Share your blessings!

My country, Philippines, is still in a state of calamity. Many of my countrymen who were victims of the calamity needs help.


Even if I don't earn that much, I am sharing my blessings to the less fortunate people of my country who were affected. I am bless that me and my family are safe. I am sharing some clothes and food.


I hope that they would appreciate my help. I will continue to pray for them. I hope and pray that a lot of people will also extend their help even in small amount.


To the victims, they should not lose hope and continue to pray. God is always with us!

Typhoon Ondoy!

My country, Philippines particularly in Metro Manila, is experiencing a natural calamity due to typhoon Ondoy. It happens really fast. Many families are affected. They are stranded in their own homes because the water went up to the roof of their houses. They need help very badly.


Lucky me and my family because we are living in a good area in Davao. I have a friend in Manila. It is good to hear that he is okay. I can help only through prayers. I am calling everyone to pray for my fellowmen that they will be rescued and be given enough help.


I pray that we can be able to survive this big trial in our country. And everyone will be safe.

Top Romantic Places..

Love is often difficult to express. And yet, it always has the power to bind two individuals in a perpetual bond. Fortunate are those who are able to find their soul mates and get a chance to experience one of the most powerful human emotions. But from time to time lovers also need to announce their love for each other, and it is at this point that top romantic places come into picture. The proposal to visit one of the most romantic places in the world on this Valentine’s Day can be one among the best Valentine’s Day ideas.

Spending some time with your partner near the Eiffel tower in France or taking an oath together in the beautiful city of Venice can be better than all the Valentine’s Day gifts that you have received so far in your life.

Therefore, top romantic places in the world can help you to give a boost to the relationship.

So, imagine how fantastic a real visit to any of the romantic places would be. Given below are some of the top romantic places of the world that can help you in selecting the best romantic place where you can spend some valuable and romantic time together.

Colmar in France

Colmar in France has been judged as one of the most romantic places in France where lovers can unhesitatingly exchange love vows. The major attractions of Colmar are the numerous vineyards as well as the Alsatian wine industry. Colmar has been renowned as the capital of Haut-Rhin department. The exquisite surroundings of Colmar make it an ideal place for romance.

Paris in France

Paris is appropriately known as the 'Heaven of Romance', as this is a place where you can announce your eternal love for your beloved in a beautiful way. The major attractions of Paris include places like Le Louvre, Eiffel tower, Euro Disney, Sacre Coeur, Montparnasse, Arc de Triumphe and Centre Pompidou.

So, organize a trip to Paris with your beloved, and live the most exciting era of romance in the 'Heaven of romance'.

Venice in Italy

Looking for a memorable place to announce your love to the most cherished person in your life? Well, Venice in Italy is the perfect answer to your search. Venice is famous for its fantastic architecture, romantic surroundings and places like Ponte dei Sospiri, Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco and Canale Grande.

Schloss Neuschwanstein in Germany

A perfect combination of nature's beauty and human's creativity, the Schloss Neuschwanstein in Germany is not less than a heaven on earth. Surrounded by exquisite sceneries, the Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles located in Bavaria.

Vienna in Austria

Vienna in Austria is another suitable place for the lovers. People in love with each other come to visit this beautiful place from every corner of the world. The major attractions of the city includes great architecture, fabulous art and music and fantastic places like Museum of Fine Arts, Schoenbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum, St Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Palace and The Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Monte Carlo in Princedom Monaco

Monte Carlo is yet another romantic place where you can convey your love feelings for your loved one. Located at the base of Maritime Alps, it is counted amongst the most romantic places in the world where many love stories have taken shape. The major attractions of Monte Carlo include names like Monte Carlo Casino, Oceanographic Museum, Exotica Garden, The National Museum and Prince's Palace.

Prague in Czech Republic

Another interesting option for the romantic place can be Prague in Czech Republic. Famous for delicious food, old and traditional castles, kindhearted people and amiable surroundings, this place has definitely made a place for itself among the top most romantic places. Popular for Kafka and Mozart, the city is also famous for providing the lovers with immense opportunities for romantic walking trails.

New York City in USA

New York in USA is another alternative for lovers who are in search of a beautiful romantic place for spending some lovable moments with each other. Restaurants, shops and delightful surroundings are some of the major attractions of this city. Few other attractions of New York are Grand central terminal, Liberty Island, Central Park and Skyline.

Cairo in Egypt

Cairo in Egypt is also regarded to be a paradise on earth especially for the lovers. The elegance and charm, which surrounds this particular city, makes it a favorable spot among the lovers for conveying their love to each other. Pyramids in Giza are one of the many things, which make this city all the more special.

Mauritius

Known by the name of ‘Ultimate Romantic Destination’, Mauritius is no wonder so popular among the lovers. The swaying palms, exquisite surroundings, coral reefs and the blue ocean are some of the many things, which add to the beauty of the place.

[source]

Trendy Bags for the Summer..

• 
  
  If there is one thing I have an abundance of it’s bags and purses in every color, every style, and every size. Unfortunately, I only wear one bag, but not to worry, there’s always room for more and my love for bags will continue regardless of my frivolous spending (it is a hobby after all, right?). So if you’re bag obsessed like me, you might want to check out these hot bags for the summer.
  The Everyday Bag
  This bag from Juicy Couture is the perfect accessory for the whole day. It transitions from day to night easily because of the neutral colors and also looks fabulous with almost anything.
  The Must-Have
  Every girl has to have a coach bag at least once in her life. The fine quality will last you for a long long time so you can keep on wearing it andbest of all, it looks great with everything and anything.
  The Carrier
  This Big Buddha Taylor bag is the perfect bag for practically anything because it’s black, it’s big, so you can fit a lot of junk in there, and it is absolutely adorable.
  The Messenger
  We all need a messenger bag from time to time, and this one from Lucky Brand is just perfect. It comes in two colors; bourbon and blue tapestry (both awesome colors!) and it’s super soft and super roomy too!

