JOGGING DO'S AND DONT'S

Your body needs exercise. And you can exercise through jogging. Many people want to jog but many also quit after a few tries. How do you decide on making jogging a part of your lifestyle? How do you keep track on your desire to do this?

First, take an honest inventory of your fitness level. Based on your fitness level, make realistic goals. Remember, you can't go from sitting on the couch to jogging five miles in just one try. It will take time and a lot of resolve to keep on jogging happily.

In the beginning, set up a distance as your starting point. Should you get tired, you can always walk to catch your breath. Then, jog again when you get your breath back. In time, you will be jogging the entire distance! After you've reached this, increase the distance in small increments each week. Remember, the key is not in finishing the distance in less time but in getting more distance covered.

Also, it is of utmost importance to stretch before and after jogging. If you don't do this, your muscles will feel tight and painful, thus making you stop jogging for a couple of days. Proper stretching will also prevent injuries to your legs and feet while jogging. If and when you do get sore, alternate with walking for a few days until you feel better. This way, you still get to exercise regularly.

Another tip is to jog at your own pace and not at someone else's. Remember, your goals are based on your fitness level. So don't get intimidated when other people jog longer or faster than you do. Compete only with yourself. And never forget to do the following: compliment your efforts, focus on what you have accomplished, and celebrate reaching the milestones and goals that you have set.

A routine route can also be boring. Choose various routes for you to enjoy the view. This will certianly motivate you to continue jogging. But do get a pedometer so you can keep track of the distance that you've covered.

Lastly, dress in layers so you won't get too hot or cold. You can always tie a light jacket around your waist.

Happy jogging, everyone!

Get Rid of Toxins the Natural Way

Today was dubbed as one of the the hottest days of the year. Just playing with our new puppy made me sweat a lot. I just wanted to stay under the shower or inside Nanay's room where the aircondition is. But then, I thought that sweating has its benefits also.

Our bodies contain toxins. These toxins come from the food we eat, stress, and environmental pollution. And when toxins start accumulating in our bodies, our detoxifying organs start working harder. These organs are the kidneys, lungs, intestines, liver, lymphatic and immune systems. Did you know that our skin is also one of these detoxifying organs?

The skin, known as the largest organ in the body, can help in the detoxification process by sweating (or perspiring)! Sweating is not merely for regulating our body temperature.

Because whenever we sweat, toxins also come out of our bodies. Most of us know that sweat contains water. But aside from water, it also contains minerals like urea, sodium, lactate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and others. When the concentrations of these minerals become higher than normal, our body must secrete them. For instance, urea is a waste product that our body secretes through the urine. Naturally, our kidneys will work harder to get rid of the excess urea in our body. But, as we age, making the kidneys work doubly hard can result in kidney diseases. Thus, instead of just waiting for our kidneys to do the job, we can help by secreting urea through our skin.

Getting rid of toxins through sweat has been used since the Stone Age. And most cultures around the world have their own versions of the sweat bath: Thermae or Balnea in Rome, Onsen in Japan, Banya in Russia, Hamam in Turkey, Sauna in Finland, and many others. This means that people have acknowledged the benefits of sweat baths starting from the Stone Age!

Today, saunas are gaining popularity mainly because more and more people are realizing its health benefits. But not everyone has the time or the money to visit the spa for a sauna. So instead of leaving your house or spending your cash for a sauna, you can still gain the benefits of one right at your own home without spending extra cash! How? Simply by sweating!

Remember, we don't have to go to saunas or spas to detoxify. Start sweating by exercising, dancing, gardening, or doing some household chores. So what are you waiting for? Sweat out those toxins!

Kudos to the Destroyer!

Manny Pacquiao made the entire country proud once more when he defeated Ricky Hatton within 5 minutes and 59 seconds. Kudos to the Destroyer!
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It was a very short fight, I must say. But not knowing much about boxing, all I know is that as a Filipino, I am proud of what he has achieved. I am neither a fan of Manny Pacquiao nor of boxing. But one thing stands out in my memory when talking about the fights of Manny. Years ago, I couldn't remember whom he defeated that day, I used to live in a condo unit in Makati. One afternoon, I set out to clean my room and the living room. While scrubbing the floor of the living room, I heard lots of people collectively shout. Imagine my shock when these shouts pierced the silence of the afternoon. Mind you, I was 12 storeys from the ground. And the shouts were really ear-piercing! Then I thought, what must be happening? And it dawned on me... Manny Pacquiao won again. After that incident, I set out to watching his fights. Eventhough I didn't know any of the technicalities and terminologies in boxing.

