Monochrome Friday: Trees

Location: Kapolei, Oahu, HI

This Blogger is Back to School

I am now in my third week of school and have been very busy since the start of the semester.  I am only enrolled in four subjects this semester (Legal Writing, English Composition, Legal Document Preparation, Legal Interview, Negotiation and Advocacy) but the assignments and/or projects in these subjects hardly give me enough time for extra-curricular activities. Hence, blogging has to take a backseat.

I keep track of the tags and link exchange requests; so, to all my friends who tagged and left me a message on my shout box, please be patient; I will work on them. I just finished updating my blog roll this morning to include those who wanted a link exchange. If you do not see your blog listed, just give me a buzz.

I cannot wait for the weekend when I will have more time to work on my blog. OK, time to hit the books again....

Diet Supplements

Persons who are dieting  are well aware that there are plenty of diet supplements  available in the market promising different kinds of positive weight loss effects.  There are those who claim quick results; 0thers claim theirs to be the safest and most natural way to lose weight; others promise additional benefits like preventing acne, and anti-aging;  while others say their diet pills are also sexual stimulants and enhances libido .   With all these different claims, it is not very easy to pick one that is really true to its claims.

If you are in search of a diet pill, it pays to listen to what the experts in the market have to say, learn from it and do additional research to make sure you pick the safesty and most effective diet supplement that contains quality ingredients.  After all, everybody wants to get their money's worth.

What's inside Your Toolbox?

I am always at awe  at the stuff I find at home improvement stores. Almost everything is made available to make life easier for the machinist, the carpenter, painter, welder, plumber, mechanic and especially for the handyman.  I wish the tools and equipment they sell here  are also available in the Philippines, and if they are, affordable to Juan dela Cruz, or the ordinary Joe.

In the Philippines, a handyman's work is mostly done manually, although there are some who use tools, which are not as sophisticated as the ones I see here.  In the U.S., work is faster with the aid of different tools and gadgets designed to make even the heaviest work hassle-free.  Examples of these tools are the industrial clamps which are used in several applications like clamping in trucks and heavy vehicles.  They are also used to hold parts together during welding, fastening and other assembly operations.  These tools hold work properly which makes operation easier, safer, and with more precision.

The 44th President of the United States of America

January 20, 2009 was a historic moment for the United States of America.  The whole world watched as the nation's 44th President, Barack H. Obama,  was sworn into office.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE NEW PRESIDENT?

You Got 7/10 Questions Right

You are a probably a news junkie, Obama fan, or both. You know a lot about Barack Obama - including his politics, history, and family. It's likely you're a very knowledgeable person and quite well read. You can't stand ignorant people, no matter what their political persuasion is.

How Much Do You Know About Barack Obama?

Home Sick

I was in Las Vegas for three days, spending my waking hours walking, walking and walking around the Strip, braving the chilly weather (and the cigarette smoke) to enjoy the sights Vegas has to offer.  I left Vegas Sunday noon and after a four-hour stopover in Los Angeles, I headed for Honolulu on a five and a half hour flight.  Due to lack of sleep and exhaustion (and no thanks to the cigarette smoke I inhaled everywhere I go in Vegas), I have been feverish and lethargic and suffering from a nagging headache since I got home Sunday night.  I wish I could just stay in bed and rest the whole week and lengthen my "vacation" but I have a lot of homework and reading assignments that I haven't done yet.  I also have school and I cannot afford to miss a single class meeting.

It is in times like this, when I am sick and alone, that I miss home.  I miss my mother who is the best nurse one could ever have.  I miss my son.  I miss our ever loyal helper.  These are the people whom I can count on when I am physically (and emotionally) down.  I miss the home-cooked meals prepared by our helper, the hugs and kisses of my son, the massages that I used to have.  

Back home, all I have to do is ask (oftentimes,  I don't even have to) and everything I need (like food, medicine) is prepared for me.  Now, even if I feel lousy, I have to drag myself out of bed to cook, lest I starve. haha!  Instead of getting a massage ( I MISS the body, back and scalp massage I used to have back home), I have to make do with Salonpas patch and a pain reliever.  Being sick is not an excuse to be lazy.  I have to get up and do the laundry and make sure the house is not in a mess.

Being sick is certainly NOT fun when you're away from home, away from loved ones.

How Much Do You Weigh?

I am gaining weight and I have to do something about it. Seriously.  I am now sixteen pounds heavier than when I first arrived in Hawaii and almost twenty pounds heavier than my ideal weight.  My metabolism has slowed down and I no longer engage in physical activities; and with my very healthy appetite for carb-laden food, it is easy for me to gain than to lose weight.