[soource]

How to Stop Worrying..

Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety Relief

Worrying can be helpful when it spurs you to take action and solve a problem. But if you’re preoccupied with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, worry becomes a problem of its own. Unrelenting doubts and fears are paralyzing, not motivating or productive. They sap your emotional energy, send your anxiety levels soaring, and interfere with your day-to-day life–all this with no positive payoff! The good news is that chronic worrying is a mental habit you can learn how to break. You can train your brain to stay calm and collected and to look at life from a more positive perspective.

Why is it so hard to stop worrying?

Constant worrying takes a heavy toll. It keeps you up at night and makes you tense and edgy during the day. You hate feeling like a nervous wreck. So why is it so difficult to stop worrying?

For most chronic worriers, the anxious thoughts are fueled by the beliefs–both negative and positive–they hold about worrying.

On the negative side, you may believe that your constant worrying is harmful, that it’s going to drive you crazy or affect your physical health. Or you may worry that you’re going to lose all control over your worrying–that it will take over and never stop.

On the positive side, you may believe that your worrying helps you avoid bad things, prevents problems, prepares you for the worst, or leads to solutions.

Negative beliefs, or worrying about worrying, add to your anxiety and keep worry going. But positive beliefs about worrying can be even more damaging. It’s tough to break the worry habit if you believe that your worrying protects you. In order to stop worry and anxiety for good, you must give up your belief that worrying serves a positive purpose. Once you realize that worrying is the problem, not the solution, you can regain control of your worried mind.

Worry and anxiety self-help tip #1: Accept uncertainty

The inability to tolerate uncertainty plays a huge role in anxiety and worry. Chronic worriers can’t stand doubt or unpredictability. They need to know with 100 percent certainty what’s going to happen. Worrying is seen as a way to predict what the future has in store, a way to prevent unpleasant surprises and control the outcome. The problem is, it doesn’t work.

Thinking about all the things that could go wrong doesn’t make life any more predictable. You may feel safer when you’re worrying, but it’s just an illusion. Focusing on worst-case scenarios won’t keep bad things from happening. It will only keep you from enjoying the good things you have in the present. So if you want to stop worrying, start by tackling your need for certainty and immediate answers.

Worry and anxiety self-help tip #2: Create a worry period

It’s tough to be productive in your daily life when anxiety and worry are dominating your thoughts. Trying to stop worrying doesn’t work - at least not for long. You can distract yourself for a moment, but you can’t banish your anxious thoughts for good. Trying to do so often makes them stronger. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to control your worry. You just need to try a different approach. Rather than trying to totally suppress an anxious thought, develop the habit of postponing worrying.

Learning to postpone worrying:

• Create a “worry period.” Choose a set time and place for worrying. It should be the same every day (e.g. In the living room from 5:00 to 5:20 p.m.) and early enough that it won’t make you anxious right before bedtime. During your worry period, you’re allowed to worry about whatever’s on your mind. The rest of the day, however, is a worry-free zone.
• Postpone your worry. If an anxious thought or worry comes into your head during the day, make a brief note of it on paper and postpone it to your worry period. Remind yourself that you’ll have time to think about it later, so there’s no need to worry about it right now. Save it for later and continue to go about your day.
• Go over your “worry list” during the worry period. Reflect on the worries you wrote down during the day. If the thoughts are still bothering you, allow yourself to worry about them, but only for the amount of time you’ve specified for your worry period. If the worries don’t seem important any more, cut your worry period short and enjoy the rest of your day.

Postponing worrying is effective because it breaks the habit of dwelling on worries in the present moment. As you develop the ability to postpone your anxious thoughts, you’ll experience a greater sense of control.

Worry and anxiety self-help tip #3: Challenge negative thoughts

If you suffer from chronic anxiety and worries, chances are you look at the world in ways that make it seem more dangerous than it really is. For example, you may overestimate the possibility that things will turn out badly, jump immediately to worst-case scenarios, or treat every negative thought as if it were fact. You may also discredit your own ability to handle life’s problems, assuming you’ll fall apart at the first sign of trouble. These irrational, pessimistic attitudes are known as cognitive distortions.

Although cognitive distortions aren’t based on reality, they’re not easy to give up. Often, they’re part of a lifelong pattern of thinking that’s become so automatic you’re not even completely aware of it. In order to break these bad thinking habits and stop the worry and anxiety they bring - you must retrain your brain.

Start by identifying the frightening thought, being as detailed as possible about what scares or worries you. Then, instead of viewing your thoughts as facts, treat them as hypotheses you’re testing out. As you examine and challenge your worries and fears, you’ll develop a more balanced perspective.

Stop worry by questioning the worried thought:

• What’s the evidence that the thought is true? That it’s not true?
• Is there a more positive, realistic way of looking at the situation?
• What’s the probability that what I’m scared of will actually happen?
• If the probability is low, what are some more likely outcomes?
• Is the thought helpful? How will worrying about it help me and how will it hurt me?
• What would I say to a friend who had this worry?