Last Sunday was no exception. As Daddylove and I were on our way home from Laguna, we marveled at how easy it was to drive home on a day that Manny Pacquiao had a fight. There were very few cars in sight. And we were home in an hour. A trip that usually takes us at least 2 hours.

Even if ABS-CBN already flashed that Pacquiao won, we were still waiting for the channel 7 coverage to begin with Manny's fight. And it was really mind-blowing! 5 minutes and 59 seconds was all it took! Goodness, it seemed too easy!

After realizing what had happened, it dawned on me how easy it was for Manny to win the crown. At first I thought, "saglit lang daming milyon na naman ang pera nya." But much thought made me realize that it wasn't just minutes. It was months of training. And for Manny to get to where he is know, he put in most of his life into training to be the best boxer that he can be. Looking at his life, he is showing us some keys to success: faith (I always see him praying in a corner of the ring before a fight and his mother prays for him a lot), hardwork and perseverance. It wasn't easy to get to where he is now. It is not easy to achieve success. But if you put your heart into winning, God will do the rest.

BAKING SODA TIPS part 3

More baking soda tips!!!

Hubby doesn't go to the gym anymore but I know that gym bags can have stale odors. Especially if you don't put your sweat-drenched shirt inside a plastic bag before dumping it into inside your bag. What you can do to deodorize is put a box of baking soda inside (like the one that you did in the refrigerator). Or you can use the sock filled with baking soda (like your sneakers).

As a deodorizer, you can also use baking soda in your garbage cans and wastebaskets. Just sprinkle some of it on your garbage in order to absorb the smell. If your sink drain has a foul smell, sprinkle baking soda and wash with warm water.

Clean your microwave with baking soda solution. Then leave a box as odor absorber. Use the solution for your pots, pans, silverware, and stove top. If there's too much grease, you can add in vinegar to make it more effective.

This one I haven't tried also but I have read it in an article. You can use baking soda as a laundry detergent booster. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda in your laundry.

Now friends, I am hoping that you can make more use of baking soda instead of soap, detergent, and bleaches. This way, you are helping the environment, saving on expenses, and no worries about chemical residue!

What can you do during Earth Hour?

I am inviting all of you to take part in the Earth Hour tomorrow. Please turn off your lights from 8:30-9:30 in the evening and help us save the environment.

When I shared with my husband that we will be taking part in the Earth Hour tomorrow, his first question was, "What are we going to do if we turn off the lights, the computer, and the television?" Well, there can be a lot of things to do. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. Reflect on life. You canm do this alone but I would prefer that you do this with your family as well. Reflect about your life in the previous year. What was the most significant learning that you had? And what are your dreams for this year and the years to come. And lift these all up to God who has the best plans for us. :)

2. Play and have fun. Bond with your loved-ones by playing games and having fun. When was the last time that you spent quality time with them? You can play board games. What is your favorite? I remember when I was still young we loved playing Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Games of the Generals and Scrabble. Or you can play cards, funny bones, hide-and-seek, charades, etc. I bet it will be a lot of fun!!

3. Sleep early. When was the last time you had enough sleep? Remember that every person must have at least 8 hours of sleep. So why not take this chance to catch up on your much-needed rest?

4. Reminisce. Browse through your photo albums and scrapbooks. Have fun laughing at old pictures with the weird hair do's and outfits. :)

5. Make love (for husbands and wives). No need to elaborate on this one. :)

6. Treat your spouse with a massage -- feet, hand, or the entire body. Express your love to your spouse with a well-deserved massage.

7. Have a candlelit dinner date. Trade your usual well-lit dinners with a romantic candlelit one.

Have more ideas on how to spend tomorrow night with your loved-ones? Share them here at the comments section. :)

GOING GREEN: MORE USES OF BAKING SODA

Baking soda was the "star" in my first tip. And like I mentioned, I shall be trying out more of its uses based on what I've read about it. I even browsed some of my fave websites like rachael ray's and found out that they also use baking soda in cleaning and deodorizing! So far, I have used baking soda in the following:
1. Refrigerator: Use baking soda paste if it needs some scrubbing to remove stains. Or if only wiping will do, use a cloth dampened with the baking soda solution.
Leave a box of baking soda to absorb any odor inside the refrigerator. (To make sure that your ref won't smell, always cover left-over foods that you store in it.) Replace this every 30 days. (For me to remember, I wrote the date on the box.)

