Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Outfit Test

When I was a kid, I hate wearing dresses. I don't feel like I am comfortable wearing them. I prefer wearing shirt and shorts. Then when I am finally grown, my taste for fashion changed. I was browsing other blogs today and saw this post - The Outfit Test from Ivy's Towts4u. I decided to take the test and below is the result. What about you? What outfit says about you?

Your Outfit Says You're Chic




Your style is very sophisticated and elegant.

Even if you're wearing jeans, you still know how to look classy.

You are enchanting and mysterious. You take your image seriously.

You are glamorous in a delightfully old-fashioned way.

Your high end fashion designer match: Nanette Lepore

Your must have accessory: Long gloves

Friday, December 26, 2008

Blog Makeover!

I have been blogging for quite sometime now. Honestly, I envied those bloggers who have nice blog layout. Looking back, I only depend on the free layouts offered by Blogger.com or other websites that offer free and easy to install layouts. All I want is to have my own unique layout. And if you have noticed, I just had a blog makeover and I am lovin' it!

Recently, I contacted Ivy - The Designer Chic for a blog makeover. I tell you what, the experience wasn't easy! I have to think about the color that will personally reflect my personality and my blog's title. I got tied up thinking what would be the best color that would match for my customized header. I leave it all to her. She's pretty good at it and very creative. Thank you girl for keeping up with my demands. Thank you for your big patience whenever I contradict your idea. Thank you for your amazing talent!

I apologize to all my friends and online bloggers because when I changed my layout, the links to my list of bloggers were completely lost. I will add you all back to my blogroll. Just be patient with me as I am a little bit slow when adding because as of now, I am still overwhelmed with joy to my new blog layout. Happy blogging everyone!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

My White Christmas

So I guess, this is what they call white Christmas. Spending Christmas here in North Dakota is actually my first ever white Christmas. Isn't that cool? Oh yeah! It is not only cool but it is very cold. The temperature is below zero degrees, meaning it's negative below zero. I know that some of you hate being in a cold weather and I thought I wouldn't survive the harsh weather here but hey, I am still here. Maybe there were days that we have to stay home when blizzard strikes but when the sun is up and shining, all we have to do is get up, put on our comfy-warm coats and boots then we are good to go to enjoy the winter.

Today, I am celebrating Christmas for the 3rd time together with my husband. We celebrated our 1st Christmas together back in the Philippines in my hometown. The 2nd time was in Kentucky and for this year, we celebrated it in Devil's Lake, North Dakota. The original plan was, to just stay home since we heard in the news that they will give us some snow tonight. But what the heck, it is Christmas time and we will celebrate it just like what we wanted. We drove carefully going to Devil's Lake, watched some people enjoying the ice fishing. We went to Spirit Lake Casino and Hotel and grabbed a delicious buffet. I wish everyone a very happy Christmas. God Bless you all.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Where Did They Go?

I was feeling excited today when I saw all 10 opportunities in front of me waiting to be reviewed. So I started choosing the easiest one and made a post about it. After submitting my post and ready for a new opportunity to write, I was devastated they are all gone. I mean, all my excitement for getting opportunities vanished so quickly. I have been wanting to write a review about a certain opportunity and now that I have them on hand, I can't even see them now. What had just happened?


I wish they all come back as I am ready to blog again. I have been away for several days and surely I miss blogging and catching opportunities. It is my way of getting monetary reward and now I am feeling sad because all other 9 opportunities I have are all gone. Baby come back!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

World Wide Web Friendship Award

I would like to thank my online friend, Donabel for giving me this World Wide Web Friendship Award. I know I have been away for almost 2 weeks but she still remembers me despite of my absence here. I owe you for this award girl and I thank you for such a sweet friend to me. I'm very grateful to meet someone like you in the blogging world. You are simply an inspiration!

I would like to share this award to the following people whom I shared my happy moments. Thank you for being part of my wonderful life.

Adei's Journey Into Love
Adin's Chika Corner
Ann Christine's Blessed Life
Chrissy's Haven
Eva Marie's Chronicles of Boredom
Fel's Bienvenue a la Noryfel
Reveries of SimplyJacy
Jhenn's My Sweet Haven
Manollie's Haus of Thoughts
Roche's Illustration of Passion
Rowena's Thoughts
Vannie's Ozzy's Mom

Saturday, December 20, 2008

I Am Finally Back!

