Hoop It Up!

Burned out on your usual workout? Try something new. Something fun, like...Hula hooping. You don't have to go anywhere, you don't have to spend much money. You can do this at home and if you have kids you can play with them using hula hoop in just 10 mins you will perspire and have your exercise of the day. This is a trend again now. A fitness trend. Gyms and dance studios have classes using weighted hoops to provide resistance and tone abs, back muscles, even shoulders. burn rate: up to 100 calories in 10 minutes, if you're inexperienced and working really hard to keep the hoop spinning. Experienced hoopers using traditional, unweighted hoops will get more of a rush of nostalgia than endorphins, but hey, turning up the corners of your mouth is good exercise too!

"If Tomorrow Never Comes"

I was sitting in front of the computer and thinking what to post in my blog. I remember that last week i feel i miss my country the Philippines, i miss my mother,and my sons. I feel i don't have someone to talk to when i am alone in the house and my husband is at work. If i call my family in the Philippines everyday it will cost us big amount of money. I manage to call them last July and August and when the bill come it cost us about a hundred dollars. I was shocked... HHHmmmnn so expensive. If i talk to them in the computer i am not satisfied and my mother too doesn't know how to use the computer. The headseat in my computer back home is not doing good too. The only means that i could talk to them is on the phone. Here in the US i could call anywhere in the state because we have an unlimited call and we could talk even an hour or more. Last Saturday, i remember to contact my cousin who is living in Florida and we have not meet yet for so many years when he leave the Philippines and until last week. I get my cellphone look at the phone book and try calling him if it would get thru. Alas! i heard a ring and i was happy only to hear a voice message; a leave a message after the tone. I was sad but i still leave my message in Tagalog saying that this is just a test i am not sure if this is really your landline number, if you are the right person that i am calling please call me back at my number and i give him the number. After one hour he called up and when i hear his voice, My God i really cried. I can't express the happiness that i feel in that moment. After an hour of talking, exchanging hello's, knowing what happens with each others life we bade goodbye on the phone and that moment i told him take care, seems that day would be my last. I feel good and happy to hear his voice and knowing that he is there to care for me second to my husband and my other relatives, and friends who is living here is the US. I feel i am secure even if my parents and sons are not here and that i have someone to cling to whenever i need support. That time i could say i feel blessed to have a loving and supportive husband, parents sons and cousins, relatives and friends. And i know if i would leave at that moment i would be happy, feeling complete knowing that they are there loving me. And that i in turn was glad to let them know and love them. Or if ever tomorrow never comes as we don't know how long we will live at least i think i was able to let them feel how much i care for them. How much they meant to me. That's when i remember this old song sang by Ronan Keating and was inspired by a writer who is already dead. This inspiration gives me the urge to post this video and lyrics so that you could sing and enjoy and possibly think that's it not yet late to let our love one's feel they are meant so much to us.



Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way
To show her every day
That she's my only one
If my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes.

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance
To tell her how I feel

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way
To show her every day
That she's my only one
If my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

Say "I Love You"

How many of us always says I love you to our parents. When we are far how often do we remember them. When we got married seems we don't care anymore. I am not saying that all of us is doing that but there are some and this is happening especially today's generation where some wants to live in their own. They sometimes don't want their parents to intervene in their affairs. When we are busy, do we really remember to call them and ask how they are, what are they doing? How often do we visit them, treat them to a coffee shop or when they are around how often do we talk to them. So, many questions to ask and so many if's to say.No offense meant here but just my opinion and observation. This story that i post here is just a reminder to those who forget to spend their time with their parents. It's not yet late to let them know how much we love and care for them. It's not yet let to return back the favor that they give us. While they still feel and hear us let them know how important they are to us. This is the story.

After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping alive the spark of love. A little while ago I had started to go out with another woman. It was really my wife's idea. "I know that you love her," she said one day, taking me by surprise.

