Dear Readers, Friends and Visitors

I would like you guys to know that I will be gone for 3 weeks for vacation in the Philippines. I wouldn't be able to visit and write anything on my blog. Yet, all you dear readers, friends and visitors are still welcome to leave any message on my Shoutbox or Cbox. I will check it out after I come back from my trip. I would like to thank you for frequently visiting my small blog The Concept. I pray all of you have a great day. I will miss my blog. hehehe But I will be back on March. So watch out! haha

Alive

I was listening to the song "Alive" by POD today. I just really like that song. I decided to post the video of the song here to share it with my readers and friends. Thanks to You Tube. I was glad that there is something like this on the net where we can access videos that we liked. By the way, POD stands for "Payable On Death" entails the death of Jesus Christ. It is a christian band. They from San Diego (the place where I live). I have been longing to see their live concert sometimes. Here is one of their songs that I like a lot.

My other blog site

I just made a new blog site. It is called Viewpoint. It is synonymous to this blog "The Concept". It is the place where I can express my thoughts and feelings about anything. I am inviting my readers here to visit my other blog site. I hope you will learn and enjoy from my posts. Yet, I am not really sure with my layout or template that I am using there. My template is best displayed with Firefox. I might eventually change my template to best fit both in Firefox and Internet Explorer. To visit my other blog, just click on the highlighted word. Thanks.

Valentine's Day

Traditionally, every Feb. 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day. We express our love and appreciation to our loved ones by giving candies, flowers and gifts. Many people have forgotten what this day is all about. They thought it is merely for lovers, couples, loved ones, crushes, friends, for romance etc. But today is St. Valentine’s Day. It is covered with mystery. Who is St. Valentine? Valentine was a priest who served for the period of the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II determined that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. He had forbidden young men to get married who were potentially to be good soldiers. St. Valentine realized the discrimination and unfairness of the decree. He challenged Claudius and sustained to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's dealings were revealed. Claudius ordered that Valentine be put to death. During the days that Valentine was in jailed, he fell in love with the blind daughter of his warden. He miraculously heal her from her blindness because of his love for her and great faith to God. Before his death, he sent her a letter saying, "From your Valentine." The phrase has been used on his day ever since.

There are many legends and stories about Valentine’s Day. But the most important is we remember St. Valentine, and we expressed our love and appreciation to our loved ones. It doesn’t need to be fancy. We don’t have to buy expensive flowers, gifts, and having a costly dinner, and after that we get broke. That’s not love but instead that’s showing off. Let’s enjoy this day with our loved ones. Happy Valentines to everyone!!

Wednesday

I was so glad that I got off work early yesterday. My two co-workers wanted to trade my shift with them. But I refused because I had a list of things to do. I was able to do my chores yesterday and I was relieved. The house is pretty organized. Then last night my husband and I went to the church for the choir practice. I learned about how to use the sound control. My husband and me are very committed to this church. Even though, we don’t get any pay compare to other church like bigger ones. This is just a small church and even the pastor doesn’t get any pay. I really admire the couple (the pastor and the wife). They live within their means and save up money to build this church to spread Christianity. I really want to build a ministry someday by God’s grace. Isn't it amazing how they invested their money and time to God?

Friends Forever

I would like to thank Gerelyn for this very nice awards. I really treasure our friendship. I feel blest to have such a wonderful friend like you. Then I am passing this awards to my friends Belle, Cora, Joy, and Angel. I am so glad to have friends like them.

Q & A

I got this tag from Joy. Thanks so much. I enjoyed answering it. Likewise, I got to know you a bit. hehe. I would like to pass this to Ghe, Belle, Cora, and Angel.

1. Are you in a complicated love situation? No. I am happily married.
   
2. Do you hate more than 3 people? I don't really hate people. I might not like any person who is jerk and mean. But to hate is not my cup of tea.
   
3. The last thing you drank? I guess, it means the last time I got drank. Well, that was four years ago. I don't drink any wine nor liquor anymore.
   
4. Favorite chocolate bar? Cadbury, see's and toblerone
   
5. How many pairs of shoes do you own? I am not really a shoe person so I don't have many pairs of shoes. It is hard for me to pick shoes since I have wide feet.
   