After being away for almost 2 weeks, I am back to my internet blogging. Oh how I miss blogging, visiting other blogs and read them. I know I owe some of my loyal readers who visited me here. I will visit your blog as soon as I get back track to my blogging system. I will visit one by one and patiently drop EC in your blog site. Thank you for the support and for dropping by. Now that I am back, I just can't wait to visit your blog site and bug you that I am back.

I am back! I got a new internet service provider for me from Verizon. Thanks to my very supportive hubby who doesn't want me to get bored all this time. It is just a great feeling not to be bored and back to the internet world. See you all soon bloggers!

Monday, December 8, 2008

What Kind of Pajamas Are You?

You Are Flannel Pajamas




You seek comfort above everything else.
You rather feel good than look good.


You are a very relaxed person, especially when you're surrounded
by your favorite things and people.


You are a homebody.
Home is the place where you can truly be yourself.


You are likely to wear pajamas a lot.
In fact, you often change into your pj's the minute you get home!


Sunday, December 7, 2008

No Internet Service and the Snow

So tomorrow, I will have no internet service. It means, I won't be here to blog, visit your blog or drop any entrecard. I wish I could but the only thing I can do is to be patient and wait until I can get back to my blogging. For sure, I won't be checking my mails and be able to chat with my family and friends. But I will be back soon. I just don't know when.

It is getting colder and colder here. For the past few days, we stayed home and watch TV. The only time we can get out of the house is when we need something in Wal-Mart which is just 3 miles away from our house. Luckily, I have my husband with me who's an expert driving in the snow. He don't seem bothered driving as long as I remind him to be careful always when we go out. Few more snow showers and I am ready to play outside to make my big snowman.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Will I Go or Not?

Right now, I am still thinking if I will go to the Filipino gathering in Fargo, ND. It is actually a Christmas party that will be hosted by a Filipina living in the largest city of North Dakota. I am still waiting for the call of the Filipina - Maria I met few weeks ago in a Catholic church. She said, if she will call, we might have to go.We are still watching what would be the weather tomorrow. I am wishing it will not snow so it is just easy for us to drive going Fargo.

I have to bring food to share to everybody for tomorrow's Christmas party. It is called Adobo Chicken Wings with Lemon. I still don't have any idea what gift I will give for gift-giving tomorrow. It is worth $20. I know I can find something with $20 but I am picky in regards of gift-giving. I want something they can use and will last long, maybe a kitchen utensil or a food warmer will be good. At this time, I am still waiting for Maria's call. I don't want any rush so I can still have time to prepare the food I am going to share at the party. Wish she will call me soon. If not, me and the husband have something to do tomorrow.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Photo on the Spot!

I love taking pictures and save them. This time, Jerlalou from San Diego, CA sent me this "Shot on the Spot" tag. It was quite disturbing taking picture of myself without make-up, no brushing of teeth, no combing of hair or even washing my face. I am still in my pajamas! Yikes! Let's see how do I look after waking up...


1) Take a picture of yourself right NOW!.
2) DON'T change your clothes, DON'T fix your hair... Just take a picture.
3) Post that picture with NO editing.
4) Post these instruction with your picture.
5)Tag 10 people to do this.

I am tagging my friends listed below. Let me see how you look like without fixing yourself. I wanna see you being plain and simple. Grab your camera and try this tag. Happy blogging!

Adei's Journey Into Love
Adin's Chika Corner
Ann Christine's Blessed Life
Chrissy's Haven
Donabel's Memoirs of a Pinay in America
Eva Marie's Chronicles of Boredom
Fel's Bienvenue a la Noryfel
Reveries of SimplyJacy
Jhenn's My Sweet Haven
Manollie's Haus of Thoughts
Roche's Illustration of Passion
Rowena's Thoughts
Vannie's Ozzy's Mom

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

It was first week of March 2008 when I first experienced the heavy snow in Kentucky. I felt like I was a child again when I saw tiny particles of crushed ice falling from the dark sky. My husband was laughing at me that night. It was my first taste of snow. But it was too late for me to make a BIG snowman. I played outside the house for a little bit - made my first snow angel, walked in 7 1/2 inches thick of snow in the ground and made my little snowman.

