Tagaytay City - Captivating Place

Tagaytay, one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines and also known as the summer capital of the country, is famous year round for its gorgeous spots, delicious cuisine and plethora of fun activities.

 Located in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay is just a two-hour ride from Metro Manila and offers the luxury of a cool breezy climate to its visitors. With a spectacular view of Lake Taal and Taal Volcano Island, Tagaytay will definitely top your list of the must-see places to visit in the Philippines… read on to find out all you need to know to help you plan a memorable trip.

 The city also harbours plenty of local transportation such as fully air-conditioned buses and vans, the latter being slightly more expensive (approximately Php 180) but with a shorter travel time of just 2 hours. Buses are also a fun and budget-friendly option with a travel time of 3 hours and estimated fares of Php 80. Now that you’ve reached Tagaytay, where on Earth shall you stay? Well, the city offers luxurious hotels and residents for tourists to spend their holiday. From quiet getaways to a house full of puzzles – Tagaytay has something for everyone.
PLACE TO STAY:
 Elevate your trip by planning a stay at the enchanting Moon Garden Palace. Made up of darkly lit wooden pathways, an overgrown garden, and countless zigzagging archways, the resort provides a mysterious atmosphere, devoid of the usual clamour of tourists. The Moon Garden is perfect for those seeking a break from the busy city life and is looking to get in touch with Mother Nature. Another way is to make a budget meal hotel that will only cost 500 and below for a night.
SITES TO VISITS:
• People’s Park in the Sky
Located in Mount Sungay, the Palace in the Sky is an incomplete presidential mansion and a famous historical site. When the mansion’s construction was abandoned the site became neglected and was later converted into a park for tourists. Surrounded by clouds on all sides the mansion gives a magical view to the visitors and even more so on sunny days when the entire city of Tagaytay is visible.
• Taal Volcano Island

Undoubtedly the major tourist attraction of Tagaytay, the volcano sits in the middle of Lake Taal which in turn rests on an island. The volcano itself is easily accessible via a boat ride from the beautiful town of Talisay which is just 15 minutes away from Tagaytay. Guided tour boats are frequently arranged for visits to the Volcano.
DINING IN TAGAYTAY:
 Philippines’’ summer capital is dotted with local farms and gardens offering fresh, organic bounty to their visitors. Restaurants in Tagaytay are also renowned for serving delicious local cuisine and a plethora of seasonal dishes. Below are some of the places which you can visit to savour the taste of Tagaytay’s cuisine:

Bag of Beans: A bustling bed and breakfast that serves anything from pizza to fresh fish and pasta, the Bag of Beans is a favourite of both locals and tourists alike. People especially praise their 24-hour breakfast service – perfect for a late brunch!
The newest trend of place to hang out is the Food Park owned by Derrick Ramsay, the venue is located just across the sky ranch, cozy and more relaxing to dine as you have a wide variety of food to choose from, the place is also had a band to enlighten your evening.
• The Farm Organics: Open every day from 10 am, the restaurant prides itself in serving completely organic dishes to its customers. It’s located in the Twin Lakes area and offers good food at a reasonable price, exactly what the tourist visitor needs.

You can also try the famous Bulalo which are located in the heart of Tagaytay City - Mahogany street. you can take the jeep from Olivares to Mendes and ask the driver to drop you off to the nearby Hall of Justice, the street is proximity there.
Tagaytay City and its surrounding towns offer a lot of fun activities and places to visit for the weekend tourists. There are picnic grounds, tree-covered parks, hidden gardens, biking, horse-riding grounds and a host of other activities fit for both the young and the old.

The Big Apple - New York

NYC, a city forever in flux, is impossible to “see” in one visit. You just have to resign yourself to that fact, unless you move here (and maybe not even then), you’ll only barely scratch the surface! However, there are ways to make the most of the limited time we have. So, as I get ready to leave NYC after living here for 3.5 years, I want to give you my suggested four-day itinerary for your next visit here:

Day 1

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
 Though the line for the ferry from Battery Park is long, if you get there early, you can avoid most of it. (Come late and you’ll have to wait a few hours.) The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close (she’s as big as you imagine), but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island, where you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall!). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but to be impressed.
Tip: If the line’s too long and you don’t want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor.

 Wall Street

 Take a photo with the famous bull and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers destroyed the economy. There’s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster.

 Trinity Church
 Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in America. The original building burned down in 1776, but the current church is still beautiful, with an ornate gothic style structure. The church is most famous for its colonial graveyard, where you’ll find many famous Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers.
  

World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial and Museum
 The recently opened “Freedom Tower” gives you a panoramic view of the city, and there is also a lot of information about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On the elevator up, you can also see images of the historical development of NYC. At the bottom of the tower is a park commemorating the victims of the attacks along with an extensive museum. The museum houses moving exhibits about the significance of 9/11. For an additional fee (on top of the entrance fee), there are guided tours.
  
Brooklyn Bridge
 Right near City Hall (see the next entry), the Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. You get a lot of wonderful views of downtown as you make your way across (and especially from the park). I enjoy doing this walk at night, when downtown Manhattan is all lit up.

 Empire State Building
 After you finish up with lower Manhattan, jet up to this historic landmark in New York City. The 1930s art deco interior is beautiful, and the view from the top is breathtaking. You can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is as you stare out at the city. Get here early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines and tour groups.

