Long ago and Far Away

Onesome: Long ago-- I was sure I would become a _ _ _ _ _ _ when I grew up! Hmmm...

Teacher, architect, accountant, psychiatrist but teacher came as close as it gets.I was teaching tuition part time to primary school students.

Twosome: and-- how did you end up where you are (currently) if that didn't happen? (Students, you can talk majors and changes and such!)

I teach tuition to support my volunteer service at the church.I needed a part time job to devote more time to spiritual pursuits. Nevertheless, I was not well for a while and I had to stay home more than the usual. I was bored and depressed. So I tried to surf the internet to see what I can do to earn money. I didn't have any experience about online stuff and neither did I take up any course to learn computer terms. It was all through trial and error. I joined forums and asked lots of questions. That took up a lot of time but I was occupied.

Threesome: Far Away-- from any thoughts of the Super Bowl? Are you tuning in? No? Whatcha' doin' instead

I am not interested in much sports. I don't watch TV either. I can surf online or watch some online movies if I am in the mood. Otherwise, I have dvd player on my laptop and I can watch some of the older movies.

Domain Registration

The 'domain name' business is becoming more and more competitive these days. No one company monopolizes this business. Domain names can now be purchased from many different companies. So while choosing the proper domain name is of utmost importance, we do well to consider the question is, "Does it matter which domain registrar I choose?"

Actually the answer is yes, it does. Although domain registration by any registrar gives you the same ownership rights to a domain name, registrars' service and features vary greatly. Some offer free DNS service (the "phone book" for the Internet by translating human-readable computer hostnames, e.g. www.example.com, into the IP addresses, e.g. 208.77.188.166) and free web forwarding (redirect to another webpage), others do not. Some offer better support than others. If you need to make name or address changes to your registration, transfer and renewal or have questions about your domain name, you will need to deal with the registrar who reserved the name. Before you deal with a new company, you might want to contact them to judge their level of service, to see how responsive they are to your questions.

10 Things You'd Buy If You Had a Million

1. Get the fastest connection for surfing the internet and better laptops. (Yeah, that's plural).

2. Buy books and make floor to ceiling bookshelves. (I am thinking small now, aren't I?).

3. Get ipod or Mp3 players.

4. DVDs and flat screen or plasma TV (which I am just putting here to answer the meme, I don't really watch TV these days)

5. Travel (again not too sure about this if I really do have the money, perhaps if I can hire a bus or plane for private use and no need to rush with others).

6. Gifts for loved ones.

7. Get a home gym.

8. Study. Err...education needs money? If I have the money means no need to worry about working.

9. Indoor heated pool with jacuzzi.

10. Clothes ( if I had slim down with the home gym and indoor pool)

Where to get user reviews for trusted cash advance sites?

All the sayings and promoting from "non users" of these cash advance and payday loan sites will not do much to convince and persuade the ever expanding and competitive market out there. People want to hear from users of a particular company's services, in short whether they really deliver as they promise or not. To get reviews from users about payday loans or just to view votes on a particular company that you are interested in, you can visit the site.

How does the site rank the companies? After the staff at TrustSource.org had gathered some important information about sales data, consultations with the professionals in related fields, consultations with customers or users of a certain company and the reviews or feedback from the users, the company that qualifies certain criteria will then be posted to be compared and viewed by potential customers.

Sirocco-The Dome at Bangkok

Sirocco is a restaurant that opened in 2003 on the top of one of the tallest building in Thailand. I think I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Simple Ways to Publicize Your Blog

According to this video at WebProNews, there are simple ways that you can publicize your blog. Some gists that I had gathered here are:

1. Create a great about us or about me page so others can know what products or services you are in and what you are writing about. This can draw similar niche people to your blog.

2. Leave comments to blogs that have similar niche or products. This will have a twofold effect:

• When people read your comment, they might be intrigue to check out your blog.
• If you are new to that blog, that is a nice way to introduce yourself and your blog.

3. Be utterly passionate about your topic. Visitors and readers know it.

4. Be aware to Alert Analysts, Target Media, to the industry that you are working with. This is to get them to follow your blog.

5. Syndication

Stylish Spectacles for a good impression

I have to admit that eyeglasses or spectacles can make a person look younger or age a couple of decades. It can either make one look intelligent or nerdy. Remember Clark Kent as the nerdy news reporter? He did turn into handsome Superman when he removed his eyeglasses, didn't he?

Since we might have not have super powers to repair our eye sight unless you want to consider laser surgery or something drastic, I guess having the next best thing will have to do-have a pair of stylish spectacles! Here at Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses where high quality and prescription eyeglasses start at a very affordable $8 . The frames come in different designs, material and colours.

This is a really Great Discovery: Zenni Optical which has huge selection of frames, with single vision lens, photochromic lens (those that darkens automatically when expose to the sun), tinted sunglasses lens, bifocal lens and progressive lens. They do take international orders as well. The Best Thing Found: Zenni Optical.

Manic Monday

If you could have a servant come to your house every day for one hour, what would you have them do?
I think the chore that I would like some help would be mopping and cleaning the window grills. That takes up time. Of course it doesn't need to be done daily. Another thing is, cooking, I suppose. I can't cook. That can be done daily within one hour.

Has your life ever been changed by an apparently random occurrence?
When I read this question, I am only thinking about people who might had an accident or being at the wrong place at the wrong time like at the scene of a crime or a shoot out. But no, nothing like that happened in my life.

You're having dinner with several friends and acquaintances. They all criticize a close friend of yours (not knowing he/she is a friend). The criticism is unjustified. What would you do?
I will defend my friend.

Home and Office Decoration Ideas

I have often said that I have not an ounce artistic fiber in me but that doesn't stop me from drooling over stylish homes and professional looking offices whether in magazines at the bookshops or while surfing the internet. As I was browsing at this elegantly designed blog, I have read many interesting articles and decoration tips for the home and office. There are many Home Decor Ideas ranging from English, Italian and French designs to the harmonious and calming Chinese designs using some ancient art and the blending of colours.

There are simple steps and easy applicable ways that one can spruce up a living room with flowered patterned vases, chairs, rugs and wall hangings, add some laced cushions and curtains and viola, you may instantly get the old English styled looking of European Decors. Of course I am being simplistic here but this weekly article site does feature some of the easy to understand articles that even a "non artistic" person like myself can understand and implement.

So head on to the site if you are looking for simple and easy ways of getting Interior Design Ideas whether to re-design your home, rearrange the furniture to give a different feeling to it, tips and ideas to enliven your home or office space.

Share bible reading widget

I am glad that I found a bible reading widget to chart my progress. The widget is at my side bar under I am Reading. I am able to write notes and start study groups but as for now I will just chart my own personal reading Bible progress. I would like to complete the whole bible of 1189 chapters in a year and that is about 4 chapters a day. I won't be able to do it daily in the sense of the word, there are days that I have more time to do reading and others rather filled up. But at least I can be regular at it. My husband is also helping me out with the daily bible reading schedule.

If you are interested in getting this widget for your bible reading schedule and notes, check this out: http://www.bibleshared.com/. The widget is on their blog after you have signed up.

Curious as a Cat- Week 102

1) If you were to become a TV evangelist, how would you do your hair?

I will never be a TV evangelist. But I like my hair short because having long hair is not so good for my skin condition. It causes some rashes at the back of my neck and forehead.

2) Do you remember the first time you were on the internet? What did you do first?

I first started being interested in the internet to find out about earning online. I was not into games, music or movies then. I mean those were not my priority and neither are they now. So I got into paid to read or paid to click (PTR/PTC), surveys, investments and all sorts of stuff. And now somehow through the forums and friends, I got into blogging.

3) If you could pair up any two single people you know, who would you pick?

This is a tricky question and I am not much of a match maker. I prefer that people get to know each other. If they personally ask for my opinion, that is a different matter. However, when I sometimes see two individuals who may be compatible, I do speak indirectly or in jest. One couple did get together and married later on. At this moment, no one in particular that I can think of.

4) What was the biggest fight you have ever had with someone?

Hmm...not sure if you will believe what I say but I don't remember. There are incidents here and there but they are all resolved in the end so there is no point in bringing them up. I hate confrontations and would do my level best to avoid unpleasant moments with people. If I am in the wrong, I would apologize immediately and hope people that know me well will not think I intentionally hurt them.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

This photo reminds me of castles and knights. Just share a joke that I've read.

While riding on a bus, Jamie overheard one woman ask another, with great curiosity. "Well, what happened on your date with dashing Prince Lancelot?"
"Yuk!" was the disillusioned reply. "He was more like disgusting Prince Lust-a-lot and I was the one who needed the suit of armor!"

Stretch Marks Solution

You know there is a down side to dieting and controlling one's weight? That is having stretch marks. The first time I saw these marks on my belly, I thought I was having some other skin out break again. I don't have children so I am not even aware of what are stretch marks. As I became more aware about this matter, I looked for ways to prevent stretch marks.

Apparently, not all products are effective and there is a high percentage of one getting scammed with fake creams that are more like moisturizer than preventing stretch marks. The key to effective stretch mark creams is the ability to support and repair collagen that we have. Collagen is the support of infrastructure for our skin. Like all beauty products, some websites will push certain brands of stretch mark cream for revenue purposes rather than the effectiveness of the product.

There are some tests that had been conducted by a personnel of a hair and skin salon which they had great success using the revitol stretch mark cream. The price of the cream at $159.95 for 6 months supply is considerably lower than other brands. There are also comparisons of other brands at the site. Check in to see the cases being conducted and the result of the effectiveness of the creams mentioned. Then we can make an informed decision about which stretch mark creams to get.

Office filing cabinets and bookcases

The adage "there is always room for improvement" is especially true for organizing your office space. See, room needs to be improved. Pardon the pun but it is what I have in mind about improving the office space in my study room. I work from home so it is very necessary to keep things in order so as not to clutter up my small apartment. At the moment I use plastic ones but wouldn't mind looking into some other types of filing cabinets.

If space is not a constrained, I would like filing cabinets that gives wide spaces rather than going higher. This is for easy location of the files. Steel cabinet is more durable than the wooden ones obviously but if I can choose, wooden ones always gives a more homely feeling but the steel ones will give a more professional look if one is looking for office furniture. Nevertheless, these days wooden cabinets are looking so good and they come with a 8 year guarantee too while the metal ones have up to 15 years of guarantee.

There is definitely room for bookcases wherever I go. It is a matter of getting smaller or bigger ones to suit my needs but there must be a book shelf. I find the small sized glazed bookcases really neat and nice. Having them covered either with glass windows or wooden doors will keep the dust out for longer period of time.

