Woman On A JouRney

On Barcode Scanners

2010-02-10T03:17:00.003-05:00

Barcodes are those parallel lines and numbers we see printed at the back of items sold in stores. These numbers and lines, when read, gives information about a product, like its price and description.

These barcodes are read by the use of a barcode scanner. There are different kinds of barcode scanners. The cheapest is the contact wand and the most expensive is the laser scanner. Last night, I downloaded a scanner from my android phone. The feature enables me to compare prices of items and to see which ones are cheaper. The wonders of technology.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Anyone?

2010-02-09T06:27:00.006-05:00

Florida produces about 75% of the oranges in the U.S. and 40% of the world's orange juice supply. It is the second largest producer of oranges in the world after Brazil.

If you hold a Florida orange in one hand, and a non-Florida orange in the other, the Florida orange feels heavier. They have thin rinds, and as a result of Florida sunshine and rainfall, they are juicier on the inside compared to non-Florida oranges.

When you travel towards north of the state, you will see plenty of orange groves. In fact, on my first visit to my cousins in Polk County for the Christmas holidays, I had my regular fill of fresh orange juice from the oranges we picked from their backyard.

Two weeks ago, I stayed with them again over the weekend and when I went home, I brought with me two bagsful of oranges my cousin Ralson collected from their backyard.

Almost everyday, we drink freshly squeezed orange juice at home.

Here are some of the reasons why you should include real fresh orange juice into your diet:

1. One glass of fresh orange juice will ensure that you get your recommended daily dose of Vit. C

2. Fresh orange juice contains flavonoids which can help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.

3. Freshly squeezed orange is high in antioxidants and dietary fiber, thiamine and folates.

4. Studies conducted have proven that fresh orange juice can protect one against cancer and heart disease as well as boost our immune system responses.

5. Drinking orange juice can reduce the damaging effects that free radicals have on the cells in our bodies.

6. The different flavonoids and phytonutrients in fresh orange juice can protect our bodies against a number of degenerative diseases.

Job-Hunting

2010-02-08T10:47:00.002-05:00

This term, I only enrolled in two subjects (Criminal Litigation and Real Estate Law) because I have decided to look for a job. I got my driver's license on January 5 and I am still acclimating myself to driving around Florida so that my job prospects are limited within the areas near Coconut Creek where I live. I have sent out resumes to a couple of parelegal job openings advertised online and I also joined job websites. I have received a couple of responses but the jobs are either in law firms located in Ft. Lauderdale which is quite a distance from where I am, or jobs which are not in the paralegal field. I really hope I am able to land a job soon. I try to be patient because I believe God has something good planned for me. I just have to trust in Him.

Weekend at Avon Park

2010-02-07T18:43:00.020-05:00

I spent the Christmas holidays with my cousins at Avon Park in Central Florida. They live right across the Avon Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church at West Avon Boulevard. A few meters away from their house is Walker Memorial Academy, an Adventist school. There are a lot of Filipino Adventists who live at Avon Park. Most of them work at the nearby Florida Hospital, an Adventist-run hospital. Avon Park reminds me of Taculing, in Bacolod City which is a little Adventist "community".

Last weekend, I visited my cousins again. I always look forward being with them. The parents and sister of my cousin's wife, who also live in their neighborhood, are so warm and kind and they treat me as part of the family.

Sabbath with my cousins

an SDA-run hospital

While on visit with my cousins, we attended the church's Asian-American gathering. At the socials, it was fun meeting with friends who used to live at Taculing, back in the Philippines.

Proudly Filipino

Games for the young and old

Asian-American SDAs socializing

Negrense SDAs meeting at Avon Park

Watching a video on missionary work in the Philippines

Fil-Am kids

with the Minister's wife

The Filipino bayanihan spirit is alive.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,

It's because we're a family and these are so near;

When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,

And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

-Family of God

Shopping Wisely

2010-02-06T10:42:00.006-05:00

Shopping is fun. I can spend hours browsing around a store looking for stuff to buy. When I want to purchase a particular item, the first thing I do is to see what is on sale. If I am patient or lucky enough, I am able to find a really good deal. What I usually do is look around in two or three different stores, compare the items and the prices, before deciding which to buy.

I also try to avoid impulse buying. Oftentimes, items bought on a whim end up lying around the house or kept inside the closet after just one use. Sometimes, they even end up not being used at all.

Before buying an item, it is also wise to look around for a store which offers a daily deal. Imagine the savings you get when you buy an item which is sold at a bargain price. Money is tight these days so one must shop wisely.

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-02-05T16:28:00.006-05:00

1970

That's me at 5 years old dancing the hula at a program at the public plaza of Talaban to celebrate their town fiesta.