 Grand Central Terminal
 Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. There are free historical tours on Wednesdays. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling and people-watching as everyone races to and fro. All those people — where do they go? What do they do? Also, there’s an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit the Campbell Apartments and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). The space was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.

 Rockefeller Center

 This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show, shop, snack, and take the elevator to the “Top of the Rock” for another bird’s-eye view of the city (which I personally think it better than the Empire State Building, since from the top of here you can get that building in your picture too!).

 Times Square
 No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk.

 Central Park
 The perfect way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in Central Park. It’s free, there are lots of paths to walk (or run), bike lanes, lakes to row in, and a zoo. Since the park covers over 150 square blocks, it’s easy to spend hours wandering around. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions (line up early for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park). From the late spring to the early fall, there are free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine.

A different kind of Valentine

There is nothing worse than being single in February. The buildup to Valentine’s Day can be absolutely excruciating. Flowers start popping up in windows, isles of chocolate appear in convenience stores, not to mention the red and pinks hearts plastered everywhere. It can feel as though the entire world is mocking you, shining a spotlight on your marital status. These things can get especially frustrating when you’re not just single, you’re a Christian single.

 Valentine’s Day can be hard on singles. There’s the anxiety of being alone, the jealousy of watching couples celebrate, and the fear that God is leading you toward a future without marriage. In all the commotion though, never forget that Jesus loves you. He loved you enough to die for you (John 3:16), and he wants nothing more than the best for you. Whatever form that may take, never forget that you are loved this Valentine’s Day.

Baguio City - A Place for Relaxation

Baguio is one of the most visited places in the country. Tourists and locals alike take the 4-hour drive up North (with help of the new TPLEX) for the weekend just to hangout and enjoy the cool weather that is missing in Manila. More than that, people always look forward to the awesome food that can only be found there. Here are 15 cool new places to add to your ‘Must Try’ lists on the Booky app for your next visit to the summer capital of the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE

Manila – Baguio
Air-conditioned bus trips to Baguio leave Manila daily in an hourly basis. Popular bus lines en route are Victory Liner, Partas, and Genesis among others. One way bus ticket would cost you P400 – 450, and travel time will be approximately 6-7 hours.
Luxury bus trips are already offered by some bus companies like Victory Liner (Deluxe) and Genesis (Joybus) for a non-stop trip to Baguio that will just take 3-4 hours. These buses have their own toilets, wifi, two TVs, wider seats that will allow you to recline fully to rest, and snacks and drinks offered by the bus stewardess. Fare rate is around P650 – 720.
If you are to use your personal car, best to take Marcos Highway going up to Baguio because it is safer than Kennon Road which is sometimes closed due to rock slides in the roads.

 If you’re visiting Baguio any time until the 8th of March 2017, make sure to check out the Panagbenga Flower Festival activities going on there. It’s one of the most attended festivals in the country held every February, featuring dance parades, flower-embellished costumes and floats, fireworks and other activities. Check out details here.

 Nestled in the vast mountains of the Benguet, Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, uphold its picturesque mountain sceneries and breath-taking destinations tourists love to visit from time to time. Discovered by the American colonizers in the 1900s, Baguio City has grown from a hill station for the American soldiers into one of the most popular and most visited tourist spots in the country. Known for its climate that is comparable to other western countries, Baguio City endow its people with a biting cold, invigorating breeze that is a perfect venue to escape the summer heat

 Baguio offers plenty of attractions and destinations that showcase its rich heritage, indigenous culture and thriving flora and fauna. Highly urbanized, it already became the center of commerce, education and tourism in Northern Luzon. Commercialized as it seem as developments are fast transpiring, Baguio City still embody the Cordilleran culture by representing it through traditions that are still widely celebrated through festivities, and inculcating culture as a solid part of the modern society. 

TRAVEL TIPS
– Bring wide array of wardrobe as the temperature varies from extremely hot (noon-time) to extremely cold (night-time).
– Best months to visit:
February – Panagbenga Festival
April – May – summer months
December – Baguio Lantern Parade, Christmas in Baguio
– Beware of pickpockets especially in crowded places.
– Best to jog in the morning to feel the cool breeze
– It is advised to walk when visiting tourist destinations in the town center because they are actually close to each other and it will save you money.
– During peak seasons, it is best to have a map (either paper map of electronic map) with you if you are not familiar with the places because heavy traffic is expected and it is to avoid getting lost in the midst of travelling.
– It is advised to do an early reservation in hotels to avoid much hassle. If budget cannot afford a hotel, transient houses and lodges are available city-wide.

Love and Trust In a Relationship

A relationship is easy to make but it is so hard to make that relationship stronger and lasting. A long lasting relationship is very easy to establish if we put the spirit of trust and love in our hearts.because love and trust is the requirement in a relationship to make it lasting. When these two character leaves from our relation then that relation becomes weak. Relationship is the only thing on the basis of which the whole human being is lasting so if we think logically we can see that strong relationship gives born to a enjoyable living.among different types of relationship there are some specific relationship which should be strong and lasting to lead a better life.
Firstly Love :love is nothing but the greatest gift in the whole world. We can not define love specific. But we the people misuse the word "love". We misinterpret love with possessiveness and jealousy.love is of different types. Each unique relationship has its own type of love.