This time a year, snowfall was early for me now that I am living on the western part of the United States - North Dakota. I love it here during the summer because it is not humid. Although we have some harsh winter time. I am expecting more snowfalls for the coming days. This afternoon, there's some snow showers, enough to cover my car and the husband's truck. The husband went outside to put my car in the garage. Unfortunately, his truck was big that it didn't fit the garage. If there will be more snow showers, we might be ready making our big snowman for this Christmas.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate



You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.

One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...

And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.

Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

Monday, December 1, 2008

While Strolling in the Park One Day...

The husband and I had a cold and freezing stroll outside the house. He bought me a snow boots with thermal insulation so I won't be using my sneakers to walk in a heavy cold ice in the ground. I used it for the first time, it was heavy but worth it because my feet keeps it warm. While walking, we discovered some tracks from deer, rabbit, dog, cat and even rat. We had a fine day. We were able to see the beauty of nature even it's snowing.

Now that I have my snow boots, the husband told me that walking outside the house will be a routine to help us being fit and healthy during the winter time. It is one way of our exercise to loose some weight. I just can't wait for more winter activities in the coming days. I am pretty sure it would be a lot of fun between me and the husband.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

My First Task

After my blog (A Place of Reflection) has been approved from PayPerPost, I already got my first ever task. I submitted my post and waiting for the approval. Luckily, I got the Google page rank (1) which will give me more opportunities (I hope) to write and blog about a certain product. I am keeping my fingers crossed for more opportunities and more earnings I could get from blogging.

For now, let me enjoy the snowfall last night. Maybe me and hubby will play snowballs attack tomorrow. I bet it would be fun playing not minding how cold it was outside while we are having fun. I can't wait for our upcoming winter activities such as snow tubing, ice fishing and to make my first ever big Frosty the snowman!

Seeing is Believing!

Are you tired of paying high price with your old-fashion prescription eyeglasses? What about if I say you can buy trendy, stylish and fashionable pair of glasses for just $15? Will you believe me? My husband has been wearing prescription glasses for 12 years. He was 47 years old when he started wearing prescription eyeglasses. It was a very bad feeling for him when one day he woke up reading newspaper and couldn't read the words. It was a very strange feeling for him. He can't even read what's on the menu. He said it was pretty scary. He went to the eye doctor for a careful eye examination, and then bought his first pair of prescription eyeglasses. It was the time when he needed those pair of glasses so he can see clearly.

It cost him a fortune just to buy his first pair of eyeglasses. Imagine how many other things can you buy with that price of traditional and old-fashion prescription eyeglasses? As I was searching the internet, I found nice eyeglasses from Optical4less.com. They offer high quality prescription eyeglasses for an affordable price of $15. How cool can that be? You can save big bucks! What's more interesting is you can find great deals with their fashionable, stylish and cheap eyeglasses. You can never go wrong with the trends when you buy them. You will always be in style and fashionable with their eye glasses. They got everything you want with special features on virtual try-on system, free worldwide shipping if you order more than 1 pair and they deliver fast because when you order your own glasses, it will arrived to you within a week. It's fast and reliable. Your search is over with Optical4less. They have:

-Complete prescription eyeglasses (include Anti-reflective coating for free)
-Tinted sunglasses
-Bifocal reading glasses
-Progressive reading eyeglasses
-Photochromic sunglasses

You can check here for their happy and satisfied customer's testimonials about Optical4less.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

What a Surprise!

For few days now, I have been struggling cleaning and fixing our house. It was a tough job as a housewife. I don't mind packing all our stuff from our old house and bring them all here in our new place. What keeps me from being a lazy butt is the unpacking session. Our new house was like a maze where you have to think which way you are going. I am done cleaning the 2 full bathrooms and this time, I am almost done cleaning, keeping things organized and making it a home.



I am having so much fun cleaning our new place. Earlier today, while resting from cleaning the kitchen, I got an e-mail from the website - Triple P telling me that my other blog, A Place of Reflection was approved. I was really surprised! I have been waiting for my second blog to be approved for days now and finally, I got the good news. What's more interesting was my newly approved blog got a Google page rank (1). I have been struggling to get a Google rank and now here it is. I never thought I would get one. Thank you God for everything!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Spread The Word - PayingPost!

