Please Don't Grow Up Too Fast

Dear Sam,

I can't believe you are now two and a half years old. It amazes me each time I look at you and see how much you've grown. While you were growing, I know that I have both my shortcomings and glories. Please forgive Mommy for the things that she may have overlooked. I know I could have done better with feeding you the right kind of food when you were still small. You wouldn't have the difficulty of eating with other kids now that you are going to Kindergarten. I know I could have done a better job of regularly cleaning your mouth and brushing your teeth the moment your first tooth came out. You wouldn't resist brushing your teeth before you go to bed these days. I know I could have trained you with drinking your milk from a cup when you were able enough to use one. You wouldn't be drinking from a feeding bottle these days. I know I could have been more firm when it comes to implementing rules. You wouldn't have difficulty cooperating and listening to instructions. But perhaps, I love you too much to be lenient with you at such a young age. I know I should have done better but I did not. And I am sorry. I hope that you will learn to adjust well... that you will be fine while you are at the Kindergarten. 

Know that you always make me proud because you have the capacity to adjust to the situation that you are in. I saw how you can get along easily with other kids and the thought that my little girl is making friends always gives a smile on my face and leaves me beaming with pride. I always find your genuine interest in people touching and I hope that you never lose that attitude as you grow older and more aware of your surroundings and the people around you.  I know that I have to allow other people into your life and take a little step back so that I won't get in the way of your learning other things. I also know now that I cannot totally shield and protect you from the outside world and so I promise to guide you in every way I can.

Just know that your Daddy and I only want what's best for you. And so we pray that God will give us enough strength and love to guide you in your journey. We love you Sam. You will always be our little girl. So please don't grow up too fast.

Love,
Mommy

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Custom Poker Tables: Earn Money as an Affiliate Marketer with a Poker Niche

If you are an aspiring online marketer looking to make money online, then you are probably on the lookout for a profitable niche. Why don't you go into the poker niche? Poker has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the exposure that it gets from mainstream media. Now, you can even watch poker tournaments on TV. Poker is not only popular in the United States, but all over the world. Taking that into consideration, there's a huge market for the poker niche.

The best thing about the poker niche is that it has many sub or micro niches. Tapping micro niches is one of the secrets to making money on the Internet. You can become an affiliate marketer and help promote products that are related to poker. You can sell information products such as books, e-books, CDs and DVDs. There are many materials out there on how to become a poker player and how to win big in poker games. Poker players are always on the lookout for products that can enhance their games especially the ones who are serious players and who make money from the game.

You can also promote custom poker sets, poker chips and custom poker tables. All of these are meant to enhance the game, so you can be sure that there is a market for these products. You don't have to be a poker player in order to make money with the poker niche, but it would be a great advantage if you are. If you are not a poker player, just make sure that you have a basic understanding of the game before you set out to create your website. The more you know about the game of poker, the more trustworthy you appear to potential customers, and the more they'll buy.

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It Pays To Be Insured

If you own a business, whether big or small, you have to ensure that you are protected from unnecessary or devastating losses. It is like a safety hat that will cushion the impact of an uncertain loss should it occur. As a responsible business owner, you also have to take care of the well-being of your employees because they are the ones who keep your company running. That's why it is important to get these aspects of the business insured.

There are lots of insurers in the market today. They can provide you with the necessary business insurance quotes that will cover every aspect of your business. Because health is an integral part of every human being, it is always wise to also get a group health insurance quote for you and your employees. Of course before purchasing an insurance for your business, it is important that you understand what needs to be covered. It is also good if you can get free quotes, like the Netquote small business insurance quotes. Getting insured doesn't mean that it's going to be expensive.

So what do you usually need to cover in a business insurance? Here are some of the basics:

• Health Insurance 
• Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Business Property Insurance 
• General Liability Insurance 
• Business Interruption Insurance 
• Workers' Compensation

It is also wise to be specific when giving out information about your business. Be in the ready to provide the specifics, like the nature of your business, where it is located, your company profile and history, properties owned by the company such as vehicles. All these date will help insurance agents design the insurance coverage that works for you.

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Is Sorry Enough?

As individuals, we are not perfect. When we married the one person that we love, we knew that life wouldn't be perfect either... but happy nonetheless. Disagreements, arguments and misunderstandings will always be a part of human relationships and married couples are not exempted from that reality.

Hubby and me, watching the paragliders in Scwarzwald (Black Forest).

We all make mistakes. As they say, "to err is human, to forgive is divine." I am a stubborn person, but not stubborn enough to not admit I was wrong or made a mistake. I say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness when it is due, especially where Hubby is concerned. When there are arguments and misunderstanding between the two of us, I usually keep quiet and if I know that I am at fault, I would say sorry and would try to explain myself. But because I am so bad at explaining, I always end up crying! Toinks! 

