Portraits Of Life

Aging Gracefully

2012-05-22T02:33:00.000-04:00

Time passes by so fast. I can't believe I'm turning another year older in a few days. I'm taking a couple days off from work and hopefully I can celebrate my 49th birthday as I planned to.

For most of my adult life, my feeling about celebrating my birthday has always been a matter of just adding numbers to my age. My self image has always been of the young, fresh out of college me. Smarty pants, ambitious, and out to prove something to the world.

That's all started to change in the past five years or so. My eldest daughter is now pursuing her Masters in Business Administration and my youngest is working in the same company I am working for. I'm starting to be conscious of gray hairs when I look at myself in the mirror. I see a different person in the pictures others take of me. I see the wrinkles and other signs of natural aging. I'm in a stage where I am planning my retirement years.

Physically I'm changing and I am gracefully accepting it. I'm getting older but happier, internally stronger but also a tad bit slower. As a single parent to my two daughters since they were eight and ten years old, my world revolve around them and baby Arielle. They are my inspirations and the reasons why I am where I am today. Lately, events and circumstances struck me and made me face the truth that they are on their way to being completely on their own. Sometimes it makes me sad to realize that my two kids are all grown ups now and have fully embraced the American way of valuing independence. From where we came from, our children especially women usually stay with parents (regardless of age) until they get married. I have to learn to accept the fact that they don't need me as much anymore, that they want to make their own choices. And I have to let them do that. Parenting is one of the hardest things to learn but teaches us the most.

Anyway, I am pretty well adapting to the many changes that are taking place in my life and the aging process. I am grateful for who I have become. Life has not been perfect, but in the scope of things, it has been so good. I can't thank God enough for everything. I'm happy with my life now and I'm looking forward to what the future will bring. It's a blessing to have what I have and just this thought is enough to make my birthday truly worth celebrating.

Having This House

2012-03-31T20:23:00.000-04:00

Contribution by Kennith Griffin

Having Hughes Internet has been such a blessing out here. I wouldn’t have really thought about how hard it would be to not have internet at home but these last few months without it has been really tough for me. I love that there are so few choices out here because it made my decision really easy! I have had to get online a lot to try and buy stuff for the renovation – stuff like period doorknobs and custom made stained glass windows and whatnot. You know you’re really into renovations when you’re buying custom made stain glass windows! Anyway, I’ve been having a lot of fun learning how to redo all these things in the house and I feel much better equipped to do something handy than I ever have which is fun. I love being a homeowner and I love specifically owning THIS home so I can’t wait to see where the next few years take us. Hopefully I can add some value to this place once and for all!

Beating Bad Cholesterol

2012-03-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

About three years ago, my lab test showed that my LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol has gone up. My blood pressure was also 125/90. My doctor told me that the figures were just a little above normal and I didn't have to take medication yet but I needed to watch my diet if I wanted it back to normal and stay healthy. As for me, it is either normal or bad. That knowledge opened my eyes to my consciousness as far as my health is concerned so I made a commitment to be really serious about my food choices and made it my challenge on a day to day basis. I have always thought that I was fit and healthy because I never gain too much weight even after giving birth to two daughters. I would gain five to ten pounds but I never had a problem getting rid of those extra pounds few months after giving birth. But my maternal side of my family have history of high blood pressure; my mother has been on her high blood pressure medication for two decades now, she had a mild stroke once. Adding to that is the fact that most of the foods I used to love are high in sodium and cholesterol, crispy litson (roast pig) skin for me is to die for, so I knew that if I don't change my diet, the figures would go up and then I would have to go on medication for the rest of my life.

Knowing that I was at risk of stroke and heart attack really made me take my diet seriously. I've realized that because I have always been skinny didn't mean I have been healthy. My physician told me to avoid red meat and foods that are very high in saturated fats, sodium and cholesterol like fried chicken, litson, french fries, meat burgers, cheese, pasta with white sauce, eggs, whole dairy milk, processed meat like ham, bacon, sausage and hotdogs. I went on a serious diet overhaul, just eating nuts, whole grains, fresh vegetables (salads) and fruits and almost zero meat, just grilled fish, roasted chicken breast and organic protein supplements for my protein. My doctor told me to come back for a follow up after 3 months to see my progress. And then every six months thereafter.

For the first time I was worried about my health. It made me reflect on how many of my friends and acquaintances passed away because of stroke and heart attack. In fact one of my closest friends and high school batch mate Jimmy died of stroke at the age of 42. Still young and at the prime of his life, none of us his friends thought he would die so soon as he did. And these thoughts have motivated me to stay committed to my diet regimen. So when I came back to my doctor after three months, my blood test result showed my LDL cholesterol went down and my blood pressure was 118/70. After six months, my blood test results showed my cholesterol level was normal and my blood pressure stayed normal too. It's been three years now and every six months I still have my routine blood test and check up. I have been on the right track. I stayed on my healthy diet and made it a habit to read labels on the food products I buy. I would never buy anything that is high in saturated fat, sodium, calories. Once in a while, I still have my litson and my favorite cheese and pasta. But what changed is the fact that I take everything in moderation.

I am committed to staying healthy and fit. It is such a challenge especially when you are surrounded by places where foods we love that are bad for our health are accessible or easily available to us. But I took it one day at a time. Now it is my way of life. It takes a lot of commitment and staying in focus. I love my life and I want to enjoy it longer. I still have a lot to look forward in the future. It is not only my responsibility to take care of myself for me and for people I deeply care about. It is also what God wants me to do with this precious life that He has given me. My take on this is, if I don't take care of my health, then who else will????