I know that some people enjoyed blogging. It became their personal online diary where they can write and share everything. I have met so many bloggers online and I enjoyed reading their posts. I was browsing other blogs when I read about PayingPost.com. Have you heard about them yet? A money-making opportunity for all bloggers! I signed up and register my blogs. I wanted to earn extra income just like anybody else. After signing up and registered my 2 blogs, I got a quick approval. It was so easy! I thought I would have to wait for a long time before my 2 registered blog will be approved. I was wrong! I don't know where I got my joy for being approved so quick and easy.



Then I passed it on to my friend who loves to blog. She then signed up and registered her blog just as after I told her about it. PayingPost.com is just another money-making website who will give joy into your life. They are not just an ordinary blog advertising network. They have worked hard to achieve certain goals and to be competitive among others. It is time to make a difference! Sign up now and have fun earning hundred of dollars from blogging!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Are You a Pilgrim or an Indian?

You Are a Pilgrim




Like the pilgrims, you've felt persecuted for your beliefs from time to time.

You have a strong sense of right and wrong.
Your morality sometimes makes you feel out of step with the modern world.


You may not go as far as moving across the world, but you still identify with the pilgrims.

Well, except for the whole stealing land and killing Indians thing.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Here Comes the Star!

Create Your OwnMake a Routan Baby


When my husband and I got married, I have been attacked with so many questions on when are we going to have a baby. I try to avoid to answer the question as much as possible but I just couldn't. There would always be a safe answer from me. Some of my friends or newly acquainted people are still asking but I always say I am not ready to have a baby with today's economy. I think I am not ready emotionally, physically and mentally. You see, I myself is a kid at heart. My husband pampers me like a baby and take cares of me like a baby. So when we got married I am more than a wife to him.

Earlier today, when Rowena posted her virtual baby boy, I got excited to make my own and see what would be the product of an Asian and a Caucasian couple. Then, while I was browsing some of my favorite blogs today, I saw Jacy's blog Meet Our Baby which made me smile. Now that I have my own virtual baby boy, I showed it to my husband and said, "What a cute little monster!" After all this thing, I still don't think I am ready or even have the chance to prepare for a real baby for me.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Which Dwarf Are You?

Which of Snow White's Dwarfs Are You? I took the and if I were one of Snow White's Dwarfs, I would be Doc.



You are Doc. Although you wouldn't consider yourself a leader, the people around you do. You truly care about others and want to do your best to keep them happy and well. You are optimistic and smart and want to make the world a better place.

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Picture Tag

It is time for pictures tag! Grabbed this from Jhenn's My Sweet Haven blog. I find it so interesting and decided to post it here. Thank you Jhenn for posting this tag. Take care!

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Go to http://www.photobucket.com/
2. Type in your answer to the question in the “search” box.
3. Use only the first page.
4. Insert the picture into your Blog.


1.)What is your relationship status?



2.)What is your current mood?



3.)Who is your favorite band/artist?



4.)What is your favorite movie?



5.)What kind of pet do you have?


6.)Where do you live?



7.)Where do you work?




8.)What do you look like?


9.)What do you drive?



10.)What did you do last night?



11.)What is your favorite TV show?



12.)Describe yourself.

zwani.com myspace graphic comments

13.)What are you doing today?



14.)What is your name?




15.)What is your favorite candy?



Friday, November 14, 2008

Sweet Treats!

The husband and I decided to treat ourselves with pies, cakes and rolls. There's a country store near our place which is just a 5 minutes drive from our house. We were actually shopping for some goodies that we are going to send in the Philippines as a Christmas gift for them.

We grabbed cheesecake, German chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls. The husband grabbed a pumpkin roll for himself and it tastes so good. I thought pumpkin cake rolls is bad but it wasn't bad at all. I guess it really depends how you make something out of pumpkin. They are all delicious and satisfied with some good treats.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The A to Z Tag

I grabbed this tag from Marie. The questions from this tag caught my attention. It has been a while since I answered some juicy questions and answers them truthfully. So, let's see how and what are my answers.

