What's On My Mind

iPhone Apps: Everything In Your Hand (Almost)

2010-09-09T12:42:35Z

by Cecile Cinco

i Phone apps will be the main reason why I would buy an iPhone…if ever I can afford one. Imagine everything (almost) within your hand…so reachable!

It was in 1999, if I remember right, when I had my first mobile phone or cell phone (as it is more commonly called here in the Philippines). It took us months to canvas the internet to find the best within our budget. We got a Nokia 5210. We got it for its durability (shock proof, in case it drops) and size (small, can fit the pocket with ease), in addition to the capability to send text messages, of course.

A few years later, I bought another one from a second hand store. I forgot the model but I was using it continually even when it fell and broke and I’d just put them together, screwing the housing and all its little pieces! I even had a rubber band to hold the housing!

In 2007, February, was the first time I really shopped for a phone. I got an ASUS V80. This time I had the camera as a necessity because I was also in real estate, selling online from time to time. I needed the camera to take pictures of the houses so I can show my prospects who were abroad. Up until this time I have that phone, now almost dying. I used to be able to check emails but now, for whatever reason, I cannot. I was satisfied before when I can still check emails because that’s what mattered most in my online connection. Now all I can check is Facebook! It still matters but not as much as my email especially when I’m someplace else!

Now, if I would buy another phone, I’d like it to be an iPhone, simply because everything is within reach. Almost.

I say almost because if one has no money to buy load then the iPhone is useless for connecting.

Rental: Earth-Friendly Crisis Savings Tip

2010-09-09T12:44:06Z

by Cecile Cinco

Economic crisis has been felt all over the world. Even the land of milk and honey felt it for the past 3 years and they still do! One thing I found out, though, that makes them survive: they heavily consider rental services.

It may be nice to own everything brand new but there are stuff that are wiser to have on a rental basis. One rule of thumb: if you’re going to use it a few times only, consider renting; if you’re going to use it almost every day and the cost will be cheaper than renting, then buy.

Apartments, houses, and cars are common items available for rent, especially if you can’t afford to buy your own, renting can make the item as close to you without shelling out big amount of money at one time.

Here in the Philippines, house for rent is very common, even bed spacing, which is very good for students or single people who live on their own. With car rental, you can do so as long as the owner is driving. If not, you’re going to pay a hefty price.

Machines are also rented like printing machines. I know of one who rents a 4-color Heidelberg…because they can’t afford to buy one yet. I’ve also seen computers for rent, as in, they provide you with, say, 10 units, for your internet shop. As an investor, you need not shell out that much money right away. You can then start your business and earn with what little you have.

Another kind of item that should be out for rent is books. I love books but when I go to the bookstore I just end up skimming through because I can’t afford them. I have friends who are parents complaining about the cost of books of their children in college. If there were textbook rental shops available, education will be more reachable.

Even if you can afford buying brand new, consider renting if you’re not using it as often as every day. In case of textbooks, you’ll use them just for the semester and toss them away so renting is better. You’re not only doing yourself a favor. You’re helping certain people retain their jobs and you’re being friendly to the environment, maximizing the use of a certain item before it’s thrown away or just taking up space in some corner of your house.

Job

2010-09-08T03:08:07Z

by Cecile Cinco

Everyone is looking for a job. I suddenly recalled a joke:

Employer to employee: “You asked for a job, I gave you one. Now you’re looking for pay?”

Now, with that kind of mentality, you want to make sure, look for a job with pay!

Those without paying jobs are looking for one and those who hire try to lower the pay, as much as possible. Even with the labor law, many still manage to escape! Since the small guy is looking for money, he just accepts what is set before him. How pitiable!

At the time that nurses were the most needed jobs in America, many doctors in the Philippines took up nursing! Up until now, we have a lot of nursing students so they can land on a healthcare job…ultimately in America.

