Gem's Insights

credit My husband prodded that I watch the movie he was watching at Netflix. He said, I will learn a lot on how I could help our kids become intelligent. I told him, sure, I'll do that later. He changed computers and used the big screen in watching instead. He persisted, "Join me in watching the movie, you'll see how he became so intelligent!!!" I told him, ok, then start it over. It is uncommon of him to start a movie over, and yet he did! It was a light bulb moment! Just after watching a few parts of the movie, I called Mymy, told her, she won't be using her computer anymore, until she reads a book and make a book review on it; and until she spells words correctly; and she will only use the computer for two hours max a day! After watching a few more parts. I called both my kids again and dictated for them to stop playing games in their Ipad already, go to their beds and read a book. NOW! That was how the movie pushed me to action! "You have the world inside...

"C'mon Maria, there is no God! I'm an Atheist. I don't go to church. There is no God!" For the first time, in my entire life, I met an Atheist, in person! I said, how can you not believe in God? There is life, life is God. Yes, he said, if life is God then I believe it, but not God, who is supreme power and directs our lives... Just like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy or God. There is no God. There is no Santa Claus. There is no Tooth Fairy. He said, I'm not a bad person, I do my best. I give my all. I do what is necessary. I make things happen. But I don't believe in God. I don't have any church. I don't belong to any group. He is a good person. He does his best, he is a kind man. He makes things happen and helps make the world a better place for him and the people around him. Does it matter now, to me, what he does not believe in? Will it matter now, to you, what he does not believe in? Will I try to force him into making him believe there is one? ...

I've mentioned in my post Kaibigan sa America   that I would rather be with Filipinos than be with OTHER RACES during free times, weekends, holidays and socials. If given no choice but to socialize with them, I feel safer if there are other Filipinos in the room with me. Coming here, I've become anti-social in a way! LOL! Well, first and foremost, what will I say? How will I socialize? Speak up and tell stories? translate galore!!! Be friendly, act friendly and be a friend? I do not know where all these are coming from, but COMFORT ZONES. Not sure why, though. It's the unknown that is making me back out, thus the post To camp or not to camp? Well, TODAY, thanks to my every supportive husband, I've attended the end-of-the-year-party with my colleagues at work ON MY OWN! I've invited Filipino friends to come with me, even Filipinos who work in the same building with me, to no avail, they don't want to come too! Armed with "I-can-do-this- attitude...

Do you know what I like about summer time? 1. It's being able to sleep late,  wake up late, and sleep after lunch time - "siesta". 2. It's being able to choose not to do anything! I just love it! credit Taking SIESTA or POWER NAPPING after lunch is beneficial too! S - strengthens our heart I - ignites our learning E - energizes our body S - sparks our brain T - tames our tongue (lol) A - antidote to stress Sad thing is we can't do this while at work  (unless you lock yourself in a room, or rest room, and  make sure nobody sees you!). Great thing is now I have the whole summer to do it! :)) Yay for summer! NAMASTE. -day 158

 We are currently watching the PRISON BREAK. Prison Break. What: A TV series about two brothers; due to a political conspiracy, one has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other one creates an intellectual plan to help his brother escape prison. It is the kind of TV series that makes one not leave the house for days until it is finished. We were hooked into each episode in all four seasons! It is that good!         Genres: Drama, Soap opera, Action genre, Thriller, Crime Fiction When: First episode: August 29, 2005             Final episode: May 15, 2009 Who: Network: Fox Broadcasting Company           Writers: Paul Scheuring, Nick Santora, Matt Olmstead, Zack Estrin,            Karyn Usher, More           Main Cast: Dominic Purcell as L...

credit credit I guess this picture says it all. Let's eat bananas! visit me here too! -day 156

credit I signed up on a 10-day all expenses paid camping trip to study Survey of Geology. We are to travel and camp at New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Colorado National Parks. It is set this July. Now, I am in panic mode and having second, third and tenth thoughts!!! Why? 1. I have not been to any camping trips here in the USA. 2. It would have been easy, safer and  comfortable if I will be with a Filipino, any Filipino, stranger, friend, co-teacher, just a Filipino. 3. I do not know what is in store for me! 4. I am not even teaching Geology class! Will I be able to pull this off? 5. I will only have showers every other day! 6. I do not know who the other students will be!  7. I will miss my family- that is 10 days non-stop of travel, hiking and camping. 8. It'll be 10 days of nose-bleed!!!! OMG! 9. It'll be rainy in the afternoons in July! I'll get wet!!! 10. I am thinking of dropping the course really!!! I am in real panic mode. FEAR. I fear right?  Instead of looking at...