2. Tiles and sink: Use baking soda paste with a toothbrush. No need to worry because the fine granules won't scratch your tiles and sink.

3. Closets: Just like the refrigerator, closets can collect stale odor. Leave a box of baking soda to absorb odor.

4. Furniture and walls: Use a cloth dampened with baking soda solution. This will definitely remove marks (even crayons!).

5. Sneakers/shoes: deodorize sneakers and shoes by putting baking soda inside when not in use. Just shake the baking soda out before putting your shoes on! Or if you don't want to sprinkle the baking soda, you can put a cup inside old socks. Seal the end with a rubber band or ribbon. Then put this inside your shoes.

More tips coming up in my next blog.

GOING GREEN: HOUSEKEEPING TIP #1

I have decided to look for housekeeping products that are non-toxic. It helps the environment. And I won't be worrying about the grave effects of accidental ingestion of the toxic products that we are currently using in cleaning the floors, sinks, etc. I have scanned some supermarkets about environment-friendly cleaning products. I found some but the products were too expensive. Good thing that I was able to scan the book which I mentioned in my previous blog. Thus, I was introduced to the wonders of BAKING SODA! Before, I only thought of baking soda as an ingredient for cookies (that Nanay bakes) and toothpaste. I never thought that it is one of the best cleaners and deodorizers. It is environment-friendly, non-toxic, cheap and can be found in most supermarkets.

Thus, a few days ago, I set out to find out if baking soda is really an effective cleaner and deodorizer. I decided to defrost our refrigerator and use baking soda in cleaning it. Sorry I have no before and after pictures to compare. Nahiya naman ako kasi medyo madumi talaga yung refrigerator, hehehe.

But you have to take my word for it. Baking soda was very effective! It was easy to remove the stains! I made use of a solution composed of 3 parts water and 1 part baking soda. I soaked a clean cloth in the solution and started wiping away. For hard-to-reach spaces, I used a toothbrush. Everything was a breeze! And I finished with a really big smile on my face because I found an all-around cleaner. As deodorizer, I put a box of baking soda in the refrigerator. This must be replaced every three months.

I even asked Jean to try it on our sink tiles. And she said that it was indeed effective. At least I won't be worrying that our food and utensils might get contaminated with detergent just in case the sink was not rinsed well. The same solution was used. Except that it was left a few minutes longer in between tiles to clean the grout thoroughly. Or you can use it without water to make it more abrasive. And yet, this won't scratch your tiles and appliances.

These are just two ways that I actually made use of baking soda. But it still has more uses which I will discuss in my next blog. See you next time!

GOING GREEN...

...not with envy or jealousy though. I have decided to go green in order to do my part in saving the environment. Some blogs back, I posted about the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" and how it impacted my life. After that, I always made sure that we unplug appliances that are not in use. We have changed all our incandescent bulbs into CFLs. Well, these are baby steps into going green but I know they could help.

Good enough that while browsing at Powerbooks in Makati (one of the things I miss about living in Makati), I chanced upon a very interesting book by David Bach. "GO GREEN, LIVE RICH"

At first I thought does this have to do with selling products for recycling? It piqued my curiosity because I do want to go green and to get rich (well, who doesn't?). So there I sat for hours on end pouring over the book. As I turned each page onto the next, I thought to myself, it may be difficult but definitely doable. And the sacrifices will be well-worth it knowing that I am lending a hand in making the Earth clean and more liveable...for my children and apos.

How do we get rich by going green? Through the savings that will result from each action that we make. I listed some pointers and websites. I will be visiting each of the websites and trying out some of the pointers. And I will definitely blog about them. Better yet, grab a copy of the book, too! And I hope that in one way or the other, I can influence you also in going green... Let's go green to save Mother Earth for a better and cleaner future for all of us!

THANKS TO DADDYLOVE!!!

