Win $100-2nd Annual I can't Come Up with a Blog Post Day

There are days I can't come up with a decent post for this blog, not only because I don't have something interesting things to share, it's because I don't have much time to make up my mind on what topics should I blog in here...so many things to share but I only have few minutes to spare for my blogging time...(i hear myself sighing...*sigh*...). Instead of fretting, why not join this one-of-a-kind contest that celebrates National I Can’t Come Up With A Blog Post Day and have the chance of winning $100?

Sounds weird? Check the contest by checking on the link provided. Hurry before it closed on July 4, 2011.

Photography: My family's new favorite hobby!

Weekends can be boring if household chores will only eat your time. The moment my father lend us his Sony A200 DSLR, we decided to explore and experience photography as a family activity on weekends. We have the perfect team- a photographer ( hubby's still learning how to use the DSLR), the stylist (it's not yet too late for me to learn how to style, pick wardrobe and accessories, do make-up and hair and direct poses, right?..he..he..) and models ( my sis Yvonne who is enjoying her new "career" and Hyzyd who loves to steal the moments with his unusual poses and facial expressions...soo adorable!) .

Photography has truly become a hobby that the whole family can enjoy. Here's the proof:

Location: adjacent to Hatyai City Train Station

it's me doing the make-up and hair:)

giving direction to the model..(char feeling...LOL!)

The shots of the day:

the model in "Summer is here" theme

the model in " Sweet but tough" theme

Hyzyd in "I own this moment" theme...LOL! 

Afterwards, we visited the Idea Market in Lee Graden's Plaza to buy some souvenirs for my pen friends and sisters.

Hyzyd's fave store: fridge magnets with vintage cars on it!

We plan to have our family portrait be drawn (while we sit down) and framed but knowing that Hyzyd can't stay in one place, we decided to have our printed family photo be drawn next time. Check out the prices and a proof that you could be drawn in less than 30 minutes. What an artist!

drawing the daughter first...

then the mom comes next...so cool!

The day won't be complete without putting something in our tummy so the Lee Graden's Plaza is the perfect place to scour for cheap Thai dishes.

Which hobby can involve every family member, regardless of age (almost) or ability? Photography! Yep, photography is one of the few family hobbies that the whole family can enjoy!

My share for:

Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions

I'm glad to be given this opportunity to review Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions. This book is a collection of questions-172 day-to-day questions that covers topics from parenting quandaries to financial challenges,from difficult relationships to God's grace, from church, heaven to hell! I could relate to most of the questions. I have thought about them on days when things weren't good as I think. As I read on the questions, I see in them a reflection of myself that I have to stop once in a while and think "Wait a minute, I ask God about this. This is the answer that  I've been looking for!" Wouldn't it be a relief to finally find answers to your questions? Wouldn't it be great to finally pass along to a friend helpful ideas that may serve as answers to their questions?

God keeps track of us in our troubles. Sometimes God's help comes to us through a teacher, through our parents, through friends or even through books written by inspired people of God like Max Lucado. I like the way Max answered the questions- simple, easy-to-grasp truths , humorous and biblical in a way that it doesn't sound judgmental to those who's still seeking the truth about God and not condemning for those people who are not yet in Christ. A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing. This is a great resource for those who wanted to be a professional writer .

Everyday, I read one question, savor the truth, share the blessings and enjoy the blessing of having one question in my life being answered one at a time. For now, let me ponder on this question:

Question #54 WHEN PRAYERS AREN’T ANSWERED AND CALAMITIES HAPPEN, IS GOD SITTING ON HIS HANDS? WHY DOES GOD SOMETIMES OPT FOR SILENCE EVEN WHEN I’M SCREAMING MY LOUDEST?

How did Max answer?

Your question proposes two responses from God in difficult times:

God can not.

God will not.

Can God do anything when faced with disasters and calamities? The book of Daniel states: “[God] does as he

pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him,

‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” (4:35 NLT). The Bible declares clearly that God can. As Paul wrote, “God . . . is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters” (1 Tim. 6:15 PHILLIPS).Jesus can too. “The Son is . . . sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Heb. 1:3).

God made it all. He holds the instruction manuals to everything. He knows how they work. God is unlimited in his power. He can respond, and you can trust his strength. Now, will God do anything when we need him to? Trickier question. I can’t answer that. I would be God. That answer must trust his love and wisdom. God rescues those he wishes to rescue. He heals those he wants to heal. “I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act” (Isa. 48:10–11 NASB).

He may respond, and you must trust his sovereignty. Sometimes silence from God may be the best response.

When you scream at God, do you really want him to scream back? Mountains shake before the Lord. When someone screams at me, I find the best response is silence. Peace begets peace. Anger stirs anger. Be glad God is silent at times like that.

Although God may not speak when we want him to, he is working, silently, behind the scenes, bringing the best possible solution to the situation. So always remember:

God can get it done, and God’s will will be done!