Breathing Therapy 101

2012-02-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

I've read this very simple tips you can try whenever you are tired or have headache. It is the use of our breathing. Our nose has a left and right side and we use both to inhale and exhale (as if you don't know that, right?). But they are different. You would be able to feel the difference. The right side represents the sun. Left side represents the moon. During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe. In about five minutes your headache will go. If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose. After a while, you'll feel that your mind is refreshed.

Right belongs to hot, so it gets heated up easily. Left belongs to cold. Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get cooled off faster. Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up.

When you wake up in the morning, notice which side breathe faster. If left is faster, you will feel tired. Close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing. You'll feel refreshed quickly.

I have tried this simple therapy myself and really worked for me. In fact I have been doing this for a while especially after a long day at work. Also in the morning after I stayed up late the previous night. It maybe psychological to me but what matters is that it always make me feel better.

Something worth trying don't you think?

Moving On

2012-02-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

This letter broke my heart today:

I vividly remember the first time I fell in love with him. It started from that very strong mutual attraction. Then I discover myself thinking about him and wanting to be with him all the time. I thought I had given up love and have thought that it was not for me. I didn't want to fall in love, afraid to be hurt again. But when I met him that one afternoon, everything changed about my feelings and skepticism. I started dreaming again. Everything around me became beautiful. Whenever I thought of him, my heart beats faster. I realized I was falling deeply in love. I found a new meaning of love. I have a man who loves me more than I have ever been loved. So I thought...Now I am here all alone, asking myself where I went wrong. I don't understand how easy for him to just walk away...Where did I go wrong?

I felt the pain that she's going through. When we're in love with a person, we take them seriously. But later on in the relationship when we start seeing the other side of the person, the one that we don't like, then we start to have issues. The reality of loving is, the one who gives us so much happiness is also the one who will break our heart. We become vulnerable to that person.

If you think loving is all bed of roses, think again. The the truth is, it takes a lot of hard work and equal responsibility from both couple. We invest not just time and money but most of all, our most precious and guarded emotion. It can either bring out the best in us or it can shatter our world. For some who are not strong enough, will resort to drugs, alcohol or other kinds of addiction just to forget their pain for a while. I know quite a few people whose lives turned upside down and broken into pieces when their relationship didn't work. I don't really blame them, nothing is as devastating as knowing that our beloved has hurt or betrayed us.

There are no guarantees in love and there are no established rules on how to keep it safe from pain and heartbreak. It is because every person is different. Each one comes from a background different from the other. There will always be struggles and challenges to overcome if we want to have a a strong and lasting relationship. I find it hard to believe when I hear stories of couples parting ways after decades of being together. Experience thought me that people change. And sometimes part of that change is the way they feel towards us. Sad as it is, but that is a reality we need to be prepared for.

The lesson I learned from my past is to take one day at a time. We should cherish each moment that we are together for we don't know what the future holds. We may not be with that person tomorrow. Show more understanding instead of focusing on the flaws and weaknesses. Give more and expect less. Always remember what made you fall in love with that person in the first place. I may sound like a naive, "martyr", or even crazy, hopeless romantic, heart over head woman in love. But I would like to think that if I have given all the love I have, done my part to keep the relationship and still it didn't work, maybe it was not meant to be in the first place. At least I know I've done my best. I will be grateful that I have loved and I was loved. I will have memories to cherish for the rest of my life. Life is too short to spend it being sad and miserable. I am responsible for my happiness and no one could make me feel better but myself.

Life is good, so I should live it to the fullest. Time is precious to be wasted feeling sorry for events in our lives that we do not have control with. The sun is even glorious at sunset. Just keep moving. As the lines of Desiderata goes: And whatever your labor and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its shams, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful!

Strive to be happy....

COSTA RICA

2012-01-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the post from Barney Cosby

I was watching the "Today Show" this morning on direct.tv. Sometimes they have a travel expert from either "Budget Travel" or "Travel and Leisure". They had some great suggestions about some up and coming places to visit. They highlighted the Costa Rica. I have been once, but only to the gulf. They showed some really great places to visit. Particularly, the coffee region of Costa Rica. t looks like it is beautiful and lush. There are lots of outdoor things to do like hiking and zip lining. There are some really great places to eat and it is also well known as a culinary region. Also travel to Costa Rica is relatively in expensive and a pretty short trip. Delta takes direct flights from Atlanta to San Jose. They are only a short four hour flight. From San Jose, you can be anywhere in the country with about a three hour drive. There are beautiful beaches on both the Pacific and the Gulf. There are lush jungles and also great animal watching. Last time we were there we saw twenty macaws!

Protecting The Future

2011-12-28T20:17:00.001-05:00

A few months ago I wrote about building credit. I talked about how important it is here in the US to have a credit history in buying big items or applying for a job. Well it's been an exciting and fulfilling experience for me. It used to be a challenge for me because when I first got here in the US I didn't have any credit history. I had to start from the bottom. Sometimes it would hurt my ego. Other times it would make me feel embarrassed. People would stare at me when I instantly pay $1,000 or $500 worth of purchase which I could have paid $30.00 a month for a year or two with a very minimal or zero interest if I get it on credit. I felt like they were thinking I was some kind of illegal alien.