Hubby and I always feel bad whenever we quarrel or when someone does something wrong so that we try to talk it out. I get scared when he begins raising his voice so that I would just hug him and say Sorry too, for my part in the argument. Once the heat of the argument is past, we would then talk about it in a calm manner. That is the case, most of the time. When we talk about it again, it allows us to better understand the situation and one another. And we try to not make the same mistake again to save us the heartaches afterward.

We try to not let pride get in the way of our relationship. Because we know that it will destroy everything that we have worked and hoped for.

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On Being Frugal

If you are an expat, away from family and friends, and all you depend upon is your monthly income, it is important to be practical. It is necessary that you know how to identify a need from a want because there is now a very fine between the two. It also pays to be frugal, to save even some cents in whatever way because every little helps.

I am no expert but since I am all about savings, I might as well give you some tips on how to save.

1. Use promo codes and coupons. Whether you are shopping online or offline, promo codes are a great way to save money. If you are looking for promo codes on a variety of items, check out www.Savings.com. I have been planning on purchasing some electronic products and I was delighted to find that there are currently Sony promo codes that I can use when I shop online.

2. Carpool. If you are just like Hubby who drives to work instead of commuting, it would be smart to go on a carpool. You could ask your colleagues to ride with you on a scheduled basis. In the case of Hubby, he and a colleague drives alternately.

3. Shop for On-Sale Goods. Here, we receive lots of promo materials in our mail. They could be a nuisance sometimes because they fill up our mailbox unnecessarily but there are lots of good deals on these brochures. There are Savings Home Depot coupons, discount coupons for various items, and goods on special offer. If you want to shop for new stuff, check out the on-sale goods. You could always get a big discount if the item is on sale. 

4. Electricity, Lights, and Water. We know this is basic. This has always been what my chemistry professor says before we leave the laboratory. If it is not in use, turn it off. It helps save energy and prevents accidents too.

5. Don't be an impulsive buyer. It is okay if you treat yourself to something nice every now and then. But before you spend your money, ask first if you really need it. If you can still live or last the day without it, then don't buy it. It would also be helpful if you write a shopping list beforehand so that you don't just pick up stuff when you are at the groceries. More importantly, stick to your shopping list.  That way, you won't make any unnecessary purchases.

These are just some of my tips. Here's hoping everyone financial stability and well being.

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Visiting Lourdes, France

The city of Lourdes in France is one of the most frequented sanctuaries by Catholic pilgrims. It is famous the world over because it is where Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous. It was in 1858 when the apparitions happened in the Grotto of Massabielle. She revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception, asked that a chapel be built on the site of the vision, and told the girl to drink from a fountain in the grotto.

And so it is to this day that the Basilicas of the Holy Rosary and the Immaculate Concepcion have  been built at the site of the apparitions.  

Behind us are the Basilica of the Holy Rosary (on the ground level) and the 

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (directly above the Basilica of the Holy Rosary).

The scene of the apparition, a very beautiful mosaic found outside the Basilica of the Holy Rosary.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus, one of the 15 

awesome and wonderful mosaic renditions of the 

mysteries of the Holy Rosary found inside the Basilica.

No fountain was to be seen, but when Bernadette dug at a spot designated by the apparition, a spring began to flow. The water from this still flowing spring has shown remarkable healing power, though it contains no curative property that science can identify.

It was a very beautiful experience for the family. We collected water from the spring and placed them in small and big containers. We also drank directly from it, in the faith that we will be healed from our illnesses. The waters tasted great and was very cool despite the summer heat. It was indeed a very refreshing respite from a long day of traveling. Too bad we weren't able to dip in the pools. Perhaps next time, when time permits again, we can go back and visit the pools.

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Shirts Never Go Out Of Style

If there is one thing that never goes out of style, that would have to be shirts. Originally worn as undershirts in the 1800's, they eventually became popular as fashionable, casual, standalone, outer-wear garments after the 2nd World War and after Marlon Brando wore one in the movie A Streetcar Named Desire. In the 1980s, t-shirts were becoming more of a form of self expression. To this day, custom tshirt is one of the flourishing markets in the garment industry.

From the plain white tshirt, we now have a myriad of colors, designs, and prints. So whoever you may be, there is surely a shirt that will suit your personality. There are sports tshirts for the sports minded, Death By Tshirt for some retro shirts and other great custom made designs for those who love to express themselves. 

So if you want to get your message across or want to have a marketing campaign, a tshirt will just help do the trick. The good old tshirt has been used to achieve the goal of getting people to buy a product, attend an event or even vote a president. Oh yes, the t-shirt has come a long, long way and it is without a doubt, going to stay in the years to come.

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CC: Like It Or Not

I just realized that I have always been referring to my husband as Hubby in my CC posts. I am just not used to using his first name when referring to him online so I hope you understand the anonymity. Hehe! But in case you are all wondering, his name is Vincent.

Anyway, here I am again, a little too late for my CC entry. Marce Liz would have to kick me, hard this time, so that I would my entry on time. Lol!