The only thing I wanted to really enjoy this book is to receive it in print form. Unfortunately, this was available only as e-book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Who's new in the house?

Nothing much happened to me this week. Same old but not boring routine if you ask me- 3:00 am waking time- school- endless household chores-family time. Have I told you about my 16-year-old sis, Yvonne? She came last June 9 to study here in Hatyai University. She's taking up AB International Business English. She applied for full scholarship and help us pray that it will be granted to her. With her in the family is a BIG help. I have someone to help me on household chores- preparing breakfast, doing laundry (we'll just have our laundry send to laundromat-the one near us is you'll pay 20 baht per load. Usually we'll have 3-4 loads per week. We'll just pick them up after 2 hours, ready to be hanged) and other errands. One more thing, I don't need to go to a saloon to have my nails done. I have my own manicurist/pedicurist at home! Yes, she's good on that. I'm so proud of my sister that she's doing great in school. Of all freshmen in the university's International Degree,she placed first during the university's placement test. Moreover, we got our own model to practice our new-found hobby-photography! Finally, I got a willing disciple on blogging! Tune in for the launching of her new blog one of these days.

Meet my sister, Yvonne Xyzelle

Sample of hubby's photography with the TRAIN LINE theme

Visit Hatyai's Idea Market

Learnt a new French word today...ordis or ordinateurs for computers.This is one of the beauties of blogging. You'll get to know foreign terms once in a while. Maybe I should learn more french words for fun...and because I think french words sound sexy...he..he...

While searching for latest photos we had, I remembered that I haven't yet blogged about our experience to Hatyai's Idea Market. It's a weekly market held in the 2nd floor  shopping of Lee Gardens Hotel. Most of the traders here comprises of teenagers and young adults. These young minds adds to the refreshing burst of creativity and difference in the products and craft sold here.

First stop was at sweet's displays discovered by Hyzyd. The vendor enjoys Hyzyd pointing and reading letters after letters. These are homemade chocolates and we bought three for Hyzyd with the letters F,O,X. I find it expensive because each is priced 12 baht ($0.39). It's tastes like Hershey chocolate! It melts in the mouth, not in your hands...same with M & M! I just popped letter F today while writing this to give you a detailed description of how it taste..he..he...

If you want some very artistic and colorful wooden jars, you can have one for 220 baht and exquisite and cultured photo frames for 250 baht. Put them in your living room and they'll not fail you to make an impression to your guests.

 How about a dainty designs for your personalized bag/purse tags? You can have one and one for your bestfriend/girlfriend/boyfriend to keep. It works like the couples necklace sets. Only it's a cheaper way to signify your love but I find it very unique, beautiful and meaningful. Perfect choice for couples and lovers.

These keyholders remind me of BioShock 2 Big Daddy plush dolls. Weird but awesome design!

Check out their art gallery. You could even let them paint your portrait for 400 baht!

Vintage cars for 2,000-3000+ baht..worth collecting!

Papier-mâché rocks!Reminds me of my elementary art subject. These cute papier-mâché animal figurines on table make your living room lively! 

Plush Mobile Phone Pendants

Ever want to have your personalized shoes with your name or favorite whimsical design? Try customizing your shoes for a very affordable price!

My choice!!!

I love the idea of owning one of these customized footwears. Just imagine having different from the "off the rack" styles! I never thought that custom sneakers could be this hot!

More photos on next post. I gotta prepare our breakfast first. We plan to go back this afternoon. This weekend sale is open from 11:00 am-9 PM. See you there!

My share for :

Your doormat has something to say abou t YOU!

After the big flood last November, we lost our doormats. I replaced them with cheaper ones but they don't last long. So expect me on weekend scoring the night market for cheap but durable doormats.

I never ever consider a doormat important to our house BEFORE. But now that we lost them, I realized how important doormats are to our house. When I got home from work and walked up to the door, I look down before opening the house. NO doormat was there to meet me. When I get inside a toilet, I glanced down before entering...no doormat to greet me nor something to absorb the wetness of my feet when I go out. I really felt something's missing and now I know ...doormats!

On visiting my friends houses, I adored their doormats-some were colorful with Disney characters , some with a "Welcome" sign and some with charming personalized doormat with "Bless this Home" written across. I could feel the warmth and joy of the family that stays in that home. A door mat might not be the window into a person’s soul, they do reveal a bit of one’s personality.

Methinks, why not look for a personalized doormat company here in the city or online for customized family name doormats like the one I found at PersonalCreations.com:

A mat with a beach scene and flip flops  ? Yes, I love it and it indicates that I wish I live near a sea..he..he...Isn't it cool?

Next time I stopped by at Night Market to buy doormat, I have to remember that doormats are not just scrap of carpets,they're revelation!