By the way, if you are looking for other office storage equipment such as racks, safes for important documents, metal lockers, postal units, multi drawer units for categorized filing, feel free to look up the offers for competitive prices at http://www.intercounty.com/

Unconcious Mutterings- Week 260

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Booze :: Vomit
   
2. Counter :: Cashier
   
3. Action :: Fight
   
4. Trial :: Error
   
5. Wheelchair :: Polio
   
6. 1-800 :: Toll free
   
7. Chop :: Karate
   
8. Relatives :: Distant
   
9. Bed sheets :: Cotton
   
10. Funnel :: Bottle neck

Medical Training Career-Ultrasonographer

When a mother-to-be enters a doctor's room to anxiously know of her baby's gender, she is met with a ultrasonographer or an ultrasound technologist. Sonography or ultrasonography is the use of ultrasound to make pictures of muscles and internal organs, their size, structures and possible pathologies or lesions for the purpose of medical examination or diagnosis of various medical conditions.

As an ultrasound tech one is trained to operate and use special equipment to direct sound waves into a patient's body. These waves will create echoes that are bounced back to the receiver which will interpret those echoes. The machine will then transformed these echoes or vibrations into digital images.

Generally full time ultrasonographers work about 40 hours a week. If they work at hospitals, then may have evening or weekend shifts in addition to the times that they are on-call and need to report to work on short notice. Job prospects are positive as many patients are more aware of the safer methods used in sonography.

If you are considering to begin your career in sonography, there are some ultrasound tech school that you can check out. Sonographic technology is expected to increase rapidly and the employment of ultrasonographers is expected to grow with the demand. The salary ranges from $40,000 to $56,000 per annum.

Check out the featured Sonographic Schools here at ultrasound technician school.

Friday Fill In #56

1. Eating makes me happy.
2. I would like some cheese cake, please.
3. Oreo Cheese cake from Secret Recipe tastes SO good!
4. Friday is my favorite day of the week because there are lots of interesting memes.
5. My smile is my best feature.
6. We could learn so much from blogging.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to do some reading, tomorrow my plans include chatting with my sister and brother and Sunday, I want to rest!

See You Later

1. What was the last important thing you were late for?
Church service. I wasn't late actually, more like barely made it.

2. What was the last important thing you were late with?
My posting assignment. I was happily chatting with my brother and sister online that I almost miss the dead line.

3. What (or who!) is the most frequent cause of your lateness?
Traffic jams, bad weather which causes the traffic build up and possibly my hubby. Actually he could have said the same about me too.

4. Which of your close friends or relatives can you expect almost always to be inconveniently late?
My brother because he has too much appointments, too many friends and too much to do.

5. What’s most likely to cause you to stay up too late before bed?
Skin irritation and eczema. I can't sleep when I have a flare up.

Remote Controlled Spotlights

We know that spotlights are necessary for working in the outdoors at night or enclosed space in the dark. These powerful lights can help us avoid accidents and ensure the safety and visibility for the workers. With the wireless option for spotlights, these illuminators can be fixed at difficult angles to give us light at tough spots.

At Golight remote controlled spotlights, you will find different models to suit your needs and circumstances. They come in 12 or 24 volts with or without wire for convenient usage. Whether we are using them for construction work, military, law enforcement, on boats or any private use on personal vehicles, you can find the right models to suit these occasions. Instructions on how to mount the spotlights is depicted step by step at the site.

Creative Adventure X

1. While on vacation in Europe I decided to visit an old landmark Inn at the top of the cliffs. The Inn was the place to stay for the rich and famous during the turn of the 20th century. As I rode along the winding road up to the top I noticed a very beautiful lady dressed in a neat suit and a hat. She seems composed. Then I noticed her smiling and she blew a kiss to me! I was a little embarrassed and baffled.


2. Gathering my senses I continued to the Inn grounds and drove the long unkempt driveway to the now abandoned building. Stepping out of my car I walked to the door and found a yellowed leaflet, all torn and tattered lying by the side of the entrance. I can't help but pick it up as I noticed the poster is of a very beautiful and exotic lady. Well, she is almost nude in the photo but one can't miss the sensual post and alluring costume that she is wearing. I don't recognize the face and the leaflet really looked old and worn out. Then I was jolted by a thought that came to me all of a sudden. She looked like the lady who blew me the kiss just now!

3. Entering the enormous lobby I walked to the desk and opened an old falling apart guest register and as I was reading the list of guests who were part of the past of this once famous Inn I thought I heard some faint Indian music. I looked around for the source of the music but the place is obviously abandoned without any inhabitants. I returned to the guest list and nothing seems out of the ordinary until my eyes caught the name Margaretha Zelle. Well, I am not good with my history and facts but I can't ignore the name of the famous female spy Mata Hari now, can I?

4. Leaving this lonely ghostly place with a smile on my face I thought to myself if the Inn had been one of the places that the famous mysterious female spy had one of her rendezvous with those high officials in the past where she will use her seductions on gathering espionage informations.

Ways to compare credit cards

There are many credit cards in the market today and they don't offer the same services. Searching out or comparing which credit cards suit our needs best can be a daunting and challenging task. What we need to consider are some factors concerning interest rate, fees, rewards programs and member benefits.

1. You need to know the type of cards that suits your need best.
Secured cards : required a security deposit and this is usually offered to those with poor credit history or no credit history. They are often offered as a means of rebuilding one's credit.

Regular cards : does not require a security deposit but have few features. They have higher credit limits than secured cards but lower limits than premium cards.

Premium cards : (gold, platinum, titanium) offer higher credit limits and usually have extra features such as travel insurance or emergency service.

2. What is the Grace Period offered?
The time you have to pay the balance before interest is charged to the balance. This usually range from 20 to 30 days depending on the type of credit card and the issuing bank.

3. How the finance charge and interest rates are calculated?

This is the dollar amount you pay to use credit, and it depends in part on your outstanding balance and the annual percentage rate (APR). Companies use various methods to calculate your outstanding balance, and the method can make a big difference in the finance charge.

Interest rates will be described in the credit card offer as fixed or variable, although in practice, there is not as much difference as the names imply. Variable rate cards will have their APRs pegged to an index and will go up and down as short-term rates change in the larger economy. You may think you avoid the interest rate risk with a fixed rate card, but you won't. Federal law allows card issuers to change any terms of the card, including its rate, with just 15 days' notice.

4. Are there any extra fees billed annually, over-the-limit fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees and more?

5. What are some of the incentives and reward programs offered?
This may include cash rebates on purchases, online account access, frequent flyer miles, additional warranty coverage, car rental insurance, travel discounts, concierge services and more. If you have no credit or bad credit, you may have to work on building good credit before you are approved for a card with rewards and incentives.

These are just some of the basic factors to be considered. More information can be obtained as to How we can apply for a credit card? and which company offers interest free cards can be found by doing a search at Fool.co.uk

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Seven

Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?

I don't really count. It also depends on the company I am having and what is the occasion, I suppose. If there is a celebration going on or friends are around, definitely more than on normal days.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?

I don't have any sunglasses at the moment.

Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?

Malaysia is not that big. I live in Selangor (see map). I will perhaps go down south to Johor and then visit Singapore (not my country) which is just across the causeway.

Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.

Eating out is cheap. There are a variety of dishes due to the multi racial society here. This is a "feast" topic after all.

Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?

I would still prefer blue. It was chosen by the Creator. Besides, blue soothes and has a calming effect.

Personal Finance Blog- Review

I came across a blog that is dedicated to achieving financial freedom instead of slaving away in jobs they hate. Free the Drones is a blog about personal finance and the aim is to help, guide and discuss ways to achieve financial freedom. The blogs deals with a variety of topics related to money matters.

For example this post about saving money with coupons helps us rethink about whether using discount coupons really saves us money or not. It explains and discusses why companies print out coupons in the first place, which is to entice more customers and persuade people to buy because they think they are saving money buying a certain product. Come to think of it, if you buy at product even at 50% discount, you save 50% of the regular price. But if you DON'T buy the product when you don't need it, you save 100%, right? So base on this reasoning, we are actually losing money when we use coupons to purchase things that we don't really need.

The post goes on to show how we can avoid the trap of buying unnecessarily thinking we are saving money using coupons. Feel free to browse the site and discuss the topic at their forum.

The Windfall Edition

1. If you were to get a unexpected windfall, what is your first thought on what to do with the money? Were you practical or not?!

If I suddenly get some extra cash, I will get another laptop and get faster mobile broadband speed. It is on my mind now anyway. Since I use the computer a lot for my work, I do consider it a practical move rather than a whimsy expenditure.

2. You have $1000 to spend on yourself. What do you buy? With $5000?

I will get a treadmill. I desperately need exercise and I feel my body is so weak that I might passed out if I walk in the field. Besides I can't stay outdoors if it is too hot or my skin flares up with eczema. If it is $5000, I will get a better quality treadmill.

3. You have $1000 to spend on something for your home. What do you buy? With $5000?

I think I might get a sink and nicer table top for the kitchen.


4. You have your windfall and you realize your car is older than you. So what do you buy?

I like the model of my car now. It is called Viva by Perodua. It is not that old but if I have the spare cash to spend on a new car, I will get the same model again. The features are very user friendly and takes into consideration the needs of the driver or owners and the passengers.

5. You decide to buy some books with your windfall at Amazon. What 5 books would you get?

Paradise by Judith McNaught

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

The King of Torts John Grisham


The Summons John Grisham

Playing For Pizza: A Novel

Pet Gift Baskets for Dogs and Cats, and even Owner

Pet lovers and pet owners know how much time and resources it takes to care for another "member" of their family. Therefore close friends and relatives would take into consideration of these adorable members when they visit or come to celebrate special occasions with these delightful companions. Is it difficult to get gifts for pets and their owners?

At PAWS Fifth Avenue™ Pet Gifts, there are gifts and gifts baskets for every special occasion for pets. You can think of special dates such as on the arrival of New Family Members, Get Well, Just be PAWS, Thank You, Apology, Sympathy and other anniversaries to celebrate and present your beloved pets with wonderful goodies. While the cookies and brownies are being woofed down or gobbled up, the gift baskets come in pretty containers for keepsake and souvenir as a remembrance to the occasion.

There are specially packed dog gift baskets and not forgetting the cat lovers, cat gift baskets are available too. I like The Cat’s Meow Treats and Toys depicted on the right. It comes with many goodies on a wrought iron feeding stand shaped like a cat with two hand painted ceramic bowls. I thought that was a brilliant idea for a unique gift. There are many more great ideas for pet gifts.