6. Favorite genre of music? Classic rock, Christian songs, Bossa Nova, love songs, songs from the 70's to early 90's and standard songs
   
7. Do you like beer? I used to like it but now I don't drink at all.
   
8. What are your favorite color(s)? white
   
9. Is anyone in love with you? Of, course, My dear husband
   
10. How many video games do you own? I am not into it.
    
11. Does look matters? Well, it doesn't really matter. The most important is the character.
    
12. Are you too forgiving? yes, I am forgiving. I have a soft heart.
    
13. Do you own a gun? No, I don't own a gun. But I would like to own one someday.
    
14. What did you do last night? It is too personal. hehe
    
15. Nicknames? Vien, Vivi, Viv, my family in P.I calls me Neneng
    
16. Are you thinking about somebody right now? No. not at all!
    
17. Are you happy with your life right now? yes, excellent!
    
18. Do you like your hair? Well, I have a natural curly hair, I just play with it.
    
19. Does anyone like you? Well, yes, of course.
    
20. Last thing you read? I read the book of Joel Osteen.
    
21. Are you afraid of the dark? I am kinda afraid.
    
22. Have you ever stripped? Yes
23. Can you cook? Yes, I love cooking.
    
24. Money or Love? both
25. Do you enjoy scary movies? I don't like scary movies. I can't stand some horror movies.
    
26. Married Or Live In? Yes, I am married.
    
27. When was the last time you said “i love you”? I say it every time.
    

sexiest body award

I would like to thank Belle for this award. I am so flattered that you considered me sexy haha. By the way, I would like to give this award to Cora, Joy, and Ghe. You deserve it, girls.

jackfruit

I have been craving for fresh jackfruit lately. Since I left P.I, I didn’t have fresh Nangka as we called it in Bisaya. I am really looking forward to eating jackfruit on my vacation in P.I next week. By the way, what is jackfruit? I guess some of the readers don’t know what I am talking about. Jackfruit is a huge, spined oval fruit (as shown on the left) with a very strong smell and taste when it is ripe. Its scientific name is Artocarpus heterophyllus. In P.I we include jackfruit as one of the ingredients in binignit, halo-halo, toron, and cooked its seeds. It is very delicious. I can’t wait to have jackfruit again. There are many things you can do with jackfruit. Nowadays, you can find Nangka/Langka in sherbet, ice cream, and even in cans. I heard about tamales jackfruit in India and Sri Lanka. I wonder what the taste is. I have tried Mexican tamales. But I am kinda curious about this tamales jackfruit. Who knows someday I’d have the opportunity to try it. haha
Note: photo shown above is grabbed from the net.

It's Sunday!

It's Sunday, the Lord's day. I am really stuffed right now. I just had light ice cream. I wish I didn't eat a lot because for 1/2 cup is 120 calories. And I had more than a cup of ice cream (sigh!). Well, I am not really a calorie conscious person. But today, I just thought about eating too much ice cream was not really good to me. I don't even feel like doing anything except typing this post (haha).

I was very happy at the church today. We have a goal to invite at least 200 people or churchgoers to our church before Easter Day. My family and I go this small church in our community regularly. My husband is assigned as a drummer and he does the acoustic guitar sometimes too. I do the media and stuff like that. I was very happy to see new people went to our Baptist Church. At first, I was really nervous seeing those new people because I wanted to do my job well in regards to the recording of the whole activity today and most importantly the lyrics for the songs. I wanted to see to it that I would be able transmit the lyrics to the main screen so attendees could sing too. I did my best not for only for the people but for God. So I calmed down. There was a minor imperfection. But it is part of life. We always learn from our imperfections. Well, I am feeling better now. That’s all for now!

Hello My Friend

I would like to thank Cora and Cora for this wonderful tag. It means to me. I just posted this tag today because I did not have enough time lately.


I would like this tag to my friends Mabelle, Gerelyn and Angel. Enjoy!

TGIF

Thank God It's Friday as people would say. Well, I am very glad it's Friday. I don't have to work on the weekend. It is so nice to think about it. I hope today is gonna be fine at work. I must admit I get grumpy at work sometimes but that's how it is (sometimes haha). Tomorrow, me and my husband are going to finish organizing our filing cabinet. And then I am going to finalize the things that I am going to bring to the Philippines. I am kinda excited about the trip but I will get more when I am on the plane. I gotta get ready to work now. Bye.

big favor

I was pretty exhausted when I got home from work a while ago. I was supposed to get off work at 1pm but my boss needed my help. So I stayed for another 3 hours. I was a bit frustrated because I was really looking forward to go home and clean our bathroom. Huh! That was not really challenging and surprising. But things didn't turn out the way I wanted to happen. Actually, it was really up to me if I want to stay or not but since my boss was very nice of giving me a big favor to take a 2-week off and one-week vacation. I thought about giving her a favor too. I was so grateful about it. I did not expect that the management would give me a total of 3-week off this coming weeks in which I am going to be out of the country. I am going to visit my parents and my folks in the Philippines.

But I expected God would help me. He really did. I believed God has mysteriously worked on this matter. He knows my desires and motives. If I was not given weeks off, I could have tendered my resignation by now. I was glad that it didn’t happen. Though, I wanted to look for another job. I am quite tired of having different schedules every week. I believed there is a good purpose behind this. I will just hold on to this situation and live with expectancy with God. The more we expect from God, the more we receive blessings.