[source]

Thoughts to Ponder...2

The first wealth is health.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.

~Raymond Lindquist

The mind is a lousy master but a wonderful servant.

- Unknown

Speak when you're angry, and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.

- Lawrence J. Peter

The more you have, the more you're occupied; the less you have, the more free you are.

- Mother Teresa

Your only obligation in any life-time is to be true to yourself.

- Richard Bach

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.


[source]

New Friend!

I have a new office mate. She is my new friend. I think that we click together. She is misinterpreted by many because she is kinda aloof and not that friendly. But I think she is okay. We have many things in common that is why we have lots of things to talk about. She is nice to me so I don't have any complaints on her.

It is nice to have a new friend who listens to me. Someone who understands me in a different level. Someone who can relate to me. We shared our love lives today. And she understands what I'm going through right now. She is also going some challenges in her love life too.

I feel good that I was able to express what's bothering me right now. And she listens. I have come to realized what I really want right now. I want a real commitment. I don't want to be left hanging anymore. This has to stop. I have to do something about it. I want to be free.

Immortality lyrics - CELINE DION

So this is who I am,
And this is all I know,
And I must choose to live,
For all that I can give,
The spark that makes the power grow

And I will stand for my dream if I can,
Symbol of my faith in who I am,
But you are my only,
And I must follow on the
Road that lies ahead,
And I won't let my heart control my head,
But you are my only
And we don't say goodbye,
And I know what I've got to be

Immortality
I make my journey through eternity
I keep the memory of you and me inside

Fulfill your destiny,
Is there within the child,
My storm will never end,
My fate is on the wind,
The king of hearts, the joker's wild,
We don't say goodbye,
I'll make them all remember me

Cos I have found a dream
That must come true,
Every ounce of me must see it though,
But you are my only
I'm sorry I don't have a
Role for love to play,
Hand over my heart I'll find my way,
I will make them give to me

Immortality
There is a vision and a fire in me
I keep the memory of you and me, inside
We don't say goodbye
We don't say goodbye
With all my love for you
And what else we may do
We don't say, goodbye

[source]

Facing the Unknown..

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar." as the saying goes. I'm scared of this. I'm scared of letting go of the familiar! I am not brave enough! But I have to be strong. (sigh) The decision that I will make today will totally change my future, I hope. I have to get out of my shell. I have to get out of my comfort zone. I should do this or else the chance will pass me by.

My head is spinning. My heart is aching. I can't understand what I'm feeling right now. I'm facing the unknown. I don't know what's in store for me. But I have to make a step forward or else I would be left behind.

I just pray that God will guide me and show me the right thing to do. Thy will be done!

Driving again...

I had a driving lesson yesterday with my father. My second time driving. My father was hesitant to teach me but I convince him anyway. I told him I know how to drive already and I just need to practice. He just have to accompany me.


So we started our driving lesson. I know how to start the engine. But when my father told me to turn around, I panic. I don't know how. My father instructed me that I just continue and move the wheel. After two rounds, I crashed. So my father was angry and nervous and told me that I just have to enroll in a driving school and have a formal lesson. sigh! he he


We look immediately for a driving school and inquire. I think that I should enroll into one. It's not that expensive anyway. Maybe after I get my salary, I will enroll. I hope that I could really learn driving soon. There's a different fulfillment in driving. It makes you feel independent and in control. I really like the feeling. =)

Insomnia Lyrics - Craig David

I never thought that I'd fall in love, love, love, love
But it grew from a simple crush, crush, crush, crush
Being without you girl, I was all messed up, up, up, up
When you walked out, said that you'd had enough-nough-nough-nough

Been a fool, girl I know
Didn't expect this is how things would go
Maybe in time, you'll change your mind
Now looking back i wish i could rewind

Because i can't sleep til you're next to me
No i can't live without you no more
Oh i stay up til you're next to me
Til this house feels like it did before
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah

Remember telling my boys that I'd never fall in love, love, love, love
You used to think I'd never find a girl I could trust, trust, trust, trust
And then you walked into my life and it was all about us, us, us, us
But now I'm sitting here thinking I messed the whole thing up, up, up, up

Been a fool (fool), girl I know (know)
Didn't expect this is how things would go
Maybe in time (time), you'll change your mind (mind)
Now looking back i wish i could rewind

Because i can't sleep til you're next to me
No i can't live without you no more (without you no more)
Oh i stay up til you're next to me (to me)
Til this house feels like it did before (Because it)
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah
Feels like insomnia ah ah (Ah), Feels like insomnia ah ah

Ah, i just can't go to sleep
Cause it feels like I've fallen for you
It's getting way too deep
And i know that it's love because

I can't sleep til you're next to me
No i can't live without you no more (without you no more)
Oh i stay up til you're next to me (to me)
Til this house feels like it did before
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah

Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah
Feels like insomnia ah ah, Feels like insomnia ah ah


[source]

No Air lyrics - JORDIN SPARKS

Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air

If I should die before I wake
It's 'cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh
I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave
My heart won't move, it's incomplete
Wish there was a way that I can make you understand

But how do you expect me
To live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe

[Chorus]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gon' be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air

No air, no air
No air, no air
No air, no air
No air, no air

I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew
Right off the ground to float to you
There's no gravity to hold me down for real

But somehow I'm still alive inside
You took my breath, but I survived
I don't know how, but I don't even care

But how do you expect me
to live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe

[Chorus]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gon' be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air

No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No more
It's no air, no air

[Chorus]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gon' be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air

[Chorus]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gon' be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air

No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air

[source]

Ever After - A Cinderella Story

Synopsis:

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Jeanne Moreau

Danielle (Drew Barrymore), orphaned by her father's death, is raised by a wicked and snotty stepmother (Anjelica Huston) and her two daughters. When she accidentally stumbles onto Prince Henry...