Tomorrow is Another Day

Breath
Scattered
Tomorrow

Tomorrow is another day. Or so Ivy thought. As her eyes started getting into focus she is still thinking about what could have happened last night. Why couldn't she recall anything? She darted her eyes nervously at the strange surrounding that she had awaken to. She felt her body aching from head to toe. There seems to be bruises on her arms. She tried to get up and her head spin out of axis. Ivy tried to steady herself. She slowly staggered to the bathroom. She needed to splash some cold water on her face. She couldn't recognize the woman in the mirror. There was blood on her face! She quickly wash herself and tried to scrub her skin until it tingles. What happened last night? Was she raped? Where is she? Should she call the police before she cleans up the mess or evidence so to speak? She wished she could recalled. Ouch, her head hurts.

Ivy had decided that she had better leave the place before she report anything to the police. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she noticed the place was in a mess. There were magazines and newspaper scattered all around the room. She quickly opened the door and she had to cover her nose as the stench hits her. Then she saw him. His body lying there sprawled on the living room floor. Ivy gasped as she recognized her boss with a gun shot wound to his chest, dead. The blood on his shirt, the blood on her face...did she kill her boss? In a panic, Ivy fled the scene.

When she arrived at her own apartment, Ivy tried to catch her breath and think hard what should she do now. Ivy think that she just had to go to the police now before she loses consciousness again. But what will she tell the police? She was at the murder scene and she couldn't remember anything? Perhaps she will seek her best friend's advice. She went over to Shirley's place to tell her everything. Ever so practical, Shirley made her a meal and calm her down. As Ivy started to eat, she felt all queasy again. She excused herself and went to the bathroom. Her head is throbbing now. She rummaged through the medical cabinet and got hold of a shaving blade. Ivy felt her world darkening. She instinctively grabbed hold of the wash basin. She looks at the mirror and saw her reflection smiling back at her. Her eyes were sharp, too sharp.

When Ivy woke up the next morning, she was in her friend's apartment. She called out to Shirley but there was no reply. She needed coffee badly. As she walked into the the kitchen, she saw her lying on the floor. Shirley is dead, her throat slit. Ivy could not remember anything. In fear and panic, she ran out of the apartment.

Custom T Shirt Printing

I didn't know that people can really do so many things online these days. I just saw a site that offers custom printing for T shirts and you can order all this from online. I hope that I am not being condescending here but I really am green between the ears when it comes to these things. You can actually create and Design Tshirts Online.

So how it works is you first choose the product of your choice. There are many patterns or style of T shirts to choose from whether you want short sleeves or without sleeves. There are a variety of colours available too. Once you have picked your product, you can start designing your T shirt. You can either upload your own design onto the website, whether it is plain text, logo or image, it can be done. There are also pre designed artworks for you to choose from if you do not want to upload your own. So you can design your own clipart, colour them, choose the background which is your T shirt colour, rotate the artwork, use different fonts and letterings for your alphabets and much more. You can design to your heart's satisfaction and see your creation online for free.

As you can see online Tshirt Printing can be fun and interesting. You can surprise your company, organization, family members or loved ones by designing your very own unique "brand" of T shirts.

Sushi Set

Are you able to get sushi from your place? Do you like it? Many folks find it challenging to eat after knowing that the fish is not cooked and those orange stuff are fish eggs. It took some time for me to be able to eat those orange stuff too but I love it now.

Sushi is available at popular supermarkets at my place. I think to cater for the taste to the locals, some sushi has mayonnaise or at least boiled or steamed vegetables instead of just raw salmon. By the way I do like the raw salmon now as well.

Brief guide to Domain Name and Web Hosting

I was exasperating my online friends when I started doing online stuff. This is because I don't know any internet terms and jargon. They either laughed or get frustrated when I do not even know how to copy and paste words or sentences. Anyway, that was some milleniums ago in cyberworld. Not that I have learned much but I can get by asking the "right" questions if I am stuck with something. And recently I have my own domain for my blog too. Though the set up part was done by my brother.

Domain name is likened to your online identity. The link that has your personal chosen name or company name that appears on the address bar at the top. There are two parts of a domain. The domain name proper and the top level domain extension (.com .net .org .info) After registering your domain with a reputable company, you will need to make a web hosting choice to host that domain and your website for you. That will make your site "live" on the internet.

Some web hosting companies will register your domain for you so that you don't have to do it separately.

What Type of Walker Are You?

THE SOCIALITE

You don't mind exercise but hate to go it alone. Your ideal partner could be your best friend, neighbor, or a stranger you've just met--as long as she's by your side.

Your weight loss advantage: Support. "When people are counting on you to show up, you're more likely to," says Ellen Abbott, walking director at the Boston Athletic Club. The more positive reinforcement and fun you have, the more you'll walk--and the more weight you'll lose.

I just took this test from Prevention and that was my results up there. I do wish that I have more time and the motivation to do more walking. I really need the exercise. If I am in a park or outdoors, I don't like to do it on my own. The only exception is at the mall but I won't be walking too quickly. It would be more like browsing at shops and stuff than walking to exercise. There is a walking calculator for measuring your calories burned for the type of walking you do.

A Virtual Office- VoIP Complete Contact Center

We know that communication is the life blood of any business. When a potential customer or even a current user and consumer need to contact the company for further information or assistance in your services or products, can't reach you, it is the most negative impression any business can give.

Nevertheless with a complete Contact Center you can ensure that your company can stay in touch and reachable with your customers or potential customers at all times. At Packet8, you can have a fully integrated iPBX call center solution. This service is delivered over the Internet, which mean all users have access to the same PBX features regardless of their location worldwide. It works with your existing high speed Internet connection and thereby save on local and long distance charges associated with inter-office calling. There are many more features and benefits of this system. Visit the site for more information. http://www.packet8.net/business_services/

10 Things That Were Better "Way Back When"

1. When I have not heard of the word terrorism and ethnic cleansing.

2. Songs and music have singable lyrics with slow and easy tunes. You can actually sing along with the radio. At the very least you can hum along with the melodious tunes.

3. There were ice cream on sticks that cost 10 cents. In Malaysia 10 cents is about 3 cents in USD. Now ice creams come with brand names such as Baskin Robbins. No need to elaborate more on the price here.

4. It was safer outdoors for kids to play in the playground and for ladies' handbags. Snatch thieves are common now. Kidnappers and in the true sense of napping kids is sadly common too. There are many advertisements of missing children in my area now. Posters everywhere.

5. There were less cars on the road.

6. Movies have less blood and gore and more substance.

7. People trust each other more. I remember as a kid that I was free to go visit neighbours. People knew one another in the neighbourhood and there is no fear. Neighbourhood children will come over to my house too. Now I don't know who live two doors away from my apartment and the ones who lived next door is not sound in mind.

8. Children can be themselves. They can behave like kids, free to play and be creative. These days television becomes their baby sitter, their minds become inactive or worse fed with violence and immoral images from the TV and internet. Young ones and older become addicted to gadgets and less skillful in communication.

9. When I was not sick so frequently.

10. When I can really be absorbed in reading a book. I find that I can't concentrate that well these days. It is frequently distracted. I think it is a bad habit and I intend to have a regular reading routine again.

Manic Monday

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
I guess I would choose Montana because it sounds feminine and easy to spell and pronounce.

Where do you go for advice?
The Bible and my hubby.

What is the sickest you've ever been?
When I had my eczema flare up all over the body and face.

The Basics of Mortgages

Many people are confused with the word mortgage. I know I am and the first time I came across this word is while playing Monopoly ™ . Since most of the time I am the "banker" I need to read up and explain the rules of Monopoly ™ to my siblings. So it seems that if a player has little cash but lots of property, he can mortgage his property for some cash.

So how does this translate in real life adult world? To put it in simple terms mortgage is a legal agreement between borrowers and lenders. With mortgage a borrower can borrow money from any loan lending organization and give them the right to repossess his property, used as guarantee, if he fails to pay-off the loan amount. I guess when it involves our homes and properties, this is where it can confused and overwhelmed us. So it is best that we know at least the basic about mortgage before embarking on this procedure.

There are many types of mortgage depending on our personal circumstances and ability to repay the mortgage. The main types are fixed rate mortgage where you pay a fixed monthly payment in a fixed period of time, variable rate mortgage has fixed rate of interest for a fixed period of time that is bound to change in future and many more.

Get the right mortgage rates to see if they suit your circumstances and financial management best. In addition to this, you may want to find out if there are any extra costs such as application fees, valuation fees and surveys, solicitor's fees, insurance and so on. Get the help of mortgage brokers or bank institutions to help you make well informed decisions and to avoid the negative effects of mortgage.

Curious as a Cat- Week 101

1) If you could teach one person a lesson in humility, who would you choose?

Myself. I wouldn't say that I am a proud person but I have too high expectations on myself and others. It makes me difficult and also depress when I can't meet up to the expectations that I have set. Sometimes, I rely on my own strength and abilities too much. Then when I had an acute flare up of eczema, I was devastated. I couldn't go out of the house and depression sets in. I was overwhelmed by my own condition. I think in this situation, if I could be more humble and modest with myself, it would greatly helped that I can accept my situation and carry on. It took sometime for me to figure it out and I wouldn't say that I have completely adjusted to my condition too.

2) Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry?

Interesting that this question is asked. I like silver better. Not sure why but I don't look so good with gold jewelry. Besides jewelry, even my spectacle frames, I would try to get silver or coloured ones rather than gold.

3) Which relative would you gladly never see again?

Hmm...not sure how to answer this as I am not too close to all of my relatives. I guess I don't mind seeing ALL of them once in a while. I find that I don't have much to talk about with relatives. No common ground. I didn't really create a rapport with them when I was a kid, so it is rather difficult to start as an adult. So it has always been, "Oh, you have grown taller!" or "What a nice dress you have on," kind of relationship with my relatives.

4) What experience has made you wisest?

I guess since it had an impact on my life until now, it would be having my skin problem. I have to deal with it on a day to day basis, so always a learning process. It is not bad all the time and there are medicine to control it but I do need to adjust my schedule and control my stress level as well.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

I am thinking of an evacuation like there has been a call to evacuate a certain area because of seismological readings. That is a study of earthquake.

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My reading progress

After about two weeks, I have finished reading one book for this year. I have finished A Cup of Comfort for Sisters and now I am reading A Cup of Comfort for Weddings as my side bar indicated. I am rather pleased with my progress so far. I am not competing with anyone and therefore no need to rush through my reading. I am glad that I can finish a book as I thought I had lost the interest to reading due to my frequent mood swings.

I am also doing alright with regards to my bible reading schedule. I have done Genesis 1-32, Malachi 1-4, Matthew 1-17, I Peter and 2 Peter, 1John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude.