A. Attached or single ? — Attached
B. Best friends? — Zerni, Erico, Tara Charmaine and Leslie
C. Cake or pie? — Cake (I am still learning to love the pie)
D. Day of choice? — Saturday!
E. Essential items? — I can't live without my laptop, my BB phone and my kikay kit)
F. Favorite color? — Blue and Pink
G. Gummy bears or worms? — Gummy Bears!
H. Hometown? — Zamboanga City
I. Favorite indulgence? — Ice cream (cookies and cream), chocolates, cookies and mixed nuts

J. January or July? — I rather choose July as it's my USA immigration anniversary and my mother's birthday

K. Kids? — That's still a wishful thinking for me
L. Life isn’t complete without? — My husband, family and friends
M. Marriage date? — I got married 09-08-07
N. Number of magazine subscriptions? - None so far but I would like to have one
O. Orange or apple? — Orange
P. Phobias? — The snakes!
Q. Quotes? — "A thousand miles begins with one step"
R. Reasons to smile? — My husband makes me smile always!

S. Season of choice? — I like the season of Fall because the leaves are just so lovely to see when they
change their colors
T. Tag 5 people
Rowena, Jacy, Ann Christine, Jocelyn and Roche
U. Unknown fact about me? That I can be slow sometimes, it is a matter of absorbing everything in my head then I will be fine
V. Vegetable? — I can be picky with vegetables, I can eat raw or simply the cooked vegetables.
W. Worst habit? — I sleep too much!
X. X-ray or ultrasound? I had several chest x-rays taken for employment and immigration
Y. Your favorite food(s)?
Filipino, Italian and Chinese Food
Z. Zodiac sign — Libra!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Best Age To Marry

What's you ideal age for marriage? I have been reading the news from the Yahoo today and came across this article Sooner versus Later: Is there an ideal for first marriage?. I think back from the time I got married, it was just days before I will turned 25 years old (21 days after my marriage). I was 24 years old then when I say "I do" to my husband now. We got married at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. There were no major preparations just like all the weddings that I have witnessed myself back home.

It took us 1 year, 3 months and 22 days dating, exchanging letters, phone calls and 3 times visiting me in the Philippines. The time and effort was so much as we get to know each others differences before tying the knot and be responsible as a husband and wife. Sure we may not be the perfect couple in the universe but we will do our best to keep our marriage stronger, peaceful and full of happiness. What about you? What's your ideal age to marry?

Friday, November 7, 2008

How Independent Are You?

Your Independence Level: Medium




In some aspects of your life, you can be very self reliant.

Making your own informed choices feels great.

But you aren't as independent as you could be.

When things get stressful, you sometimes run away from the hard decisions you need to make.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken

I am a pasta lover! My husband is not. My cooking specialty are more on pasta. I can make any spaghetti a knocked-out. My friends always tell me that I am a good cook and I would like to expand more of my knowledge in cooking pasta not just in spaghetti and macaroni salad. Here's one pasta recipe which I got from my friend's site Hayzell's Recipe. It is easy to prepare and I am sure you will love it.


Description:
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Level: Easy
Cook time: 25 mins

Ingredients:
1 pound dried penne
2 chicken cutlets, cut into fingers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, until al dente. Drain well.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan over medium high and add chicken. Grill until golden and completely cooked. Remove to a plate and slice.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to a saute pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute until fragrant. Add the cooked pasta and turn heat off. Mix all together.

Remove pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken to the warm pasta and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in chopped parsley. Add the juice of 2 lemons and mix. Before serving top with Parmesan.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Why Do We Vote on a Tuesday in November?

It's Election Day and I know that all the people all over the United States are waiting for the final result who will be the next President of the United States of America. It has been a long battle for the people who's on the race. I am sure they are nervous, anxious and happy, or maybe some have mixed emotions for today's Election. You've studied the issues and cast your ballot. Now all that's left to do is bide your time until the results start coming in for John McCain and Barack Obama. To help you in that effort, we introduce a list of election fun facts for your brain-candy pleasure.

So, why do we vote on Tuesday? The short answer: We used to be a nation of farmers. The long answer: Congress chose November because the harvest was over and the weather wouldn't be bad enough to prevent people from traveling.