 Secondly Trust :after love trust is the second requirement of a lasting relationship. When we love anyone then we trust him or her. Trust is the implied value of a relationship. We choose to trust our partner only for this trust. Trust is that thing which is broken on time is broken forever. Sometimes we think that trust can be picked up again but it is not true. When we lose trust from anyone we can not gain trust about him easily.trust should be maintained by each side of a relationship. Rebuilding trust is the hardest work in life. It can be compared with a glass. When a glass is broken it's pieces can be picked up and can be joined again but the perfect glass can never be maid because the sign of broken pieces will alive.
After all, trust and love are as tightly intertwined as strands on a rope. When trust is broken, love is diminished and damaged. But when trust is diligently maintained, love grows stronger and stronger.
Relationships in which two people trust each other at the deepest levels have at least four priceless assets.
First, they have the reassurance that someone will provide support and stability through the hard times of life. All of us experience frustrations and failures—and what a comfort to have someone who will stand by you through them all.

Second, trustworthy partners know that every investment they make in the relationship will pay dividends. If a man and woman trust each other, they can build a partnership that will not be confronted with the greatest emotional threats of all—betrayal and abandonment. They’re confident their relationship will last, so all the effort to deepen it will reap rich rewards.
Third, rock-solid trust means the individuals don’t have to spend their time and energy being suspicious. There isn’t any need to second-guess their lover. What this person says to them is truthful and reliable.

Finally, these partners can have genuine peace of mind. When you fully trust your partner, when there is no need for suspicion of any kind, you can have one of the greatest prizes in the world: inner peace. It is the prize for those who are deeply committed to each other and consistently demonstrate loyalty. 

The Happiness of Pursuit: 7 Steps To Accomplish Anything & Enjoy It Along The Way

 

If anyone has ever read a post written by me before, listened to an interview or simply had a chat about self improvement, they will know I am frequently asked (and address) the common question – ‘what is the most important aspect to self improvement’ – my answer, without hesitation, is always the same: take action. There are 7 steps that will change (or start) your course. Something that will help change your thinking (as it did mine) from simply pursuing happiness, to finding happiness in the pursuit.

1. Find out who you are and what you want

This is the basis for everything. You are the basis of you. This is perhaps the most scary part on the whole list – finding out who you truly are – but it is also the most crucial. You have to take the time to ask yourself the hard questions, even if you’re afraid of the answers. But it is only by truly knowing who you really are that you can discover what will truly makes you happy. What excites you? What are you good at? What makes you want to get out of bed early and will keep you buzzing to stay up late? What matters to you. Be honest.
Once you have drilled down to a handful of criteria, you can start mapping out your plan.

2. Set your goals

Dreams are nothing without goals. Goals make dreams (and you) accountable. Write them down. Where do you want to be. How are you going to get their. With a succinct set of goals there is a clear vision for where you are and where you want to be. This literal interpretation, in the form of goals, is the blue print or map you need, to be able to chart your course.

3. Break those goals down into mini benchmarks

Once you have you’re larger ‘plan’ in place, it is necessary to break those larger goals (or goal) into palatable bite sized, mini benchmarks. For instance, it is a novel goal to sail across the ocean (as a young teenager does in The Happiness of Pursuit) but without breaking that loftier goal into baby steps, it’s almost impossible to make happen. What training do I need? What equipment do I need? What case studies do I need to memorize?
It’s called doing the upfront work and there is no shortcut. Again, here I am reminded of Yoda’s words. You are accountable to only you when it comes to living up to your full potential. ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’

4. Go DO It

If you’ve gotten to this part, you’ve already done most of the heavy lifting. You are prepared. You have learned. You are already better because of it. So know that. This is the where the adventure really begins.

‘Action is the foundational key to all success’ – Pablo Picasso

It’s here where it’s time to jump of that metaphorical cliff. Unchain yourself. Take action. Doing is the only thing that does. What else is there to say. You’ve done the work – so dive in. This is the ultimate award. This is where true happiness jumps off the page and onto the stage. This is where one finds the happiness of pursuit.

5. Measure your success

Once you’ve taken the leap, it will be contagious. Trust me. It doesn’t mean everything you do will be a success, but this is how you learn. This is where you learn to find as much joy in failure as in success. Learning is success.
This is where it is important, however, to make sure you are on the right track, so it is important to check in and measure how you’re doing. How you’re feeling. Where you can pivot and when to keep attacking.

6. Be open to a course change

One of the great things about finding joy through the process is that it allows for perspective. Of course you should always keep your larger goal or quest in mind – that’s why you’re doing all of this after all, but remember: things change, people change, circumstances change and ultimately, your goal can change or alter slightly, if you’re conscious and aware of the process. Be open to the unexpected outcome or emotion – this is how we learn and grow. This is what the journey is all about – not just getting to the end but all of the unexpected magic that happens along the way. So be flexible and open to the whatever experience comes your way, knowing you’ve done the work.