"But I love YOU," I protested. "I know, but you also love her." The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called
to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. "I thought that it would be pleasant to pass some time with you," I responded. " Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment then said "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First
Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu to her. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entree, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.

"Then it's time for you to relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

During the dinner we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary - but catching up on recent events of each others lives. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you". I agreed. "How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.

Some time later I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I was almost sure that I couldn't be there but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant to me. I love you."

At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time: "I LOVE YOU" and giving our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than God and your family and friends. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off 'til "some
other time". Someone once said "I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I think this is true with your in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and your friends. Anyone that means something to you-you should spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you as often as you can.

Beef and Chestnut Stew

Got busy this days, was thinking to post here another recipe and this time its Chinese, i am fond of this being a part Chinese. My ancestors on the father side is Chinese although we don't speak the language. We were not taught how to speak the language nor we did not go into a Chinese school. My father was born and raise in the Philippines, he could understand and speak the language a little, but the tradition of preparing some food and other chinese tradition like celebrating New Year was carried on from their generation to ours. The recipe that i will share here is simple and easy to prepare and you can find the ingredients in the grocery store.




Ingredients:

4 tablespoon peanut oil
3 pounds stewing beef, cut into 3/4 cubes
Sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
4 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
4 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon finely minced or crushed garlic
1 whole star anise
1 teaspoon roasted and crushed Szechwan peppercorns
4 cups water
1/2 pound dried chestnuts, soaked overnight and drained


Directions:

Heat a wok or large frying pan and add oil. Brown the meat
and place in a stove-top casserole. Mix all ingredients for
the sauce and add to the pot, along with the browned meat. Add
the drained chestnuts and cover. Simmer for about 1 1/2 hours,
or until all is very tender.

10 EXPENSIVE CITIES IN AMERICA

1. New York, N.Y.
World Rank: 22
There's still plenty of demand in New York for high-end housing, fine dining and expensive boutiques. Average rent for a two bedroom, luxury condo in the city is $4,500. Even a fast-food hamburger--anything but a luxury--costs an average $5.89. New York is the only American city in the top 50 most expensive cities in the world.




2. Los Angeles, Calif.
World Rank: 55
Like any city with a concentrated industry, the demand for luxury housing in Los Angeles is high. Worse, the commutes are brutal. The average driver spends 72 hours a year stuck in traffic delays and, as of July 21, the cost of a gallon of regular gas was $4.46. However, the 13-point drop in worldwide ranking, from 42 in 2007 to 55 in 2008, indicates that the city is getting less expensive.




3. Miami, Fla.
World Rank: 75
Despite the dismal real estate market, Miami is still a pricey spot, mostly due to its vibrant nightlife, tourism and large consortium of creative professionals. But the city dropped significantly in the ranks since 2007--24 spots, to be exact, from No. 51 to No. 75 out of 253 cities worldwide. Want to take advantage of the decrease in prices? Try renting instead of buying.




4. Honolulu, Hawaii
World Rank: 77
No wonder Honolulu is expensive; it's full of tourists, mostly Asian, buying up exclusive Chanel handbags and Rolex watches unavailable elsewhere. Of course, the beautiful beaches and natural surroundings are also a draw. Although the number of full-time residents is only 371,657, Honolulu continues to climb up the ranks of our list of the best places for cities and careers.




5. San Francisco, Calif.
World Rank: 78
In the last 25 years, Silicon Valley has brought billions into San Francisco's economy. With that cash comes high-end housing, pricey restaurants and, of course, greater demand for everything. Demand might push up prices, but if you're a young professional with an Ivy League education, the higher costs are worthwhile. The number of highly rated companies in the area comes in second only to New York.




6. Chicago, Ill.
World Rank: 84
The Midwest's biggest business hub, Chicago is the only non-coastal city on our list. The third-most populous city in the U.S., the town serves as a stopover for executives between New York and Los Angeles. Chicago's costs come from housing demand and an ever-growing tourism industry. In 2007, 46.3 million people visited Chicago and spent $11.5 billion, according to the city's tourism commission.