Danielle (Drew Barrymore), orphaned by her father's death, is raised by a wicked and snotty stepmother (Anjelica Huston) and her two daughters. When she accidentally stumbles onto Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), the future King of France, the two inspire one another to resolve their respective troubles at home in this romantic fable.

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Jeanne Moreau

Director: Andy Tennant

My Movie Review:

The movie is so beautiful. I like the place, the dresses of the actors and actresses. The scenes are so romantic. You can hardly catch your breath. I like Drew Barrymore personally as an actress. The prince is also handsome. It is really nice to fall in love. It makes the world colorful.

Aside from romance, the moral lesson of the story is that when you do good things to anyone, good things will also come back to you. You might not harvest the fruits of your goodness right away but eventually you will enjoy it. You will reap what you sow.

So, who doesn't want to have a happy ending story? I believe that every girl wants to meet his handsome prince someday and live happily ever after. I am one of them!

Cannot be delayed..

My application for Canada need not be delayed anymore. I have to make a move or else the chance will pass me by. I should not lose hope. Surely, God will help me on this if this is His will. I already encountered hardships on this. First, about money matters. I have to go out of my way and ask help. I have to swallow my pride even if it breaks my heart.

My heart is breaking right now. I want to cry. Am I pushing too much on this? Should I let it pass and wait for another time? What if I don't have another time? What if the opportunity would close on me. Where will i be? I will be stuck here in my present work with minimum salary. Just thinking about it depresses me. sigh!

I don't know. I don't know what to do anymore. My heart is aching too much. I can't bear it. I am still hoping for a wonderful thing to happen in my life. I just hope so..

Almost On the Finish Line..

I can't believe that my part-time teaching job is almost over. The semestral break is fast approaching. I can just remember that I was at first hesitant to teach. This is my first teaching job. I'm scared to death if I'll be able to handle it. Thank God I was able to manage. Whew!

My students are great. They didn't give me a hard time time. They were very cooperative. They are fast learner. They are also very obedient. I will surely not forget this experience. I don't know if I will continue teaching but it was a great opportunity for me.

I really have high regards to all the teachers out there. A teaching job is not an easy task. You have to have the passion for it. You have a lot of patience too for difficult students. Without them, there will be no professionals and good leaders in country.

Thoughts to Ponder...

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

- Mother Teresa


To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age.

- Amos Bronson Alcott


Take your heart to work and ask the most and best of everybody.

- Meryl Streep


Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

- Kevin Arnold


Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.

- Kahlil Gibran


To pray is to change.

- Richard Foster


Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.

- Lou Holtz


When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you.

- Susan Sarandon


Even if bad things happen and we lose a couple of games, it's all part of God's plan. If I didn't believe that, I'd just as soon be a normal, everyday person who doesn't believe in God at all. Because without faith, I wouldn't have anything.

- David Carr


Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.

- James Naismith


When your vision is obscurbed, your angel will help your find a clear picture.

- Suzanne Siegel Zenkel, "Your Secret Angel"


Count your blessings. A grateful heart attracts more joy, love, and prosperity.

- Cheryl Richardson


Know that you are your greatest enemy, but also your greatest friend.

- Jeremy Taylor

[source]

Keyboard Protector..

I really want to have a keyboard protector for my laptop. A Keyboard protector is a device which is placed on top of Aa computer keyboard in order to reduce its contact with the environment. To prevent dust entryA and to keep the keyboard in a pristine state and reduce or eliminate the need for cleaning the keyboard. I've seen my friends using it. And i think that it will really protect my laptop from dust and in any accidental spills. I've gone to many stores where they bought it. But to no avail. It is always out of stock. So, I just put it out of my mind. Maybe, I can't have one.


Today, I met up with my friend who recently resigned in our company. We had dinner and update each other of what's happening in our lives. I really miss her. We had a lot of fun and laughter during dinner. After dinner, we went inside the mall and look on gadgets like cellphones. I am thinking of buying another phone for my other Sim. We also look for an iPod. I also want to have one. I'm really serious about being a techie. That is to collect gadgets he he But that's not my priority right now. I am only canvassing.

Then my friend bought an earphone. While we are in the area of accessories, I took the chance to ask if they have a keyboard protector. And to my surprise, they have one. I did not hesitate to buy. I finally have a keyboard protector for my laptop. Yippee!!!! I'm so happy! I'm using it now as i'm writing this story.he he It has four features. It is super antibacterial, super dust-proof, super waterproof, super endurance. I so love it!

Filling up..

I've come to realized that when you lose something or someone. Something or someone greater will come your way to replace or fill up the space vacated. This happens to me so many times. I would cite a few...

A friend of mine let me borrowed his laptop for some time. It made my life less boring at work. I was able to communicate with my friends when I'm not busy at work. I was able to search the net. The laptop brought joy to my life. But since it was not my own, the time had come that I have to give it back to the owner. Thinking about it beforehand made me sad. How will I survive without it? What am I going to do next? But finally it happened. I lost the laptop. Life went on. Then all of a sudden my mom brought up the topic of buying a laptop. It was finally materialized. Now, I have a brand new laptop. And it is totally my own. I'm so happy!

