tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27859711723476843182024-03-13T06:16:11.501-07:00G-OGRAPHY: a southeast asian lady travels...a blog about travel, technology, food and life.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-85101086868535724172011-02-19T10:38:00.000-08:002011-02-19T12:32:06.649-08:00I'M MOVINGNot to another place. <b><a href="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/">I'm moving to another blog site: www.pinayonthemove.com </a></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxU_0gbW7boNtJu-ZDqqd6OhGJYyYe61zJTlzkX_g5t5hoFrwhfaWfOTdeI5M2EIzVT6m0Mr5QWd2bQjcJEPtiIJZnZ07k3vJBQyZKpfaMntbpvaZ4VRsdbalzsgKLs_zBSzGX575Time/s400/5458018356_f3990262fa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I know I just scored this really <a href="http://www.bloggerthemes.net/">great blogger theme</a> and I'm already off to another space. <b>Why?</b> Mainly because of 2 things:<br />
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1. I was having problems getting the www.g-ography.com domain name. Even www.gography.com was already taken. I should have planned this a long time ago when I started this blog- but hey, it's a learning process.<br />
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2. I felt that G-ography was harder to remember and I predict that the hyphen will cause issues down the road. Moreover, upon reflection <a href="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/"><b>Pinay on the move</b></a> is a better title for my blog. It's more definitive.<br />
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So please don't forget to set your bookmarks and change your feeds to my new website: <a href="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/">www.pinayonthemove.com</a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-52634574046574953212011-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:002011-02-16T22:01:07.929-08:00Tech Off Takes Off with a Travel Gear Poll: FUD<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5440268670/" title="tech_off by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="tech_off" height="147" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5440268670_df62c3a3c8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A couple of days ago, I was surfing on the web for workout underwear (I know their seo/sem folks sure picked a brilliant keyword) when this photo came up on my search:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Girl-Female-Urination-Lavender/dp/B003BEDUS6?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969%22%20target=%22_blank%22"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/gogirl/38438/images/38438-hi-GoGirl1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Girl-Female-Urination-Lavender/dp/B003BEDUS6?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"></a><b>It's an FUD</b>- <i>female urination device</i>! It's made of flexible medical grade silicone which you can throw away after use or clean then reuse. It also has a patented "splash guard" design which prevents mess and spills. <a href="http://www.go-girl.com/what-is-gogirl.asp">You can discreetly read more about it at GoGirl's website</a>.</div><br />
I have to say, I didn't know what to make of this device when I first saw it. Then it got me thinking back to all those times when I was on the road and I needed quick relief but a) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/4602468658/in/set-72157624048812124/">I was in the middle of nowhere</a> OR b) the public restroom was just horribly disgusting. <br />
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Can you keep a secret?</b> I actually went on Amazon.com and added this to my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/1H9B8CB5CD49F/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go">RTW wishlist</a> (FYI, I'm still working on this folks). I'll worry about the mechanics of using and cleaning this device later. I think it's nifty and practical. If you travel or go outdoors a lot this FUD can come in really handy. Plus look, it comes in lavender!<br />
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That being said, I'm curious: How many of you ladies would buy and use this (and is it true that European women have been using FUDs for a long time now?)? <b>Please do me a favor and take the poll below.</b> I really want to know and put this question to rest before my brain explodes. Don't let me find out that I am the only weird girl that actually thinks this could be cool. Note: I am no way endorsing or marketing this device =)<br />
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<noscript><a href="http://www.blogpolls.com/poll/72317.html">Blog Polls</a></noscript><!-- /BlogPolls --></center>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-15655311463852157212011-02-15T19:33:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:01:45.226-08:00Travel Therapy: Ultimate Destinations for Yoga and Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4aPzl0Y4oqUKNmodesR3kTeYOvNmne7M56_sJTL1kD6DYf0WUWrEsu0RPHQ8KnVmeF7QE7n81RMEGpGjrMBxqdNPPSngHYKsaZ2b50_4va1Xm4i-P8J2DTj50WW6upCcnY1jiUQAgqsi/s1600/travel_therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4aPzl0Y4oqUKNmodesR3kTeYOvNmne7M56_sJTL1kD6DYf0WUWrEsu0RPHQ8KnVmeF7QE7n81RMEGpGjrMBxqdNPPSngHYKsaZ2b50_4va1Xm4i-P8J2DTj50WW6upCcnY1jiUQAgqsi/s320/travel_therapy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i>I'm kicking off Travel Therapy with a post Happy Hearts day special on my ultimate destinations for yoga and meditation. Chocolates and flowers are sweet and pretty during Valentine's day. But for the day after and the following days to come yoga and meditation is the key to a happy heart.</i><br />