Unconcious Mutterings- Week 259

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. President :: Air Force One
   
2. Stare :: Weird hair style
   
3. Embrace :: Hug
   
4. Movie :: Cinema
   
5. Everything :: All things
   
6. Profile :: Personal
   
7. Satire :: Irony
   
8. Erratic :: Irregular
   
9. Costume :: Stage
   
10. Secretary :: Typing

Yummies Edition

1. What is your favorite guilty pleasure yummy food?

Oreo Cheesecake from Secret Recipe. The photo I have here is not from Secret Recipe but as you can see from the coffee behind it, it is from Starbucks.

2. It is snack time. What do you reach for? Chips? Ice cream? Something healthy?

Sometimes I take biscuits, Jacob's High Fiber and Low Salt ones or cookies. At other times I do take chips. Ice cream is not that high on my list of snacks. The type of ice cream that I like is the soft sundaes which is not too good kept refrigerated for long.

3. What is your ideal breakfast?

My usual breakfast of muesli and milk which I think is ideal and healthy. (Photo on the right)

4. What are you craving right now?

Hmm...perhaps the cheesecake.

Updated Coupons as gifts

It is that time of the year again. There are parts of the world that people will do something extra for their beloved ones on February 14th. It is known as Valentine's Day. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, donating to charity or gifting candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day.

Feel adventurous and want to do something different this year? Why not try updated coupons of the latest stuff or gadgets? You heard me right. Why not give your love ones coupons? At Coupon Chief, you can get the latest fashion on ebags, mobile phones, laptops, Dell, jewelery, books or anything that can be ordered online and shipped to your loved ones at great discounted prices.

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Six

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

I would say that it is coffee.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

I have my wedding photo, a table fan and my mobile phones on my computer desk.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

I would say 9. There is no reason for me to lie if I am being upright true to my own conscience. The only 1 point left that I didn't give myself is for those extreme sensitive cases whereby I would just not divulge the full facts if the person does not have the right to know or when they should get the facts from more authoritative sources.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

There is a city named Ayer Keroh (Muddy Water) in the state of Malacca in Malaysia. Though I am not sure how the place earned the name as such but perhaps a more pleasant one could be Pleasantville. Hmm...in Malay that could sound like Bandar Seronok.

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

I feel stressed out when I travel for long journeys. Perhaps this is because I have skin problems and traveling in an enclosed vehicle makes it itchy due to low blood circulation. The heat in the car even though air conditioned makes the skin bad too after a long journey.

What calms me down is reading and resting in a quiet place. Soft music helps too. Perhaps chocolates thrown in for good measure will be most welcomed.

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My Personal Preferences

1. Quiet evening at home or Out on the town?

I like a quiet evening at home. After I had a skin problem, I feel easily stressed out whenever I go out or meet people. It used to be worse, I can't go out at all. Like having a phobia but now that I am mentally stronger, I am at least able to go shopping and hang out with friends if I choose to. Nevertheless I still prefer a quiet evening at home.

2. Watching a movie or Reading a good book?

I like reading a good book. Although I am not one of those people who can imagine vividly places, faces, or even smells when they read something, I am not like that. I like words because they make sense to me. Watching a movie is less satisfying.

3. Ordering a meal or cooking one yourself?

I wish I can say cooking a meal myself. I can't cook. So the next best thing would indeed be ordering one.

4. Going for a walk or taking a ride in the car?

Depends on the place and environment. In the city, I would take a ride in the car as pollution is bad for my skin. I would love to go for a walk at beaches, parks, hills or mountains. Not too sure about jungles though.

Cash Advance and Payday Loans

Sometimes it is hard when we are caught in between our paycheck and the sudden emergency or crisis that forced us to get additional loan. Is there anywhere that we can get fast approval for the minimum of hassle and requirements?

Most folks are a little hesitant, not to mention embarrassing about getting a loan from some of these walk in stores at the corner of the street. It may even be scary and not so safe to do so. Hence another method to ensure more privacy would be to apply for cash advance and payday loan through an online application.

Generally an online application is very fast and easy to complete. Your online application is then reviewed and approval will be notified through email. Once you qualify and meet up with the criteria as specific by the prospective cash advance lender, you will have the amount wired to your savings account the next day. Then the amount of repayment plus interest will be automatically deducted from your checking at your next pay day.

The service of payday loans are catered for people with no credit, poor credit or bankruptcies AND they can be done anonymously to the public and in the comfort of one’s home. And most lenders requires that:

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• You must have a bank or credit union account with your name preprinted on the checks. We also do savings accounts.
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have a gross income of at least $1,000 per month, or a minimum of $800 per month in Social Security or other benefits income

Three Word Wednesday - Cleaning Maniac

Awkward
Kitchen
Obsessed

You know what they say about mother in-laws? It is all true. Petty and jealous, efficient and capable, scheming and controlling and much more all rolled into one! Carol's mother in-law is visiting one week after Christmas. She is just married for about 6 months and her mother in-law (MIL) chose to visit the week that she knew Carol would be recuperating from the festive mood and her house is in shambles. Would she be able to live up to the standard of utter neatness and the sparkling glass surfaces of tables that her mother in-law's house always seem to be? Sometimes when no one is looking, Carol would secretly swipe her fingers at the corners of her mother in law's shelves and tables just to satisfy her curiosity about whether her MIL would cut corners and not clean every inch. She was miserable. Her MIL's house is impeccable. It is as if her MIL is obsessed with cleanliness or something.

So there Carol is toiling and cleaning, washing and mopping in her kitchen when the doorbell rang. Carol gasped and glance frantically at the clock. Is that her, could it be, that her MIL is here already? Carol is not expecting her until another 3 hours time! Carol could almost feel tears springing from her eyes. She would have to face the wrath of her mother in-law now. There would be looks of disapproval and endless lectures of how a housewife is suppose to do her duties.

With heavy heart, she went to open her door. To her surprise, her husband is standing at the door grinning from ear to ear. He brought along his football pals to help clean the house. He knew Carol would be all nervous and working her behind off anticipating his mother's arrival. Although feeling a little awkward at having these huge guys around, Carol gratefully hand over the mop and pail. She reminded herself how and why she fell in love the son of a cleaning maniac.

Music Check

1. What have you been listening to lately (be specific if you can)?

Just the radio. So whatever the radio plays. I listen to the Tamil and Hindi channel though.

2. Where do you listen to music the most? Why? How (device-wise) do you use to listen to your music? Are you happy with it? Why/why not?

I listen to the radio on the car stereo because I mostly only listen to the radio when I am in the car. At home I only listen to the radio on my mobile phone or online on my laptop. I am fine with this. I don't own many audio cds.

3. Are there any shows you're going to, or want to go to? What are they?

Not sure about this because I didn't come across any interesting movies and not in the mood for one yet either.

Monkeying around

Believe it or not there are monkeys living near my apartment in the wild. I mean there is a small park with trees that is not caged or fence off. We are allowed to enter for free but there are monkeys living in there. Some people from my apartment feed them but I am not sure if there are any park keepers or attendants. Sometimes when the monkeys got too hungry, they will even venture to the shops at the ground floor of my apartment because they spotted bananas in the shops! They would sit nearby and eye the bananas.

Credit Repair and Debt Relief

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Manic Monday

Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were the opposite sex?

Hmm...as a Chinese woman in my mid 30s, I have a rather sheltered life being taken care of by my parents and hubby after marriage. So I would say that I am very much contented. I like being a woman and a female. Nevertheless, I am not ignorant that my gender has suffered in many other lands and they didn't even get half of the opportunities of what I enjoyed in life. I can only speak for myself therefore about this issue.

What books from your childhood would you like to share with your children?

I don't have any children but if I do, depending on the age of the children, I would like to share with them my collection of Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Enid Blyton, Alfred Hitchcock, Pride and Prejudice, and The Hardy Boys. There may be more but I can't remember them. I may need to browse the bookstores to get the children's books but I will definitely share my love for reading with my children from young.

What is one talent or skill you don't possess but always wanted?

Learning new languages. I wish that I have the talent or the humility to learn a new language. I mean one needs to start with "baby language" and use small words in the new language and progress on with proper grammar and so on. But I find it difficult to practise using the baby language at the initial stage and always give up before I can understand the more difficult part of a language. And then there is also the culture and songs and mentality of the people who speak different languages. It is a little overwhelming for me.

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Five things you like and/or dislike about your job

Give Me Five things you like and/or dislike about your job.

1. I like teaching children as a part time tutor. Many times I am amused and stumped by the questions and observations that the children make.

2. I also dislike having too many children in one class because I get stressed out easily when the children misbehave and of course being kids, they do. I can literally feel my pressure go up when children get naughty or being difficult. Sometimes, I can't breathe when the pressure is going up.

3. Now that I am into earning through blogging, I view this as a job as well besides writing. I like blogging that it is fun and a nice way to meet other folks through online social networking.

4. I don't have to commute to and from home to office.

5. What I dislike about blogging is though I can work from home, the hours are not that flexible as I thought. I mean to get the earning opportunities and the amount of time I spend at the computer is much more than a normal office worker. I really need much self discipline to make working from home worthwhile and not jeopardize my health instead. Need a schedule and be organized to make this work.

Curious as a Cat-Week Number 100

1) If you could have the characters from any painting come to life, which painting would you choose?

The Last Supper but I know it is not possible.

2) What athlete do you have the most respect for? Why?

Hmm...not sure about this. I am not a fan of any sports.

3) What physical ailment would you most like to avoid as you age?

Alzheimer's disease or any kind that makes one looses one's mind or mental faculty.

4) What is the most disturbing sound you know of?

Howling wind when it seeps through the windows. But other types of course include screaming children, heavy machinery, sirens, heavy metal and the list can go on.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

It is a great holiday retreat! Jamie is so happy to finally reach the cabin at the mountain top. It has been a rather hazardous drive to maneuver her four wheel drive along the winding road because the road is wet with melted snow but she really needed to get away from the city for awhile. Along the journey she is glad to have Jack to keep her company. Jack has been with her since he was a week's old puppy. Jamie got Jack from the neighbour who had too many puppies to care for and gave one to Jamie as a gift. She loved Jack from from the first day she laid eyes on him.

Jamie played, slept and ate with Jack. He is likened to a part of the family. She is ever so happy to find Jack excitedly wagging it's tail in pleasure at seeing her home from college and later when she started work. She likes to tickle his ears to make it bark crazily! She has told many stories and secrets to Jack knowing that he is always so understanding and never judging. Although folks say that dogs are man's best friend but Jamie loved Jack as if he is her best friend.