My closest officemate resigned. I am not close to anyone at work, only to her. She was my constant companion. We eat lunch together. I visit her at her office during breaktime. We always chat every morning. I always pass by her office every morning before I go to my office. We laugh and cry together. But she is living me for her own personal reason. I can't ask her to stay because I know that it would be best for her if she will go. So I have to stand on my own. But God is good. He gave me a new companion. I am not alone again. I am happy and having a lot of fun with my new friend. It is so wonderful.

Amazing, isn't it? Things really happen for a reason. But something good will always come out of it. It may bring sadness and would hurt us at first but it will surely turn out to our advantage.

The Accidental Husband

Synopsis:

New York firefighter Patrick Sullivan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) had no idea his seemingly idyllic life was about to go up in smoke especially as the unwitting, second-hand recipient of advice from famed love expert and radio host Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman). One day he is a happy-go-lucky guy looking forward to a life with his soon-to-be-bride. The next thing you know, his fiancée Sophia (Justina Machado) is seeking couples counseling on the radio from Dr. Lloyd. The no-nonsense, ever practical Dr. Lloyd questions Sophias concept of romantic love and advises her to break their engagement, which she swiftly does. But when Patrick and his computer-savvy neighbor decide to give Dr. Lloyd a taste of her own medicine and accidentally join them in holy matrimony something that doesn't go over too well with her fiancé (Colin Firth) -- it isn't long before they learn that sometimes even an expert in love needs a second opinion.

My Movie Review:

How would we know that He is "the One" for you? We don't really know that's why we ask the opinions of others, right? A radio program is one of the most available place to look for advice. We couldn't really rely on the radio adviser because he doesn't really know the whole scenario. He based his advice on the situation presented to him. He could make or break a person's life. Just like what happened in the movie, someone's life has turned around due to one advice coming from someone who gives it as a way of living not thinking that she could affect somebody's life.


The movie has a lot of fun and adventure. I had a great time watching it. It has a different plot. Love surely comes in the most unexpected place and events in your life. I think that there is no such thing as accidental. I believed that things happened for a reason.

Recession lessons from the movies...

Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)

Lesson: Crime doesn't pay. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway are decidedly charming as the young Depression-era anti-heroes of the crime film "Bonnie and Clyde." At least they are until they start slaughtering people right and left. Then things start to get ugly and serious and scary -- sort of like what's going on with our banking system.
There certainly is anger and outrage over multibillion-dollar bailouts, risky mortgage practices and how the credit rug has been pulled out from under consumers and businesses. But people aren't taking the Bonnie and Clyde route for revenge.
Bank robberies and thefts, in fact, have decreased from 7,272 in 2006 to 6,182 in 2007 to 6,105 in 2008, the FBI says. And the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that violent crime, property crime and firearm-related crime have steadily declined since 1993 (except for an uptick in firearm-related crime in 2005). What's gone up: felony convictions and the percentage of crimes reported to police.
Still not convinced that crime doesn't pay? Keep in mind that, according to FBI crime statistics, of the 19 people who died during the commission of a bank robbery in 2008, 16 were the perpetrators.

Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961)

Lesson: Be a cheap date. In "Breakfast at Tiffany's," street-smart socialite Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) and struggling writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard) are both broke -- and both "kept." Holly lives off the money she gets from her dates (she also makes $100 a week by visiting an imprisoned mob boss and relaying drug intelligence). Paul relies on his married lover for financial support. As a result, the two don't have much cash between them when they hit the town on their first official date.
Dates aren't cheap, especially in New York, where a movie now averages $10.44 a ticket and wine $10.86 a bottle. Throw in dinner for two ($40 on average, says Zagat), and you're looking at a first-date price tag of $75 to $100 easy.
How can a couple court without incurring this kind of cost? By taking a page out of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Instead of dinner and a movie, Holly and Paul hit the famous jewelry store to peruse the merchandise (and have a Cracker Jack ring engraved), then head off to the public library for some afternoon high jinks. After that, it's a stealth adventure at a local department store. You and your date might not want to make off with stolen property (Holly and Paul nick goofy dog and cat masks from the store), but their date -- which resulted in true love, mind you -- was a real steal.

Confessions of a Shopaholic' (2009)

Lesson: Credit cards are not your friend. Like many Americans, Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) likes to shop. In fact, she likes to shop so much that she winds up with $16,000 in credit card debt and her very own debt collector.
While Rebecca's wastrel ways are played for laughs in "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (what could be funnier than an out-of-control addiction that could potentially ruin your life?), her unsuccessful attempts to rein in her spending should seem painfully familiar to a nation enthralled with "magic cards."
According to myFICO, the average consumer has 13 credit obligations, nine of which are likely to be credit cards. The average individual owes $5,729 in credit card debt, and credit card companies are raising rates, even for good customers.
Rebecca, with about three times the average debt and a collection agency hot on her heels, manages to squirm out of her predicament by auctioning off her designer duds and maybe, just maybe, mending her ways. But for most folks, high credit card debt can result in much bigger problems, such as losing out on a job or an apartment, paying higher insurance rates and trashing credit scores, which mean a much higher interest on that home sweet home, among other things.
And if that doesn't keep you away from the department stores, remember that financial stress can also cost you your health.