All these are in the past now. After few years of properly managing my credit, I am starting to reap my rewards now. I can get the latest model of sony TV that I've been wanting to put in my living room, or new set of bedroom furnitures through financing payable in one year with zero interest. It doesn't get better than this. On the other side, it can be frustrating sometimes to be inundated with offers from banks, credit companies who kept sending application forms allowing me to get credit in 30 seconds. There was one bank that sent me a pre-approved credit line of $2,000 and all I needed to do was call them and confirmed that I got the card. I ignored that offer but after a month they sent me an account statement billing me $150 for membership fee. Still I ignored that letter because I never used the card. The next month, guess what? They again sent me a bill for $150 plus interest for not paying it the previous month. I was so agitated so I called that bank and told them I was not interested in their offer and they should stop from sending me that bill because I never use their card.

I am trying to point that I don't take up on every offer. I only use my credit line when it truly benefits me. And I am constantly aware and continually monitoring my credit score. I do this through credit bureaus that provide credit report. The US government requires these credit bureaus to provide us a free credit report every year. I take advantage of this and I get my free credit score from them to see my progress.

I know that the way I manage my finances have a big impact on my life. I believe that it is also very important that I know how to keep my credit in good shape. Monitoring it regularly is one way of tracking my progress. Having a good record will make my life easier. They help me get better deals and better loan rates as long as I can show a history of responsible credit. This I believe is my way of protecting my future.

Christmas In My Heart

2011-12-18T23:09:00.007-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner again. During this time being away from most of my love ones could be a lonely time. Christmas has always been a very special celebration for our family. We always looked forward to this season with so much anticipation because this is the time of the year when our big family really enjoys spending time together and exchanging presents. The highlight of the celebration would start from all of us going to Mass on Christmas Eve and the good times would continue until Christmas morning. After the celebration, we'd all be sleepy, tired and exhausted but happy. As for me and my daughter Rhea, we could only wish we were coming home this Christmas. This is one of those times when we feel really homesick and wanted to be with family.

Having said that, doesn’t mean that I won’t be enjoying the holidays. To me Christmas is special in so many ways. I live in the suburb of Washington DC Northern Virginia. At this time of the year everywhere I go, I hear Christmas songs. At night when I'm home I really enjoy watching Holiday movies on Hallmark channel. Everything just feels so cozy. Every year since I got here I am looking forward to this once a year change in the landscape right where I live. As you drive down the streets of our neighborhood after dark, you are constantly entertained by the panoramic vista of decorated homes all sparkling with myriads of colored lights with thousand tiny bulbs. Some houses have Christmas lights on their trees and shrubs or along the eves of their houses. A few of them have lighted figures of Santa, reindeer, snowmen or other Christmas characters on their front lawns. To me the most spectacular view and the best part is when the ground is covered with a blanket of pure white snow. The surrounding becomes a fantastic wonderland of lights and colors. It is an awesome view to behold. I will always love spending Christmas in the US this way.

Even though I won't be celebrating this Christmas with my family, I will celebrate it with them in spirit. After all the real essence of this season is what's inside our Heart and what it means to us. And to me the message of this holiday is happiness and the joy of giving and not just receiving. Most of all, being grateful for all that we have. Sometimes because of the things that happened to us we tend to focus on the negative part of life. All we need is step forward a little bit far from our door steps so we could see how bad the sufferings of others are compared to ours. Then we will realized how blessed we are in so many ways. I have always feel so blessed in my life. I have the love of my family, I have real friendships that span half of my life; aside from occasional common colds, and muscle/back pains that comes with age, my health has always been in good shape, I have a stable job that gives me the feeling of accomplishment every day. In the world’s perspective of wealth, I may not be rich in material things but I have everything I ever need. What more can I ask for?

May the spirit of Christmas which is peace, joy and love be felt by each and every one of us no matter where we are in this world. May we always find reasons to be happy and enjoy the birthday of our Lord. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best to come in 2012!

Hello Winter!

2011-12-10T00:14:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by buddy Orville Lynn

When I was relocated to Boston in the spring, I welcomed the change with open arms. I was not looking forward to another hot and dry Texas summer. I had heard that Boston summers are awesome! Boy oh boy are they ever! I was so pleased with the temperatures and regular rain showers, I couldn’t remember ever spending so much time outside during August. The move to the north had certainly been good for my soul and I was thrilled to know I was going to call Boston home for quite some time. I had spent the whole season reading and enjoying the outdoors when old man winter showed up unannounced and ready to take over. A cold snapped arrived early and the only place I was comfortable was in my home with the heat on high. That’s when I decided to contact Boston direct tv and get my satellite TV. I had forgotten how much I loved classic movies and great documentaries since it had been so long since I had even turned on a television. Come on winter, I ‘m ready for you with remote in hand.

Lonesome

2011-12-04T23:44:00.000-05:00

When was the last time you're lonely? What triggered you to feel that way?

I asked that question because someone told me today that she was lonely and feel bad about it. I didn't know what to tell her. I just want her to feel better. I assured her that she will be fine.

I had known loneliness as a negative feeling that creates a cavity of separation that most of us unknowingly step around. But I think that it is good to be lonely sometimes. From the depth of solitude which is certainly an aspect of loneliness, so many thoughts finally have a chance to bubble up. Thoughts that are not able to come to fruition amidst the clatter of conversation. The world that we have now is always warring and contentious and competitive and grasping and materialistic that sometimes we miss the chance to experience the nuances of our human existence. Sometimes my most profound ideas can rise out of silence and solitude. When I am lonely, I have the opportunity to have a thought that isn’t just in reaction to what I saw or someone else said or did. It stirs my creativity and innovations.

Still there are moments when I don’t recognize that alone, lonely, scared, bored or frustrated are not the same thing. It is disconcerting to have that realization.Truly, I need to be introspective, at least to be just myself and to feel the ebb and the flow of life.

Loneliness is not a bad thing at all. And as long as I recognize that it is good to feel like that once in a while, as long as I can look at it as an opportunity to look deep inside myself and feel my emotions; then I can truly say that it is okay to be lonely.

Colonial Williamsburg

2011-11-20T19:35:00.002-05:00

Because of very busy schedule I wasn't able to travel much this year. But I didn't take that as an excuse for me to not explore the many interesting, mostly historical places just right around my home state of Virginia. Just recently, my daughter and I went to Colonial Williamsburg and spent two days just experiencing 18th century American way of Life.

Colonial Williamsburg (CW) is a collection of approximately 40 original, restored and/or reconstructed buildings located in Williamsburg, Virginia. The 300+ acre area has been beautifully restored to allow visitors to experience what life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries. The streets are devoid of cars and the way the staffs dress, the way businesses/trades are done and even the way they talk bring you back to those times. Many famous Americans graced the streets and taverns of the city, including George Washington, Patrick Henry, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Virginia was the largest British colony from 1699 until 1780 and Williamsburg was then its political and social hub.

Here are some snapshots of that trip

the Governor's Palace

Colonial Homes:

an affluent home and its kitchen and laundry room below

a typical affluent home had a kitchen and laundry room separated from the main house

Businesses and Trades:

The Church:

The country's first Mental Hospital:

That was truly a very relaxing two days for me and Rhea. A good way of getting away from work and enjoying that gorgeous but chilly Virginia weather. It was learning history, savoring great foods from colonial times, talking to really nice people and most of all not worry about time; recharged us and refreshed our minds to get ready for the life waiting for us in the big city.

Changes And More Changes

2011-10-20T22:00:00.001-04:00

The fall season is at its peak and the world where I am now is surrounded by vibrant autumn colors-- red, yellow and gold. The weather has been gorgeous for a couple of days, sunny but very comfortable although sometimes it gets really chilly especially in the morning. But less than two months from now winter will be here and the trees will turn into gray, colorless and lifeless.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not being pessimistic. To me the confetti of the fall might be over and the coming winter might be cold and gloomy but not the beautiful and warm colors of life. I am just in my deep reflective mood and can't help but ponder about my life. I am happy that finally I found the balance that I have been looking for and excited about the changes that I am going through now. But I also think that time can get by me if I'm not careful and find ways to ensure that I am not only enjoying as much of it as I can, but is living the life I want to live. Everyday I am conscious of the fact that time is precious, it is slipping away and won't wait for me.

And looking out the window watching the falling leaves dance with the wind before touching the ground, I seem to hear them whisper their message that somehow validates these thoughts.

When I first came here in the East Coast there was this little maple tree in front of the deck of our house. This tree was but a small sapling, so weak and hapless that it was almost blown about by the winter winds. Over the changing seasons it has grown taller, thicker. Its branches now reach up to the heavens; its roots have taken a firm grip in the earth. Though its leaves have fallen away throughout each of the seasons, its core has developed to a fuller and more mature stature, and now is the most beautiful tree in the yard. Every time I pass by that house and look at that deck, I can't help but look at the tree and with it, some thoughts make me smile. I feel the warmth in my heart.

Life from my point of view is constantly evolving and continually changing. I am enjoying every bit of it and I am grateful and blessed for all that I am NOW.

Husband On Board

2011-10-10T23:31:00.001-04:00

Contribution by Saul Martin

I logged onto http://www.wildbluedeals.com/satellite-internet/minnesota/ at work to look into getting internet at our home. We live so far away from everything on our farm, that we can’t get traditional hard-wired internet service providers. Over the last five years, I really feel like we have been at a disadvantage not having internet access from home. I feel like almost everything is done from the computer now a days. Our office definitely uses the internet and I feel like I miss out on a lot when I return to work and my inbox is full with coworker’s conversations from the night before that I missed because we do not have internet access at home. I didn’t realize that satellite internet was an option until recently when our neighbors told us that they had recently gotten it. They are very enthusiastic and have been working on getting my husband on board too. I think that I have convinced my husband that it is a necessity and look forward to being connected soon.

Monticello, A World Heritage Site

2011-10-06T15:03:00.002-04:00

Come step into the past for a moment and let me take you to a different time. My recent trip to Monticello in Albemarle, Virginia was very informative and an amazing travel down history 300 years back. It is Thomas Jefferson's mountain-top home and designated as UNESCO Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of the finest examples of the early Classical Revival style in the United States. He built it between 1768 and 1809. This National Historic Landmark attracts approximately half a million tourists every year. Thomas Jefferson is the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States, founder and deisgner of the University of Virginia, also a UNESCO Heritage Site and just a couple of miles away. Let me share with you my experience of Monticello and its yard and gorgeous gardens through some of these photos that I managed to take. Taking pictures inside the museum was not allowed.
The drive to get there:

Foggy and chilly Virginia by-ways

Michie Tavern was built in 1784 and less than a mile away from Monticello. Foods serve here are from pre colonial United States and they are really good.

the Entrance

the east portico

beautiful architectural details

I can imagine sitting under this shade and pond while reading a romantic novel

Blooms in the garden/yard

Jefferson's home is surrounded by different plants/flowers

and trees

the west portico

My trip to Monticello made me learn more about this great man and thus admire him even more. It was really amazing to see the way that Thomas Jefferson designed his home. It was filled with his innovations, many of which he designed or adapted "with a greater eye to convenience." As in the rest of the house, the bedroom's furnishings illustrate many of his ideas about the efficient use of time, space, and light, including prominently placed clocks, space-saving alcove beds, and light-maximizing mirrors. At the end of the tour, I found myself wanting to know more about him, his life and his passion. He was a man of letters, an intellectual, an artist, a statesman and a lover of the finer things. There is so much to learn about him, and that tour gave me a glimpse of the world Jefferson and his family inhabited.. That was such a fulfilling day for me.