Talaban is a barangay of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, my mother's hometown. My late grandfather was Himamaylan's vice-mayor for many years until his death in 1974.

Friday Quotes 22

2010-02-05T08:28:00.003-05:00

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,

but their echoes are truly endless."

-Mother Teresa

College Life

2010-02-04T08:43:00.013-05:00

College education in the U.S. is expensive. I go to a government-run college but as an out-of-state student, I have to pay higher tuition, which is more than twice as much as that paid by a Florida resident. I also have to buy textbooks which costs a lot. Even the second-hand books do not come cheap. My friends in school usually buy their textbooks online and I have done the same a couple of times, too. The books are sometimes cheaper compared to those sold in the college bookstore.

I love going to school. In fact, most of my happy moments here in the U.S. are spent in school. I get to learn new things and at the same time, I am having fun.

The difference between school and life?

In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test.

In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

- Tom Bodett

What's in your Toolbox?

2010-02-04T07:38:00.003-05:00

Back in the Philippines, it is easy to find a neighborhood handyman whenever there is an emergency electrical job that needs to be done in the house. The handyman is always available to make "house calls" when needed. You do not have to set an appointment or wait for his next available schedule to have an electrical outlet fixed or light installed. Such is not always the case here in the U.S. It is, therefore, a must for every household to have a toolbox handy for emergency purposes.

Aside from pliers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools, it is wise to keep power adaptors, extension cords, wire cutters, electrical tapes, circuit tester, fuse kits, extra light bulbs and other important electrical supplies handy at home. You will never know when you will need them.

Jesus Loves Me

2010-01-30T21:31:00.004-05:00

Here's an oldie but goodie. Do you remember singing this is in Sabbath/Sunday school?

Friday Quotes 21

2010-01-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

Almost every sinful action ever committed

can be traced back to a selfish motive.

It is a trait we hate in other people

but justify in ourselves.

-The Love Dare

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-01-29T07:29:00.005-05:00

LCC High school 1977

(Seated from Left: Luisa, Mariza, MsRay)

(Standing from Left: Victoria, Arlene, Carolyn)

Picture taken at the roof deck of La Consolacion College, Bacolod City with my friends. We were in first year high school.

Magic Island

2010-01-27T10:07:00.003-05:00

Activities on a typical afternoon at Magic Island, Honolulu, Hawaii.

The "Dancing Inmates" Do It Again

2010-01-25T21:16:00.009-05:00

The dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security jail in Cebu, Philippines became popular worldwide when a YouTube video of them dancing to Micheal Jackson's Thriller hit the internet in 2007. Time Magazine's December 19, 2007 issue ranked the inmates' Thriller video as 5th in its Top 10 List of Most Popular Viral Videos.

Several of their dance performances can now be seen on YouTube, the recent of which is their version of "The Drill" (from This Is It) with Micheal Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid.

Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle

2010-01-25T09:29:00.008-05:00

Dr. Gary E. Fraser, researcher of the Adventist Health Studies, said that a healthy lifestyle can add up to 10 years to a person's life. When one chooses to be a 1.) vegetarian, 2.) maintain a medium body mass index, 3.) eat nuts with some regularity, 4.) do not smoke, and 5.) get regular exercise, he adds a total of 10 years to his life. Each of these five healthy practices represents about 2 extra years.

Today, where heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity are a growing problem, people need to re-examine their lifestyle.

Remember the saying, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are" ? A trim physique is one manifestation that a person has a healthy lifestyle and vice-versa. Being fit does not only make one live longer because he is physically healthy, but also because it increases one's self-esteem and thus, makes a person happier. This is one of the reasons why weight loss products are in demand in the market.

Starting today, let us choose to lead a healthier and cleaner life starting with the food that we eat.

Fiery Skies

2010-01-23T17:37:00.003-05:00

Sundown at Coconut Creek

January 1, 2010

(photo taken in our backyard)

Those Mighty Muscles

2010-01-23T10:00:00.005-05:00

What do Madonna, Dara Torres and Michelle Obama have in common? Aside from being achievers in their respective field, they are physically fit as can be seen from their beautiful well-toned bodies and muscular arms. Dara and Michelle O are both in their 40's while Madge is turning 52. Yet, look at these hot mommas. They can put some younger women to shame with their well-defined muscles in those toned and lean bodies. I wonder what their secret muscle builder is.

Blue Horizons

2010-01-23T07:59:00.016-05:00

When my cousin brought me to SeaWorld Orlando, one of the shows we enjoyed watching was Blue Horizons, a spectacular theatrical presentation of divers and aerialists, acrobatic dolphins, colorful exotic birds - blue and gold macaws, sun conures and an Andean condor.