The Grapes of Wrath' (1940)

Lesson: Relocation, relocation, relocation. Granted, most of us don't have it as bad as the Joads, the Oklahoma farm family forced to move across the country by harsh economic conditions, ruthless business practices and devastating dust storms. But many people do have to move to a new city, a new state or even a new country in order to find a good job.
More than a million people claimed job-related moving expenses on their income tax returns for 2006, according to Worldwide ER (the Association for Workforce Mobility). And a 2008 Manpower survey found 40% of people would be happy to pick up and move for work.
The trick, of course, is figuring out the best place to relocate. In "The Grapes of Wrath," the Joads had nothing more to guide them than a rumpled yellow handbill advertising some fruit-picking jobs in California. Once there, they found that jobs -- not to mention basic human decency -- were rare commodities.
Today, we can just check Relocate America's annual list of the top 100 places to live. Ironically, the top pick for 2009 is Tulsa, Okla., where the unemployment rate is 6.2% (3 points below the national average) and the median price for a single-family home was just under $137,000 in 2008. Other top metro areas offering stable economies and good home prices? Dallas-Fort Worth; Pittsburgh; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; Houston; Albuquerque, N.M.; Lexington, Ky.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Oklahoma City.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' (1963)

Lesson: Get-rich-quick ideas are crocks. This classic offers laughs galore as a group of average Joes, blinded by greed, wreak havoc on the state of California and each other in an attempt to uncover a pile of lost loot. They find out that get-rich-quick schemes are not only foolhardy but often harmful.
According to a report by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, confidence fraud such as Ponzi schemes, computer fraud and check fraud represent nearly 20% of all referred complaints. Nigerian letter fraud and identity theft represented almost 10% of all complaints. Get-rich-quick work-at-home scams were also a big problem.
Although it's unlikely that trying to get rich quick will land you in a hospital, as happens to the movie's greedy characters, it can bust up your bank account pretty good. In the U.S. last year, the total dollar loss from all cases of fraud was $264.6 million. Now that hurts.

It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)

Lesson: Count your blessings (and your friends). After $8,000 goes missing on the eve of an important audit, banker George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) realizes he's on the verge of bankruptcy, scandal and prison. Consumed by worry, he starts to act erratically -- screaming at a daughter's schoolteacher, "terrorizing" his children, drowning his sorrows at a local bar and even contemplating suicide, convinced he's worth more dead than alive.
Sadly, dark times do seem to fuel dark thoughts. Although the image of Wall Street bankers jumping to their deaths after the 1929 crash is mostly myth, the suicide rate did rise from 1929 to 1933, going from 14 to 17 deaths per 100,000 people. Today, depression is on the rise, if pharmaceutical sales are any indication.
What lessons can we glean from a movie many people consider nothing more than Christmas corn? For starters, Clarence, the guardian angel, is able to show George his many blessings, great and small, a shift in perspective that brings about an important change of heart. Mary Bailey (Donna Reed) finds out what's behind her husband's erratic behavior and turns to friends and neighbors for help -- not only raising the cold, hard cash they need but, more importantly, surrounding her husband with those who love him. Experts say that's a good way to keep dark thoughts at bay.

The Money Pit' (1986)

Lesson: Know what you're getting into. Falling prices, rising foreclosures, new construction grinding to a halt -- that's nothing compared with the housing problems Tom Hanks and Shelley Long experience in "The Money Pit."
From the moment they move into their Long Island fixer-upper, things go south. The front door falls off, the stairway collapses, the wiring in the kitchen explodes, and holes in the floor swallow both the bathtub and our hero. Yet the pair stick it out. Buying a house -- at all costs -- is a deeply embedded part of the American dream. (See "The 3 worst reasons to buy a home.")
Now we know adjustable mortgage rates, unexpected home repairs and plunging values can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare. According to a 2009 study by Zillow, more than 20% of homeowners are "underwater," meaning they owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. And a survey by Demos, a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization, indicated that 38% of U.S. households are in debt because of home repairs.
The lesson in all this? Don't buy a house without knowing what you're getting into.

Sunshine Cleaning' (2009)

Lesson: Start your own business. Flat broke and blue about the direction her life has taken, single mother Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams), above left, decides to transform her part-time maid job into something bigger and better: "Sunshine Cleaning," a crime-scene cleanup service. Granted, she runs into a few glitches along the way, but by movie's end our plucky heroine has reinvented her skill set into a service that's satisfying, beneficial and considerably more lucrative.
A pink slip can be just the kick in the pants a would-be entrepreneur needs. And starting a business in a recession means you can take advantage of both a huge pool of talent (often at affordable rates) and cheaper supplies, many of which you can buy at auction.
More are seeing this silver lining: Each month last year, 320 of every 100,000 adults created a business, up from 300 in 2007, according to an April report by the Kauffman Foundation. That's 530,000 new businesses a month.
The timing is good: Eleven of the 30 corporations that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average were started during recessions, including AT&T, General Electric, 3M, Merck, Walt Disney and Microsoft.
The states with the largest number of people who've set up lemonade stands after being handed those proverbial baskets of lemons? Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Montana and New Mexico.