September Eleven

2011-09-22T20:01:00.007-04:00

I have been a football fan for many years of my life. I really enjoy watching this game. I started watching NFL back in 1995. I can't forget that afternoon when I was flipping through the channels and happened to click the Superbowl championship between San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. From that day on, I have become so interested in the sports and watch superbowl on TV every year.

Last September 11 and 12, we were in Jacksonville, Florida visiting family they took me to watch their home team Jacksonville Jaguars play againts Tennessee Titans. The game started at one o'clock in the afternoon and the temperature was 95'F. Even that didn't diminished the excitement I felt for being able to watch NFL game live. And being there when the action took place and watched my favorite NFL player (Maurice Jones-Drew) play was amazing to say the least. In spite of that seething Florida heat, the Everbank Field was filled with Jaquars fans who have always been very supportive of their home team. Watching that game was even more special and memorable to me because it was September 11 and halfway through the game, there was a commemoration of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the US. Footages of that dreadful event were being shown on wide screens of the football field and hundreds of red, white and blue ballons were released in the air and few members of US Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy held and spread the American Flag in the middle of the field while Charice Pempengco was singing "God Bless America." Up in the sky, the three members of the US army were flying in parachute and after a couple of minutes they landed in the middle of the football field. The whole stadium was quiet even if it was full packed with fans; which made the moment so touching.

Here are some of my photos of that memorable day:

The Everbank Field--Home of the Jaguars

the stadium was still empty when we got there

warming up

Jaguars' mascot entertaining the fans while they were waiting for the game to start

start of the game---here they come!!!

the stadium filled with fans

Filipino couple who also love football and Jaguars die-hard like me

singing of national anthem

carrying the flag out of the field

signal of the start of the game....

Remembering 911; so touching and made me teary eyed:

Jaguars won!!! fans went home very happy

Like other fans, I was very happy that my favorite team won; at the same time what I witnessed during the commemoration of 911made me reflect on how that day and that tragedy changed the lives of all American people and the rest of the world.

A Day At Mount Vernon

2011-09-01T06:43:00.005-04:00

Last Monday my daughter Rhea and I were both off from work so we decided to go to Mount Vernon, the plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington. We had planned to see this very historic site since we got here in Virginia in 2008. The Estate is located along the banks of Potomac River and just about ten miles from my home. It is a self contained community with it's own grits mill, winery, blacksmith shop, etc. Everything they needed, they produced and processed. One of my favorite parts of the mansion is the back porch overlooking the Potomac river.

It was a great feeling to be in a very historic place like Mt. Vernon. Although I learned American History in my college years, the only thing I knew about George Washington then was that he was the first American President and was responsible for the surrender of Gen. Cornwallis that lead to American independence from England. But by going to Mount Vernon and actually walked in his yard and saw his mansion, his huge farm (8,000 acres and 316 slaves!), his vehicles and everything around his mansion, I had a grasp now of how he lived and how hard life was then even for a rich person like him, much more for ordinary everyday people especially the slaves. I can't imagine travelling from Virginia to pennsylvania (160 miles more or less) even on a horse carriage like he had in a very rough road. Much more that I can't imagine fetching twenty to thirty buckets of water just to wash a load of laundry. Slaves assigned in the wash house must be one of the hardest tasks. It was such a tough life. It made me appreciate more the things and comforts that we have now.

I want to share some of the photos that I took but please bear with me if they are not really good. With the number of tourists there and the very limited space that I could move to get a good angle just to get rid of many distractions as I could was such a challenge. And it was one o'clock in the afternoon when we started the tour so I also had a hard time with the lighting. It was an educational and not a photography tour for me so I didn't worry about these technical stuffs so much.

the front gate of the mansion

back porch of the mansion

view of Potomac River from the back porch

the passage connecting the kitchen to the mansion

the blacksmith shop

the paint cellar

the smoked meat from wall to ceiling in the smokehouse

the buckets

the lard

animal fat

the laundry essentials

the clerk's quarter

The Paddock

the entrance to the slaves' burial site

the tomb of Pres. George Washington

It was a quality time for me and Rhea. Not only that, we also learned more about the history of this great country we now call home. We plan to see another historic place the next time we are both off from work. We don't have to go far and we don't have to spend money. "Historic Virginia" is a place to be if you like history. And many of these places are within ten to thirty miles from our home. We are blessed to be here.

After Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T20:40:00.001-04:00

The dawn was so pretty this morning. If seems like hurricane Irene( that hit east coast yesterday and left almost a million homes in Virginia alone without power) happened in another life. Even if it was still quite dark, I could see that the sky was clear. As I was pulling the driveway at a few minutes before 6:00, I could see the first sign of dawn. The sky was a very faint but gorgeous sight to behold behind the darkness of the cloud that was slightly covering it. The early morning breeze made the trees sway as if welcoming a new day with so much rejoicing and hope that finally the hurricane and the dangers it brought has passed.