The cabin is a family retreat home that is well equipped and nicely furnished little cottage. There is really no need for Jamie to chop wood or get groceries as the cabin is also maintained by a keeper that is hired to check on the cabin once a month for supplies. Or if the family is coming for a longer stay, they will call the keeper to arrange all that is needed. Jamie has visited the cabin alone with Jack many times to meditate and rest.

After setting her stuff in the room, she took Jack for a quiet walk outside. Jack is exhilarated and he is barking and exercising his legs running around. After all he is on familiar grounds. While happily chasing and playing with Jack, suddenly Jamie's leg caught on something and she felt a sharp pain shot through her thighs and hips instantly forcing her to kneel down. She bellowed for Jack to support her to the cabin. Surprisingly, Jack fled from the scene! Jamie is panicking now. She left her mobile phone in the cabin and she wondered if she could crawl to the cabin on her own. When she tried to stand on her feet, she let out a sharp cry and fell back on to the snow. She started to cry.

Suddenly she heard a man's voice and felt a pair of strong hands helping her up and supporting her body. When Jamie wipe her tears away she saw a handsome guy with Jack tagging along! Jack hasn't abandon her after all! He had sense her pain and also his keen sense of smell had moved him to seek help. After helping Jamie to the cabin, the guy introduced himself as Jack as well. When he first saw Jack the dog, he knew something must have happened to the owner because Jack was frantic. And when Jack the guy, followed Jack the dog to the scene of Jamie's accident, he heard Jamie called out his name! So he quickly came to her rescue. Now Jamie has TWO loved ones in her life named Jack.

Merchant Account Services

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Unconcious Mutterings- Week 258

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Dream big :: Reach for the sky!
   
2. Competition :: Can be motivating if done in a balance way with proper regulations.
   
3. Torn :: Confetti -not sure why this is the first thing I thought of though confetti are usually not torn or made into small pieces by human hands (I think).
   
4. Modeling :: Fashion
   
5. Coaster :: Hot drinks
   
6. Slut :: Indecent exposure
   
7. Spread :: Peanut butter
   
8. Amanda :: The name Amanda King popped up. I wasn't sure until I made a search and this is the name of Kate Jackson in Scarecrow and Mrs King. This was one of the TV series that I liked.
   
9. Romance :: Judith McNaught (one of the romance novel writer). I have some of her books on my shelfari online book shelf (see the bottom of my blog). I have read more but forgotten the titles already.
   
10. Paradise :: Is on Earth. Not a joke or figurative sense. For real. The Lord's prayer that Christians can recite by heart says: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." When God's will is done on earth, it will be a paradise- like the garden of Eden (Pleasure)
    

Media All Time Favorites

1. Favorite Reality Shows?: Believe it or not, I don't watch TV these days since about more than a year ago but to answer the question I guess it would be American Idol (when it first began) and The Apprentice (Donald Trump one?)

2. Favorite Movies?: My favourite movies are A Beautiful Mind and As Good As It Gets

3. Favorite TV Series?: Scarecrow and Mrs King and Mc Gyver

4. Favorite Songs?: Through the Years by Kenny Rogers and Imagine Me Without You by Jaci Velasquez

Contract Hire and Car Leasing

Who of us who lived in the city can actually carry on in our daily routines without a car? Even when we simplify our lives, it is still almost impossible to go anywhere without one. Having a car has somehow become a necessity whether to go shopping, can you imagine carrying groceries or even your newly purchased goods in the public transport or even sending the kids to school for their safety?

However, affording a new car may be a little out of reach for many folks. The best alternative is car leasing if you don't want to buy a new car with cash. Yes, I did say lease a brand NEW car. At BuyYourCar, you can help you to find the best contract hire and leasing deals in the country. Take a look at the site whereby you can check out the latest update which is done on an hourly basis.

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Conditions Critical

1. Under what conditions can you have the perfect nap?
When I am exhausted or when the room is dark and quiet.

2. Under what conditions can you let most of your guard down?
I guess this depends on the situation and with whom I am with. If there is a trusted person around, I usually feel more relax. If I am alone and with a stranger, that is a high alert zone.

3. Under what conditions can you do your best writing?
I find that for creative writings, the ideas need some time to set in and gather in my mind first. For business writings, I would do well to have a gap of 1-2 days. What do you call it, I need to sleep on it first so to speak. One thing I don't do well for sure is write on the spot.

4. Under what conditions would you give away everything you own?
If I am terminally ill. I mean then I would sort of have no choice? But I will perhaps set up a will or if my husband survives me, he will handle my material possessions.

5. Under what conditions would you kiss a stranger?
If the stranger is a child below 7 years old. After 7 when they go to Primary One, even the kid may feel awkward being kissed by a stranger in my country!

Best value prescription eyeglasses online

We know how important our sight is to us. I remembered that at about 15, I was getting a little blurry and couldn't see the blackboard from the back of the classroom. Finally I was brought to the eye specialist and mom got me a pair of spectacles. Nevertheless these days, not all glasses are designed solely for vision correction, but rather for protection, viewing visual information (such as stereoscopy) or simply just for aesthetic or fashion values. Safety glasses are a kind of eye protection against flying debris or against visible and near visible light or radiation. Sunglasses allow better vision in bright daylight, and may protect against damage from high levels of ultraviolet light.

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Feast One Hundred & Seventy Five

Appetizer

What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

Hmm...it is difficult to say with a Chinese name because it is not whole when separated. As for my first name Serena, although given by my parents, it is not a registered name in my birth certificate.

Soup
If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?

I guess I would pick cotton since it is a favourite in Malaysia. I would like to try the Batik industry. Batik refers to a generic wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile.

Salad
What is your least favorite chore, and why?

Cooking because I don't have the interest in it. But eating is a different story though.

Main Course
What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

I think it would be old age and losing the ability to care for self. Watching my beloved grandparents growing old and passing away. To need being taken care of by others even in menial tasks is very depressing.

Dessert
Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

Sitting at my study table. Table fan, wedding photo and my mobile phones.

Shopping cart software

To get a proper easy to use interface of a shopping cart can mean success or failure to your online business. Can you imagine after all the hardwork you have put into your website, getting visitors and traffic and then finally someone is interested to buy your product and they can't PAY you? How frustrating and debilitating it can be for your efforts!

You can reverse this by using Ashop Commerce, a leading provider of hosted shopping cart software. I tried out the Shop Front Demo and the cart has a really simple interface and layout. I mean I can locate the cart and choose and add the items that I want easily. The Admin Demo is also simple and easy to manage. There are order and traffic statistics provided , how to customize and change product layout and even send out feeds to different shopping search engine.

There is a 10 day free trial and free store design offer available. You will get full technical support and customer service.

Home Edition

1. Do you live in a house or apartment?

I live in an apartment (photo on the right). Sorry I don't have a better view/photo to show.

2. What is your most used room in your house? Does it tend to follow any kind of design theme?

My study cum changing room. (Photo on the left)

3. Which room in your home would you most like to change? What would you change in it?

Perhaps the third room or a store room but it has windows and is big enough for someone to use or sleep in. Just felt that it is a waste of space to put stuff in it. I would really like to simplify more like throwing or giving away stuff that hubby and I no longer need or use and make the third room more presentable and more comfortable. Right now my library is in there but it has no chairs or fan to make it a proper reading room.

4. If you could add a room to your house, what would it be used for?

I don't think I would want to add another room. I would rather do something to the third room as mentioned above and make it more comfortable. Another room means more stuff to add and more cleaning to do.

5. Find a real estate listing online of a home that could be your dream home and share it with us. It can be anywhere in the world and totally not realistic!

Nothing fanciful. This is taken from a trip to Penang last month.

Penang Hill

Weight Loss Surgery - Lap Band System

I realized for some folks that obesity is not something to trifle with. It has nothing to do with how much one eats or lack of exercise but more like a hereditary disease that makes losing weight next to impossible. This post is dedicated to folks who had to struggle with weight problems all of their lives. As you consider the options, this may be one of the option that you can look into.

The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) or LAP-BAND® System from JourneyLite may be for you. The LAP-BAND System is the safest, proven weight-loss surgery available today and it is the only weight-loss surgery that is completely reversible and adjustable – for life. For more information on your personal situation and to find out more about the procedures, do contact the lap band physician or surgeon around your area.

The Rain

1. Do you like it when it rains? Why/why not?

Both I guess. I like the rain when it cools down the temperature but when it gets too heavy, it causes floods and I can't go out to get my things done.

2. Do you have a rainy season where you live (most people do)? If so, when is it, and how long does it last?

Generally we (Malaysians) have heavier than usual rain fall during the north-east monsoon blows between October and March and from May to September we are affected by the south-west monsoon. But these days it rains almost the whole year through regardless of the wind changes. Nevertheless, it is really unusual to have a day without sunshine as well. So we have rain and shine all year round with temperature averaging 30˚C.

3. What do you least like about rain? Why?

Floods.

Free videos on trading news

Now this is something which is a little different from what I used to write about. This is something that I occasionally got in my email because I do subscribe to some business news and blogs that featured business and trading news in Foreign Exchange (Forex) etc. I would like to introduce to you the site INO TV which is a product of INO.com (http://www.ino.com)

This is a free resource for traders in the form of videos that features real business conferences that traders and business people spend thousands to attend. Mr. J. Adam Hewison, the President of Ino.com had created this new learning platform to share with you proven trading concepts to help you achieve your financial goals. There are much information on equities, forex, mutual funds, precious metals, commodities and other trading news.

There is no need to download the videos as they are streamed from the company's servers. So all you need really is sit back and enjoy the movie but you will definitely learn a thing or two and yes, for free.

http://tv.ino.com/free/?blogvertise

Kidney stone and herbal remedies

Onesome: Kidney--beans? Lima Beans? Pinto beans? Which legumes do you like to cook with? Hmmm... A hot pot of chili sounds good this week!

If I can cook, lima beans sounds nice as a hot pot of chili.

Twosome: Stones?-- Monoliths? Pebbles? Do you use any of these in decorating? Heck, we'll even count marbles in vases!

No, I don't use any stone decoration in my home.

Threesome: and herbal remedies-- Hey, there's a good one: do you have any herbal remedies for us to try? Anything? I'm betting this bunch will have a trick or two to work with!

I guess I just drink chamomile tea for relaxation if that counts.

Fun Quizzes and Badges

Look what I' came across here! This is a fun section of the site "Settlement Quotes." I can see why these fun quizzes have become very popular on the internet. Look at some of these awesome and cute badges.

Find Out What It Takes to Live to 100 Years Old

73%Living to 100 Years Old

Cash for Structured Settlement

Are You Addicted to StumbleUpon?

34%Are You Addicted to Stumbleupon?

Structured Settlement Cash

Financial Stability Quiz
Are You Financially Stable or Not?