It’s sad they have to leave to make a living elsewhere when their skill is needed here more. What can we do? Unless the government does something with the salaries of people who are needed to stay, like doctors, nurses, teachers, police….the people who take care of the nation…they’ll always look for a greener pasture and go for it when opportunity arises.

Lift Yourself Up With Ease

2010-09-03T04:52:23Z

by Cecile Cinco

As we age, our bodies deteriorate, especially if we have been lax when we were much younger to be strong and agile. At 43, I’m not yet considered old to feel those back pains, knee joints hurting when walking up the ladder, and my finger joints hurting even when I don’t crack them!

I’ve been sportive when I was younger. Cycling, swimming, volleyball, hiking, bowling! And yet, here I am with all these aching joints! It is difficult in the morning when I get up because my lower back hurts!

If at my age this is how my body feels, how much more those older??? If I remain to be exerciseless now, what will I be in the years to come? How can I lift myself up with ease?

Good thing technology is listening, with a power lift chair that is available! Hopefully, everyone can get hold of it, even myself. If I can’t be strong as Wonder Woman, I want one! Anyone buying me one?

Making Your Perfect Bed

2010-09-02T08:34:21Z

by Cecile Cinco

In the Philippines, we have a saying, “Kung maiksi ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot.” Translation: “If the blanket is short, learn to bend.”

As human beings, with human nature, it is but natural to be dissatisfied, discontent, and wanting. Being in those common attitudes easily get us down, adding stress and wrinkles as we age, faster than those who have contentment in life and adaptable spirit in going about the daily grind.

So what if you lost your bed? The floor is big enough where your bed used to stand! The bums on the streets find the roads as everlasting beds!

In this degrading times, it is not unusual that our standard of living will drop down. Going down means you’ve had your opportunity to be up! And when you’re down, there’s nowhere to go but up!

It’s nice to be resourceful but it’s nicer to be happy with what you were able to have and not grudge on what you don’t have. Sure it’s nice to have a mattress, but if you don’t have it or have lost it, be content and adapt to what is available at the moment. That’s your perfect bed of the moment. With a smile on your face, life is easier to live.

Listening To Live Classical Guitar

2010-08-31T13:32:11Z

by Cecile Cinco

Behind me, classical guitar music is playing. It’s that time of the year when hubby has to practice for several Special Music for Church performance.

He used to play rock. Any song from the 60s up to 90s, he can play just by listening. When he accompanies someone, he can do so even without knowing the song, better, though, if he at least hears it once.

When he came into the Church, he shifted to classical, which he now uses as offering to God.

I have a favorite piece of classical guitar music. It’s Cavatina played by John Williams, from the movie, The Deer Hunter. I had a cassette tape recording of it, including all sorts of other pieces. A week later I was amazed that he could play it! It became our “theme song” though it’s without lyrics. Theme music, rather. I love instrumentals, especially from classical guitar and piano.

With him playing, I wish I have one of those outdoor chaise lounges which I can relax on while looking at the stars. It’s very relaxing.

Jewelry Crafting

2010-08-27T07:26:40Z

by Cecile Cinco

Two months ago, during the UCG-Manila Women’s Club, we were introduced to jewelry crafting. Our mentor, Nida Panlaqui (suddenly I forgot her married name! Panlaqui is how I’ve known her since about 3 decades ago!) was our resource person. Her mother is a member of our club. Kids of members were also invited so 2 of my girls were there too.

Nida (in blue) introced jewelry crafting.

Adults and children alike picking their "jewels" to craft.

Everyone was silently busy. I was taking the pictures.

Lunch.

Continuation.

Ria made all these!

I made a pair of earrings. I wanted something different, I made it look like tiny people. I've made more of them later, better and improved.

I turned my "little person" into a zip holder.

It was such a success because after the Show & Tell portion of the club, which usually lasts 45 minutes, that time it continued until the club ended (it started at around 10am and ended around 4pm), while still doing other stuff.