Received a text message a few hours after I wrote my thank-you blog. It read: "Di ako kasama sa thank mo sa blog mo?" And it came from my Daddylove. How can I forget him? I wanted an entire blog dedicated to him that's why he wasn't included in the previous one. Before I go on, I would like to quote some song lyrics.

Thank you for teaching me how to love
Showing me what the world means
What i've been dreamin' of
And now I know, there is nothing that I could not do
Thanks to you

For teaching me how to feel
Showing me my emotions
Letting me know what's real
From what is not
What i've got is more that i'd ever hoped for
And a lot of what I hope for is
Thanks to you

For teaching me how to live
Putting things in perspective
Teaching me how to give
And how to take

Thanks Daddylove for:

Putting a smile in my heart -- no matter how difficult my day was or how sungit I could sometimes get, thank you for knowing how to make me smile, for always being your funny and happy self, for not losing your optimism and humor. And for teaching me how to be positive about life as well.

Having a giving spirit -- not just to me but to your friends and family as well. For always sharing your time and effort in helping others.

Being my inspiration -- to learn and try out new things and for being supportive with positive criticism as well. For always happily trying out the food that I prepared for you -- masarap man o hindi, hehehe.

Loving me just as I am -- and for patiently understanding my topaks.

Changing for the better -- I know you've changed some of your bad habits in order to love me more.

Love you very much, Daddylove! And thanks for your gift of LOVE!

Am rather late...

Nope, am not talking about being pregnant. Although someday, I do hope to write about the joys of pregnancy here. What I am talking about is my new year greetings. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I know it's rather late. I have been way too busy spending my holidays with my family. We had a three-week vacation in very beautiful parts of the Philippines (that I can't wait to get to visit again soon. There's just a lot of places more that we missed to see). I would be sharing about that in my other blog.

As I bid goodbye to 2008, many people come to mind... People who have made the past year more memorable. That's why I would like to thank them. Thank you to:

My families -- Salas and Saludares -- for the support, love and care. Last year was a challenging year for us. And as Daddylove and I reaped each victory and pondered on each loss, we thank you for being there for us always. Thanks for always lending us an ear, a hand, a hug, a word of comfort or advice, even money (hehehe!). Thank you so much Wowodad, Mimi, Kuya, Mama Jovel and Coy, Tay, Nan, Noy and Sam, Bok, Myh and Chloe, Cheeks, Nanay, Ate, and Kuya Ian.

Our beloved ninongs and ninangs for your prayers, kind words, support and love. Thank you very much Ninong Romy and Ninang Emily, Ninong P and Ninang B, Ninang Ms. World, Ninang Rampa Queen, Ninong Tito and Ninang Lanie.

Our friends who are also family to us -- Jologs, LOJ Couples Mandaluyong Chapter, Marikina, EMCI. Thanks for the memories, for sharing your lives with us, and for teaching us with your experiences.

My new friends -- my SPI co-trainees -- Ping, Riza, Let and Angela. I know we only spent a couple of weeks together. But those gruelling weeks were easier because of your humor and support. May our freelancing stints be successful!!!

My mentors -- Connie Veneracion and Bo Sanchez. Although I don't have a personal relationship with you, your blogs have always inspired me to learn more, to love more, to laugh more and to live more.

And most of all, a huge THANK YOU to my Creator for the gift of life, love and friendships.

Love u all!

WISHLIST: ITEM #2

Got really busy the past few days. And hopefully, my new endeavor will bear fruit really soon (fingers crossed!).

Now, am back to my wishlist. And since item number 1 was about cooking, well, item number 2 is also about cooking. I will soon receive my new cookbooks. So might as well wish for new cookware, too! Hahaha!

When I was still younger, I loved watching CSI, Apprentice, Amazing Race much more than watching shows on the Lifestyle Network. But a few years back, I got hooked initially with Rachael Ray's 30-minute meals...and then there were the various home makeover shows...then Giada's Everyday Italian, The Iron Chef...and now, I am hooked on the Lifestyle Network! How I envy their labor of love. And the Network fuelled a lot of my wants -- I want to get to do that. I want to cook just like her, etc.



And nowadays, whenever I watch Rachael's show, how I envy the stuff that she gets to cook with! She now has this spoonula thingy, which are in bright, wonderful colors: green, orange, yellow, etc. And I searched her website to get the pictures of the stuff that I wanted.