Somehow that vision brought a feeling of happiness and hope in my heart. It inspired me to reflect on my experiences in my journey through this life. It is always comforting that happiness comes after every trial. The frustrations and the sadness brought about by our own mistakes and shortcomings may weaken our self-confidence but also a way for us to become stronger and better person if we only look at the positive side of these experiences. After every storm, the sky clears up and the sun will surely shines.

And as for me there's so much to hope for and so much promise for today and for the future. The sky seemed to be talking to me, saying "be patient for many good things are coming, the promise of beautiful future is at hand." I felt so at peace even though my schedule as I looked at it, threatens to overrun me....

Beware Of These Cons

2011-08-24T15:52:00.005-04:00

Just the other day, I received an email from my friend from the Philippines, who begged me for assistance from Spain.

The warning lights came on one by one. In the first paragraph, she told me she's in Madrid for a program. She went on to explain, “I have misplace my wallet on my way to hotel where my money and valuable things were keep.” Then she wrote, “I want you to assist me (she doesn't sound so demanding, huh!) with a loan of 2700 Erous (notice the spelling and the grammar, hahaha!). I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with. Please send the money to the following information.”

Now, you ask me, are you not going to help your friend in dire need? Of course I will. The problem is I just talked to my friend that day I got her email. She was in Manila that day. I know her to be very proficient in English both written and oral.

You’ve probably received a scam letter like this before. Many people have. And some of them, God knows how, fall for it. It makes me wonder how is it that people can succumb to this pathetic con? Are these con guys trying to portray my friend, who has a degree in Economics and Masters in Business Management from Asian Institute of Management as so distraught that she wrote awefully?

Last month, I received this email:

Dear Esteemed Winner,

Congratulations, you have won 2,000,000.00 (TWO MILLION BRITISH POUNDS) from MEGA MILLIONS LOTTERY PROGRAM as one of the 10 top lucky winners for the month of July, 2011.

THESE ARE YOUR WINNING INFORMATION'S:

Batch Number 089/75588

Winning Numbers 05,17,25,34,37

Reference Number MM/5464542

Payment No. MM 0348

To begin your claims, kindly contact our Overseas Payment Officer, Dr. Ahmed Majid with below details.

******************************************

Dr. Ahmed Majid (Overseas Payment Officer)

Email: mmclaims2010@gmail.com

*******************************************

I was told, “Please note that your lucky winning number falls within our Afro representative office in (South Africa) as indicated in your electronic play coupon.” Later references were made to “our Africa agent.”

I didn't really pay so much attention to this stuff because I knew right away that this is a scam. But after getting email from my friend in need I really got agitated. It is so frustrating and annoying isn't it?

Anyone who fails to note the nearly illiterate writing and falls victim to this scam or similar ones will mostly become their victim. I feel sorry for those victims and what they have to go through to learn lessons.

As I have said in the past, Technology have brought so much comfort and convenience to this generation. But we also have to be very careful and vigilant for those people who will use it to steal our money, privacy and sometimes our lives.

Seeing The Addams Family on the Broadway stage

2011-08-12T22:23:00.001-04:00

Guest post written by Charlotte Briggs

One of the things that I've always wanted to do but never found the time or budget to make it there is taking a trip to New York City. I've always thought that it sounded so fun and I thought that now would be the best time to do it, now that I'm retired anyway.

I was looking up online to figure out what Broadway play I wanted to see when I ran across the website http://hearingaids.miracle-ear.com/hearing-locations/pennsylvania/k/kissimmee/. After I looked through it some I decided to go and get a free hearing aid test. I did and ended up buying some hearing aids before my big trip.

I saw The Addams Family with Brooke Shields on Broadway and it was so wonderful! It was entertaining and hilarious, which is exactly what I wanted to see in my very first Broadway play. She played Morticia and it was exactly what I pictured, it was so much funnier! I've always enjoyed the movies, but they were never as funny as this. Gomez was the funniest though.

The Little Girl Meets The Atheist

2011-08-05T02:02:00.001-04:00

I love the humor of this story. I want to share it. Enjoy as much as I did.

An atheist was seated next to a little girl on an airplane and he turned to her and said, "Do you want to talk? Flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."

The little girl, who had just started to read her book, replied to the total stranger, "What would you want to talk about?”

“Oh, I don't know," said the atheist. "How about why there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death?" as he smiled smugly.

"OK," she said. "Those could be interesting topics but let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, but a horse produces clumps. Why do you suppose that is?"

The atheist, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea."

To which the little girl replies, "Do you really feel qualified to discuss why there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death, when you don't know shit?"

And then she went back to reading her book.

My Philippine Adventure Part 2

2011-07-17T00:54:00.012-04:00

My recent vacation in the Philippines was truly a life changing experience for me. It was very short and how I wished I could have stretched the time a little bit more. There are people very close to me that I didn’t get the chance to see or bond with; like my brother who was out of the country for a work related trip, my sister who is in the Monastery, and one of my closest friends whom I never get the chance to meet and talk in spite of the fact that she was just in the city the whole time I was there. Being a positive person and always looking at the brighter side of life, I didn’t allow these setbacks to affect the quality time I spent with my family and closest friends and have fun with them.