7. Do it all over again

Life is a system of cycles. We can always be learning, growing, enjoying. Once you have accomplished whatever quest you’ve set out to conquer, don’t rest on your laurels. Set new goals. New standards. Press on. Start again. Feel scared and unsure – this is the very essence of life – working through all of this. So, while I doubt I’ll have much convincing to do (the thrill of the pursuit of accomplishment, itself is more than enough of an incentive) – I will end as I started: ‘A body in motion, stays in motion’ and who the hell wants to be stuck?

The Underground River at #Amazing Palawan

For centuries, the native inhabitants of Puerto Princesa, the Tagbanuas, were already knowledgeable about the Underground River, but they did not pursue its exploration in the belief that a very powerful spirit reside in the innermost portion of the river and they do not want confront it. In the middle of the 1800s however, a researcher from the Michigan University, Professor Dean Worcester began his exploration of the Underground River and wrote a very extensive account on it. Soon, the academic and scientific world were introduced into the natural wonders of this river. Known in Palawan as the St. Paul Subterranean River, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is a managed and protected area. It is located in the Midwest of Palawan and is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan.

 Known in Palawan as the St. Paul Subterranean River, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is a managed and protected area. It is located in the Midwest of Palawan and is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. It covers an area of 3,901 hectares. On November 16, 1999 its land area was expanded to 22,202 hectares so that it would cover the entire catchment of the river and important forested areas.

 The Underground River lies inside the mountain called by the locals as The Sleeping Giant. A photo of this mountain is included here. Underneath the highest peak of the mountain. Information and Processing Area in Sabang is the highest peak of the underground river. According to our guide, the 8.2 kilometer long river flows directly into the sea. So, the tides influence the height of the water inside the river. When the weather is bad, tours are cancelled. When rain occurred the night before our tour, the crystal clear waters of the river looked like coffee with cream. A tourist clamor that it was her third time to visit the river and the water is always coffee brown. Well, she was not alone. We shared her experience that day. 

What made the Underground River one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature? The brochure stated: "the discovery of 11 minerals scientifically and aesthetically unique Speleothems, and a 20 million year old Serenia Fossil has led to the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature."  

How to get there? Jump off point is Puerto Princesa City. Organized tours are done a few days before. From the city, 10 persons together with an accredited guide will board the air-con van to an hour-long drive. At Sabang, tourists are processed. Everyone is required to have an identification card.

No one is admitted without pre-reserved slot. A boat takes the tour participants to the Underground River Entrace. Another boat will be boarded by 10 persons with a boatman as their guide. He explains the history of the river and the different rock formations inside it.

 Within the routes from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang, are added natural attractions for tourists to see. There is the Avatar Mountain, the Karst Elephant Mountain that became famous because of the Amazing Race, the Ugong Rock Adventures and the Ulogan Bay. From Ulogan, boats leave for Spratly group of islands and other island destinations in that area. Our guide told us that there are existing towns and government officials in the Spratlys. I was happy to learn about it.

My adventure to the Underground River of Palawan, the New 7 Wonders of Nature was avery rewarding experience for me and the people accompanying our tour. It was an adventure of a lifetime For me, this tour was a golden moment to learn and appreciate the wonders of nature and so, we should protect and preserve them. I hope you enjoy this blog.

By the way, I am not done yet. There is another one to follow. Please keep on following my blogs as I present another interesting places. Ciao.

Life, loss and ‘The Leftovers

mass vanishing of innocent and righteous persons prior to the end times—“The Leftovers” is an aptly bleak that tackles the sudden, inexplicable disappearance of millions.

 Still reeling from the loss, denizens of one town react differently to the unprecedented occurrence that continues to baffle scientists, and even the religious. It’s not all-out chaos, as things seem normal, only somber and much quieter. Life goes on for the abandoned, most of them silently questioning the still-unanswered mystery. Some deal with feelings of unworthiness; but there are those who carry on, unruffled. A priest (Christopher Eccleston) dispels the belief that The Departure took only the virtuous and sinless; he gathers and spreads proof that some of the vilest, most hateful people were included in the “cosmic” culling.

“The Leftovers” has a tone similar to some fantasy and sci-fi drama series about encompassing cataclysms or “miracles”—“FlashForward,” “Resurrection” and “Revolution” easily come to mind—but it certainly is more dour and less optimistic,  its small-town setting giving it a strange, “Twin Peaks” vibe.

It has quirky, “Lost” touches, as well; by the third episode, it is easy to sympathize with the characters. Not that it isn’t easy from the get-go, it’s well-acted enough to inspire emotional rapport—there’s just a deeper understanding of their dysfunctions once the massive, soul-searching backstories unfold.

The focus on Eccleston’s religious character, for example, reveals his various frailties, illustrating in detail his life prior to, and after The Departure. He exposes the fact that the despicable were among the disappeared, exemplifying the serious conflict within his being. While he is perplexed at the randomness of the calamity, he gives voice to those who want to remember that a clear demarcation still exists between good and evil.

it’s easy to get into “The Leftovers” despite its predictable, world-weary tone and unrelenting moodiness. The post-apocalyptic drama’s melancholy musings offer a fresh look at societal upheaval, and answers more relatable human mysteries while doing so.