7. White Plains, N.Y.
World Rank: 89
A commuter town, this New York City suburb is expensive because of high demand for housing and high transportation costs. Its community members--for the most part--can afford it though. The median family income here is $71,891, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Why does White Plains rank while other New York City suburbs have been left off the list? According to Mercer, companies, historically, have sent expat workers to live in White Plains more than any other area outside of Manhattan.



8. Houston, Texas
World Rank: 98
While this Texas town remains on our list of the best cities for business and careers year after year, the cost of commuting--20.9% of expenses, on average, are spent on transportation--makes it pricey to live here. And the city lacks a useful, extensive or reliable mass-transit system.



9. Boston, Mass.
World Rank: 99
The ultimate college town, Boston is expensive; renting a home costs $1,658 a month, on average. However, if you're single, the extra money you're spending might be worthwhile. The city is high on the list of the country's best cities for singles.



10. Washington, D.C.
World Rank: 107
In terms of expenses, Washington, D.C., ranks a little above average compared with 252 other major cities around the world. Those prices have a lot to do with the high inflation. However, if you're looking for a good job to pay those bills, there's a solid chance you'll find one in the capital. It ranks No. 6 on our list of the best cities for young professionals.

Kare-kare recipe

Main Ingredients:


1/2 kilo beef (tender cut from sirloin or round) cut into chunk cubes
2 oxtail
2 pig hocks
7 cups water
Pinch salt & pepper
1/2 cup oil
4 tablespoons atsuete oil
2 heads garlic (minced)
2 medium sized onions (diced)
1/2 cup bagoong alamang
3 cup ground nuts or 4 cups of peanut butter
1/4 cup ground toasted rice
5 pieces eggplant (sliced into rings)
1 banana bud (cut to almost proportional to eggplant slices, blanch in boiling water)
1 bundle sitaw (string beans) cut to 2" long




Procedure:


In a casserole, boil oxtail, hocks, beef. Lower fire and let simmer until all meat is tender and cooked. Remove all scum that rises to the surface.

Take out the meat, set aside, keep stock for later.

In another casserole, heat oil and atsuete oil and saute garlic, onion and bagoong alamang and toasted rice and nuts (if using nuts)

Add oxtail, hocks and beef, pour in the stock, season with salt and pepper and add peanut butter (if using peanut butter)

Simmer until all flavors are incorporated, then add the vegetables.

Make sure vegetables is well cooked and not soggy.

Serve hot with bagoong with calamansi and chili pepper.

Hmmmnn, I miss this recipe. Back in the Philippines this is my favorite with bagoong. My mouth watered when I see the picture. Too bad that my husband don’t like the smell of bagoong he he he. I will try it when he is at work and I am alone in the house so he will not smell it. Anyways just want to share it here for those who loves cooking and would try this recipe. You can buy the ingredients at Filipino or Oriental store. Have seen it there when I go shopping for my favorite Filipino Food.

Our Lady of Manaoag

Virgin Mary, Mother of GOD, Queen of the most Holy Rosary, Thou, who hast chosen to raise thy throne of mercy in Manaoag, to be the beloved protectress and Patron of the province of Pangasinan, and there from to bestow thy graces on us, thy children, banished in this valley of tears, look down with thine eyes of mercy upon me who am beset with so many dangers of body and soul. Despise not my petition, O dearest Mother, but intercede for me before thy divine Son now and at the hour of my death, Amen. Virgin of Manaoag, pray for us.


She is believed to have countless miraculous tales and healing powers. For those who cannot visit the shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, Philippines. A Prayer & lighting a candle for Our Blessed Lady is very powerful.Just believe, pray and light a candle. For those that are interested you can click the site at the right corner of my blog.