But just like a story that has a beginning, the end has to come. The most painful part of short vacation is the parting time. That morning I was leaving, my granddaughter Arielle was watching me doing my last minute packing. Out of nowhere she asked me “mammo, where are you going? Why are you packing your toothbrush and toothpaste? I answered her, “baby, it’s time for mammo to go back to the States. She answered, ‘mammo, please take me to the US, I want to go with you.” My gosh, I could not describe the pain I felt when I heard her said those words. Those pleading words broke my heart. I could not stop my tears from falling. Then she started crying repeatedly asking me to take her to the US. I tried to gather all my strength so she wouldn’t see me crying. Then I told her, Baby I cannot take you to the US, and I have to go back because your mommy is alone. She is crying now because she misses you and she needs company so she won’t cry anymore. That made Arielle stopped crying. She told me that it was okay if I go back to the States so her mommy won’t be alone and she won’t cry anymore. In spite of her tender age and innocence I can feel the love and concern she has for her mom, it is capable of sacrificing and understanding the situation. And that thought brought my tears again. There were no words to describe how sad I was to think that she’s growing up without her mother. The last time they saw each other was in July 2008 when she was just barely one year old. But I have to look at the future—her mother and hers. Hopefully within two years her mother will be able to bring her to the States and they will never be separated again.

Another very touching moment of my last day of vacation was at the airport when I hugged my father and told him to take care of mama and himself. For the first time in my life I saw my father’s tears. That really touched me to the core of my being. I have always known my father as the strongest person on earth. When we were growing up, he was the iron one in the family. None of us ever tried to defy our father’s rule. His words were law that should be obeyed. And our mother has always supported our father’s decision. Our family was very much of a patriarchal type and I used to recent my mom for not being on our side when our dad was unreasonably strict (not even allowing us to watch movies, no boyfriends until we finished our studies and going to disco or outing with friends were some of the things we were not allowed to do). Later in my adult life, I’ve witnessed how my father has changed a lot when it comes to raising up my three younger sisters. They were more free than we the older four were. Also when I became a parent myself, I came to understand my parents more and the sacrifices they did to raise and educate us (seven children). I also realized that we were less grateful of our parents when we were younger. All I could think then was their being strict in not allowing us to have more fun while young. Later did I realize that I should be grateful for their being strict and focused on our education first. And that day I hugged my father at the airport and saw him cried, I realized I have never hugged him, I’m sure not one of my younger siblings ever did. And I think that’s what brought my dad to tears. He has always been the provider/giver of the family of guidance and strength. Even in the community where we spent almost half of our growing up years, people looked up to him for advice. He has been one of the lay leaders of the Parish he served for 30 years. He has always been looked up to as the strong and strict head of the family. Everyone overlooked that he also needed affection and expression of love and gratitude for all he did to put us where we are now. All throughout my trip back to my home in Virginia, I have reflected on that moment with my dad at the airport. Until now I feel so sad that it took me all these years to realize how all of us overlooked the needs of our dad for affection. But somehow I was relieved to know that it is not yet too late. He is just 74 and still very sharp in mind. I know I still have time to let my dad know how I love him and how grateful I am for everything he did so I could be where I am right now. He has raised us to love God above all, to always treasure family and respect all people regardless of their status in life. All these are priceless treasures that he handed to us and we will be passing on to our children.

My recent vacation back to the Philippines has been so fulfilling and worthwhile. The great times I had with my whole family and bonding and fun times I had with long time and close friends and high school batch mates were refreshingly awesome. It was truly a trip I will always treasure and remember for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to be back!

To my beautiful family and to all my friends, thank you very much. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I will surely miss you all!!!

My Philippine Adventure Part 1

2011-07-04T20:00:00.001-04:00

Time really flies so quickly. It was just two years ago when I was in the Philippines for a vacation. Well, I am here again and I am having great time with my family and friends.

I am sharing some photos of these times.

Gensan Airport

the mothers, daughters and cousins

cactus in Lemlunay

magnificent morning, the beautiful and the infinity pool

Arielle with her tita Michelle

spending time with me inspite of their busy schedule

my beautiful niece

they love waking up and have this right in their sight

just enjoying each other's presence

the white boat

Me with my grand daughter

bonding time with a long time friend Avel

with the planet man

my favorite pasta

between two awesome people

This is a very short post, but more are coming. It is so nice to be around with people we care so much and my time with them is just very short. But the fun times we have and the memories will be my constant company when I go back to the US. I am so grateful to have this chance to share these moments with them.

The Love of A Father

2011-06-17T19:57:00.000-04:00

A year ago, I started reading one of the Chicken Soup Books. And since then I have been a big fan. I love all the inspirational stories about counting your blessings and having a positive attitude. I would recommend these books to anyone because we could all use a good uplifting story every now and then. The stories are told by people of different races, gender, ages, and stages of life, so there is something for everyone to relate to. The particular story that hit me with its message was Riding Tandem, a metaphor about the strength of a father's love.

