

                   6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

                   7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.

                   8. At least once every day say a kind or complimentary

                       word to your life partner.

                   9.  When you have done something wrong, admit it

                        and ask for forgiveness.

                  10. Remember it takes two to make a quarrel.
 

Our marriage is on its way to its 31st year!  Not sure though if we have followed these rules to the letter that we are able to reach this far.  On the other hand, I believe  no sets of rules are needed to attain strong and lasting marriage.  As for me, only three elements are deemed essential:    Love, patience and respect!!

Books: A thing of the past?

          Some of daughter’s books piling up on her study table.

In this day and age,  you would seldom see people engaged in reading books for pleasure.  Too many high tech gadgets proliferate at a very high speed which sends people going gaga on owning the latest.  It’s not at all surprising as it is the trend nowadays. Gadgets, gadgets and more high tech gadgets are getting in the way for total entertainment!  Books are a thing of the past! Or is it so?

Books are still in!  Hooray!  My daughter, for one is still hooked on it!  She loves reading novels.  And I’m glad she loves books!

Reading greatly enhances one’s  knowledge and experience.  It brings forth pleasure apart from self nourishment. 

Sharing here some tips from Mr. Wiki on How to Love Reading:

• Once you find your favourite things to read, be sure to occasionally branch out. You never know when you might find a new favourite.
• Many people decide they don’t like reading because they found the books they had to read in school to be boring. Keep in mind that schools often want to regulate what students read, and the books they require by no means represent every kind of reading material available.
• Remember to not limit yourself to just books. Keep in mind that there are countless magazines, newspapers, websites, etc. that you may love to read.
• Try reading plays. This brings Shakespeare to many people’s minds, but really you can read any play. It is quite a different reading experience and is enjoyable to many people.
• For some people, reading a bit about the author’s background helps. If you like books from a particular author, try to get some background information about the author. It will help you to make your reading more enjoyable and fun. It will also help you to have more information about the author, the way the books are brought into being and other different things.

 So long buddies! Keep on reading. Get hooked on books!

It’s Mae’s Birthday

Today, May 14 ,marks the 18^th birthday of my niece Mae.  She is going to have a celebration tonight at Villa Amanda Resort in Abucay, Bataan which will be attended by family and friends.  Mae is the beloved daughter of my sis who’s in third year taking up B.S. Information Technology in Letran College, Bataan.

                           Happy Birthday Trisha Mae!

May you continually be blessed with good health, lots of wealth and bundles of warm love and affection from the people who matters to you most!

How to Stay Happy Always

Sharing you this forwarded message from my inbox!   Very helpful reminders for me and maybe for you too!

1. Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them, this is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends… The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, art, history, gardening, whatever! Never let the brain get idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.  And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve. Then go on. The only person who is with us our entire life is our self. LIVE while you are alive. Those who loved you but are gone will understand and applaud!

7. Surround yourself with what you love. Whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

 I think I will keep this in mind. I need it! How about you?

Smile!

…Like a wild flower

Life is short. Why do we seem to think that we will live forever? Much less, we think we’re not going to die as yet, like we are so sure it’s not gonna happen today or tomorrow or the near future.  We spend so much on luxurious stuff, as if it is all that matters.  We tend to focus only on ourselves, on how much money we have and gonna have.  Life is not about what we have but what we are. 

Life is short indeed!  Like a wild flower, it blooms today.  Let its beauty be seen, for tomorrow it wilts away!

Stateside Goodies from Thoughtful Sis-in-Law

Is your sister-in-law as kind and generous as mine? 

The day before we leave for Singapore, this box of Stateside goodies was brought home by hubby. It was sent by her sister Evelyn, a nurse,  who is based in California, USA.  Same kind of goodies were also sent to their other sis here in Manila.  I can never be more fortunate for having such kind and caring sister-in-law like her.  Am so thankful that she never gets tired of sharing her abundant blessings with us. She’s ever so giving!  Constantly surprising us with stuff like these. All I can do is pray that she may continually reaps success and happiness in all the things she do.  Likewise, may all the blessings she shares with her love ones return to her a hundred folds.

Paddle through the waters

I love the waters, whether it is a beach, river or a shallow stream!  It certainly gives me a feeling of delight and serenity.  The body of water is like my life’s comfort!  But the quiet waters I love to hang around do turn rough sometimes due to bad weather.  In such case, I get very depressed!  And since I would never choose to keep off from it, I’m willing to paddle all my life just so I can keep afloat and be with it. Then perhaps, when the storm disappears and the sun comes out, the water would be as pleasant and welcoming again! And my life by then would be as happy and content as it used to be!

Something’s wrong

I don’t know why, but no matter how much I try to keep this blog updated, I just couldn’t do!  Nothing clear comes out of my head! Omg!!  Even the precious paid opps that come in trickles lately had to be declined because I couldn’t think of any good idea to start with.  Well actually, on the contrary,  I have, lots of views/thoughts I want to bring up here. However, for reasons only I, myself knew, I prefer not to print for public consumption even when I’m almost tempted to do so!  Maybe, the right time will come for it to be known by everyone.  But in the meantime, I’ll just allow my brain to rest for a while until it has completely recharged and is back to its normal state once again  Hoping that it won’t be too far from now! 

It’s daughter’s birthday today!

To Janina,  the many words I wanna tell you are written in this poem.  I may not be the real author but please think of it as my own..

“Happy Birthday” means much more
Than have a happy day.
Within these words lie lots of things
I never get to say.

It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I’m proud of you!

But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
  Nothing but your happiness,
From now and ever more!

Happy birthday my “bunso“!