LIFE WITH THE ONE I LOVE

American men have always been known as "Joe" or in the Philippines and now I am married to one. His name is not "Joe" but he is also American.
Chuck, as I used to call him, my husband and best friend is a serious and sometimes funny man I have ever met. This is probably the very thing that attracted me to him when we started talking from the internet .As of this day, while writing this blog, I still have to remember a day that Chuck didn't make me laugh.
There is no dull moment with my husband, from the time we wake up until we say goodnight. Chuck works in a plumbing company as bookkeeper (working 8 hours a day, from Monday to Friday) Saturday’s he always find time to go to church with me after which treat me for dinner and show me places while I still don’t have my driver’s license and no authority to work. If he sense that I am bored he will take me to the malls for shopping (oh yeah my favorite). It is just so amazing.
My Chuck, aside from being funny sometimes is very intelligent, patient and understanding, caring, one woman man, no caprices and value oriented it was this trait that drew me more to him before our engagement . I love engaging in intelligent conversations, from religion to politics and sometimes history. He is a good listener and he never let me down. We can talk about anything and so there is no dull moment between us.
Life in America is very different from the Philippines but Chuck makes everything easy for me. For one, he is domesticated so we do everything together, especially the household chores. I am not a good cook, nor he is either but we try to learn and accept with what we could do. He loves Italian food, Chinese food and some Filipino food, he is not much into rice ,fish and veggies like I do but he eats it every now and then. Food is not an issue so long as we can have it in the microwave he he he. I found the Filipino store which happen to be near from us and I buy ingredients with pancit and caldereta which I cook and have him taste (oh boy he loves it lol) I could say that this man is very easy to please, what more can I ask for?
Life is a bliss with my husband. With this man I only not feel loved but respected. It was worth all the wait of 16 years. Some found true love for the second time , and I found it, it comes when I least expect it . I am happy to have him part of my life. I know I will be laughing everyday of our married life. We know our marriage not be perfect, there will be trials ahead but love, trust and respect bind us together. I know I didn't marry a perfect man , but I married the one who is perfect for me, my loving husband.

Yahweh's awesome power

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 117





Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 119



Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
A: Psalms 118




Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188.



Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?
A: Psalms 118:8



Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?




The next time someone says they would like to find
God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to
be in the center of His will, just send them to the
center of His Word!



Psalms 118:8
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?





I will say a prayer for you. Got a minute? 60 seconds for God?
All you do is say a small prayer for the person who sent you this.........




"Father God,
Bless my friend in whatever it is that you know
He/She may be needing this day!
And may His/Her life be full of your peace,
prosperity and power as He/She seeks
to have a closer relationship with You.

Amen"




I have prayed for you,please join the prayer
and you will caused a multitude of people pray to God for other people.
Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life...





When things get tough,
always remember...
Faith doesn't get you around trouble,
it gets you through it !!

An Irish Blessing

May the Blessing of Light be upon you
Light on the outside, light on the inside.

With God's sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth,
like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.

May the Light of the Lord shine from your eyes,
Like a candle in the window,
Welcoming the weary traveler.

May the blessing of God's soft rain be on you,
Falling gently on your head
Refreshing your soul with the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming

May the strength of the winds of heaven bless you
Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean
Sparkling after in the sunlight.

May the blessing of God's earth be on you
And as you walk the roads
May you always have a kind word for those you meet.

May you understand the strength and power of God in a
thunderstorm and winter
and the quiet beauty of creation
and the calm of a summer sunset

And may you come to realize
that insignificant as you may seem in this great universe
you ARE an important part of God's plan.

May he watch over you
and keep you safe from harm.




May this video and its message be a blessing to everyone who visit my page...

Who Am I Casting Crowns

Awesome... So simple yet so powerfull. I'm speechless... This moved me to tears. So grateful to see the gifts and talents God has given them...I would be happy to share this to those who visit my site,enjoy watching!!!

The Rope

This was sent by a friend and i was so amazed.