New look!

Great things come for free, I must say. If you have been to my blogsite before, you would notice that I just had a total overhaul on my web layout and it's all without a cost. This fabulous and wonderful webpage design is courtesy of Lena. Her site offers an array of creative designs and I'm sure you will find something that's totally you. I myself had difficulty selecting which one to go for. But I prioritized mostly a three-column layout so I'd be able to maximize the space. After careful consideration and much deliberation, I finally chose this one (it took like an hour for me to choose, hehe). So, if you're on the lookout for a no expense web design, please do visit the link above. As for me, it's another change in my site. First, a domain of my own, a banner and now an almost personalized web design! Not bad for a one-month old blogger, eh? =)

Blogger's block?

photo courtesy of Google

Just two weeks ago, my mind was brimming with ideas I wanted to write about. But in the past days I could barely come up with a post. I still had a lot of things going through my mind but somehow I don't want to publish them online being aware that I have of an audience, even if it's just a handful. So here I am, blogging about not being able to blog just so I could update my site. How does that sound??

9 Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

In the spirit of the Christmas season, I think it's timely to share this. We must remember that gifts that count usually do not have to be something expensive. Here are nine gifts that do not cost a cent. Read on.


1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
Email funpages to your friends. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone; really it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You".

9) THE GIFT OF SALVATION
It doesn't cost us a cent but it has been paid for in full at the price of God's own Son, Jesus. "The gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." But, in order to receive this most wonderful of all gifts, you have to accept it through faith.

"For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by words , so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

My net corner

I am excited to tell everyone that I just bought my own domain! Though I haven't really planned on purchasing one yet, with Ally's consistent prodding, I finally gave in . I now hope qualify to most of the opportunities available through payperpost and payingpost.

To everyone who drops by my humble site especially those who regularly visit me and give their precious comments, please continue to do so and know that you are truly appreciated.

A Lemonade Award

I have received another recognition, this time from MsRay of Woman On a Journey. Thanks a bunch MsRay!

I now passed on this award to these exceptional bloggers whose posts have somehow touched a cord in me and have invested time dropping by my site. Cheers everyone! =)

Ally
UmmeAaiman
Robynn
Lady Prism
Andrew&Carmel
LinGZ

Color my world with a rainbow

To counter negative thoughts that so easily assail me, I decided today to write about one of my favorite things - a Rainbow.
How I love seeing a rainbow after a shower from heaven! It gives me a sense of awe and gratefulness. Through this wonderful creation, we are reminded of God's covenant to His people that never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.

Genesis 9:11
I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."

Philosophyzing

I found this scribbled in my college notebook:


"The general objective of the handout states: "...The students are expected to learn the basic knowledge of Philosophy as an introduction to one's viewpoint of understanding the purposes of existence effectively." This particularly caught my attention. How can the study of a subject be a way to find out what our life is about? Philosophy is merely founded by men. I don't discount their contribution to the understanding of humanity, but if we are to find out what really we are living for, then we have to ask God because He is our creator. In the same way that only an inventor knows what his invention is for, we can only know the purpose of our existence by asking God. ("All things were created through Him and for Him." - Colossians 1:16)
However, I believe that among the subject's greater significance is for us to be able to acknowledge another person's viewpoints and arguments with a sense of deeper analysis through critical thinking and reasoning.
I therefore look forward to an enjoyable and interesting discussion in the class."

My very own design

I had enough time during my two-day work respite so I've decided to experiment with the look of my blogsite. I've added snippets too. So now you're looking at the post edited work! I was advised that I should have my website designed by a professional webpage designer, but I guess I enjoy playing with it on my own. Besides, I don't want to spend on something I think I can do myself. It's a learning experience for me.
I want to say "thanks a bunch" to http://tips-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com/ for the helpful links and articles regarding HTML editing.
I hope you like the new look!

Badges I got

Wow! I got not only one, but two awards! Thanks to Ally ! =)
Should I prepare an acceptance speech? lols. I just started exploring the blogosphere world so my site isn't really much yet, but I sure do appreciate the recognition. This is one more reason for me to keep blogging, although I must admit, I have become quite addicted to it.

I would love to share these two awards to these wonderful people. Do me a favor by visiting their blogsites. You'll discover why they are my favorite blog and why they have an "uber amazing" blog.

Niniejane of ღ SomeDay She Will ღ
Michelle of My Crazy Life With A Toddler
Wendy of From the Eyes of my Heart

I miss him...