Daddylove and I also have been wanting to buy a pepper mill. But the ones that we have been seeing are also pretty expensive. So I thought: might as well put it in my list. Who knows, someone generous might stumble upon this and get me one! Haha!

And last, I also want a food processor. I would have used the picture that had a pink one. But I wouldn't want my kitchen to look too feminine. Because as I said a few blogs back, Daddylove is the better cook between us. So, instead of favoring an all-pink kitchen, I am using happy, vibrant colors instead.

You know what, since I started thinking about my list I also thought that well, it ain't bad to make a list and never get any of the items. At least the list will come in handy when thinking of stuff that I would like to buy for myself. :)

Gift-giving Part III

And my vote for my favorite mall goes to... RIVERBANKS MALL! I know I'll get in trouble if I say (again) that one of the best part of residing in Marikina is getting to shop at the Riverbanks Mall. I got a bit in trouble when I said this out loud in front of my husband. Hihihi... Well, the shopper in me was talking. Not me the wife. Anyway, am trying to rationalize.

I love window-shopping here first if I intend to buy something. Because more often than not, the prices here are way cheaper than mall prices (even during a sale). How come? OUTLET STORES abound, my dears! So if you're not looking for the latest in fashion clothing and just wanted to purchase a new pair of pants, polos, sports outfit and gear, dresses, children's outfits, etc. Go to Riverbanks Mall. Check out their styles first. Who knows, you might come out with three paper bags instead of one! The outlet stores here are on sale all-year round. Yep, you read that right. Well, there are seasons wherein discounts are bigger than their usual days. Be it just on 20% discount, nevertheless, a sale price is way better than not getting any discount.

The mall isn't the likes of Megamall or Trinoma, ok? It isn't as fancy as that. But it's air-comditioned and clean. It has SM grocery, tiangge, and other stalls, too. The outlet stores are: Folded and Hung, Guess, Nike, Van Heusen, Mossimo, Converse, New Balance, and lots more. See you there guys!

Gift-giving Part II

The warehouse sale that I mentioned in my previous blog is still on!

And I have two more warehouse sales to talk to you about. Gingersnaps and Just G is holding a warehouse sale until December 29th. Open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays. Closed on holidays. It's in Brgy. Maybunga (I hope I got that right), Pasig City. Beside Pasig General Hospital, RTU and after the Rainforest Park. Mimi and I went to buy gifts for my nieces and nephews. What we did wrong was going there in the afternoon. The place was already a mess! Most of the clothes are already on the floor. It's almost closing time when we got there. So I guess the staff are just waiting for the store to close before they start re-arranging everything. I suggest that if you are interested, go there in the morning. When everything's still in order. Also, we were told that in the morning, they replenish the supplies. Polo shirts for boys cost around 150 and pants around 180. They have clothes for infants, girls, teens and pregnant ladies. I was even thinking of buying some maternity clothes, just in case I get to conceive next year (as planned and with God's blessings). But they say that's thinking too far ahead. Anyway, I heard that this warehouse sale happens every year, around the same date.

Are you a techy person? Or have you been saving up to buy some appliances? LG is also holding a warehouse sale from December 8 to December 13. Incidentally, you'll be passing by the LG warehouse before getting to Gingersnaps. I bet going to Pasig next week will be well worth the trip. Just be ready to bring cash. HAPPY SHOPPING EVERYONE!

And by the way, I will be posting a part III which will feature my favorite mall. Why is it my favorite? Because most of the stores there are on sale all year round! So don't forget to check my blog in the coming days.

Gift-giving: Budget style

With the Christmas season comes gifts, new clothes, shoes, etc. And in staying true to the tradition, it's time to start buying gifts, especially now that most (if not all) have received their 13th month pay. Of course, with the global financial crisis, we can't afford to be extravagant gift-givers. So, how do we buy gifts that are of good quality but wouldn't leave us with countless of sleepless nights thinking, "How the heck am I going to survive for the next month?" Or "How will I pay off my credit card debts?" Not positive thoughts for the start of the year, right?

I know lots of people would troop to Divisoria and Greenhills (well, I also wanted to go there!). But the downside of buying stuff there is that we are not sure of the quality. I have bought some shirts worth pHp 75 to 100 only to find out that after being washed twice, I have used up the value of my shirt. Sad but true! And definitely, I won't be buying the same thing to give as gifts.