Older Woman: "Come here, I have to tell you something..." Me: "What is?" Older Woman: "You know, he is not liked. Nobody likes him." (referring to one of the bosses) Me: "Mmmm..." Older Woman: "Yeah, like 5 people told me that!" Me: "Mmmm.." Older Woman: "You don't know right? because nobody tells you, but I am telling you because I like you.. and you need to be wary..." Is being "liked" in the workplace important? I am not really into "people should like me" thing. In the workplace, as long as I do my work and do my work well, then that is fine. How I deal with people, though, also matters - nope, it matters a lot! I know I won't be able to please all, and for sure the one (boss) being mentioned, knows that too!  He is simply doing his work, and he is doing his work well. He may not be liked because he wants things done and some people doesn't like that.  Some doesn't want to be b...

Written by: Jerry Garcia                    5/23/2012 MOTHER'S DAY A ncient mother, in her cushioned chair, sits by the fireplace with a distant stare. S wirling smoke forms columns of dreams,  memories of what had once been. A mid the haze and fire he appears, just as he was back so many years. A soldier- he was, brave and strong, killed by a bullet from the Viet Cong. I n a place faw away, he had gone, a mountain top, with a name Khe Sahn. A battle that lasted months they say... after winning, we just turned and gave it away. A ctions such as these common to war, guided by men with silver stars. T ears now flow. A price that's paid, as she reads his card from second grade.   credit -day 153

  Tuesday night was like Pacquiao (the world boxing champion) night!  Filipino friends shared potluck and gathered to watch Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips compete for the final showdown in American Idol Season 11. We loved Jessica's songs, and even if the third song written for her wasn't loved by the judges- we still, of course, no doubt, voted for her! - via online and phone call! - too many times! Philip may have rendered a beautiful "Home" song, but still, to a Filipino's heart - it is still Jessica! If Filipinos unite, Filipinos can make wonders and miracles! I believe that. WGWG may have all the white fans and may have been given a winning song this season, but we, Filipinos are keeping the faith. We want Jessica to win! Today, the answer will be revealed. Let's keep our fingers crossed! :) ------------------------ Over and done with. The WGWG won as usual "American" idol, not Asian- American idol. Lol! -day 152

I played defense last Sunday, our last game for the Gallup Adult Soccer - all Women's Team Spring 2012 season, and for the first time we won! 4-1 Wooohooo! With all the body aches and heart pounding runs, I've learned a lot about soccer and playing per se . S how up          O wn the game!            C reate memories             C orner the ball :)                E nliven your spirit!                  R equest for sub! Lol! Daisy Dukes vs. Knockouts  during half time Daisy Dukes vs. Sparks (my eldest took the photo) All games were played at the Ford Canyon Park With MJ (left), our neighbor who invited me to the game. We were the only Filipinos in the league. Playing soccer was actually a goo...

I am the eldest of three. I only have two brothers, both younger than me. I left the Philippines in 2007 to work here in the USA. Bottom line, both my brothers got married, and I missed it!!! Don don and Monet May 20, 2012 Jun jun and Chic Jan. 16, 2010 Guess, I can't have it all, just yet. Missing the most important part of their lives is just one of the prices I have to pay for choosing to migrate :( Nonetheless, I am happy for both of them.  I was once the only girl in the family.  Now, I have sisters! :)) God is good! NAMASTE. -day 150  

Was it a curse or a blessing?   THE STORY: Evey year I change schools since coming here in the USA! 1st Mid/High School taught. **Ring! Other Line: "Hi, ... we'd like to interview you for a position..." Me: "Huh? Why? I remember signing a contract for the next SY with my school..." Other Line: "No, you were in the surplus list.." Me: "Huh?, will it be alright if I call you right back, let me just verify with the district..." True enough, my name was on the surplus list... GOOD NEWS: I was placed after the interview.   2nd Mid School taught. **I'm sorry but we will need to let you go, the district's restructuring and since you are on a visa, we can't take you in... GOOD NEWS: I was placed after an interview with another HS (3 days after the "sorry we can't take you in anymore" story") 3rd HS taught. **No letting you go story, but I let go, my 2nd year with them. Long Story! GOOD NEWS: We moved.. beautiful place! ...