It's been 17 long years already but I still miss my father. I call him "papa". I can clearly recall when he was still around. Whenever he gets home from work especially during weekends, I would always snuggle up beside him. I would then pluck his grey hair or beard while he was telling me stories. He'd always ask about what's going on in school and I can positively tell by his remarks how proud he was of me. He would beam with pride and that just makes me feel great about myself. Those are among my most precious childhood days.
I wonder though, why at times the aching to sit next to my father is so palpable that I couldn't help but shed tear. I remember an instance when I couldn't stand looking at the photos being shown at our church that manifest a father-daughter relationship. I just had to get out because I couldn't suppress my emotion. I know it is impossible for me to see him again in this side of the planet, but he just left so much void in my heart and I know I will never forget him. I thank God for letting me experience what it's like to have a wonderful father even for a brief period. I am still grateful for I learned that even if I'm without an earthly father, I have a perfect Father in heaven who will never leave me.

One rough day at work

Some people can really get to you. I've mentioned in some of my earlier posts that I work in a call center. I can't help myself writing about this particular customer who, I think, was so conceited. I mean, he called in to seek assistance and when I try to help him figure out what the problem was, he would go ahead of me and do what he wants to do with his computer without paying attention to my instructions. I've managed somehow to maintain my composure and been very patient explaining things to him that I even ended up assisting him even though the problem is beyond my support boundaries. In the end, we were able to fix the problem which apparently had to with the Operating System not with Internet connection. Although the customer did say the much rehearsed "Thank you" before the call was ended, I was left so frustrated because he ate up almost an hour of my time and that was because he wouldn't listen to what I was trying to tell him. Grrrr...Some people are just so self-absorbed and don't know how to appreciate others. Even if it's my job to guide him through fixing the problem, he should have at least expressed sincere appreciation.
I will try harder not to be that kind of person. I always attempt not to ignore security officers or fast food crews who say "Good Morning" when its my turn to be the customer. I believe that these small things do make a difference. They go unnoticed but definitely not without significance.

Tag Mania

So this is how it's like to be tagged. Here are eight random things about me:

1. I have recently rediscovered my passion for writing. Thanks to Ally! (She's also the one got me tagged, by the way) Initially, I was only interested in making a few cents over the internet by blogging. But as I progress, I realized I love what I'm doing. =)

2. I've been working in a call center industry for four years now. Sad to say, I am still an agent.

3. I try to live out the golden rule as much as I can, i.e., "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

4. I don't like watching news because of features on blood and gore. I am not blind to the existence of violence, I just don't think that tackling it on TV does any good. I'd rather pore over the newspaper and choose what to read.

5. I'd say Gary V. is my top favorite local artist. He never ceases to amaze me whenever he performs. It's a work of art for him. He exudes so much passion in what he does.

6. I love playing badminton, although I'm not good at it. It's one of the things I'd never tire of doing.

7. I like Italian foods.

8. I sneeze real loud. I could never be discreet with it. It's such a shame.


~The rules~

1. Each blogger starts with eight random fact/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. A the end of your blogpost, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their name.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and to read your blog.


I want to know you better too. YOU are tagged!


1. Storyteller
2. Marg
3. K and S
4. Michelle
5. UmmeAaiman
6. Momgen
7. Julehya
8. Jenn

Unconscious Mutterings

Got this from one of the blogsites I browsed earlier . Thanks to YOU! I couldn't recall which one it was, but I tried! Sorry. I also want to give credit more importantly to http://subliminal.lunanina.com/ for the opportunity to speak out my mind on the images conjured up by the collection of phrases & words below. It's a truly liberating experience!

Contemplate :: to think about something deep and hard; to focus on one thing. I've contemplated on the implication of the decisions I made in the past.
In the house :: family; both tangible and intangible things
Classical :: music, movie, etc.; undying; always in trend; it never gets old
Quest :: A long and difficult search for something with tremendous significance
Best friend :: An "Abishai"; God's precious gift; Connie, Princess, Ruby. They are the closest to a bestfriend I've ever had. I lost communication with them. I didn't know how to value this gift.
1991 :: The year my father passed away. It was on the first day of September. I was ten. I didn't have a concept of death. I didn't know that someone could be taken away from you permanently. No one is ever prepared for such a loss.
Never will :: Never will you reach heaven on earth
Fool :: Someone who does not give thought to what he says.
Unhappy :: Sad, sulky, not content
Best man :: I have yet to find one. (will one ever come to my life?)