To be physically fit, one needs to be on healthy diet and exercise.  Back home, I did Atkins diet for about three months and twice a week, I had streetfighting lessons.   It did wonders for me.  All I need now is motivation and discipline to get back on track.

Two years ago, I ballooned to one hundred thirty pounds.  In my quest to speed up losing weight, I tried taking appetite suppressants but experienced negative side effects.  Although it did curb my appetite, the stimulants therein gave me insomnia.

There is a new health supplement for weight loss available in the market which is based off a formula found in TIME Magazine called the "ten foods that pack a wallop".  Decaslim contains green tea, a very popular fat burner; Tonalin CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which reduces body fat while preserving muscle;  ViscoFiber, one of the best fiber supplements available, is an appetite suppressant; VitaBlue provides antioxidant; BroccoPlus provides glucosinolates which aids in liver function; Futureceautical's Spinach contains anti-oxidants which help increase energy levels; Linumlife has flaxseed which helps maintain good skin; Lycomato supports cardiovascular and prostate health as well as prevent DNA and cell damage.  It also helps one maintain healthy skin; Allicin Powder is a strong source of garlic which we all know helps maintain cholesterol levels; and Reservatrol which is a good dietary supplement.  

Three-In-One Award

Thank you very much, MsRecipe, for the Triple Awards.  I am sharing this award with my friends in blogosphere, specifically those included in my blogroll. This is my way of acknowledging every one of you.

For Dog Lovers

Do you see the cheeky dog in the photo?  He looks exactly like Raygirl.  Unfortunately, I left her photos back home.  Raygirl's mother was a Japanese Spitz but unlike her brothers and sisters who looked exactly like Japanese Spitz, Raygirl, with her shaggy fur, did not look like one.  Raygirl was one of our last two pet dogs.  The other, a male Japanese Spitz, we named Rufus.  After they died a couple of years ago, we deemed it best not to have any pet dogs.  Aside from the emotional attachment that one develops over one's pet, it takes a lot of work to take care of one.  Pet dogs are like human beings.  They also need proper care,  and like children, they  are pampered and loved.  

Although it could get expensive to maintain a dog, the happiness that a pet dog brings you is worth more than the amount you spend for dog supplies.

Noblesse Oblige

In French, "noblesse oblige" literally means "nobility obligates".  

According to the French Wiktionary, the Dictionnaire de l'Academie francaise defines it, thus:

1.  Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.

2.  Figuratively, one must act in a fashion that conforms with one's position, and with the reputation that one has earned.

Wikipedia further states that "noblesse oblige" is generally used to imply that with wealth, power and prestige come responsibilities.

This reminds me of a Biblical passage, "Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given.  but even more will be demanded from the one to whom much has been entrusted." (Luke12:48, ISV).

This award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:

• The blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
• The blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
• There is a clear purpose at the blog; one that fosters a better understanding on social, political, economic, the arts, culture and sciences and beliefs.
• The blog is refreshing and creative.
• The blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

Thank you, extraordinary mom, Enchie, for this Award.   I am passing this honor to an amazing woman of God, Thess. Thank you for sharing with us with your God-given talents.

Fight Fat With Fitness

True to his word, hubby has been serious with his fitness regimen for the past three months.  With diet and exercise, he's lost thirty (30) pounds already since going back to the Atkins Diet and bike riding and/or trips to 24 Hour Fitness .  I won't talk about my case because I am going towards the the opposite  direction.  I am now fourteen pounds heavier since I arrived in Hawai'i  a year and a half ago.  I kept postponing my trips back to the gym, I've stopped riding my bike and it's been ages since I've done lap swimming.  Believe me,  I am not happy that I can no longer fit into my slim dresses and my skirts, shorts and blouses are getting uncomfortably snug.  I am still in the normal weight range but I know I have to do something about my health regimen (i.e., control my appetite for carb laden goodies and start getting physical again)  before I turn into a BBW.  

My husband and I have a membership in a fitness club.  After doing my routine at my favorite cardio equipment station (exercise bike, incline trainer and treadmill), I spend a few minutes winding down in the whirlpool.  Oftentimes, I am just lazy to pack my bags and head for the fitness club.  Maybe hubby should invest in good fitness equipment so that we can exercise at home any time of the day.

Let's get physical, physical

I wanna get physical, let's get into physical

Let me hear your body talk

Your body talk, let me hear your body talk.

-Olivia Newton John

The Resting Place of the People's King

Lunalilo I, born William Charles Lunalilo, was king of the Kingdom of Hawai'i from 1873 -1874.  

He was the most liberal king in Hawai'ian history.  King Kamehameha V, the last monarch of the House of Kamehameha died without naming a successor to the throne.  Under the Constitution, if the King did not appoint a successor, a new king would be elected by the legislature from the native Ali'i (Hawai'an noble rank).  Several chiefs named David Kalakaua but Lunalilo was the more popular of the two candidates.  Another contender was Ruth Keelikolani, who was a half sister to King Kamehameha V.  She was a favorite among the chiefs because she adhered to the old Hawai'ian ways.  She refused to speak English eventhough she was fluent in it.  Her genealogy was, however, too controversial and few considered her suitable to the throne.  This left only two:  Kalakaua and Lunalilo, and the latter was more popular.

Lunalilo, however, insisted that the constitution be followed.  He also wanted reform in the Hawai'ian government and amend the constitution to make the government more democratic and give people a greater part in the government.

It was, therefore, decided that a popular election be held to give people a chance to have their voices heard.  However, because the constitution gave the legislature the power to decide who would be the next king, the popular election would be unofficial.   

The election was held where Lunalilo won by an overwhelming majority.  The week after, the legislature unanimously voted Lunalilo king.  It was speculated that the reason for the unanimous vote was because each legislator was

required to sign his name on the back of his ballot, and the legislators were afraid to go against the wishes of the people.  Queen Emma later wrote that hundreds of Hawai'ians were ready to tear to pieces anyone who opposed Lunalilo.

Lunalilo's popularity, and the fact that he became king through a democratic process, earned him the name "The People's King".  During his reign, a mutiny took place in the small Hawai'ian army.  Some members revolted against the drillmaster and the adjutant general.  Lunalilo was able to persuade those who revolted to lay down their arms.  After this, he disbanded the army and Hawai'i had no armed forces until  his successor restored them.

Lunalilo reigned  only for one year and 25 days.  He died of tuberculosis at the age of 39.  On his deathbed, he requested that he be "entombed among my epople, rather than the kings and chiefs" at the Royal Mausoleum.  Thus, in 1875, he was taken from the Mausoleum to the church.  During the procession, eyewitness reports stated that a sudden storm arose, and that 21-rapid thunderclaps echoed across Honolulu, which came to be known as the "21 gun salute".

The Rolls Royce of Watches

I am not a jewelry person.  In fact, I do not wear one.  I admire gazing at a beautiful piece of jewelry made with precious stones, but because I cannot afford to buy one for myself,  I never  developed any fascination for it. The very few pieces that I have which are of value are mostly inherited from my late grandmother.  The only accessory I used to wear was a timepiece, and only for practical reasons.  Since coming to the US, I stopped wearing a watch, relying on my mobile phone for the time.

Talking about timepieces, Swiss watches have always been known for its quality.  Geneva, Switzerland has long been home to the finest watchmakers in the world.  

Patek Philippe stands out as the only Geneva watch manufacturer to receive the Geneva Seal, the highest official quality distinction in the watch-making industry.  The name is synonymous to quality and reliability in the world of timepieces.  

A respected name in the watch manufacturing industry, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch in 1868.  They also pioneered the perpetual calendar, split-seconds hand, chronograph and minute repeater in watches.  It mostly produces mechanical movements of the automatic and manual wind variety, but has also produced quartz watches and even the digital wrist watch.

Among the one hundred most expensive watches sold at an auction, eighty were Patek Philippe watches.   In 1999, the most expensive timepiece ever sold was a Patek Philippe watch priced at $11,000,000.00.  Likewise, in 2008, Patek Philippe's tourbillion wristmatch made world record as the most expensive modern wristwatch sold at Hong Kong Sotheby's for $1.49 million.

Jesus Is My Lighthouse

We are but human so we are bound to commit mistakes.  However, let not our human nature be our excuse to continuously do things which are not right in the sight of God and of man.

Because of man's selfish nature, he has a tendency to think only of himself and does whatever makes him happy, regardless of the consequences of his act, and without thinking whether what he is doing is right or not, or whether he has stepped on the foot of his fellow being or hurt another person.  Not every act that pleases us is pleasing to the Lord.  Just as not every legal act is a moral act. 

How do we act accordingly?  We cannot rely upon human strength and wisdom alone.  Let us turn to Jesus to guide us to walk the right path.  When we are sailing in the dark, let Jesus be our lighthouse.  He will never fail to guide us to safety, and help us do the right thing.

 

Below are the lyrics of a beautiful old Gospel song by the Heritage Singers:

There's a lighthouse on the hillside

That overlooks the sea

When I'm tossed it sends out a light

That I might see

And the light that shines in darkness now

Will safely lead me o'er

If it wasn't for the lighthouse

My ship would be no more

It seems that everybody about us says

Tear that old lighthouse down

The big ships just don't pass this way anymore

So there's no use in standing around

Then my mind goes back to that one dark, stormy night

When just in time, I saw the light

Yes, it was the light from that old lighthouse

That stands up there on the hill.

And I thank God for the lighthouse

I owe my life to Him

Jesus is the Lighthouse

And from the rocks of sin

He has shown a light around me

That I might clearly see

If it wasn't for the lighthouse

Tell me where would this ship be?

I thank God for the lighthouse

I owe my life to Him

Jesus is the Lighthouse

And from the rocks of sin

He has shown a light around me

That I might clearly see

If it wasn't for the lighthouse

Tell me where would this ship be?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him

And He will make your path straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

Hancock's Beanie

One of the recent action-comedy movies that I like is Hancock, starring the hunkababe Will Smith as the "bad boy" super hero, John Hancock. Smith is sexy in a naughty way in his grunge look (dark glasses, sloppy clothing and beanie).

Although beanies first became popular around the early 20th century when they were used by school boys (between the 1920s up to the early 1940s), they fell out of popularity in favor of the cotton visored baseball caps. However, in the early 1990s, the beanie became in style again due to the popularity of the "grunge" trend.

Celebrities like Enrique Iglesias and a number of rap music artists are known to be beanie wearers. The modern beanie is usually made of fleece or a special synthetic material that whisks moisture away. Woven versions, which look like tobogganing caps, are also popular sportswear accessories for winter and cold weather sports like snowboarding.

Beanies come in different colors and styles and are popular both among young men and women.

'Iolani Palace

The only official state residence of royalty in the United States of America, 'Iolani Palace was the official residence of Hawai'ian kingdom's last two monarchs, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili 'uokalani.

'Io is a Hawai'ian hawk, a bird that flies higher than the other birds, and lani denotes heavenly, royal, or exalted. The old palace was demolished in 1874 but the name 'Iolani Palace was retained for the building that stands today.

Though its grandeur was neglected after the overthrow of the monarchy, restoration began in the 1970s through efforts of concerned individuals. Restoration and preservation continues, and, as a result, today's visitors to this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.

Super Foods for a Healthier Body

Health buffs are familiar with the so-called 10 super foods, namely:

• Brazilian Acai- contains a concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with ten times more antioxidants than red grapes.
• Cayenne Pepper Fruit- high in antioxidant carotenes and flavonoids, and contain about twice the amount of Vitamin C found in citrus fruits. It is also great for supercharging one's metabolic rate helping one to burn body fat at a much higher rate.
• Garlic- known to lower cholesterol and lessens the risk of the hardening of the arteries, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, destroy infection-causing viruses and bacteria, produces more "natural killer" celles in the blood to fight infections, and enhances detoxification by reducing toxins.
• Soybeans Isoflavones- beneficial for those on a low carb diet because they do not cause the inflammatory, hunger-inducing spike in blood sugar levels associated with refined grains and baked goods.
• Barley- helps the body metabolize fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates, and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
• Wheatgrass- a "super greens food"
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus- healthy bacteria found in high concentrations in Kefir and Yogurt, it helps the body fight against infectious diseases by competing with the pathogens for food, nutrients and survival.
• Alfalfa Sprouts- as we age, our body's ability to produce enzymes declines. Sprouts are a concentrated source of living enzymes.
• Flaxseed- a good source of appetite suppressing nutrients. Recommended for those who want to control weight gain with no hunger pangs. Also reduces the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Buckwheat- has the ability to reduce and stabilize blood sugar levels following meals, which is a key factor in preventing diabetes and obesity.

The 10 Super Foods are now incorporated into one health supplement known as Lipovox. It was accidentally developed by a Hawai'ian college student while watching the "How to Look 10 Years Younger in 10 Days" segment of Oprah Winfrey's show. She went on a special diet consisting of the 10 super foods to lose her surfing wrinkles. She did not lose her wrinkles, but she lost 10 pounds and her acne vanished. Since it was difficult to eat the 10 super foods daily, the student took concentrated extracts with the same results.

Lipovox also contains 2 additional super foods (green tea extract and salmon oil powder) and 2 super antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid and DMAE).

This diet supplement is considered more of a whole food vitamin because it promotes not only safe fat loss but also helps improve the user's skin tone, acne, wrinkles and energy levels.

Saturday 9: The Phone is for You

1.  The phone rings.  Who is the most likely caller? - Hubby

2.  How long do you chat on the phone each day? -  Normally, only for a few minutes.  I am not a "phone" person.   I limit my talk to important matters.  Only on very rare occasions will you find me burning the lines just to chitchat.  Infact, when I am with my husband, I don't carry my phone with me or it is in a silent or buzz mode.  Therefore, to the rest of the world, I am incommunicado.  Note:  If someone wants to reach me on a weekend,  it's easier to do so by email rather than making a phone call.

3.  Who do you speak to the most? - Hubby

4.  Do you often not answer if a person comes up on your caller ID? - I normally answer.

5.  Do you phone friends at work?  - I seldom do.  Only for important matters.

6.  Do you make personal calls at work? - Only for important matters, if time is of the essence.  Otherwise, personal phone calls will have to wait after work.

7.  Who do you always say "I love you" at the end of the call? - Husband, son and my mother.

8.  Do you use a landline or cell more often? -  Cell phone.

9.  Who in the blogosphere that you haven't chatted with but would like to? - Can't think of anybody yet.   YIM is cheaper to use. LOL!

The Chinaman's Hat and Others

I am in  my last  few days of vacation.  Spring semester starts on Monday and for the next four months I will be very busy with school again.  Taking advantage of my remaining free time, I have been touring the island and visiting places of interest.

Yesterday, hubby and I went around the island via the North Shore direction.  The drive seemed never-ending but enjoyable because we passed along beautiful beaches with blue pristine waters and white sand.  It was low tide that day so there were not a lot of surfers riding the waves.  

We stopped by Kualoa Park where we got a good view of the famous Chinaman's Hat.  

This cone-shaped outcropping of lava off Kualoa Point resembles the peasant's chapeau worn by rural Chinese; hence, the name, Chinaman's Hat.  

Across Kualoa Park are the Kualoa Ranch and Ka'a'awa Valley.  The ranch offers horseback rides, ATV rides, bus tours and jungle exploration tours of the valley.  Kualoa Ranch and Ka'a'awa Valley are situated in one of Oahu's most historic areas.  Ka'a'awa Valley is also one of the island's most beautiful valleys and still largely untouched by modern development.

JouRney to the Diamond Head Summit

January 6, 2009: The Day We conquered Le'ahi ( Diamond Head).

How the Crater was Formed

The pronounced seaward summit, deeply eroded ridges, and ovoid-shaped crater are evidence of Le'ahi's very dynamic geological history.  The creation of Oahu began with  volcanic eruptions from 2 shield volcanoes.  A period of extensive erosion followed, leaving the Ko'olau and Wai'anae  Mountain Ranges as the remnants of these volcanoes.

After many years of volcanic inactivity, the southeastern end of Ko'olau Range erupted.  These eruptions occurred under the ocean, where the magma was broken  down into ash and fine particles by the water and steam.  Blown into the air, these particles were cemented together into a rock called tuff which created tuff cones, such as Le'ahi.

Le'ahi was believed to have been formed during a single, brief eruption.  The broad crater covers 350 acres with its width being greater than its height.  The southwestern rim is highest because winds were blowing ash in this direction during the eruption.  Since the eruption, the slopes of the crater have been eroded and weathered by rain, wind, and the pounding of the sea.  A coral reef now protects the seaward slopes of the crater.

Today, Le'ahi (Diamond Head) is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii.  It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 as an excellent example of a tuff cone.

Historic Trail to the Summit

The trail to the summit of Le'ahi was built in 1908 as part of the US Army Coastal Artillery defense system.  Entering the crater from Fort Ruger, through the Kapahulu Tunnel, the trail scaled the steep interior western slopes of the crater to the summit.  The dirt trail with numerous switchbacks was designed for mule and foot traffic.  Other materials were hoisted from the crater floor by a winch and cable to a midway point along the trail.  The Kahala Tunnel was built in the 1940's and is the public entrance today.

Hiking the Trail

From the trailhead to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, you will hike 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way and climb 560 feet (1.3 km) from the crater floor.  The trail follows an uneven and steep terrain requiring caution and appropriate footwear.  Portions of the trail involve steep stairways.  Other portions of the trail go through a long tunnel which is lighted.

Some Points of  Interest Along the Trail

*The trailhead at the parking lot is located on the crater floor at an elevation of about 200 feet.

*Concrete Landing and Lookout.  

*Steep stairway of 74 concrete steps leading into the first tunnel.

*Dark passage through a 225-foot long, narrow tunnel.

*Second stairway consisting of 99 steep steps.  The cross-beams above the stairway supported camouflaging.

*Lighted spiral staircase accesses the 4 levels of the Fire Control Station.  Go up the 52 stairs to the third level where the mounts for the observation equipment are still present.

*The summit of the crater and the uppermost level of the Fire Control Station are at an elevation of 761 feet.  Bunkers along the crater rim were built in 1915.  One can see the Waikiki skyline from the summit.

Your Blog is Fabulous

I received this award from two fabulous mommy bloggers, Ria S and Anna Hayes and am passing it to the following fabulous blogs:

Writings on the Wall

It's My Party

Sweet Nothings

Memoirs of a Pinay in America

The Damage of Adultery

From the Couple's Devotional Bible:

No one seems invulnerable to sexual temptation, and an affair, however "meaningless", has the potential to ruin even the best marriage.  Blumstein and Schwartz, in their study of American couples, found that "husbands and wives who had had extramarital sex were more likely to break up, whether the unfaithfulness happened at the beginning of the marriage or after many years."

Comparing couples who had affairs with those who didn't, couples who had committed adultery were less committed to the future together.

A partner's infidelity is more than just a disappointing choice to prefer another person (for a night, or longer).  It is a stab in the gut.  Adultery threatens any relationship.  It betrays the partner who has entrusted life, body and soul to another.  It makes him or her into a sexual competitor.

Marriage demands, positively, that we make a pledge to love for life.  Negatively, it demands that we abhor adultery.  To brush past that rule, emphasizing the positive pledge without the negative command, is to kid ourselves.

Adultery is a marriage killer.  That is why the bible is so plain in its comment: "You shall not commit adultery."

But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;

whoever does so destroys himself.

-Proverbs 6:32

Picture Meme

Rules of the game:

1.  Go to your computer's Picture Folder or wherever you store your pictures.

2.  Go to the 6th Folder and pick the 6th picture.

3.  Post it on your blog and tell a story that goes with the picture.

4. Tag 5 glorious people to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog telling them about it.

My mother is a plant lover.  Her favorite place in the house is our garden where she grows flowers of different colors as well as green plants.  I took this picture two years ago while I was still in the Philippines.  I wanted to capture the beauty of this orchid which was in full bloom.  The sky was gloomy when I took the picture but I think the dark sky added beauty to the scenery.  This picture brings back good memories of home, where life was happier and less complicated.

Thanks, Donabel, for the picture meme.  I am tagging Ria S, Jacky, Anna, Enchie and Ria C.  

Online Shopping

I like to think of myself as a wise and frugal shopper.  I am always on a look out for a sale before deciding on making a purchase.  Nothing makes me happier than getting my money's worth for every item that I buy.

Although I love going to the mall and retail outlets, online shopping could be fun, too; plus, I do not have to contend with the crowd and stand in line at the cash register.  It is especially time consuming when you have to wait on long queues to pay for two or three items only.  Online shopping is sometimes more practical and cheaper, and accessible for consumers like me who do not drive.

We can always find a lot of good deals on online stores.  Products ranging from electronics, computers, cell phones, games to apparel, sport items, toys, books, home and outdoor furnishing and even jewelry and watches and food can be found online.  You can do your shopping with just a click of the mouse.

And the Award Goes To...

Thank you to my special friends in blogosphere for the following awards:

The first two awards were given by Memoirs of a Pinay in America , Live, Love, Laugh and The Train Thoughts

Inspiring Blogger Award

This award is shared with the following for their inspiring posts:

Women-ish, Blogging Bugs, Precious Words , Writings on the Wall and A Pilgrim's Journey.

You Make My Day Award

These blogs are deserving of this award: Sweet Nothings, It's My Party, Just a Bit, and don_ser.

The Smile Award

Received from Jacky of My Life Story and Ria S of Live Love Laugh, I am passing this to  my friends at:

aramkool, Arnie's website, Reach Beyond Your Limits, Sweet Pinay and Airpresherinfo.

Everytime you smile at someone

it is an action of love

a gift to that person

a beautiful thing.

-Mother Teresa