Later for the following weeks, I’ve gone to jewelry craft shops to buy my stones and pins and several pliers. My 3 girls got busy and creative. We were able to sell some just at our door to people walking by. Some were sold during the Church’s recently concluded rummage sale.

I hope to sell them online too once I get a good camera. My phone cam’s not good anymore. I need something that good for real like a digital camera but that costs too much way beyond my budget!

Also, I hope I can do jewelry-making with loose diamonds too! That would be awesome!

My Birthday Wishes

2010-08-18T07:02:09Z

by Cecile Cinco

I normally forget my birthday. Unless someone else will greet me, I won’t remember, 99% of the time. I don’t blame my husband for not remembering either. He’s just like me. So, if you’re someone close to my heart and I forgot to greet you, don’t take it personally since I forget my own birthday… how much more others’?

Anyway, for some reason I still cannot put a finger on, I did remember it this time. It’s tomorrow, the 19th. Suddenly I began to think…what do I like tomorrow should I be blessed to live that day?

Money is always a scarcity. If someone hands me some out of the blue, thanks a lot! If not, life still goes on. That’s not one of my wishes, though, it will be accepted with gratefulness.

My wishes (in no particular order):

1. I’d like to be flooded with paid online opportunities (paid work) starting tomorrow until I die. (That will solve the money scarcity.)

2. I’d like to be able to connect with my blogging friends and read all their blogs and be able to comment.

3. I’d like to be able to treat my family to a good movie this month. They’ve never seen a movie theater!

4. I’d like to receive flowers from the mail! Something that will last long under humid climate. These guys in San Fran can do them but who’s going to pay?

5. I’d like to be able to buy at least 500g of yogurt every day! I like it plain and creamy.

Getting Love From BloggerLuv!

2010-08-16T17:19:34Z

by Cecile Cinco

More than a month ago, I joined BloggerLuv because I found out it has Facestream. BloggerLuv is one out of ten in the list that I joined that I go back to every so often. No longer because of Facestream (which has some problems at the moment) but because of the people. People are supportive of each other. The site owner, John, encourages bloggers to post their links as the site is dofollow.

I can say that it has come 2nd to my Facebook and even comes first even before I blog. I haven’t fully seen the whole site yet. There are lots I’d like to read. There are tons of things to learn from fellow bloggers. The community is alive and friendly.

I’m glad to be part of BloggerLuv! Hopefully, I can also be a source of learning as they are to me.

Join BloggerLuv and feel the difference!

Guest Posting: Barbie Games Educational Benefits

2010-08-12T22:25:36Z

Parents are sometimes hesistant to allow and let their children play online. It was given that playing online games can be addictive and sometimes, can disrupt or distract kids attention into their studies. But, parents should know that there are different online games that can be played, and some of it are educational and safe for kids as well.

One example of those educational online games is the Barbie games. Playing Barbie games do have educational benefits aside from being fun and entertaining game. Online Barbie games allow children to dress a Barbie doll who starts out with no clothes and no hair. Children or the players will have to choose the perfect clothes and hairstyle for Barbie. By doing this, the players are using their creative mind or imagination to come up with an ideal fashionable dress or get up for Barbie.

Their creative and artistic side are being enhanced. The more they play Barbie dress up games, the more they will improve their creative side as well. Mixing and matching dress, colors, accessories and jewelries can kick start that creative side of kids.

Some Barbie games includes Barbie house and cars as well. So aside dressing Barbie up, players also will have their chance to design their very own Barbie house and car that suits best with her character. You can drive around in a Barbie Jeep or make her relax the most of the day at the comfort of her own home. Playing Barbie games online can help kids become computer-proficient as well. The actions required in this game includes mouse movement and keyboard controls as well. Mostly drag, drop and click will be performed.

To summarize it all, Barbie games is one of those many games that can be fun but educational as well. Let your kids play this kind of game.

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Guest Posting by Ron Leyba