Nowadays, it would be best for us to create the gift, rather than buy it. It is cheaper and the effort put into making it gives more value. But how about for those who would rather buy than make? Well, I have found the right places to shop for gifts not just for others but for yourself as well.

Yesterday, Daddylove and I decided to window shop for possible gifts. We headed to the SM Marikina City. But before going there, we passed through a warehouse sale for Mendrez, Trod, Diesel and Unlisted. The cheapest pair of ladies' high-heeled sandals was priced at pHp100. Wow, not bad! Of course these designs were last season but they are not outdated. They also had rubber shoes for guys and gals alike. Unfortunately, I found fewer stocks compared to the ones that I saw last Saturday. For all those who want to go see for yourselves, it's just along Bayan-Bayanan Avenue, before you reach the Fire Station. Hopefully, more pairs are still available.

I have two more warehouse sales in my list aside from my favorite mall. But first, I need to study for an important exam. Tomorrow, I'll continue my list. See you then!

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WISHLIST: ITEM #1

First item on my list: COOKBOOKS --- Or should I say items? As I said in a previous blog, I am just learning to cook. Sadly, I didn't get my dear Mimi's talent in cooking superb meals (BTW, Happy Birthday Mimi! Love you!). I also don't have the 'supernatural' powers to identify what ingredient was in the meal that I am eating. Thus, cookbooks are a lot of help to me! Thank God I stumbled upon two very helpful sites/persons on the internet: PINOYCOOK and MARKETMAN!!! Also, I love watching Lifestyle Network for the different home makeover and cooking shows. I especially love Giada de Laurentiis and Rachael Ray.

When I had to think about my wishlist, cookbooks were the first ones that I thought of. I would love to have cookbooks from three authors: Connie Veneracion, Giada de Laurentiis and Rachael Ray. Two of these cookbooks were already bought for me by my ever-generous sister-in-law!!! Thanks so much Ate Joy!

Come 2009, I would be excitedly sampling the meals on the cookbooks of Giada de Laurentiis and Rachael Ray. I only hope that my number one critic, Daddylove, would find them sumptuous. As an old adage goes "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Another first for me

Had a fulfilling weekend. I made new friends, tried my hand in something new and got anointed for it.

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, Daddylove and I are members of the Light of Jesus Community. He is now active in the Training Ministry. Last weekend, their group hosted a Worship Workshop at Villa de Calamba. And since it has been a month since I last visited my mom, he decided to take me along with him. At first I thought that I will just be a curious observer at the sidelines. But later on, he said that he signed me up as a participant, too. Huh?! Wasn't he kidding?! Well, he wasn't! Much to my disappointment because I wanted to spend more time with my mom instead. I was hoping that I didn't have to be there with him the entire time so I can just stay in Los Baños.

By 6am Saturday morning, we were on our way to Calamba. Of course I knew that I'll be learning a lot in the workshop since I haven't experienced doing my own worship (yup, I am not as spiritually mature as my husband is. I am just new in community life and he has been an LOJC member for 9 years already.). Thus, the workshop gave me a lot of insights on how to prepare the exhortation, the songs, transitions, etc. And we had to actually make one and share it with our groupmates. Ha! I dread talking in front of a lot of people. Especially when I am talking about something that I am not an expert of. And most of all, worship required singing!!! Hmmm...can't I just dance?!? Well, at least there will only be 3 people in our group. And that's it.

But the big shock came when I was chosen to share my exhortation in front of the group. I wanted to cry! Of course I cannot say no to these people. They have taught me a lot that day. And as what one of the speakers said, being called to do something for Him is a privilege. Kapal naman ng mukha ko kung tatanggi pa ako, di ba?

So, with knees shaking and hands trembling, I shared my exhortation. And with God's grace, I found everybody listening to me, responding to my questions and the smiles on their faces said that they were with me. Wow, at least I forgot about my hands and knees for some time and was able to focus on the message that I had to deliver.

Saturday ended with an assignment for the participants. We were to finish putting songs and transitions into our worship. Thank God Daddylove was there to sing the songs for me. I was able to choose three that fit my theme and the tempo that I wanted to get. And I found solace in the fact that since I already shared my exhortation, I might not be the one chosen to share his/her entire worship for the following day.