This is how our amazing human heart works

Science is one of my favorite subjects. In fact, I used to represent our school on my elementary days on various Science pop quizzes. I find it enjoyable to learn diversified facts about human bodies. To share what I learned (from books and facts I gleaned from the net), why not blog them here from time to time. Remember, knowledge is power (who quote this? Francis Bacon? hmmmm).

To start with let's learn some interesting new facts and information about how the amazing human heart works.

1. Every day, your heart beats about 100,000 times, sending 2,000 gallons of blood surging through your body.
2. Although it’s no bigger than your fist, your heart has the mighty job of keeping blood flowing through the 60,000 miles of blood vessels that feed your organs and tissues
3. a man’s heart weighs about 10 ounces, while a woman’s heart weighs approximately 8 ounces
4. When you laugh, the lining of your blood vessel walls relaxes and expands. So have a good giggle. Your heart will thank you.
5. Your heart is located in your chest and is well protected by your rib cage.
6. The study of the human heart and its various disorders is known as cardiology.
7. You’re more likely to have a heart attack on Monday morning than at any other time of the week.
8. You might have felt your own heart beating, this is known as the cardiac cycle. When your heart contracts it makes the chambers smaller and pushes blood into the blood vessels. After your heart relaxes again the chambers get bigger and are filled with blood coming back into the heart.
9. Electricity going through your heart makes the muscle cells contract.
10. You might have watched television shows or movies where a patient in a hospital is attached to an electrocardiogram machine or ecg machine. You might recognize it as the machine with a line moving across a screen that occasionally spikes (or remains flat when a patient is dying). This machine can measure the electricity going through a patient’s heart. A doctor can use the information to know when a patient is having heart rhythm problems or even a heart attack.
11. Heart attacks cause scar tissue to form amongst normal heart tissue, this can lead to further heart problems or even heart failure.
12. Heart disease is the biggest killer of both men and women. And both genders should heed this healthy advice: Don’t smoke, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, and watch for the obvious and the more subtle warning signs your heart could be in trouble.

Wai Khruu or Teacher's Day in Thailand

I couldn't remember celebrating Teacher's Day in my elementary and high school days. The only memory I had with this celebration was when I'm in 2nd year college. Our group presented a comical skit about a teacher's life and sang Yoyoy Villame's song that made caused an uproar! Each of us gave a single stem of rose to our fave instructors. I recalled that I didn't give flowers. It's not that I don't have a fave teacher. It's just that I couldn't afford to buy flowers. They're freakin' expensive for someone like me-a broke student...LOL! The other reason was I just arrived from a National Quiz Bee contest and I didn't know that it was Teacher's Day so I got an excuse...he..he...

Here in Thailand, it's not the case. Teacher's Day is already a part of the school's celebration scheduled every June and it usually falls on the 2nd Thursday (Thursday is an auspicious day for Buddhist) . This year it was last June 9. Every single student must bring bouquets of flowers or Jasmine bracelet for their teachers. They also have a short program where learners prostate at teachers' feet as a sign of respect. The first time I experienced this onstage , I felt really uncomfortable because this action signifies worship. I'm like a goddess being worshiped and it's severely uncommon to me! I'm glad that the following years, we're not obliged to participate anymore. It's enough for me to receive flowers knowing that children appreciates my effort.

I love flowers!

so sweet for these kids to give me flowers:)

the teachers and learners sitting on the ground during the ceremony

In my hubby's case, they're invited and required to sit with the teachers during the ceremony.Because their students are old enough (high school)to make their own floral arrangements-each class is required to use traditional Thai flowers and plants, banana leaves and incense in the larger arrangements. They even had a contest on who got the best flower arrangement!

Hubby's holding the flower arrangement like he's Nadal winning the Roland Garros title:)

the students displayed their fabulous entries for the BEST Flower Arrangement of the year

Imagine these thousands of students offering flowers to their teachers...I bet a mountain of flowers will be formed after the ceremony!

 These are just few of the many entries of the flower arrangement:

If you noticed, the flower arrangements has common elements: flowers, incense and candles. Each of the elements in the Wai Kruu ceremony has a symbolic meaning.

• Incense. The number of incense sticks vary according to the level of the spirit teacher that they wish to contact. Theoretically offering incense for Buddhist means that they're asking to the spirit entity to help them keep good morals.

• Candles. The meaning of offering candles is associated with having light through darkness, in other words asking for having wisdom in life.When they offer yellow candles, they are asking for wisdom in Buddha's teaching.White candles represent pure straight Buddhist practice.

• Flowers. Offering Flowers in Buddhism is a very common and meaningful action. According to them,  The action opens the heart chakra (like in Naruto?) and teach them about giving without expecting anything back. Flowers look beautiful but a few days later they become dry and the beauty is gone. Offering flowers is a way to remember  that humans are impermanent . They believe that giving flowers often make us not to be attached into material things such as money.

My entry for: