Delight in the Beauty that Surrounds You

I have always looked forward to the weekends. It is a time to unwind and be with my banabear. Our trips this weekend were confined to dinner at Toojay's at Boca Raton and East Fusion Buffet at Coral Springs for Chinese eat-all-you-can. Today, we had lunch at the nearby Rotelli, a tiny Italian restaurant. After which, we headed to Wal-Mart for grocery. Last stop before we headed back home was Starbucks.

However, I do not have to go far to enjoy the beauty of nature. Overlooking our backyard is a lake, albeit man-made, is beautiful.

I can enjoy society in a room but out of doors,

nature is company enough for me.

Flowers in bloom lining the steps leading to our front door.

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words.

They are the hieroglyphics of angels,

loved by all men for the beauty of their character,

though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning.

- Lydia M. child

Not far from where we live is another garden.

....to melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

- Kahlil Gibran on Love

Some good things in life are free. Indeed, they are!

How's Your Credit Report?

How important is one's credit report? It documents one's financial activities including one's financial capability and credit score which determines whether one is credit worthy or not. If you are looking on an important financial transaction, purchase real property or enter into a home loan mortgage, or even just buying a car, having a good credit score is important. Persons and especially, businesses need to have a good credit standing. Therefore, it is important that entities should know where to get accurate and correct business credit reports.

Making the Right Choice

Car owners know the value of having a good car insurance. They need it for protection in the unfortunate event of an accident. There are different types of car insurance coverage, depending upon the car owner's needs and ability to pay. The type of car one drives, and even the driver himself (higher risk drivers usually have to pay higher insurance premiums) are factors that are taken into consideration when paying insurance premiums.

If you're a car owner looking to buy a car insurance, how do you find the best affordable insurance coverage? Compare auto insurance quotes of different companies. You can do it online or by contacting these insurance companies. Whatever you decide, make sure you're getting the best affordable deal.

My Road Companion

When I drive to work at 7:30 in the morning, I tune in to 89.3 FM Moody Radio South Florida's Fresh Start to listen to Christian inspirational messages and gospel hymns. On my way home from work around 5:45 PM, Janet Prashall keeps me company while she discusses with her guests topics such as atheism, homosexuality and such other subjects of interest. What about you? What/who keeps you company while you're on the road?

Happy Father's Day

Today is a red-letter day for all fathers. My banabear is a big Yankee fan so I got him the following for his special day:

two Yankee license plate frames for our cars, a Yankee freezer mug and a Yankee shot glass.

Banabear who's also a Trekkie, got this Father's Day musical Star Trek card from moi.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers!

Friday Photo Flashback

1964

I was less than a year old when this photo was taken.

Summer Stroll at the Morikami Gardens

Last Sunday, banabear and I visited the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens at Delray Beach (in between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale). It was a scorching hot summer afternoon when we walked around the Japanese gardens but the view was beautiful so it was worth it.

There are more than 300 public Japanese gardens in North America and Morikami Gardens is ranked 8th among the Top 25 Japanese gardens.

Down by the Riverside

I love old gospel hymns. This traditional hymn, "Down by the Riverside" is sang a capella by the Haven of Rest Quartet. Beautiful melody, beautiful blending.

Happy Sabbath, everyone!

Araw ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas

On June 12, my home country will celebrate its Independence Day. It is on this day 112 years ago that the Philippine flag was unfurled and the Philippine National Anthem was played for the first time in the presence of a huge crowd gathered outside the home of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo at Kawit, Cavite.

Aloha Friday!

When I lived in Hawaii, we would always say, "It's Aloha Friday!" to greet the last working/school day of the week. I've always loved Fridays because it signals the start of my rest day- a respite from five days of labor.

I have to catch up on my school projects and will be pretty busy working on them during the weekend but just the same, I look forward to Saturday and Sunday when I can spend quality time at home.

Well, folks, have an Aloha Friday!

Experience Japan

Watashi to issho ni kite kudasai.

(Come with me!)

Massugu itte kudasai. Soshite, hidari.

(Go straight then turn left!)

Mayotte shimai mashita.

(I'm lost.)

Mata atode aimashou!

(See you later!)

Onaka ga suki masita!

(I'm hungry!)

Toire wa doko desu ka?

(where is the toilet?)

That was part of my short "travel" to Japan last Sunday. I'll tell you more in my next post :)

How Do You Curb Your Appetite?

There are several ways of suppressing our appetite. What have you done and did it work for you? One way is to eat slowly. Research says that it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full. Taking your time to savor your food can give you a sense of fullness with less food intake. Also, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water healthy is not only healthy, but it also helps to keep you hungry. Other people with obesity problems turn to pills like phentermine, an over-the-counter generic brand of appetite suppressant that works like the prescription drug with the same name but without the side effects like insomnia, nervousness and headaches.

Going to School

Students in the U.S. are getting ready to enjoy their summer vacation. However, it is almost back-t0-school for students in the Philippines as enrollment is about to begin. My son is now entering college. I am a La Salle alumna and he is following int0 my footsteps by choosing the same school. The tuition and school fees have gone up through the years, but at least, the school facilities have also improved. College in the U.S. is more expensive compared to that in my country. I am going to a government college here but being an out-of-state student, I am paying a higher tuition compared to in-state students. However, I do not complain because the professors are very good and we are well provided with good facilities. The classrooms are comfortably air-conditioned, spacious and equipped with quality school furniture which is makes learning fun and easy.

Friday Photo Flashback

Taken in 1999 at the Bacolod City Hall of Justice (Philippines) with RTC Branch 52 staff - my former officemates.

courtroom

Hallway (in front of our staffroom)

Houses for Sale

The economic crisis has caused a lot of people to lose their jobs, and along with it their homes. The country saw the decline in the real estate market. Since last year, there has been a noticeable decline in prices of homes everywhere in the country. On the other hand, foreclosures continue to rise as home owners default in their home loans. In Florida, where I live, I see beautiful homes which are subject of foreclosure sales. As I browse through house listings online, I see that the situation's the same everywhere in the country. Those interested in living near the coastal area might also be interested in Outer banks foreclosures. Beautiful homes overlooking the waters are being sold at low prices.