48%Are you financially secure?

Settlement Quotes - Structured Settlement

Like I said, this is purely for fun ok? Check them out at http://www.structuredsettlement-quotes.com/fun/ if you like these badges or you are into quizzes.

Three Word Wednesday

A quick run thru of the instructions, for any newcomers. Each week, I’ll post three words. Your mission is to write something–a poem, story, sentence, anything–using all three words.

This week’s words are:

Gossip
Naive
Station

Sandra's face grew a redder when she heard her name whispered by the other girls as she enters the classroom. She can imagine the latest gossip about the patch of bruised deep reddish purple on her arm. For as long as Sandra could remember, she hasn’t been in the good books of her classmates since Primary Five or younger. She has always been the odd one out. Whether it is the way she wears her hair short most of the time like a boy’s or the way she likes her skirt below her knees with shirt neatly tucked into the waistband of her skirt rather than the “minis” the other girls fancy, they always find something to gossip about her.

Nevertheless, Sandra didn’t mind keeping company with her books rather than these naïve girls. In her own world, she had traveled to strange and foreign lands and met with numerous dignitaries, noblemen, famous people and even royalties in these journeys. Actually so engrossed was her in her recent “meeting” with a Prince from some faraway land, she lost her balance from her tree house and fell down hurting her arm.

Sandra promised herself to rise above their station of pettiness and reminded herself to be more careful with her future escapades.

Recover Your Files - After They've Been Deleted!

Ever felt lost and dejected because you or someone else had accidentally deleted your files from your computer? Well, the good news is if the file had been deleted, it can be UNdeleted or recovered. The software program File Saver (http://www.file-saver.com/) can come to the rescue.

No matter that you had sent your files to the recycle bin, or even if viruses had deleted your files, the program can help and assist in your file recovery instantly from your PC. It will help recovered files, documents, images, work materials from your computer. It can even let you view your deleted files or even preview the photo as though they were still available on your computer.

There is a special promotional offer as much as $40 if you order before midnight Wednesday, 9th January, 2008.

Traditional Childhood Games-Batu Seremban and Congkak

When I was recalling some childhood games in one of the meme question, it was fun to remember those games again. I don't really depend so much on computers or the television in my younger days.In fact I only started using computers in my 30s. I would like to share some not so common games with you. I think they are local games to Malaysians.

Batu Seremban or five stones is a game originally played by the girls either individually or in a group. This is a game that needs five stones or five round objects to play with. I remember sewing these small pillows and filling them with rice. The objective of the game is to throw one of the stones one at a time and sweeping another on the floor simultaneously catching the one you threw earlier on. The steps get more complicated as it gets through the stages. As kids it is easier to observe and learn than to read the steps here. (It is in the Malay language)

Congkak is a game suitable for two players using a board which has several houses and storehouses. I actually bought a congkak board. Not sure what happened to it in the end. The objective of the game is to gather as many congkak seeds into the storehouses on the player's side. It is a game which is played during one’s free time and is normally played by the women, especially liked by the youths. I won't attempt to list the steps to play this game. The rules are here.

I have fond memories playing these games with my sister and school friends.

How to Make Your DVD Region Free!

I have to admit that this is the first time I am learning about DVD region. So what is this all about? DVDs have the ability to encode an option which specifies which regions in the world the discs can be played. The movie studios have collectively divided the planet earth into zones which corresponds to their distribution system.

The world is split into six regions, depending on how affluent that part of the world is. The U.S. comes in as region 1 (very expensive DVDs) whereas China is region 6 (very cheap DVDs).

Region	Countries
0	No Region Coding
1	United States of America, Canada
2	Europe, including France, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Arabia, Japan and South Africa
3	Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo and Indonesia
4	Australia and New Zealand, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America
5	India, Africa, Russia and former USSR countries
6	Peoples Republic of China
7	Unused
8	Airlines/Cruise Ships
9	Expansion (often used as region free)

Region codes were officially implemented to restrict the sale of titles to designated regions, so that, for example, a DVD could be released in the United States before the movie was released to the cinemas in Europe. However, region code enforcement has been discussed as a possible violation of World Trade Organization free trade agreements or competition law. This, supposedly, means that all DVD players sold in their territories have to be region-free.

So if you are wondering if there is a way out of this coding system, check out the DVD Unlocker software. (http://www.dvdunlocker.com/) There is a special discount when you buy before midnight, Wednesday, January 9th 2008 and save $40!

Have you tried nougats before?

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Have you tried nougats before?

Nougat is a term used to describe a variety of similar confectioneries made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios or hazelnuts are common, but not peanuts) and sometimes chopped candied fruit. The consistency of nougat can range from chewy to hard depending on its composition, and it is used in a variety of candy bars and/or chocolates. Someone was saying that this can be likened to harden marshmallows.I like the soft type though. There are also nougat cakes. Yummy!

Types of Insurance Policies

I was going through this site on insurance (http://www.advantagetermlife.com/) and was rather surprised of the types of policies that are available these days. I realized that much of the policies depends on our life styles rather than the fear of accidents or unforeseen circumstances.

For example, I was very much amused by a policy for smokers. I chided my brother who is a smoker trying to quit, about why is there a need for smokers to get special insurance on Cheap Smoker Insurance Rates? Are they somehow at greater risks? I was hoping his subconscious mind might strike some sense into his terrible life shortening habit than his insensible conscious mind.

Nevertheless, it is wise for families to have some kind of a planning for the emergencies and uncertainties in life. There are special rates for very young children that parents can buy in the Life Family Plan Premium. Shop around and find out how you can Reduce Premiums or make sure you get the policies that really cater for your individual or family needs.

Spider Silk

Spider Silk is a fiber spun by spiders. It is a remarkably strong material. Although it is lighter than cotton, yet ounce for ounce it is stronger than steel. Dragline silk which is the strongest of the seven silks these spiders can spin is tougher and more waterproof than silkworm strands, which are commonly used in clothing. Spiders produce silk at room temperature using water as solvent. If enlarged to the size of a football field, a web of dragline silk could stop a jumbo jet in flight!

Spiders normally use their silk to make structures, either for protection for their offspring, or for predation on other creatures. They can also suspend themselves using their silk, normally for the same reasons.

The trapdoor spider will burrow into the ground and weave a trapdoor-like structure with spindles around so it can tell when prey arrives and take it by surprise.

Many small spiders use silk threads for ballooning. They extrude several threads into the air and let themselves become carried away with upward winds. Although most rides will end a few meters later, it seems to be a common way for spiders to invade islands. Many sailors have reported that spiders have been caught in their ship’s sails, even when far from land.

Beat the UK Driving System

While this is not in any way to encourage reckless driving nor flout the traffic law but there have often been cases whereby in certain areas, the traffic system and law had been obsolete or many a times folks just simple accept the charges and pay the fine when they can have the charges reversed and defended in court.

With the guidance from UK Driving Secrets ( http://www.uk-driving-secrets.com/ ), you can armed yourself with tips and information how to protect your driving license from being revoked and how to conduct yourself when being stopped by a traffic police officer. There are even ways for you to identify which anti-detection systems are LEGAL and which aren't and how to choose the system that's right for you.

There are tips for how you can get a fixed penalty ticket or summons CANCELED or reduced to a warning and the easy, legal way to get penalty points REMOVED from your license and many more pointers and guidance. Check the site for more information.

Tuesday Tags: 12345 Things

This is a tag from ZJ, a good friend, a fellow blogger who works hard and always seem to be on a lookout for me. I cherish her online presence. Thank you ZJ for being here.

1. Name one thing you do everyday.

• Drink water.

2. Name two things you wish you could learn.

• A new language. I tried Tamil but failed. Hindi was easier somehow because I love Bollywood but there is no one to practise it on.
• Read and write Chinese. This is too embarrassing that I can't read in my own language.

3. Name three things that remind you of your childhood.

• Soya sauce fried chicken
• Photographs of my siblings
• A game called batu seremban- see photo
  

4. Name four things you love to eat but rarely do.

• Lychee
• Apple pie
• A dish of pickled cucumber
• Crab (I can't eat this now due to my skin problem)
  

5. Name five things/people that make you feel good.

• Bible
• Books
• Friends for chatting
  
• Walk in the mall
• Hubby (though listed last but the most important obviously)

And I would like to tag Mariposa, Mary (the teach), Misty Dawn, Laane, Julie and Siani.

How to Protect Your Privacy Online

Here are the headlines in the some newspapers. Employees Fired For Surfing The Internet, Professor Arrested after The Hard Drive was Examined, Wife Finds Secret Internet Porn Sites On Husband's Computer...

Not that this post is to investigate into each of the individual cases or circumstances of the above matter but when we use Windows operating system, it actually stores every site we visit, every file we open, every person we e-mail. There is no such thing as privacy on the Internet unless you do something about it. Nevertheless there are some precautions you can take to ensure your online endeavors. Besides hiding your IP address, another way you can consider is use a new software that automatically erases "evidence" from your computer.

You can consider the Evidence-Blaster software ( http://www.evidence-blaster.com/) on your computer to remove porn as an example. You wouldn't want your kids or even your spouse to accidentally access these sites. There are many features to the Evidence- Blaster such as eliminate all your system cookies, zap all Windows temporary files, wipe out Outlook and Netscape e-mail histories and many more. You can also customize the program to launch in the start tray and run on demand, hide itself, and perform a full clean when you press certain keys among other features.

Playing and Addicted to Sudoku

I have heard and read about how folks can really be addicted to this number game. What I didn't thought of was how I can be one of them! Although I generally like numbers, I was thinking how can grown ups be addicted with filling in the same set of numbers from 1-9 in tic tac toe manner in grids?

Sudoku is a logic-based number placement puzzle. The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9, only one time each (that is, exclusively). The puzzle setter provides a partially completed grid.

Completed Sudoku puzzles are a type of Latin square, with an additional constraint on the contents of individual regions.

The modern puzzle was invented by an American architect, Howard Garns, in 1979 and published by Dell Magazines under the name “Number Place“. It became popular in Japan in 1986, after it was published by Nikoli and given the name Sudoku, meaning single number. It became an international hit in 2005.

I am now at Medium Level. Have a go at it and see if you get into the Sudoku fever!

Some stories from my reading

So as I have said in a previous post, my reading of A Cup of Comfort for Sisters (look at my sidebar on the right) which is half way through by now have yielded some rather inspiring, funny and even psychic connections between sisterhood. I am now on page 106 of the 323 paged book. Of course the last few pages are the editor's notes, credits to the contributors since this is like a compilation of many stories and also an appeal to anyone who is interested to write for A Cup of Comfort. (http://www.cupofcomfort.com/)

I like the story Psychic Sisters' Hotline on pages 87-93 about the close bond that these two sisters shared. Although they had six years of difference in age, they have the uncanny connection in matters of buying stuffs. Like one sister would be telling or thinking about a product such as sandals, brand of green tea, bras, sliders for furniture, cup holders and other stuff only to see and know that the other sister is already using them or purchased them on the SAME day without prior knowledge of the other's latest find!