10 Things To Start Doing For Yourself. #4 Is Absolutely Vital.

 

#1. Start spending time with the right people. – These are the people you enjoy, who love and appreciate you, and who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways. They are the ones who make you feel more alive, and not only embrace who you are now, but also embrace and embody who you want to be, unconditionally.
#2. Start facing your problems head on. – It isn’t your problems that define you, but how you react to them and recover from them. Problems will not disappear unless you take action. Do what you can, when you can, and acknowledge what you’ve done. It’s all about taking baby steps in the right direction, inch by inch. These inches count, they add up to yards and miles in the long run.
 
 #3. Start being honest with yourself about everything. – Be honest about what’s right, as well as what needs to be changed. Be honest about what you want to achieve and who you want to become. Be honest with every aspect of your life, always. Because you are the one person you can forever count on. Search your soul, for the truth, so that you truly know who you are.
 
#4. Start making your own happiness a priority. – Your needs matter. If you don’t value yourself, look out for yourself, and stick up for yourself, you’re sabotaging yourself. Remember, it IS possible to take care of your own needs while simultaneously caring for those around you. And once your needs are met, you will likely be far more capable of helping those who need you most.
 
 #5. Start being yourself, genuinely and proudly. – Trying to be anyone else is a waste of the person you are. Be yourself. Embrace that individual inside you that has ideas, strengths and beauty like no one else. Be the person you know yourself to be – the best version of you – on your terms. Above all, be true to YOU, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.
 
 #6. Start noticing and living in the present. – Right now is a miracle. Right now is the only moment guaranteed to you. Right now is life. So stop thinking about how great things will be in the future. Stop dwelling on what did or didn’t happen in the past. Learn to be in the ‘here and now’ and experience life as it’s happening. Appreciate the world for the beauty that it holds, right now.
 
 #7. Start valuing the lessons your mistakes teach you. – Mistakes are okay; they’re the stepping stones of progress. If you’re not failing from time to time, you’re not trying hard enough and you’re not learning. Take risks, stumble, fall, and then get up and try again. Appreciate that you are pushing yourself, learning, growing and improving. Significant achievements are almost invariably realized at the end of a long road of failures. One of the ‘mistakes’ you fear might just be the link to your greatest achievement yet.
 
 #8. Start being more polite to yourself. – If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend? The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. You must love who you are or no one else will.
 
 #9. Start enjoying the things you already have. – The problem with many of us is that we think we’ll be happy when we reach a certain level in life – a level we see others operating at – your boss with her corner office, that friend of a friend who owns a mansion on the beach, etc. Unfortunately, it takes awhile before you get there, and when you get there you’ll likely have a new destination in mind. You’ll end up spending your whole life working toward something new without ever stopping to enjoy the things you have now.
 
 #10. Start creating your own happiness. – If you are waiting for someone else to make you happy, you’re missing out. Smile because you can. Choose happiness. Be the change you want to see in the world. Be happy with who you are now, and let your positivity inspire your journey into tomorrow. Happiness is often found when and where you decide to seek it. If you look for happiness within the opportunities you have, you will eventually find it. But if you constantly look for something else, unfortunately, you’ll find that too.
 

Holy Week Lent Reflections

 Lent is about embarking on journey toward the risen Christ. The period is marked by fasting and meditation with intentional spiritual focus. A period of preparation and reflection. Do not test the Lord your God!  Instead, entrust your faith entirely in Him.  Placing your entire trust in God brings you a peace not of this earth.  Have you ever experienced God’s peace?  
  
Reflection
The readings for each of the days in the first half of Holy Week place us on the edge, the rift, the tipping point. There is a sharp disconnect between light and darkness; betrayal and constancy; death and glorification. Today, in particular, there is a sharp turn at the very center of things. The first reading is full of promise as we read Isaiah foreshadowing Jesus, not just a Servant of God, but a Light to the Nations, the One who brings salvation. The Psalm takes up the refrain of trust in God’s rock-solid protection.

An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better that we found it. We love this magnificent planet on which God has put us, and we love the human family which dwells here, with all its tragedies and struggles, its hopes and aspirations, its strengths and weaknesses. The earth is our common home and all of us are brothers and sisters. If indeed "the just ordering of society and of the state is a central responsibility of politics", the Church "cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice".

 This upcoming Friday, we will recall this selfless act that Jesus went through in order to ensure that we will have everlasting life. As a Christian, it is incredibly important to share the love and light that Jesus gave to us with others. Jesus’s love is meant to be shared with everyone. Jesus brought a light to those in darkness, so how can we as Christians bring light to those in darkness? We often focus on the large deeds that Jesus did, like dying for us, healing Lazarus, allowing the blind to see, but the light we bring to this world, does not always have to be so powerful. Donating food to the hungry, talking to someone who seems lonely, etc. Sacrificing an hour of time to spend with a child or adult in need, can bring so much light to someone’s life. Jesus died for us all, so we could live forever! Share His love and be the light of the world.
 Prayer

“In you, O Lord I take refuge…Be my rock of refuge;

A stronghold to give me safety, for You are my rock and my fortress.” (Ps.71 1;3)

O Lord, grant that, even in dark times of pain and betrayal, we may find the strength to move forward with the promise of glory ringing in our ears and confidence in God our Father/Mother in our hearts.

5 Cool Ways to Beat Summer Heat

When temperatures and prices for gas and food are all skyrocketing, it may seem like summer can’t come without cost to your health and pocketbook. If you’re struggling to find fun for the family, check out these health-conscious and inexpensive ideas for entertainment.