Tootsie' (1982)

Lesson: Think outside the box(ers). In "Tootsie," actor Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is out of work, out of money and out of options, until he decides to get creative and try out for the part of a woman in the long-running soap opera "Southwest General." His ballsy move pays off, and he gets the role -- and a much-needed jump-start to his acting career.
Not surprisingly, today's competitive job market -- the unemployment rate hovers above 9% -- has prompted some to become equally inventive. Hiring managers report job seekers are trying all kinds of off-the-wall tactics to stand out: offering a free foot massage if hired, writing a poem or bringing breakfast to the boss until getting hired, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey.
But the dicey job market is also pushing many people to contemplate (or pursue) career changes. More than half of U.S. workers want to; they told Harris Interactive they would switch careers if they had a chance to start over. And it can pay off:

You Can't Take It With You' (1938)

Lesson: Money isn't everything. This Frank Capra classic tells the Depression-era story of two New York families: one rich, repressed and miserable; the other broke, bohemian and blissfully content. Their orbits collide when Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur), a sweet working girl whose free-spirited family puts relationships and creativity above all else, falls in love with Tony Kirby (Jimmy Stewart), the son of a Wall Street wheeler-dealer whose life revolves around money, munitions and the occasional monopoly.
Hilarity ensues as the two families mix, mingle and hash out their disparate attitudes toward love, life and money. Not surprisingly, family, friends and joie de vivre win out over the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Can money buy happiness? Princeton researchers who surveyed nearly 1,000 people in 2004 found that people with above-average incomes were "barely happier than others in moment-to-moment experience." They also tended to be more tense and spend less time enjoying themselves.
But a study presented in February found that when you spend money on experiences, such as travel or theater tickets, it satisfies "the need for social connectedness and vitality -- a feeling of being alive." That feeling -- not necessarily the money -- makes people happy.
Either way, as Lionel Barrymore's character says in the movie, "You can't take it with you . . . so what good is it? As near as I can see, the only thing you can take with you is the love of your friends."
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Welcome home bro!

I'm so happy. Finally, my brother is home. It's been a year since we've seen each other. He is a seaman. I miss him terribly. Weeee! Even though he has a family of his own but he never forgets us, his first family. He still gives money to my parents every month coming from his salary. He is so generous to us. He is a loving brother to me. I can always depend on him especially in times of needs. He has a big heart. I love him so.

I am short in my allowance for the rest of the week. I am thinking about pawning my jewelry so I can make it until my next salary. I never expected him to come home today. I wasn't thinking about it. But surprise! He arrived! I'm so happy. I am saved of my dilemma. I have an allowance. Yipeee!

God is really good. He provides to all my needs just on time. He is never late. He is always on time. Just the right time. He sends me angels to help me in all my problems. I've proven this many times. When I'm exhausted and giving up, He takes charge. He is in control of everything. I let go of my worries and problems and let God do the thing. He never disappoints me. Thank you Lord!

Don't Give Up..

I did not pass. I was not qualified. My skills did not fit the job. My supposed to be employer did not hire me. I lost the job that I badly needed. So sad. But I'm grateful that I was given a chance to do the task. Even if I lost it, I don't feel that bad. It was not for me. I don't deserve it. I did my best but I guess my best wasn't god enough.

But I will not give up. As the saying goes "try and try until you succeed". I will not stop looking. I will continue to pursue and find a job that fits me. A job that will bring out the best in me. It's not yet the end of the world. I will not lose hope. God will direct met the right job.

For now, I have to move on. I have to move forward. It was a great learning experience. It was worth it.

My Sassy Girl - Korean Version

Synopsis:

My Sassy Girl tells the amusing love story between an inexperienced student (Cha Tae-Hyun) and a quirky college girl (Jeon Ji-Hyun). He finds her collapsed on a late night subway car, drunk to the point of throwing up on an unfortunate passenger. Left without a choice, he takes her to the nearest inn, waiting for her to come to her senses. This is how their dates begin, with him falling in love with a girl that's hurting because of a previous love that's ended. Loving her, however, doesn't come easy. She shoves him into a pond, wanting to see how deep the water is. When her feet hurt, she steals his comfortable tennis shoes, leaving him to wear her pointy heels.

My movie review:

I've been hearing about it from friends that it is really a beautiful movie. And they don't tell me the whole story. How's that? It is better that I watch it as they say. I am so curious but I haven't got the chance to watch it until a friend let me borrow her dvd. Finally, it was my chance to watch it. So i've watched!


What can say about it? Hmmm it's a good and heart-warming love story. It has a lot of fun too. Friendship that develop into something more. It is really nice that the two of you are best of friends. You would really end up as good lovers too. The old man in the movie had said that destiny is building a bridge of chance for someone you love. I think what he meant was that you should not close your heart to anybody. You should give your heart a chance to fall in love again after losing someone you love so much. And allow someone to love you too.


It has an English version too. I'll have to watch it too. he he

He's Just Not That Into You

cast: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long

Synopsis:

A group of interconnected, Baltimore-based twenty- and thirty-somethings navigate their various relationships from the shallow end of the dating pool through the deep, murky waters of married life, trying to read the signs of the opposite sex... and hoping to be the exceptions to the "no-exceptions" rule.


Gigi just wants a man who says he'll call—and does—while Alex advises her to stop sitting by the phone. Beth wonders if she should call it off after years of committed singlehood with her boyfriend, Neil, but he doesn't think there's a single thing wrong with their unmarried life. Janine's not sure if she can trust her husband, Ben, who can't quite trust himself around Anna. Anna can't decide between the sexy married guy, or her straightforward, no-sparks standby, Conor, who can't get over the fact that he can't have her. And Mary, who's found an entire network of loving, supportive men, just needs to find one who's straight.


If you've ever sat by the phone wondering why he said he would call, but didn't, or if you can't figure out why she doesn't want to sleep with you anymore, or why your relationship just isn't going to the next level... he (or she) is just not that into you.