There is another Sister Power about 5 sisters who can say each a word to finish a sentence! They rallied around one another through difficult times in helping one sister to get pregnant though they lived in different states. When it finally happened through the sacrifice of all five sisters and their families, the five sisters said:
"Mom..."
"We..."
"Have..."
"A..."
"Baby..."

Software to Download Entire Sites

Have you been surfing the Internet when you came across an interesting website but as you wanted to download an image or audio file, the browser froze and you need to restart your computer? Or what about when you need to download some files or images so that you can work offline? You may want to store some documents with images and audio files on the CD- ROM?

Now you can actually "swipe sites" or to website download with the software to download entire sites. The software can help reduce downloading time and speed it up with its 8 simultaneous connections. You can see how this can be done effectively and efficiently with the one simple click at Website Downloader (http://www.web-site-downloader.com/) You can get this product at no charge except a one time fee of $16.95 (approximately £8.95 or 11.95 Euros) to cover distribution and support. Head over there for a look see.

Password Recovery for Word and Excel

What can you if you have forgotten the password or someone had taken it with them and you need to access your documents in Word or Excel? Do you need to tear your hair out or be frantic about your documents being lost? Now you need not fear or be frustrated with Password-Studio (http://www.password-studio.com/). This is a software that recovers your passwords instantly for Access databases and for Word and Excel password recovery, the program uses both "Smart Dictionary" and "Bruteforce" hacking methods - which will make sure that your password is recovered as QUICKLY as possible!

There is guarantee (with full refund if it doesn't) for recovery of passwords for

• Microsoft Word documents, from Word 95 to Word 2007!
• Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, from Excel 95 to Excel 2007!
• Microsoft Access databases, from Access 95 to Access 2007!

There is a sale at a discounted price before midnight, Tuesday, January 8th! Head over to Password-Studio now.

Give Me Five hopes or goals you have for the new year

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Give Me Five hopes or goals you have for the new year!

1. Read the whole Bible in a year. I have a schedule of daily bible reading printed out. I planned to post my progress weekly to remind myself where I stand as to following the schedule. To be realistic, I am not always healthy and in the mood. So I do need to pace myself differently if I want to make this project successful. So far today is 8th January and I have covered:

• Genesis chapters 1-18
• Malachi chapters 1-4
• Matthew chapters 1-6
• 1 John chapters 1-5
• 2 John, 3 John, Jude

2. Finish a book a week. As you can see, I am also serious about this project and I have posted the books at the side bar on the right and my library is at the bottom of the blog. This first week I am reading A Cup of Comfort for Sisters and Lists to Live By. I am only half way through with the first book and just only browse through the second book. I need to work harder on this.

3. Third goal is to lose weight - about 15kg. Hmm...I haven't set anything up for this project and one week is already gone in 2008 already. I will set up an account with those weight lose sites. Get a counter to check my weight and write down my progress or otherwise.

4. Learn about technology. I am getting magazines about the latest gadgets such as mobile phones and laptops or UMPC (ultra mobile PC) available and will try to post more about what I gather later in my posts.

5. Learn to cook. Sigh...this is not something that I enjoy though eating is a different story. But I will try.

Make Your Web Browsing Secure

The internet just like any other activity we do in real life is full of all kinds of people. There has been real cases such as when a young woman started getting nasty messages on her answering machine from several men. Then a man reached her by phone and said that he was responding to the indecent invitations she had posted on the Internet. It took her a while to find out that someone had assumed her identity in cyberspace and was posting the ads on the Internet. Not only that, but the shadowy impostor was giving out her address, directions to her residence, and even advice on how to bypass her house alarm!

So how can we safeguard our identity on the internet? When we visit a website, send and e-mail, download an image from the internet, all these activities is connected back to our unique IP address. With this information, hackers can can trace our private details straight to our Internet service provider. They can then launch an attack against our computer. And identity theft fraudsters can track our activities and build profiles of our Internet use.

To prevent this from happening hide IP address and surf the internet invisibly. It can be done using this software at Hide My IP Address. ( http://www.hide-my-ip-address.com/ ) This software is easy to use and we don't need to be techno savvy or a computer geek to run it. It is instant and comes with a life time support if you have any difficulty using the program. Most of all it doesn't cost a bomb or even an arm and a leg. Check it out for your privacy and safety sake.

Manic Monday

1. What was the last thing you regret buying?

Hmm... an organizer which I seldom use and it is now collecting dust on my desk.

2. If you had a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about any one thing you wished to know about yourself, life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

I am not trying to be a smart alec here. The Bible is one such "crystal ball" that can prophesy about the future. Though I wouldn't like to know the exact detail about my personal life because I rather live one day at a time as it unfolds, but generally I look forward to the time I will be able to live forever in a paradise on earth with good neighbours that fear God.

3. How do you know when you're in love?

There is an unselfish care for each other-taking the other person's interest first. There has been enough time spent on getting to know each other's spirituality, goals, attitudes, character, the important stuff before being physically involved. There is an amiable way to handle problems rather than name calling, blaming and fights. Most of all I will want to share my life with the other person.

Kangaroo Mother Care

In some countries, the survival rate of premature babies is alarmingly low. So there is a method devised that is called "kangaroo mother care." Babies with low birth weights are often placed in the warm environment of an incubator, where they remain until they have gained weight. However in some areas, overcrowded facilities, poor sanitation, and a shortage of medical personnel and equipment often result in dangerous cross infections.



So what is this kangaroo mother care and how does it work? When a baby is born prematurely, it is cared for in the standard way until its condition stabilizes. In the meantime, the mother receives training in child care. When the baby is sufficiently healthy, the mother becomes a living incubator. This is done by keeping her baby close to her, wrapped vertically with baby slings between her breasts. Safe in its kangaroolike pouch, the baby stays warm and can easily be fed its mother’s milk. Hence, the method is often called kangaroo mother care.

Of course with these comfortable and stylish baby slings, it is still suitable for use even when the child has grown to approximately 35 lbs.

Week Number 99

1) If heaven looked like the inside of a friend's home, whose would you pick?

Hmm...I don't know how to answer this. I feel that the company makes it "comfortable" to be with someone whether at their homes or outdoors.

2) If you could redesign your country's flag, (how) would you?

Gulp...design a flag? Err...not sure. There isn't any artistic fiber in me. Not for home decoration nor anything graphic.

3) What question--that you have never worked up the courage to ask--would you like to ask your best friend?

Let me see. Something pertaining to my appearance or weight, I guess. Not that he will lie about it but I can't take the "truth" from him. Hahaha...

4) Who has caused you the most frustration in your life?

My sister.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

Coreen is fed up with her marriage of 15 years. She is about to call it quits. Why can't James be the romantic guy that she dated? Where has the guy that she stole kisses in front of her parent's home gone to when he won't even kiss her goodbye if the kids are around now? What happened to the guy who picked wild flowers to put in her hair when he can't even get a stalk of rose for her birthday? Her husband is always working and talking about job related matters while she had sacrifice her career to be the full time housewife and mother to their two children. But she needed more emotionally. She is a woman and wife besides a mother!

Although she just wanted to pack up and leave, she owes James one last chance before calling it quits. She said down with tears streaming down her cheek and wrote him a letter, an ultimatum. On the next day to work, James felt that Coreen acted a little strange this morning when she packed him his lunch. It was like she is not really there when he took his brief case from her. He had a hunch that there might be more in his lunch than just food. He opened his brief case and saw the letter. It says:

Dear James,

I am writing this letter as a last resort. Perhaps I am feeling a little edgy and unreasonable at this moment but I am suffocating emotionally in our marriage. I longed for the man that promised me to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part." I need that affirmation again.

So this is what I am proposing. There is this wire that is set up between two polls at the end of the road by the barn yard. I am asking if you are willing to walk across it as a tight rope to show your love to me?

Or else? I am leaving...


Your desperate wife,
Coreen.

Coreen was waiting impatiently for her husband's phone call or return that evening. She is curious at how her James would react to her ultimatum of a letter. Surprisingly, James acted as if he didn't read the letter at all. He is his usual self the whole evening and night. When she hinted by asking how was his day at the office and whether anything unusual happened, he just started his speech about the clients, workmates and other work related matters. Coreen is disappointed.

The next day, after sending James off, Coreen decided to pack her suit case and leave. As she carried her suit cases down the stairs, she noticed that there is an envelope addressed to her. It is from James! He replied:

To my dearest wife,

As much as you might be awaiting for positive affirmation to your proposal, my answer to it is a NO! My dear Coreen, I would not be doing anything remotely dangerous for you or anyone else for the matter. I will seriously take care of my health and well being for all it takes. You see my dear, I must save my limbs to rub your back during the special time of the month. I would want to hold your hand when we cross the road when we are in our 70s or 80s. I need to preserve my legs to go shopping with you and carry the groceries for you or even to take out the garbage so it doesn't stink the kitchen that you toil in daily. I need well supported shoulders for you to cry on when you are frustrated with the kids. I need my back to be intact when I hold you during the times when you had fallen sick.

I may not be the most romantic husband on the earth but I do love you, Coreen.

Your ever faithful husband,
James.

Coreen could not stopped the tears now. When she heard the fumbling of keys, she flew to the door to find James carrying milk and bread instead of flowers or chocolates. She flew into his arms and wept.

Unconcious Mutterings- Week 257

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Mist :: Cool. I once went on a hill trip and the mist came into the house in the morning. Really nice feeling as if on the clouds.
2. Eating :: Is always a pleasure.
   
3. Beacon :: Light house.
   
4. Speaker :: Fluency.
   
5. Episodes :: Soap opera.
   
6. Conference :: Meeting.
   
7. Sneak attack :: Shocked.
   
8. Medic :: Emergency.
   
9. Web :: Spider.
   
10. 2008 :: Is now.

It's Dinner Time

1. Standard Oven or Microwave?: Oven
2. Fry or Bake?: Bake
3. Cooking or Fast Food Meals? Why?: Cooking because it is more nutritious.
4. Sit Down or On The Run Dinners?: Sit down for better digestion and a pleasant night.

