Yes, I signed up here. My friend signed up too.

I don’t know what has gotten into me but I did. I signed up for the shortest distance though it seems like a full run for me, lol.

I guess I had to take the first step, blindly if it seems like so, in my quest to find a fitness program for me.

Sure, I am not that prepared in terms of stats, stamina and even the proper gear but then again, when will I be if I didn’t take this risky step?

I know this developing affinity to walking (and uhm, ok, something that resembles running in between walking) may seem too late to come but I am feeling the good effects. I see the same results with the fit-looking and happy guys (ok, senior citizen guys) who walk faster and cover longer distance than me.

I seem to feel lighter maybe because I sweat a lot when I do my rounds. This is probably one of the best fat burners one can have.

I hope I will be able to finish and not be a DNF. Did.Not.Finish

Who wants a bag of used coffee grounds?

This particular bag of used coffee grounds can be had for FREE. Just go to the nearest Starbucks Cafe in your area and asked for those used coffee grounds.

Proper storage is encouraged. Yes, bags like these should not be left lying on tile counters. These should be used as soon as possible (two weeks from when these were used for maximum effect, especially when mixing with garden soil.

What are the used coffee grounds for you ask?

photohunt

Click here to read more.

The stuff we need for our homemade Christmas decorations have all been in waiting: scrapbook embellishments, colored paper, a new bottle of glue, pinking shears, glitters, cutter, and a variety of papers needed for the arts and crafts.

Why, I may even get a box cutter one of these days if I need to make an improvised costume for a program.

I somehow lost the interest to create something wonderful and creative out of these things like what we did last year for our Frugal Christmas theme.

The kids are waiting. I can feel their anticipation.

I guess they will have to wait until the pumpkin decoration on the door is taken back to the storage cabinet. It is just a few days wait anyway.

I have not updated this blog due to some technical glitch.

Anyway…

I found it surprising that some students are expecting  to have some computer time with me during our sessions. Yes, they seem surprised to see me without a laptop.

I have several lessons that they find great, which I was able to get free from online sources: illustrated social skills situations  like bullying, problem solving and decision-making, math stories that call for reading comprehension as well as short stories.

In this time where modern technology enables materials to be readily available for free or for a minimal fee, it is no wonder that almost all topics can be researched online: from ancient history, mathematical concepts, log-lost friends, recipes, insurance online packages, latest trends in fashion and technology, these and much more can  be read at the click of a button.

Of course, I tell my students AND my children, not everything they see and read online is true. Not everyone who says he is this person or that may not be the person he/she says he/she is.

There are still a lot to be taught to the children (and adults as well) about the dangers that lurk behind every click and  web page that we encounter.

Stuffed toys for Bearhugs for Baguio which we willingly gave because we have to “sever” our tied loyalties to these toys.

Cabbage Patch and Tinky Winky (of the Teletubbies) were played for some time by my eldest daughter, now 14, when she was younger. Hello Kitty and Snoopy in helmets and Daniel were from McDonald’s happy meals, still wrapped in its original wrappers when I “found” them. Baby Doll with white head served as baby Jesus in two Christmas productions with my young students. B2 is  from the duo Bananas n Pajamas. The brown bear is mine from half a lifetime ago.

It was not hard to say goodbye because these stuffed toys have been not been played with for a long time. In fact, the two younger children were surprised to see these when I got these out of the closet.

I fervently pray that the children who will get these Bearhugs will feel happy just as these stuffed toys and bears brought happiness to us

Happy weekend!

photohunt

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Thank you.”

Two words that can make a huge difference in our lives and our relationship with others including people we do not directly know.

When was the last time you said “thank you?”

My sweetness of gratitude are offered to:

1. God for continually blessing my family and helping us keep the faith despite the many bumps along the way.
2. My parents for their unconditional love.
3. My husband who is supportive of me and who is devoted to the children.
4. My children who bring me constant joy.
5. My students and their parents who continually trust in me to guide their children.
6. My RL and virtual friends who impart life lessons spiced with humor and wit.
7. The readers of this blog (and my other blogs) who inspire me to write post that will help me reflect and ponder life’s lessons, hoping I could make a little difference in their lives.

So, I ask again, when was the last time you said “thank you”?

Had there been times when you have forgotten  to say these words and regretted later on because it was too late to go back to that situation and utter these two words of gratitude?

Are you thankful for the little and simple things around you?

Have you experienced feeling thankful from the bottom of your heart?

Have you been thankful for life’s challenges and tough times?

How many different ways can you say “Thank You” and would you be able to take a sweetness of gratitude photo to  share?

Unleash your creative juices and take a photo about the sweetness of gratitude by joining the Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition.

Who can join: Legal-age Filipinos living in Greater Manila area only.

How to join:

1. Showcase your photograph (must be your original work) showcasing the theme sweetness of gratitude.
2. Post this photo in your online site and link the entry to the gallery at Thank You Day Philippines.
3. Post the link in this article as a comment to qualify as an entry in my blog. Make sure you provide your correct email address when you do so.
4. One or more people may be featured in your photo but make sure permission has been granted to you upon posting the photo.

Selection Process:

1. Five (5) entries will be chosen from this blog to qualify. This contest is also being run by other bloggers like me.
2. Winners will be determined by a panel composed of employees of the sponsor and its PR agency, GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Inc.
3. The top 3 winners among all shortlisted entries will receive a Toblerone gift pack.

Contest period: September 7, 2009 2:00pm till October 16, 2009 5:00pm Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 5:00pm

Check the Thank You Day Philippines site for more details.

Thank you for your interest.

Henry Ward Beecher said “The unthankful heart…discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!”

By the way, thanks to Shabby Princess for the free digital scrapping elements