Good News

2010-01-22T23:18:00.005-05:00

Listen to the King's Heralds as they sing to us the good news of the soon coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

May you have a blessed Sabbath!

If you are right with God today,

you are ready if Christ should come today.

- Ellen G. White

Nobby's Piles

2010-01-22T22:02:00.005-05:00

Nobby is a middle-aged cartoon character in the British comic, Viz, who suffers from hemorrhoids. In each episode of the comic strip, Nobby faced a series of accidents which caused pains to his hemorrhoid-afflicted butt.

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called "piles" is characterized by inflamed veins in the person's lower rectum and anus. Some of the causes include straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods on the toilet, chronic diarrhea or constipation, pregnancy.

There are hemorrhoid treatments available to treat those who suffer from hemorrhoids. These may range from creams, suppositories, ointments to injections and surgical procedures.

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-01-22T20:11:00.011-05:00

Back in the Philippines where I am a member of the Bar, I was active in activities of our local IBP Chapter and of the Judiciary.

This photo was taken in 1998 during the 22nd charter anniversary and induction party of the Federacion Internacional de Abogadas. The affair had a Filipiniana theme and the IBP dancers, of which I was a member, danced the La Jota Mocadena.

That's me in a traditional Maria Clara outfit. My partner, then RTC Judge Ed delos Santos, is now an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.

Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

2010-01-22T10:40:00.003-05:00

With so many food loaded with carbohydrates and bad fats , ready-to-cook meals, processed snack food and sugary goodies available in every corner, no wonder you can see a lot of obese people in the U.S. I am getting there. In my almost three years here, my healthy appetite for unhealthy food has made me overweight by 30 pounds.

Being overweight makes one at a higher risk for developing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other more serious diseases. According to a research published at Vibrant Health, about two-thirds of Americans are overweight by BMI measurements (body mass index).

To have a healthier body, we need to have a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains and fruits, exercise, enough sleep, and a clean lifestyle (no to booze and smoking). For those with weight problems, a weight loss dietary supplement may be of help, too.

A Gift for a Chocoholic

2010-01-22T02:43:00.005-05:00

This yummilicious Chocolate Lover's Cake is part of Omaha Steak's Fantastic Family Feast, a Christmas gift from friends, Caroline and Doug. This 6-inch rich and moist chocolate cake has chocolate shavings on the side.

Caroline and Doug always give the BEST gift---ever! Thank you, guys!

I miss your Roy's gift card but this mouth-watering chocolate cake is a good substitute :P

Magustuhan o Maibigan

2010-01-21T00:03:00.006-05:00

Filipino: Magustuhan o Maibigan

English: To like

Emma's Poke

Haleiwa Joe's, North Shore, Hawaii

Noong nakatira pa ako sa Hawaii, ang paborito kong pagkaing katutubong Hawaiian ay ang poke.

Ang poke ay hilaw na isda na ginawang ensalada. Ang kadalasang sangkap ay Ahi (yellow fin tuna) sashimi na binabad sa asin, shoyu (toyo), sesame oil, labuyo, lunga at gulaman (limukohu). Minsan, nilalagyan rin eto ng sibuyas at bawang.

Noong nagtanghalian ako sa Haleiwa Joe's sa North Shore, ang pulutan ko ay ang Emma's Poke na gawa sa hilaw na Ahi na binabad sa soy-sesame marinade.

Kung mahilig kayong kumain ng sashimi o hilaw na isda, tikman ninyo ang poke at magustuhan rin ninyo eto.

When I was living in Hawaii, my favorite authentic Hawaiian food is poke.

Poke is a raw fish salad. The usual ingredients are Ahi (yellow fin tuna) sashimi marinated in salt, shoyu (soy sauce), sesame oil, Hawaiian chili pepper, sesame and limukohu seaweed. Sometimes, they also add onions and garlic.

When I had lunch at Haleiwa Joe's at North Shore, I had for appetizer Emma's Poke made of raw Ahi in soy-sesame marinade.

If you like eating sashimi or raw fish, try poke and you will like it, too.

Colon Health

2010-01-20T10:10:00.006-05:00

According to statistics published by the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S. Last year, it was the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. In the Philippines, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths.

Our dietary practices affects our digestive system. A diet high in fats predisposes one to colon cancer. It is, therefore, advisable that we eat more of vegetables and high-fiber food like grains and cereal. Healthy habits like eating healthy meals, exercise, no smoking are some of the ways to keep our digestive system healthy and prevent the onset of colon cancer. For those of us whose diet consist of too much high fat, red meat but less fiber, we need to make sure that we flush out the harmful toxins that we have been accumulating in our bodies as these can cause cancerous growth. Some medical practitioners suggest colon cleansing. To learn more about it, try digest-it review and see if it's for you. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.