A father and a son went out to take part in the Vietnam Challenge – a sixteen-day, twelve-hundred-mile bike ride. The son was blind, so he and his father rode on a tandem bike. They rode in the same outfits and were therefore ultimately linked together tightly on that bike for those sixteen days. During those sixteen days the son learned much about his father – a rather private man whom he didn’t really know. He learned of his dedication to his country, of his service in Vietnam, his optimism, his faith in country and so forth. The highlight of the story was the father and son’s trek to the point of the most grueling part of the ride; the Hai Van Pass, which was a mountain pass of over 3200 feet out of the coastal plains below. It was a physically demanding stretch that required the father and son to work together as a team. Well, as the story continues the son comes to this realization; “In the past, it had always been my father putting his hand on my shoulder. … On the back of our tandem bike, facing the steepest section of the Hai Van Pass, this would be my chance to do something for him. I wanted my legs to be the force that would power our small team up the steep switchbacks to the top. We’ll go as slow as you want, but we won’t stop, the son commanded. But hearing his father’s heaving breaths he backed off. We can stop if you want he told his father and he continued pedaling. They, as a team, were getting close to the top and as they neared it the father kept telling the son how far they were – another half mile, then only a hundred yards. The son maintained the rhythm of his pedaling, hoping to have the strength to bring them to the top of the pass and over. As they neared the top the bike toppled over; the son got up quickly and went right over to his father, who was a little dizzy. They walked the bike the rest of the way to the top as the crowd of people, who had gathered, cheered them on. When they reached the top the father said “I have lived through a war, I watched my son go blind. I saw my wife die in a car accident. Some people think I’m unfeeling. But what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to act? Should I have given up? Should I have quit? Life is too precious, and all I can do is live it.”

Fatherhood cannot be proven with a blood test, nor does it consist of simply providing a paycheck. It cannot be reduced to a single dimension. It involves commitment, self-sacrifice, integrity, and unconditional love. It is for them that I dedicate this post.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful and responsible fathers in the world.

Building Your History

2011-06-03T23:04:00.005-04:00

When I first came here in the US I didn't know that having no credit history can be a disadvantage in many ways. Back home I have always paid everything in cash. I remember having credit cards when I was working for a big corporation because all managers were required to apply for credit cards backed up by the company. But when I left the corporate world to start my own business, I paid off my credit cards and ever since, have done all my transactions by cash or check. When I want to buy something that was in big amount like car, I would save money until I have enough money in the bank and I could pay it in cash or check secured by my savings. My philosophy then was I didn't want to live on credit. It worked well for me and in fact it was a good thing there if you don't owe anything from anybody.

It was completely a different world when I got here in the US. Here, even if you have money in the bank, you don't run around buying things in cash. It's crazy to pay a $5,000 TV sets in cash. It is perceived that only people who are into illegal activities like drug dealers and bank robbers carry big amount of money and pay cash in big amounts. Everything here is either paid through credit cards or in-house financing. In order to get the best deal, you've got to have a good credit score otherwise it will cost you financially. You end up paying a much higher interest. For example, on a $20,000, 60-month auto loan, borrowers would usually pay $5,000 more in interest with a bad credit score than with a good credit score. Most people don't know that credit score mainly represents the risk of not repaying a loan. These are the facts that I have to face when I finally decided to settle in the US for good. It was tough but with patience and diligence I was able to start building my credit history. I first applied for credit card designed for somebody like me who has no credit history. I used my credit card to purchase everything instead of using my debit card and I would pay all my balance instead of just paying the minimum amount required before my due date so I didn't have to pay for the high interest rates on balance unpaid after billing cycle. It has been fun and life learning experience while building my credit history. Lately I just bought my new car. After paying only half using the sale from my 3 year old car as down payment and half through financing, I got a 60 month zero interest and a monthly amortization that is worth less than my two days salary. It is really very affordable on my part.

For those who are just starting to make a life in the US and those who are planning to come and live here, this is one of those things that need to be taken care of. After you settled and have a job, start building your credit history even if you have money and can afford to pay cash. Practicality, convenience and safety are some of the reasons to have that plastic in your wallet. After that, you'll be amazed at how the world opens up for you. Words of caution though. Proper management of your finances is very important. And if you're the one who already established a stable history and just curious about your credit score? There are free credit score websites that offer free FICO score estimator. FICO by the way means Fair Isaac Corporation, a public company that provides analytics and decision making services including credit scoring intended to help financial services and companies make complex, high-volume decisions (source: Wikipedia). It's not a bad thing to have credit, as long as you are responsible. You can use it to your advantage and make your life more flexible and your choices more suited to your financial capacity.

Turning Another Page Of Life

2011-05-24T14:55:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that my birthday is coming again. It seems like just yesterday when I had that birthday celebration in Manhattan, New York last year. We had a very nice dinner at the revolving restaurant of Marriot Marquis and later watched Broadway (Phantom Of The Opera) and after that; we just hanged out in Times Square until the wee hours of the morning. It was a very nice birthday celebration to say the least.

And here I am again, adding another year to my age. It was seven years ago, when I was welcomed into the beautiful "middle age." At this stage in life I don't have the casual immaturity of the youth, nor do I have the constant dependency of old age. I have always enjoyed my birthdays with quiet reflection on the four decades of a sometimes challenging but beautiful journey. I find time to enjoy the little moments rather than focus on bigger events. I always make it a point to take off from everyday life and work to just enjoy two days celebrating life.

Lately I have been looking back at my life, along its winding road to the old familiar land marks of love and compassions I have known. It may sound simple but it's more than a cliché. There's no better way to express my gratitude than to say God has been good in my life. I feel blessed when I go to sleep each night counting my blessings and wakes up in the morning with renewed vibrancy and refreshed hope for all that's life is still waiting for me in the future. And though I've had my share of hard times, I know deep in my heart that through it all, God has been good. I believe that the worst of times yields the best lessons in life.

In a couple of days from now, as I pause to celebrate my birthday, I have one question that I will seek for an answer. I think the older we get, the knowingness of the truth-the ownership of knowing is louder. And that voice is louder definitely: “So am I really happy now?’’ Definitely. And I will surely be more happy on my special day, thankful to God for the health, love and constant support of family and friends and for countless blessings I receive everyday.