Sunday came and we shared our worship to our groupmates again. A few minutes after, I found out that I was chosen again. Huh?! Did Daddylove set me up?! I guess not, he knows how much I fear singing in front of a crowd...what more with leading a group in worship. I haven't done it with just him as my audience. And I am certainly not ready to do it in front of a crowd. I really really wanted to cry then. But my seatmate prayed for me. I heard her praying for me. And thinking about it now, I know that it wasn't Daddylove who set me up that day. It was the Man to whom we were doing the workshop for. He was there the whole time with us. Front and center, nailed to the cross.

So with more trembling and shaking, with not knowing how to muster enough confidence so as to look credible in front of the crowd, I took my spot. And with Jesus nailed on the cross behind me, I did what I was called to do. Sometimes I got out of focus thinking what am I doing here? I feel stupid standing in front not knowing how to sing! I didn't memorize the songs! But again, with God's grace I saw that my message was getting to my audience. With the smiles on their faces, I felt that I can lead them to worship. They were there with me, worshiping God with all our hearts. And by the third song, albeit the last, I was able to muster enough confidence to put the microphone on my lips while I was singing. I've always prayed that I wanted to be a good servant to Him. But I didn't know how to be of service to the community. My fear always took over me. But in those few minutes, He showed me that I can overcome my fear. That with putting more of my heart and mind, I can have a deeper relationship with Him...I can continuously have a prayer time, a Scripture time and now, a worship time with Him.

On our way home, Daddylove told me something that he wanted to do with me -- be part of the Training Ministry. It will be another first for me. But I know that indeed, I have been called. Through Daddylove, He is now showing me how I can serve Him more.

Come to think about it...my song choices on that day perfectly fit my prayer now... Be it unto me, according to Your word, O God. I shall trade my sorrows, my pains, my fears so that I can joyfully profess that You are good, all the time!

Wish List

What is my Christmas Wish List? I haven't really made one since I became a grown-up (was that only last year??? Hehehe). When we got married, hubby and I usually pegged an amount as basis for our purchase. But no list to help us find the "perfect" gift. Nevertheless, I got something that I wanted...be it a dress, wallet, scented lotion, etc.

So how about this year? What do I want to receive? Hmm...let me think about it first. Have you thought of yours?

A NEW LOOK

I got a new look!!! For my blog, that is. :)

It was really helpful that in browsing through different blogs, I found one that gave tips for new bloggers. I am so "untechy" which means the blog was really a huge help! Aside from learning how to make three columns in my layout, I was able to get a new background. Yipee!!!

If any of you need the same help as I do, you can check out my blog list tab. Enjoy blogging!

SIMOY PASKO NA

40 more days and it will be Christmas again. Simoy Pasko na nga eh! And like past Christmases, festive decors and lights adorn streets, malls, and houses in our neighborhood. But unlike past Christmases, times are tougher now. What with the global crisis, fertilizer fund scam and all.

Thus, I decided to recycle Mimi and Nanay's old Christmas decors. Like I put sequins on the gold Christmas balls, used old Christmas tree branches to make a garland, and added more glitter to the old trimmings. And everything turned out quite great for a creatively challenged person like me. Haha!

I still hope to get a decent picture of the garland that I made. And by December, I plan to put up more garlands at the terrace. I just don't want to put them too early just to collect dust. Also, there's this simple lantern made of capiz that I want to buy. I just get the feeling that Filipino Christmas isn't complete without one. Hehehe. Well, purchasing that can wait if I don't find one within my budget.

I Waited... But Not In Vain

For someone who is used to working since graduation, I found it difficult to be without work for six months after passing the board exams. In my previous post regarding that, I was exploding with enthusiasm in this new chapter in my life. I was armed with hope that I will land a job in one of the hospitals that I wanted to work in.
I passed the necessary requirements, went to exams and interviews. October flew by. Followed by November, and December, and January, and February, and March... I waited for the most anticipated phone call...But none came...
In the beginning, I was still enjoying my time as a full-time housewife. But when months kept on flying by... and I have read most of my husband's books... also learned how to cook... Paranoia and doubt crept in once in a while. Was I overage already? Is being a medical technologist not in God's will for my life? But how come He guided me to get passing marks? Because of these, there were days that I got sungit and easily irritated.
In February, my husband told me to start applying for other jobs aside from that of a medical technologist. He has identified my unemployment (actually it's the feeling of being unproductive) as the source of my negative emotions. Now, I have more options in finding work. So I did apply keeping in mind the priority of my applications:
Option #1: hospital/laboratory work as med. tech.
Option #2: full-time freelance or home-based work (so that if I get in for an externship program, I can do both)
Option #3: part-time medical indexing (where I used to work)
But still, the you-are-hired phone call remained elusive.
Days before my birthday, I was telling God aloud (when I was alone in the room) "Work ang gift mo sa akin di ba?" Another version was "Please dear God, work na lang regalo mo sa akin." On the same days that I pleaded to Him, and since my birthday is fast approaching, I started to assess my life. And found out quite a lot of enlightening revelations.