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<b>1. Rishikesh, India</b><br />
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Known as the world capital of yoga, this town is located close to the Himalayas and is next to the <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/225359/Ganges-River">Ganges river</a>. [Cool to know: George Harrison had his ashes scattered along this river.] What is important to note is that the Ganges carries an immense cultural and religious meaning for Hindus. For them this body of water is a symbol of life and purity.<br />
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Of course, one of the most popular thing to do in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=rishikesh&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&hl=en&biw=1408&bih=619&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il">Rishikesh</a> is to check in to an ashram where you can study yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy. I discovered the photos below when I was searching for ashrams in India on Flickr (I use Flickr for inspiration on travel destinations). These are real yoginis captured in a very solemn moment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlJa_QA8M89vtpLv3KTlW9zIY3Uj_OzehPfBKok7NMnFQo9EQKdVLg14TIWaxnbde__cIQkbFtbtM5eW5z7506ghRoXJzBND1WqdRXP_meaUOUYINHhuneJT6KKWy0PBdwF5tR-upRvBc/s1600/meditate_rishikesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlJa_QA8M89vtpLv3KTlW9zIY3Uj_OzehPfBKok7NMnFQo9EQKdVLg14TIWaxnbde__cIQkbFtbtM5eW5z7506ghRoXJzBND1WqdRXP_meaUOUYINHhuneJT6KKWy0PBdwF5tR-upRvBc/s200/meditate_rishikesh.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW7vQVTqUYhu9zp5o8WOIZuSJbcbIIbiZ3id3Dqmx6nDm-IkO4Kt2l5b-yZvjXUzj73QhuDX3yb66J5ZUVOdASQf5PGU2cD5p3QxSYTVc5rGQ8Nly1ZjOl5z5I-m_hnt4gx-qEDJNrtv1/s1600/yoga_rishikesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW7vQVTqUYhu9zp5o8WOIZuSJbcbIIbiZ3id3Dqmx6nDm-IkO4Kt2l5b-yZvjXUzj73QhuDX3yb66J5ZUVOdASQf5PGU2cD5p3QxSYTVc5rGQ8Nly1ZjOl5z5I-m_hnt4gx-qEDJNrtv1/s200/yoga_rishikesh.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/freestyler/"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/freestyler/">Freestyler</a></div> <br />
If you don't know what an ashram is (chill it's not some cult compound) it is basically a hermitage where you go to find tranquility or get some form of instruction. Now, it is not some sort of spa. There are some things you have to know and take into consideration before booking that flight to Rishikesh. <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1214">Yogajournal.com </a>summarizes this best with the following:<br />
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<i>If you're considering an ashram stay, it's worth noting that ashrams tend to have a distinctive rhythm and protocol. For one thing, while some have stricter rules than others, most still have mandatory daily schedules, often requiring you to rise before dawn. If you are fairly new to yoga, a day consisting of four compulsory yoga and meditation sessions could be overwhelming. Also, visitors are often asked to practice karma yoga (selfless service) by contributing to the upkeep of the facility—in the form of kitchen duties, gardening, cleaning, and other chores. In short, you should be comfortable with communal living to fully enjoy and benefit from the ashram experience. <br />
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A few tips: Most ashrams serve only vegetarian or vegan food; alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are not permitted. Don't try sneaking in a bottle of Chianti—you'll be asked to leave if the contraband is discovered. Guests typically stay in dormitories with shared bathrooms. Modest dress is usually required at all times; shorts, short skirts, leggings, and sleeveless or sheer tops are not appropriate ashram attire. Instead, pack loose pants and a short-sleeved shirt for your practice.</i><br />
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However, if you are a yoga enthusiast such as myself then staying in an ashram is something you have been dreaming of doing. For ashram recommendations, I would like to start with my personal choice <a href="http://www.parmarth.com/home.html">Parmarth Niketan</a> (it's in my bucket list). They offer offer 6 different programs on Yoga which ranges from general classes up to a 4 week intensive instruction that requires at least one year of practice before attending. The Parmarth also offers simple residential facilities to students, pilgrims and devotees. Oh and you get to wake up next to this view:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emiliogomez/5064703653/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="rishikesh - parmarth niketan - shiva by Emilio Gómez, on Flickr"><img alt="rishikesh - parmarth niketan - shiva" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5064703653_5be2bbdc96.