1. Fake a vacation: try a stay-cation
Keep your vacation bill lower by staying at home and visiting places within driving distance. Like any vacation, you’ll need to do your research. Check your city’s calendar for free events, and explore your town for places you’ve never been, including healthy eating options. Staying home allows you to be more conscious of what you are eating than when you’re in a new place with unfamiliar meal options, and it replaces the long hours of sitting in the car with walking tours of your hometown.
 2. Make a Cool Drink
An activity and a snack all in one! Create popsicles with Innergize! and fresh fruit, or experiment with new ingredients in your favorite Reliv shake to keep your body temperature down. Lemon Innergize! can also jumpstart a favorite summer tradition, the lemonade stand. Delicious and hydrating, a lemonade stand can also be one of the first opportunities to teach your kids about earning and spending money wisely.
 3. Stake a Spot Outside
Stepping out your front door doesn’t cost a thing and is one of the best ways to keep your kids from spending their summer glued to electronics. Take them to a park for time on the playground and games of tag, or hike together for exercise. You can make up scavenger hunts for plants and animals to keep them from becoming tired more quickly, too. For an evening activity, choose backyard camping complete with stargazing and sleeping in a tent. Don’t forget to use the proper amount of sunscreen and bug spray when you’re outside so your fun doesn’t turn sour the next day.

4. Take Up Family Night-In
If it’s too hot or the rain won’t stop, spend an evening indoors. For dinner, let each person pick a dish to make. If your kids are too young to handle the responsibility alone, let them shop for ingredients on a family trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market. Then, let them stir or put the recipe into the baking pan. You can add an extra challenge to see who can create the healthiest part of the meal.
 5. Shake up movie night
Host an outdoor family movie night, which prevents another night on the couch and spending money on sugar-filled movie theater snacks. Invite family friends over so both adults and kids have friends tospend time with, and ask each family to bring a healthy snack like a veggie tray or fruit salad. All you need to do is find a projector and hang up a sheet. Choose a movie from your or another family’s collection, or check out a free one from the library.

VALENTINE - SELF LOvE Month Celebration

When you say I love you ,you are making a promise with someone else’s heart. You should honor it with actions to prove it.Love is not only an emotion . Love is a verb .

 The month of February is usually focused on loving others. That's an awesome thing to do and it's very important when it comes to living a positive life -- but so is loving yourself. So, this year, I've decided that the month of February should also the time of year when we pause and remember to love ourselves as well those around us.

 Honestly, there are too many people in the world who treat others better than they treat themselves. They would never say a harsh would about someone they love, but they're quick to judge themselves and put themselves down. That, to me, is not okay. It's not okay to judge yourself and criticize yourself and, in some cases, even hate yourself. If you want to live the most positive,  present life that you can, you absolutely must love yourself. And you must do it now.

As urgent as this self-love call to action is, it's certainly not an easy task to tackle -- especially if it's something you've struggled with for some time -- which is why I'm dedicating not a post to it, but an entire month of posts. If there's one thing I truly believe in it's self-love, and it's my goal to share all I know about the topic with you this month in hope that someone -- even just one person -- will begin to see how much s/he is worth and how important it is to love him/herself.

  I want to kick off this month of self-love a day early with a few inspiring quotes about loving yourself. Though I have a lot to say on the subject, I'm no self-love expert and so I've gathered quotes on the subject that have inspired me to believe in the value of self-love. I hope you'll take these words of wisdom to heart and use them as reminders to love yourself -- no matter what.

 Self-Love Inspiration

"The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely."
Carl Jung

 "Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglecting."
William Shakespeare

 "To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance."
Oscar Wilde

 "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."
Kurt Cobain

 "A person's worth in this world is estimated according to the value they put on themselves."
Jean De La Bruyere

 "We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies."
Roderick Thorp

 "Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror."
Byron Katie

 "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 "Just as much as we see in others we have in ourselves."
William Hazlitt

 "You, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
Buddha

 "Do not wish to be anything other than what you are."
St. Francis De Sales

Contemplating.......... LoVe

"The most fun is coming up with the possibilities"

Sadden Me Softly
Posted by contemplatinglove in Poetry

Any way you say it it’s still going to pain me
And I don’t know why
and I don’t know
how
but the sadness crept in slowly
and I felt the urge to scream and I felt
the tears waiting on the corners of my eyes
but I did not let them fall
I’d never let them fall
this isn’t me anymore
not this pain, not this sadness
I am whole
immense
strong and weak
and past and present
I am softness and ice and
blood and heart
and you cannot reach me
only sadness can

Ode to my Sin 
 Posted by contemplatinglove in Love

I never knew what exactly you tried to fix in me
but it worked
And I changed and my world collapsed and you rebuilt it again and again
for me, for me only, for you loved me
With the fire and the passion of a mad man
You didn’t care if you were going to be part of it
You only wanted to save me
and you did
So I chose you
over every reason and over every virtue
because what changes your life
stays within you
A sin against all reason
and a sin against all truth
but not a sin against the heart.