FRUITS OF THE LONG WAIT
For the past months, yes, I waited. Patiently and otherwise... but He didn't make me wait in vain. Because as I was waiting for the fulfillment of one of my heart's desires, without realizing it, He was teaching me far more important things.
I learned that sometimes, I was looking for a life-changing event to realize that I have been infinitely blessed. Since I was focusing my attention on finding a job, I sometimes forgot to realize that my waking up that morning was already a miracle. The fact that I am still spending precious moments with my husband and loved ones is an immeasurable gift. He has blessed me because I am now already 31 years old - alive and kicking!
I also realized that more than boredom, the feeling of being unproductive was causing my negative emotions. I felt unproductive because I thought that being productive means getting a paycheck each month. I failed to see that beyond the paycheck, I was more than productive when I brought a smile to my husband's face with something that I did; when I was able to assist him with his needs; when I was able to do little things for my family. Whining because of my predicament meant that I forgot who my first priority is. And that is my husband! Later, God opened my eyes to the fact that I have been more than productive by serving His will -- which is to be a wife after His own heart.
Another precious moment was when I came to realize that acts of service is a strong love language for my husband. I may have thought that cooking for him, keeping the room clean, etc. were menial tasks. I neglected the fact that he was sweeter whenever I did something for him. He kisses and hugs me more whenever he liked what I cooked. Thank God I was able to realize this!

BLESSED TO THE nth POWER
Aside from the blessings that I received while waiting... I am yet to be blessed even more. Indeed, He is a very generous God!
On my birthday, I received an unexpected phone call. I was to go to a hospital for an exam and interview. At the back of my mind, I was confident ("Sabi ko na nga ba Lord eh, work ang gift mo sa akin.") and yet doubtful ("Ito na nga ba yung gift mo Lord?"). So the following morning, I went in for the exam and interview. Goodness, there were lots of applicants! Apparently, a training program will be opened for aspiring medical technologists. Before noon, I was done with the exams and was told to come back by 1:30 for the initial interview. The interview didn't materialize until around 3... Thank God for my lessons in waiting! So patiently, I waited. After the interview, five of us went to the laboratory department head for the final interview. Wow, I didn't think that the process would be this quick! Around 5:30 in the afternoon, I received the results... I got in! Whew! Thank you Lord! That afternoon, I got my confirmation... "Work nga ang regalo mo sa akin, Lord. Thank you so much."
I spent the next two days in the hospital for the medical exam, submission of requirements, and orientation. For three days, I was there the whole day... patiently waiting in line. By Friday, God has granted the fulfillment of my option #1!
On my way home on Friday, I received a text message which I have been waiting for the past months. A good friend and previous officemate of mine will now be my part-time boss. Option #3 granted!
And the other day, when I checked my emails, I am ready to start the trial period for a home-based editing job. Option #2 granted!

I have been blessed to the nth power! And now, it will be up to my God-given free will to choose which path I would take. Thank you Lord for making me wait for the past months! Indeed, You have helped me prepare for all the blessings that You are to shower upon me. I am now ready to choose, knowing that whatever choice I make, You will bless me even more. And with my choice, I must be sure never to forget that Your will for me, first and foremost, is to become a wife after Your own heart.
I waited, but not in vain... Because with the long wait, You have blessed me immeasurably. The wait was worthwhile and the learnings are priceless. Thank You so much!

Thanks also to the people who prayed for me; Daddylove for always trying to understand and be patient; Salas, Saludares, Silo, Rala, LOJ, and JOLOGS families for the support and prayers. Love you all!