As for Tuesday, people used to have to travel overnight to their polling location. (In 1845, horse was the preferred method of transport.) In an effort to avoid religious days of rest, Congress chose Tuesday, leaving Monday and Wednesday as travel days. Tuesday was voting (and horse-resting) day.

source: Yahoo News

Friday, October 31, 2008

Pink Sisterhood

Before the month of October ends, let me remind everyone once again that the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have grabbed this tag from Lisa's Kitchen.

**start copy***

1. Put the logo in your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Add your link to the list of participants below

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

PINK Sisterhood:
1.Fara 2. Massy 3. N.O.Y 4. Mariuca 5. A Great Pleasure 6. Benchiegrace 7. Grace 8. Jhelea 9. Richelle 10. Lisa 11. Hazel's Place of Reflection and YOU Next!

***end copy***

I am tagging my friends here:

1. Adei 2. Adin 3. Ann Christine 4. Ann Kerney 5. Chrissy 6. Eva Marie 7. Felicity 8. Jacy 9. Jenneth 10. Jocelyn 11. Manollie 12. Roche 13. Rowena

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Sexy Outfit

I got my new clothes from Rowena. She's selling some of her stuff that she don't wear anymore and some are new that she didn't even bother to wear at all. I think she have plans on going into a department store business. She hoards her clothes that she doesn't wear. She posted some of her clothes online and priced it lower than the original price. I did a little shopping and found something that will fit me. I loved it! My husband said, I looked good on it. I wore it 2 Sundays ago to go to church with my red leather coat because the weather is cold up in North Dakota.

I took a picture of it. Tell me what you think. Do I look good on it? Thank you Weng for selling me these clothes. They are really nice.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

It's A Jungle Out There!

It is so depressing when you get home and everything is a mess. We contacted someone to mow our place but they never did a good job. As we got home last night, we never paid attention on what the house looked like until we woke up this morning and found the house like a place in a jungle. The grasses are pretty tall, it seems like it never rained for the past weeks as they are also dry and about to die. The vegetable garden that my husband - Winn started last spring already died. Luckily, the trees we planted were fine and great.

I helped Winn mowed the front and back yard. It was a hard work for both of us. You can't just trust anyone to get someone and mow the place. It is also hard to leave our place here in Kentucky as no one will ever take care of the vegetable garden. It was so depressing to see that our place was not that far to compare to a jungle. We also harvested some Irish potatoes and green beans. The corns are all brown, dry and dead. We also gathered some chillies, colorful bell peppers and some ripe tomatoes. The sunflowers are all dead and brown. Maybe for a short time, the birds enjoyed them. I just wished that our house here will be sold soon. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Happy Life Quotes

Here are some happy life quotes from Buddha:

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.

But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

~Buddha~

Friday, October 17, 2008

Time To Enjoy!

Yipee! I am off from work now. It is the end of the season for all campers here in North Dakota. The campground where I work have closed last Wednesday and it has been 2 days now since the last day of my last work. For 2 months and 14 days working, I would say that I enjoyed every single thing I am experiencing in my workplace. The people from different states all over United States including all the provinces all over Canada. I have met such wonderful people, some maybe not nice at all but it is also good to know that somehow, there are still people who are nice and good.

People enjoyed camping as well as enjoying the wonders of nature. It is good to know that despite of the high prices of gas and the not-so-good news about the economy, there are still people who loves to travel and camp. I just wish that it will be the same next year so everyone can enjoy everything and relax. It will be also my pleasure to serve the campers next year as the season will open for everyone by April 2009. Right now, let me enjoy my winter vacation together with my husband.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Thai Fish Stir-Fry

Last week, I cook something from the cookbook. It is called the Thai Fish Stir-Fry. I thought this is hard to cook as some of the ingredients are not available in the store where we always do our grocery shopping but I found ways on how to improve the recipe. This is a substantial dish that is best served with crusty bread for mopping up all the spicy juices. It so good and tasty!

My husband and I loved it so much. I like the tilapia fillet that I used as one of the main ingredients and he loves the big prawns that was covered by the chili sauce. We had a wonderful and spicy meal!