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror. ~ Ken Keys ~ What are your priorities today? "Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to do what they want to do." -- Kathleen Winsor When we clearly set an intention, our conscious and subconscious minds mobilize to help us meet that intention. At the start of each day, thoroughly review what commitments you have made to others for the day, and decide what commitment(s) you will make for yourself. What can you do today that will move you one step closer to your personal goals? Own your power to choose to meet your own needs. After all, we are much better able to help others when our own needs are met. And at the end of the day, when you've honoured your commitment to yourself, acknowledge your success. "If you want to make good use of your time, you...

I was chatting with a friend. He just received his much-awaited green card visa and has been blessed abundantly. While sharing he said, "just tithe, don't forget to give 10% to God, and he will give you so much more!". He quoted Malachai 3:8-10 "Give your 10% increase to the Lord because that belongs to Him,, If you do that I will open the doors of Heaven to pour all the blessings and fill up your barns more than you expect- declares the LORD." I couldn't say that I've been practicing  it 100% because of financial constraints but I am also a believer of giving back.  But while browsing about the topic, I've come across this website: Let God Be True! discussing a post about tithing. It's kinda straight forward and is quoting biblical verses as it answers the questions.  A tithe is basically 10% of your income, given to your church, or whoever helps your spiritual life. The question of should it be computed via gross income or net income, indi...

Maybe, if I didn't study Reflexology six years ago, Mimoi, my youngest wouldn't be born!(Mymy, my eldest, is 4 years older.) It was with all the pressing and applying of pressure that surely triggered it! ( As we memorized the chart , we all practiced by giving our classmates free reflexology- everyday for a month, if I remembered right!) It was a good summer, and after a month, I found myself pregnant!!! (thanks to Reflexology!) Reflexology or zone therapy is a popular alternative therapy and natural art or way of healing. Some may not believe in its power but I say there's nothing to lose. I think it actually helps in reducing tension,  stress and pains, and encourages the body to its natural overall healing. You may also do it on your own, or ask your spouse to help you apply pressure to certain areas of the hand, feet or face that according to the beliefs of the practitioners correspond with organ in the "zones" of the body. Here's are guides for hands, ...

Unexpectedly my post THE CURSED HOW , written on January 8, 2012 has gotten over 2,500 views!!! I say A W E S O M E!  How did it happen?  credit Was it magic? Was it a miracle? Was it meant to be? Was it my doing? Was it planned? Was I able to attract it? How did it happen???   Check it out and see for yourself!!! -click here The cursed HOW 2558 View count Maybe the formula really works: INTENTION  100% + Mechanism (How)  0% = RESULTS  100% If the intention is clear, the mechanism (how) will appear. Somehow, we just need to believe that our RESULTS are ALL in our intention, our belief, our thoughts! Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. - Marcus Aurelius But, however, technology tricked it I thank Google for making the 2,000+++ views happen for this timely post!  I am deeply grateful to all readers for following MY DAILIES. I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, th...

credit Requiem Aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetuae luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.   Eternal rest, grant unto Uncle Aning - Severino Glorioso O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.     :'( Pahulay nga dayon ihatag kaniya Oh Ginoo, ug ang kahayag nga wala'y pagkapalong mudan-ag kaniya hangtud sa kahangturan. Mupahulay unta siya sa kalinaw . Amen . Pahuway nga dayon ihatag haira o,Ginoo ug an kahayag nga waray pagkaparong sumulhog ha ira.Pumahuway na hira ha Kalinaw. Amen. Thank you for the joy, laughter and happy moments you shared with the Villanueva family. You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace, Uncle Aning.  :'( - day 144

Andrew Matthew's FOLLOW YOUR HEART     When we forgive ourselves,  we STOP criticizing other people. Andrew Matthew's FOLLOW YOUR HEART Check out my MOTHER'S DAY post here at My Dailies ! Thanks for reading! :)  NAMASTE. -day 143

credit “Wake up!!! Time to wake up! Mang Terio is here already! You all need to wake up!!!”   I remember Mommy shouting at us during our school years!  Funny, but she did that every morning and we never seemed to learn and get tired of it (it has become a habit- after a while, we needed the "shout" to wake up! lol!).   She’s our time element! Mommy would always tell us to do well in our studies, that education would be the only inheritance we would get from them – and that inheritance would never be taken away from us.   She’d always tell us that her father, our grandfather, would encourage her to just do her best.  She said a 75% grade was A-OK, at least she was able to pass!   He never discouraged her growing up. He was always her number one fan!  Just like how she has been to us, during our school days and even up to now.  She would always make sure we got something for trying our best, even a peso!  Giving us something was her ...