 Cause and Effect
Posted by contemplatinglove in Relationship

Push and you will be resisted
Convince and you will be resented
Love and you will be hated
Cherish and you will be detested
Chase and you will be avoided
Beg and you will be cursed
Want and you will be ignored
Hope and you will be left alone

“The most fun is always coming up with possibilities,” - See more at: http://www.nycmedialab.org/blog/2013/11/contemplating-the-big-big-question-of-organizational-change/#sthash.XD3pDKUo.dpuf

“The most fun is always coming up with possibilities - See more at: http://www.nycmedialab.org/blog/2013/11/contemplating-the-big-big-question-of-organizational-change/#sthash.XD3pDKUo.dpuf

“The most fun is always coming up with possibilities - See more at: http://www.nycmedialab.org/blog/2013/11/contemplating-the-big-big-question-of-organizational-change/#sthash.XD3pDKUo.dpuf

“The most fun is always coming up with possibilities - See more at: http://www.nycmedialab.org/blog/2013/11/contemplating-the-big-big-question-of-organizational-change/#sthash.XD3pDKUo.dpuf

“The most fun is always coming up with possibilities - See more at: http://www.nycmedialab.org/blog/2013/11/contemplating-the-big-big-question-of-organizational-change/#sthash.XD3pDKUo.dpuf

End of Year Check-In … 2013 is nearly over and were looking ahead of 2014!

Setting small goals and meeting them is one example. However, setting big goals also can be helpful.

Setting large goals for the year, for example, can help you to think about the big picture. And, once you meet those goals, it can be useful to think about all you have done so that you can develop motivation to move forward. The trick is to set reasonable goals and reasonable expectations for meeting them.

The end of the year is a great time to go back to your big goals and see all that you have accomplished during the year.  As I was looking over what I did for last month, I was a bit down because most of what I did was to continue to revise works in progress. It can be hard to see the progress I am making when all I have to say for November is that I revised a chapter and an article and they are still unfinished. To pull myself out of that slump, I decided to look at all I have done over the course of 2013. And, it turns out I have some major accomplishments to report.

 I find looking back over my accomplishments to be rewarding. It also gives me energy to move forward and keep up momentum for next year. “People are working a little longer at their primary career, and even in retirement they’re saying, ’I could have 20, 25, even 30 years in retirement,”’

ETI Travel and Tours - Travel & Leisure and Travel Agencies and Ticketing

ETI Travel and Tours - Travel & Leisure and Travel Agencies and Ticketing

25 Ways to Travel Cheap

People always ask how I have the money to travel as much as I do. Well here are a few secrets, my friends! Hopefully you can learn from a few of my mistakes and benefit from some of my tips!
1.     The obvious way: travel on budget airlines. When I traveled around Southeast Asia, Air Asia, Jetstar and Tiger were insanely cheap – and I’m talking $65 flights from Bali to Phuket. I couldn’t express how much the phrase “you get what you pay for” applies to these, however, but they [usually] got us where we needed to go.
2.     TRIPADVISOR. TRIPADVISOR. TRIPADVISOR. We booked every single hotel after first reviewing them on tripadvisor.com. This website is absolutely essential to get the best value. From splurging on a 5 star hotel in Bangkok (Oriental Residence - best hotel I’ve EVER stayed at) to an amazingly clean & ideally located $25 hotel in Phuket (Simpletel Hotel) – Tripadvisor NEVER let us down. We also always booked through Agoda.com to get discounts and acquire points, instead of going through the actual website.
3.     HAGGLE. This obviously can only be done in some countries but it’s possible to pay $25 instead of the advertised $75 to spend the day white water rafting in Bali with transportation, all equipment and lunch included. Just see the advertised price as a suggestion and you’ll probably end up paying half that amount, at most. Don’t be afraid to be ballsy, they love taking advantage of foreigners.
4.     Get a little bit of exercise - since it’s usually free and it’s good for you, duh. Go on hikes and check out the natural beauty in every country. Walk places instead of taking cabs/buses and absorb your surroundings. Go jogging on the beach. Swim in the ocean. (Evidence below that the best things in life are free.)