No couple  is perfect. Our flaws and mistakes and our inequities are what make life more meaningful and exciting because they allow us to learn and grow from them. I have known my Hubby for almost 12 years now but we were only married for 3 years. Knowing him that long, I thought I already know him. I also thought that I know myself too well. Not until we started really living together as husband and wife did I realize our similarities and differences.

LIKES

Hubby likes his coffee black while I like mine with a cube of sugar and fresh milk.

Hubby like to leave his clothes wherever but being the "neat freak that I am, I like to pick up after him.

Hubby likes to eat food that he is familiar with... I tend to be more adventurous and try new dishes.

When we eat outside, I sometimes like to order what he is having.

We both like movies and we watch at least one movie per week.

He likes to lie down on the couch while watching TV. I like to sit on the bean bag.

We both like to spend our free time going on road trips.

We both like ice cream and Japanese food.

When there's more than two viands on the table, I like to place small portions on my plate and eat them in a mixed manner. Hubby likes to eat one portion at a time. You will never see him "mixing" unless it is a big gathering.

Hubby likes sneakers and Timberland shoes. He likes his feet comfy because he drives a lot. I on the other love flats shoes.

When shopping for lingerie, Hubby likes to wait outside the shop or go somewhere else. He'll just come back when it's time to pay. :D

He likes his sawsawan spicy. I like mine plain although I sometimes dip in his.

Hubby likes to keep himself informed with current events in the Philippines, I obviously like to just blog. Lol!

I like to ask questions, Hubby prefers that I don't ask too much because he doesn't have all the answers.

We both like to help others in need, whenever we can.

We both like the same kind of music.

DISLIKES

Hubby doesn't like it when I try new dishes. He would say it's "french-french". I don't like it when says that because I get hurt.

We both don't like it when we raise our voices to each other. But of course, who does?

He doesn't like me making faces, I don't like if he accuses me of making one.

He doesn't like it when I am too silent in the car. I don't like when he starts being paranoid again.

He doesn't like it if I nag, I don't like it if I begin nagging too. And I would just stop.

Hubby doesn't like it when I ask him questions while we are watching something. I don't like it if he just ignores most of them.

Hubby doesn't like me makulit. I don't like Hubby being too demanding.

We both dislike to argue because when we do, I always end up crying. And Hubby doesn't like to see me crying.

We both dislike going to discos. We dislike smoking either.

We also don't like pretentious people that's why we are cautious who we get close to. No, we don't judge people but it is better to be careful than to be sorry. 

There are lots more but as Marce Liz said, this post would be too long if I go on and on. So now you know me and Hubby and better. What's your likes and dislikes?

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CC: Opposites Attract

I learned that "opposites attract" when I was learning my Chemistry. It's an undeniable fact. While it is purely science, it is also applicable to relationships. While Hubby and I share similar values and beliefs, we also have our differences. We try to work our differences out and compliment them with our strengths. We would drive each other crazy with our differences but at the end of the day, what matters most is that we came to understand and respect each other better.

Hubby has the tendency to just leave things wherever he pleases, I hate clutter and clean up after him. Hubby likes to talk and I like to just keep silent and listen. I like to window shop, he dreads it especially when I stop at the lingerie section. I love to experiment with food, he likes his food simply cooked the Filipino way. He loves Formula 1, I love Korean Dramas. Although I am the more sociable one, he also gets along well with people. I do not know how to play the guitar but I am the one who helps him with the rhythm when we practice songs for church. He is fair skinned, I am dark, like milk and chocolate. He is updated on the current events in the Philippines while I am more confined to blogging and my online tasks. There are countless other differences but looking at my list here, I am glad that they are not really major ones. And that we try to adjust and make compromises to avoid quarrels and misunderstandings.

Want to know how different other couples are? Why don't you join us? Just click on the badge!

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CC: Our Not So Hidden Talents

This is a very late entry. But I just had to publish this. Apologies to Marce Liz. I thought this was already published but it was still in my drafts. Sorry Marce!

The previous two days have been torture for me because I cannot use my computer. It has gone suddenly kaput and I haven't done any blogging since Tuesday. Hubby managed to fix it last night after how many attempts because I kept bugging him about it. And this is one thing that my hubby is good at. Fixing computers, both hardware and software. He just knows what to do with them. Hubby is also good at playing the guitar although he is not very good at singing. He hates dancing but he would dance just for the fun of it. I can even see him dancing with our little girl in Filipino gatherings lately.

I on the other hand have the talent for anything artistic although I am not good at choosing my own clothes. Lol! I can paint stuff and do crafts. I can sing fairly well too although my voice is not catchy. I love to sing for the church choir though despite that. I also know how to dance but I am also not very good at it. I used to dance well in my younger days but my bones and limbs are no longer as flexible as they used to be. Hihi! I also have the talent for catching a song's lyrics quickly so that I can already sing the chorus of a song the first time I hear it.

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