Monday, October 13, 2008

A Friendship Message

zwani.com myspace graphic comments

Friendship is something that grows through the years
Withstanding feelings of anger, joy and tears
It is something you cannot live without
A friend you can turn to when in doubt

They should listen carefully and not speak a word
For you would do the same when they want to be heard
A person you can confide in, learn from and trust
This is a friend and everyone must

Be able to have someone just like this
Not a boyfriend to hug, cuddle and kiss
But a person so special, faithful and true
The only one I can think of is a person like you

Our friendship is strong, healthy and great
Through the years I see its wonderful fate
A fate of laughs, greatness and fun
We have only one life to live and this is the one

The past- full of memories that runs through my head
The bad ones never talked about or said
Every moment of life should glisten with fresh morning dew
This reminds me of the greatest friendship one ever knew.

I got this friendship message from Jana, an former co-worker from the call center where I have worked. She sent this in my Friendster site. Somehow, even I am many miles from them, I know in my heart that they always think and remember the good times we had. Thank you Jana!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Cold and Heavy Rain

I am feeling cold today. The rain outside is pouring very heavy. I have to double my winter clothes as it doesn't help me to keep me warm. I need to wear something heavier than I always used to wear. The wind is blowing from the north. Luckily, the gas heater is on to keep us warm. I feel so cold, my hands and feet are cold and I am chilling inside. I can hear the thunder roaring as the rain pours and the wind blows. I need a hot soup to keep my stomach warm and fill my system with lots of energy to keep me going from work. I am just lazy when it is raining.

I am already done paying the bills and they are ready to be mailed on Monday, first thing in the morning. There are few campers coming in the campground so there are less work for me to do except answering queries and some phone calls that are important for the business. I should be working also for the sales tax form as it will be mailed as soon as the campground will close on October 15. Time for my vacation and hope to enjoy the winter time again with my loving husband - Winn. I know there's more things to do and I hope there's more energey for us to stay and enjoy the winter be it in Kentucky or North Dakota.

Friday, October 10, 2008

5 Essential Weight Loss Foods

There are many fad diets that promise to help you lose weight in almost no time at all. After two or three weeks on the diet you find yourself losing enough to be able to brag to your family and friends about it, and you're so optimistic that this new lifestyle will be your ticket to a smaller waistline that you start to browse the stores for new clothes.

You continue to lose weight for another couple of weeks, and then something happens: you start to feel sluggish, you begin craving something that your diet absolutely forbids you to have, or the general sense of optimism begins to transform itself into a feeling of constriction, frustration, and even dietary imprisonment.

You decide to have just one snack, or spend just one day eating whatever you want with the intention of going back to the diet the following day. What happens then, is that you feel such satisfaction from that treat that the entire effort falls apart and you put the weight back on in practically no time at all.

Does this scenario sound at all familiar?

Diets are very hard, as is the feeling of being overweight. Many of these fad diets may promise instant and significant weight loss results, but most of them rely on depriving your body of certain nutrients and disrupting the natural function of your body's metabolism. Chinese medicine considers obesity to be partly the result of declining function of the metabolic fire of the kidney network and a diet that provides a well-balanced array of nutrients is the key to losing weight in a healthy way. What follows are five foods that will help you restore your body's ability to use energy and help you become your healthy weight.

1. Millet

A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like
white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food.
This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex
vitamins, and because it isn't an acid forming food, is easy to digest.

2. Asparagus

When losing weight, it's important to favor chlorophyll-rich foods, including asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin) that promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine - which in turn promotes a healthier digestive function.

3. Pomegranates

Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer. While the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice have gained a lot of attention recently, you will be more likely to lose weight by eating the fruit fresh to increase your fiber intake and keep the calories down.

4. Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are considered an essential ingredient in the tasty Italian mixture pesto. Chinese medicine uses pine nuts to improve gastrointestinal tract and digestive functions, and pine nut oil is even used for appetite suppression. Pine nuts and other nuts are a tasty part of a well-balanced diet intended for weight loss.

5. Green Tea

It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants. So drink up!

A healthy diet also includes lean proteins like chicken breast, legumes such as lentils, and other whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fad diets may promise a large amount of weight loss in a short period of time, there's almost a guarantee that you will put that weight back on-and then some!

Eat five smaller meals a day, avoid processed foods, chew more slowly, and incorporate more healthy foods into your diet-starting with these five. Also, click here to learn more about the Tao of Wellness B-Slim dietary supplement, which will help you lose weight naturally.I hope this article helps you find foods that can aid in your weight loss goals! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Source: Noypi's Pilgrim's Sanctuary