5.     Do a little bit of research. A lot of cities will have free festivals (Melbourne had at least one a month) or free museums (the Te Papa museum in Wellington, New Zealand is AMAZING. The colossal squid is out of control.) Research how far your hotel is from the airport & the best way to get there – a quick Google search can turn your $80 cab ride into a [slightly-longer] $4 bus ride. Research if tipping is the custom so you don’t unnecessarily tip your servers in Australia who are already making $25/$30 an hour.
6.     Use public transportation. I come from California where the public transport system is essentially non-existent in most cities so everyone has a car. AKA walking down dark, shady subways to catch a train with creepy crackheads shouting obscenities at innocent passer byers did NOT seem appealing. However, how can you argue with $56 a MONTH for unlimited use of the bus, tram & train in Australia (MyKi is essential)– as opposed to $60 a week spent on gas. Public transport may not be the most convenient or the easiest alternative, but it definitely will save you ridiculous amounts of money. Or just get a bicycle and you’re being even more eco-friendly, along with gaining multiple perks (I go  on about this in another post ;)).
7.     Don’t check luggage!! This is important for several reasons: First of all, you will save HUNDREDS of dollars. It’s anywhere from $25-$50 to check luggage so you can do the math if you’re catching a lot of flights. Learn what the essentials are so you also don’t need to drag around a ton of luggage when travelling.
8.     Pay attention to exchange rates. Try to get good rates on different currencies and get it before you go to that country. Call banks and see if they have the currency you need. If the rate is good, get enough for the entire time you’ll be there. This will also help you budget your money because you’ll only have an allocated amount you’re supposed to spend in each country. (Don’t exchange money at airports, the rates are usually terrible.)
9.     Get a Charles Schwab bank account or one that will also let you withdraw money on any ATM with no fees. Charles Schwab is an example and you can use any ATM in the world. That means no $5 fees every time you run out of money at a bar and need to withdraw a little bit of cash.
10.     Groupons/Scoopons, Living Socials, etc. Superb way to find hidden gems while getting awesome deals. These were especially helpful in Australia where there are hundreds upon hundreds of dining/drinking options that are also twice as expensive as in America. Sign up and get a couple emails a day to get a 3 course meal for $15, a scuba certification class for $150 or a 5 night stay in Fiji for $200. Need I say more?
11.     Pregame. I know what you’re thinking and NO – you are not too old to pregame. As much fun as it is to spend $18 on every single cocktail while out each night, try drinking a bit before so you only need to buy a few social drinks at the bar (I’ve perfected this strategy during my college day). Unless, of course, you’re in the Philippines where beer is sometimes 80 cents.
12.     Work while you’re abroad. I know, I know – who wants to work while you’re on vacation. My philosophy: you’re life can be a vacation if you work even just a little bit the entire time. If you want to be somewhere a little bit more long term, then get a side job at a bar, café or wherever your calling may be. You’ll make friends, meet the locals and really get a taste of the culture from different perspectives. And you’ll obviously be making some money to fund for the next adventure. It’s a win-win situation.
13.     Use Craigslist or Gumtree or whatever site where people can buy & sell essentially anything. I used it to buy a used bicycle and enjoyed dozens of amazing bike rides around Melbourne. Before moving away, I posted it back on Gumtree and sold it for the same amount I bought it for. BOOM.
14.     Eat the local food. More often than not, those slightly dodgy-looking hole-in-the-wall places will be the most delicious, authentic food you can get. And also the cheapest. We did make the mistake of eating dog in Thailand (which I would never ever EVER recommend) but it’s all part of the experience, right?
15.     Negotiate with cab drivers BEFORE getting in the car (if they refuse to use a meter, which is almost always around Southeast Asia). They can spot tourists a mile away and would LOVE to up their normal fee by 300%. See Tip #3.
16.     Blog-stalk. I love reading people’s blogs but one of the more practical benefits is that you can get a first hand take on other people’s experiences traveling where you’re about to go. I blog-stalked like crazy before leaving for Korea and thankfully brought a sufficient amount of deodorant as I was advised since it’s a rare find in this country.
17.     If you’re like me and over pack and then also buy way too many clothes abroad, you’ll have to figure out how to get all of your stuff back home. We debated sending a package back but this can be pricey (we’re talking $200 for a 30 pound package from Australia – US). Instead, we packed everything in a giant box and checked an additional bag at the airport. It was still $100 but at least we wouldn’t have to wait weeks for it to arrive. The fun part is lugging around 4 carry-ons and 5 checked items between the two of us.

18.     Suspend your cell phone for the duration of your trip (AT&T will allow you to do this at $10/month. Other services let you do it for free).
19.     Cancel your gym membership (Tip #4 will negate this loss).
20.     Sell your car (it’s amazing what no car insurance or car payments will do for your wallet).
21.     Work out your housing situation to where you don’t have to pay rent while you’re away (this is where family members come in handy – you might spend some time crashing on their couches) & finish leases or sublet your place.
22.     Pay off credit cards before you leave – if you’re spending money to go on a long-term vacay, you probably shouldn’t have debt, anyway! (Easier said than done, right?)
23.     Before, in between, and after traveling: sell/give away/throw away your belongings you don’t need. Traveling really makes you realize what’s important in life. So give away that half of your closet that you never wear (if you survived without them for a year, you probably don’t need them). Sell the furniture that you’ve kept in storage for months. Yes, you’ll need stuff when you get back but it’s amazing how much you can minimize if you really try.

SOME EXTRA [SUPER]-POOR MAN’S TIPS:

24.     Sleep at airports. Yes, I’m serious. Here’s my logic: if you have a flight early the next morning, what’s the point in paying for another night at a hotel you will barely spend any time in? PLUS – you don’t have to wake up early to get to the airport since you’ll already be there. Another win-win my friend. But please research and make sure the airports are open 24/7 because they WILL kick you out and force you to sleep on the beach, which isn’t as fun as it seems.
25.     If you exceed the weight limitation on your carry-on bags (which is a LOT easier than it seems, especially if you follow tip #7), wear the weight. Wear multiple layers and you can easily wear half the weight in your bag (this is actually pretty convenient if you’re sleeping on the beach & need to keep warm because Tip #24 didn’t work out so well). Or, you know, you could just pack light, but where’s the fun in that?

Now that you’ve saved literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars, you can loosen up the purse strings and splurge on the amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that would normally be out of your price range. Being frugal is always good, but even better when it allows you to spend $270 to go scuba diving in the great barrier reef or $600 to to go sky diving in New Zealand. BAM.