My movie review:

Before I've watched the movie I've decided on giving up on love. Of finding my prince. I guess I am tired of waiting for him to come along. It's like every year that comes, I am anticipating and hoping that he would finally come. But he doesn't. So sad. It's like it's going to be like this forever. It goes on and on. When will this stop? Is he coming? I don't know. I feel like it's now or never.


But after watching the movie, I've come to realized that I shouldn't give up on love no matter how sad and frustrated I am right now. No matter how many heartaches I have encountered in the past. I should not stop looking for it. It would come when it's time.I have to keep my faith on it. Maybe he is just around the corner. Who knows?


The movie has many love and relationship lessons. The role of a man is to chase. So girls, don't do the thing. Let him chase you until you can catch him. It has also different views on marriage. A woman no matter how liberated she is always wants to get married. To have a man propose to her and ask her to be his wife. I cried when Ben Affleck propose to Jennifer Aniston. It was so casual and very touching. He did it in the most unexpected time when Jennifer had come to terms that Ben doesn't believe in marriage. She accepted it because of her love for him. The important thing is that they love each other and commit to each other. The scene was so beautiful. I can't help but cry. Wishing that one day it would finally happen to me. (sigh)

Great day!

At work, I was assigned to take the minutes of our meeting. It was sort of an emergency meeting because we had an auditor who requested for it. I don't know how to take minutes of a meeting. It was my first time and I was really stressed. My co-employees were also stressed. They don't want to sign the minutes and I was running after them. Whew! The meeting ended late in the afternoon and I have to run also for my part-time teaching job. Can you imagine that? I'm just glad that I was able to manage the whole thing. I survive!

Good news! I passed my first task. I'm so happy! Yes, my virtual boss accepted it. He even called me a champion. I hope that my luck would continue. I will do my best to meet his expectations. I'm hoping to get more tasks done. The more tasks done the merrier.

I can call this day a wonderful one. Thank you Lord for all the blessings coming my way. I love you! Good night!

New Challenge..

I've applied as a virtual assistant. It is an online job. An employer responded to my application. He had given me a task. I am just a neophyte in this area so it's kinda tough for me. But it is really a big challenge. I was so embarrassed when my first accomplished work was rejected and he thinks that maybe I'm not fit for the job. But, he is very nice. He is still willing to get me. I just have to make some more research on the task that he asked me to do. I don't know if I'll give up on this or continue until i succeed. I'll just do my best.

I can do this. I have to. I need an extra income to pay our bills. This job would be a big help for my finances, to my family. I can't give up now. So I have to do some research now. I just hope that I could get a better feedback the next time around. Wish me luck! =)

Daily Inspiration..

You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.

- Dr. Wayne Dyer

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.

- Unknown

Old times never come back and I suppose it's just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better.

- George E. Woodberry

What you do may seem insignificant, but it's important that you do it.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.

- Maggie Spilner

Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.

- Lou Holtz

It takes courage to show your dreams to someone else.

- Erma Bombeck

Four First Date Conversation Rules

When it comes to getting personal on a first date, politics, religion, and sex used to be off the table. But have the rules changed? Find out here.


Do you tell all, from your sexual past to your political affiliation, on the first date? Or do you keep things under wraps before you get to know someone? The rules have changed, and we're no longer learning from the same dating etiquette book our parents used. So we asked members of Marie Claire Ask & Answer — Marie Claire's online Q&A community for dating, sex, and relationship advice — for their new rules of first date conversation. Here's what they said:


1. DO talk about religion and politics.
"I don't mind taking about religion or politics, I think it's interesting and a good way to learn about someone," says Answerology member w0nd3rw0man. "If it turns into an argument or you really disagree with each other, no biggie, you can move on. I think most rational adults should be able to have a casual conversation on these topics without getting too heated."


Don't sidestep potentially touchy subjects — a chat about the day's biggest headlines can lead to a passionate discussion or a fired-up debate, both of which can make sparks fly. And what better way to show off your smarts? If you feel like you're getting into dangerous territory, propose that you agree to disagree ... and continue the discussion on date #2.


2. DON'T talk about your ex.
"Talking about your ex-boyfriends ... will kill any chances of a second date," said bjd555.


Answerology members almost unanimously agreed: As far as a first date is concerned, your ex and the complimentary baggage do not exist. A quick mention is okay if you're telling a fascinating story that happens to include an ex-flame, but resist the urge to launch into a discussion best reserved for your friends and therapist. Airing your dirty laundry will only make you seem insecure at best ... petty and a little crazy at worst.


3. DO keep it present-tense.
"Just talk about what you're doing now, what you're looking forward to, and what your goals are for the future," advises skateny.


Don't dwell on the past! Talk about what excites you about the future, whether it's next weekend's movie release or your long-term career plans. Everyone has a past, but focusing on the future makes you seem like a positive, happy person — an instant draw when you're chatting up someone you're interested in.


4. DON'T just talk — listen.
"Express interest and curiosity in what the other person has to say. Treat him/her as though he/she is someone with whom you'd like to be a good friend," says skateny. The bonus? "This gives you a great deal of information. If you expend a great deal of time, effort, and attention getting to know this person, and it does little or nothing for you, then it probably won't do a whole lot for you down the line."


Remember, the point of the date is to get to know the person you're out with — so remember to let them talk too! Ask questions and really listen to their answers instead of thinking about how nervous you are. Truly concentrating on the conversation at hand will calm your first date nerves and give you a better idea of how compatible you are with your date.


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