Wrap-Ups

1. In 2007, who most made you laugh?
My husband

2. In 2007, who most inspired you?
My husband

3. In 2007, who taught you the most?
Myself

4. In 2007, who encouraged you the most?
My brother

5. What did you do in 2007 that will have the most positive effect on your 2008?
Blogging

Wrapup

1. Did last year fly by for you or did it seem to drag?
I think it was gone with a whiz.

2. Was it a fairly calm year, or full of events and big happenings?
A fairly calm year.

3. What is one thing from last year you hope does NOT hold true for this year, too?
Me living a sedentary life. Hahaha...nothing has changed yet.

4. Got any moments or events coming up this year?
Besides the usual anniversaries and annual religious conventions, I can't think of anything extra yet.

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Four

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

A postcard from a friend whom I had lost touch with.

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

Chamonix, France. (See photo)

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Banana

Main Course

Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

Not very good at describing here. This is the punjabi suit my hubby and I chose. It has gold flowery trimmings at the V neckline and shoulder borders. There are some gold stuff on the whole dress too. It doesn't come off easily.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

Hmm...I guess the day had already been wipe out because I am feeling contented and happy now. I try to train myself to have short term memory for days, incidents and persons that upsets me.

Medicaid and Medicare Resources

The Medicare and Medicaid programs are under the direction of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. They are programs of medical care for the aged and for the needy, respectively, in the United States. You can check out for more information on Medicare and Medicaid Resources here: http://www.agis.com/Eldercare-Basics/Legal-and-Financial/Medicare-and-Medicaid/

Medicare is federal health insurance for people who are age 65 or older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities and illnesses. Medicare is divided into Medicare Part A and Part B. Part A is a basic hospital-insurance plan covering hospital care, extended care, home health services, and hospice care for terminally ill patients while Part B is a voluntary medical-insurance program covering physicians' fees, outpatient services, prescription drugs, and other medical services. Part B is optional; your loved one may not need it if he or she already receives benefits from an employer or union.

Medicaid furnishes at least five basic services to needy persons: inpatient hospital care, outpatient hospital care, physicians' services, skilled nursing-home services for adults, and laboratory and X-ray services. The people who are eligible include families and certain children who qualify for public assistance and may include aged, blind, and disabled adults who are eligible for the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration. There is a certain requirement to be met up to qualify for this program. The exact limit varies by state, but as a rough guide, the maximum monthly income is about $300 to $500, and total assets are limited to about $2,000 (not including a home, car, or personal possessions).

Please check out the related articles on Medicaid Information and Medicare Information.

Are You Content?

1. Are you content with your job? Why/why not?

I am a part time tutor for kids. It is an ok job really. I only need to know my limitations by not taking too many students so I don't get overly stressed out. But now that it is the school holiday, I welcomed the break too. I am trying to work from home this year with blogging.

2. Are you content with your relationship with your significant other? If you don't have one, are you on the lookout for one?

Yes, I am happily married for 13 years now.

3. How about your friends? Are you content with the ones you have, how they treat you, etc? How so/how not?

Yes, I am happy with my friends. I am glad to have them around. Having good friends has a lot to do with what criteria we look for in searching for these friends in the first place. If there is a common goal even if it meant emotional support or companionship and both parties are willing to give and make it happen, the friendship will blossom. The Golden Rule is especially applicable here: "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them." - Matthew 7:12 Emphasis being we be the friend first before expecting anything in return.

Power Thoughts

In my reading, I have come across some interesting points that I would like to share with you folks.

1. You can have everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want.

This is a popular quotation from famous author Zig Ziglar. I read some of his books and he is a good and sensible author. I find that his quotation here is especially useful to bloggers whereby the interchange of experiences, knowledge, skills and talents are the ultimate resources one can have. If we are generous in the area of sharing, we will win the audiences’ return and participation.

2. When the going gets tough-laugh.

I think this thought explains itself. Laughter is not only the best medicine there is, it relieves stress without the side effects. It reduces tension and the tense situation.

3. Don't miss the best things in life.

4. Fix the problem, not the blame.

This is the same as saying, attack the problem and not the person. We can have the attitude that when a problem arises in a relationship, there is usually no winner in the situation. If both parties worked at resolving the issues, then both wins.

5. Share the credit.

6. Treasure time like gold.

Hmm...indeed many felt that 2007 just whizzed past us quickly. So cherish and live in 2008. This is more like a reminder to myself.

7. Never judge reality by your limited experiences.

This is something that I learned the hard way. Nevertheless, it is never too late to open our minds to new things. Being part of the blogosphere and a blogger that needs to "socialized" through networking, I have met many wonderful folks and I read of their challenges and things that they faced and this in turn helped me to be more empathetic and sympathetic as a person.

8. Success without conflict is unrealistic.

9. Make sure your dreams are big enough for God to fit in.

In other words, have God in your considerations and decision making.

10. Never let a problem become an excuse.

This is certainly something that I need. Sometimes it is easier to give excuses than to work harder to achieve a goal. Combine this with #8, we can have better success at achieving worthwhile goals. Hahaha...probably something that I need to work at with my goal of losing weight!


Some other points are mentioned at my other blog: CoolChatBlog

Mortgages and Foreclosures

Mortgage is part and parcel of home buying. It is a method of using property (real or personal) as security for the performance of an obligation, usually the payment of a debt. There are many different types of mortgage rates, whether fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage depending on your needs and type of property. Different companies also allow for the flexibility of refinancing in the case that you are not able to pay off the monthly repayment rates. One can also have the choice of borrowing against the value of one's property even when they have taken a mortgage on their current property. This is called a home equity or second mortgage.

Foreclosure is the proceed in which a bank or other secured creditor sells or repossesses a parcel of real property (immovable property) due to the owner's failure to comply with an agreement between the lender and borrower called a "mortgage" or "deed of trust." Commonly, the violation of the mortgage is a default in payment of a promissory note, secured by a lien on the property. When the process is complete, it is typically said that the lender has foreclosed its mortgage or lien. You can view a list of foreclosures here.

Granted that whether we are moving or relocating due to personal circumstances or by our own choice, it is a big decision and stressful matter. At National Relocation ( http://www.nationalrelocation.com), it offers many relocation and rental services. Find out the moving quotes and other services to help you make an informed decision.

Mid Valley Megamall decorations

Wordless Wednesday

My Library

Hello friends,

Did you see my newly installed bookshelves? The one at the right sidebar are the books that I am reading now and the bookshelf at the bottom are for books that I have read. As I have just set them up, I have not really written any reviews or added more books to it. Actually I have given away, thrown away or even sold many of my books as I have moved a number of times after my marriage. These books in my online library now are the ones that I remembered reading or are still in my collection now. I will add more as days go by or when I specifically remember the title or author of books that I have read.

Please let me know what you think about my library and all suggestions and reviews about new books that you find interesting are welcome for sure. Happy reading!


PS: I am also following a daily bible reading schedule. Although I have listed the schedule here, I will give allowance for the days that I might miss the reading and compensate by reading more on the days that I am able to.

Serena

Home Loans and Auto Loans

Typically the purchase of a house is normally financed by home loans through a finance company. Even when we could afford a house with cold hard cash, it is not profitable to buy one with cash. The rationale behind this is we would be able to off-set the interest payable on the home loan with the higher rate of return on investment if we were to instead invest the cash in a higher paying investment portfolio such as a mutual fund. Nevertheless, what if one had invested unwisely and therefore need some credit offers to refinance our housing loan to get cash out? Bad Credit Offers can be a source of help in this regards. The company brings you to reputable and trusted finance institutions to cater for bad credit loans.

The company has experienced staff and up to date information on the financial institutions giving the best offers in the US. Since there are many auto loan companies, it pays that we do some planning before embarking on such a purchase. Look for auto loans that are flexible to your needs and offer a low monthly Annual Percentage Rate (APR) so that your monthly repayment won’t bust your budget. It is best to determine how much you can afford to borrow on loans to buy a vehicle of your choice.

A tip to consider is when negotiating the price of a used car with a trader; they may accept your lower offer providing that you take up one of their loans to finance the used car purchase. If this is an option then do check the terms and conditions of their loans carefully, paying special attention to the loans APR rate, as the savings from your negotiation on your used car may not be as attractive as first imagined when you consider the final costs attached to their loans!

My bible reading schedule for a year

This is my bible reading schedule for the year.

JANUARY Bible Reading Schedule 2 Date Morning Evening Day 1 Genesis 1,2 Matthew 1 001 2 Genesis 3-5 Matthew 2 002 3 Genesis 6-8 Matthew 3 003 4 Genesis 9-11 Matthew 4 004 5 Genesis 12-14 Matthew 5:1-26 005 6 Genesis 15-17 Matthew 5:27-48 006 7 Genesis 18,19 Matthew 6 007 8 Genesis 20-22 Matthew 7 008 9 Genesis 23,24 Matthew 8 009 10 Genesis 25,26 Matt. 9:1-17 010 11 Genesis 27,28 Matt. 9:18-38 011 12 Genesis 29,30 Matt. 10:1-23 012 13 Genesis 31,32 Matt. 10:24-42 013 14 Genesis 33-35 Matthew 11 014 15 Genesis 36,37 Matt. 12:1-21 015 16 Genesis 38-40 Matt. 12:22-50 016 17 Genesis 41 Matt.13:1-32 017 18 Genesis 42,43 Matt. 13:33-58 018 19 Genesis 44,45 Matt. 14:1-21 019 20 Genesis 46-48 Matt. 14:22-36 020 21 Genesis 49,50 Matt.15:1-20 021 22 Exodus 1-3 Matt. 15:21-39 022 23 Exodus 4-6 Matthew 16 023 24 Exodus 7,8 Matthew 17 024 25 Exodus 9,10 Matt. 18:1-20 025 26 Exodus 11,12 Matt. 18:21-35 026 27 Exodus 13-15 Matt. 19:1-15 027 28 Exodus 16-18 Matt. 19:16-30 028 29 Exodus 19-21 Matt. 20:1-16 029 30 Exodus 22-24 Matt. 20:17-34 030 31 Exodus 25,26 Matt. 21:1-22 031

FEBRUARY Bible Reading Schedule 2 Date Morning Evening Day 1 Exodus 27,28 Matt. 21:23-46 032 2 Exodus 29,30 Matt. 22:1-22 033 3 Exod. 31-33 Matt. 22:23-46 034 4 Exod. 34-36 Matt. 23:1-22 035 5 Exodus 37,38 Matt. 23:23-39 036 6 Exodus 39,40 Matt. 24:1-22 037 7 Leviticus 1-3 Matt. 24:23-51 038 8 Lev. 4-6 Matt. 25:1-30 039 9 Lev. 7-9 Matt. 25:31-46 040 10 Lev. 10-12 Matt. 26:1-19 041 11 Lev. 13 Matt. 26:20-54 042 12 Lev.