San Diego

San Diego, California is one of the best vacation destinations or places in the world. It is known for its beautiful beaches and temperate climate. I live in San Diego and I love being part of this community. There are many things you can do here in San Diego. There are many attractions and theme parks such as SeaWorld, The San Diego Zoo, The Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, Lego Land and many others. And there are many activities you can do here when you stay or live in San Diego beach house. You will experience the calmness of the wind and see the view of the sun. You can do surfing, water skiing, kayak or tanning. You will enjoy in Mission Beach, Ocean beach and Pacific Beach and savor the food in different restaurants from fast food to fancy dining. If you are into nightlife, you will never feel bored because there are many different bars.

You might want to invest on San Diego real estate that is located right on the beach, bay front or beachfront. I would say putting your money in this kind of property is one of the best choices you will ever make because of its unique site and its value. Likewise, it is more relaxing when you live on the beachfront.

You can spend and stay several days at San Diego weekly rentals. They are superb in accommodations and more enjoyable than staying in a hotel rooms or resorts. It features more rooms, space, kitchen, patio and other amenities. That means it is more convenient, you can bring your whole family, friends, or business groups. Last year, I went to Pacific Beach for some purposes. I went to one of the vacation rentals there. It was not for vacation but I was really amazed because it was one of the best vacation rentals I have ever seen. The place was huge and spacious. The kitchen was big and equipped with facilities. That means it is more reasonable to stay in a vacation rental considering you can bring food and cook, you will have further privacy and more facilities. You will have a unique experience in San Diego.

The Picture of the day

Beach at sundown. This picture was taken last September, 2007 in Imperial Beach.

Change Management

It is important to have our business succeed. The one of the key elements of a successful business is the solid foundation. Without it, business would collapse. It would be hard to keep it going. That's why Liebowitz & Associates is here to help you have a solid foundation and spots the defects in your business and organization. They are going to facilitate you if there is a need of change management in your organization. They will reorganize and help you create the right team development to have a better management in which it will lead to organizational design. This points the employees or the people in the company to work together to accomplish common goals and to best serve the consumers and clients. Leibowitz & Associates will guide you in Performance Management to ensure that the workers effectively and efficiently meet the goals in a regular manner. They will provide you with helpful and effective strategies in maintaining the solid ground of your business. For more information, visit the site now. Or you may click on the links. I really admire their services and someday if I have a business going, I would definitely consult them. They are skilled and expert about business.

Flood by Jars Of Clay

This is one of my favorite Christian songs. I really love this song called Flood by Jars of Clay.The band's name is derived from the New International Version's translation of 2 Corinthians 4:7:
“ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us"

Flood


Rain, rain on my face
It hasn't stopped raining for days
My world is a flood
Slowly I become one with the mud

[Chorus:]

But if I can't swim after forty days
and my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

Downpour on my soul
Splashing in the ocean, I'm losing control
Dark sky all around
I can't feel my feet touching the ground

[Chorus]

Calm the storms that drench my eyes
Dry the streams still flowing
Cast down all the waves of sin
And guilt that overthrow me

[Chorus]

Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

Groundhog day!

Groundhog day is a holiday celebrated in the U.S every February 2nd in Philadelphia. The legend says if a groundhog sees its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. The Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today (Saturday) and showing to forecast six more weeks of winter. The belief is that if no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early. It reminds me of the movie "Groundhog Day" by Bill Murray. In fact, me and my husband saw it again yesterday in our dvd. The tradition had basically been a German superstition. Now, people enjoy and celebrate this event. In my own opinion, I don't really believe this superstition. I am sure the rodent sees his shadow because of the lights shining over the scene. But we will see what's gonna happen. I can't wait for Spring time!

tiny camera inside a mouse's brain

A tiny camera was implanted inside a mouse's brain for test. Japanese researchers and scientist in Tokyo experimented it to see how memory is formed. They are anticipating to apply this to human to treat illnesses and disorders. They used roughly 0.1 inch wide (3 by 2.3 by 2.4 millimeters) special semiconductor camera inside the hippocampus of the mouse’s brain. By the way, hippocampus is part of the forebrain and plays an essential role in the formation of long term memory.The device shows blue light whenever the camera captures memory being recorded by the brain. They are planning about applying this to humans someday but it would probably take them 10 years. They are hoping that this research will show the way to treat Parkinson’s disease as they seek to have this camera trace the brain activities that cause tremors. Isn’t it interesting? To me, this research will definitely take several years. I hope they could find good results from this experiment. There are many people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. This might be a good starting point.