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To find the right Ashram for you, here are some resources at your disposal:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Finding-an-Ashram-in-India">Finding an Ashram in India</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.yoga-magazine.net/Rishikesh.htm">A Partial List of Ashrams in Rishikesh </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/ashrams/index.html">Other Ashrams outside of Rishikesh</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was looking at the list, I noticed that some Ashrams were pretty pricey (I think it is because they are part of the Yoga Alliance which allows them to issue teacher certifications valid in the US). I was reading on some of the forums that the smart thing to do is to go canvas around the town until you find one that fits your budget and your purpose. Of course, this only works if you have a lot of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. Kathmandu, Nepal</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a Buddhist town which lie in the Kathmandu valley you can find the <a href="http://www.kopan-monastery.com/about.html">Kopan Monastery</a>. They offer a one month <span style="color: black;">meditation course at their international center for study and meditation. They also offer other courses which focus on Buddhism (if you are into this). For $420 dollars, you can enroll in their annual meditation course which happens every November. </span>The fee includes dormitory accommodation, all meals, course material and a course administration fee, which covers travel for teachers, course preparation and material, and administration expenses. <a href="http://www.kopanmonastery.com/program_november.html#7">You can read more about Kopan Monastery's program here. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/5282282199/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="La nostra aula.. Kopan Monastery, Nepal by Mopop, on Flickr"><img alt="La nostra aula.. Kopan Monastery, Nepal" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5282282199_af3b4f23ac.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/5286682205/" title="Quiet moments at Kopan monastery by Mopop, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/5286677759/" title="Kopan monastery by Mopop, on Flickr"><img alt="Kopan monastery" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5286677759_c16aee9b3d.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/">Mo-pop</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Warning: this is not for the faint of heart. It's not the usual retreat that you are used to where you have all the amenities that you need. I hear that the regime is rigorous and the conditions can sometimes be harsh (cold). Remember, it is a monastery so they have rules which can be very austere especially if you are used to independent hedonistc city living. The bright side is you get to experience a simple and quiet life free of distractions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5286682277_865c4a76bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Full moon from Kopan monastery" border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5286682277_865c4a76bc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/">Mo-pop</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you think that the month long course is not for you there are shorter courses available at other monasteries. <a href="http://www.visitnepal.com/spiritual/nepalspiritual_pursuits.php">VisitNepal.com has a section called spiritual pursuits</a> which you can check out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<b>3. Paro Valley, Bhutan</b><br />
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I think these two pictures alone should give you an idea why this is on my list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000AlwqGX7Vnac/s" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000AlwqGX7Vnac/s" width="213" /></a><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3672687721_7c39a1bcf0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3672687721_7c39a1bcf0.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://gavingough.photoshelter.com/image/I0000AlwqGX7Vnac">Gavin Gough</a> Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sexyferret/">Christo</a></div><br />
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Both were taken at the Taktsang Palphug Monastery or better known as The Tiger's Nest. It is a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex located on a cliff side near a cave (No this is not where they filmed Batman Begins). Apparently, this cave is open for public viewing only once a year. You will also require a special permit and a guide to travel to this place. Then after you acquire these you will need to hike on foot or ride on a mule to get up to the monastery (is it just me or is this sounding more like a quest?). The way I think about it the awesome view on top is worth a few hours of pain.<br />
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<b>4. Tibet</b><br />
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Last but not the least is the mystical and mysterious place in the Himalayas- Tibet. I did not write down a specific place because there are a lot of temples and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gompa">gompas</a> that you can go to. I think this would be a great choice for the "self-guided traveler" who does not want to be confined in a facility or receive formal instruction (note: <a href="http://gochina.about.com/od/tibet/qt/TibetTravelPermit.htm">individual travel is not allowed in Tibet</a> so trips here have to be arranged through agencies). Sometimes the journey alone provides us with enough inner peace and tranquility. You can use the open roads and breath taking views as tools for deep reflection.<br />
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If you want to find a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tibetan_monasteries">list of Tibetan Monasteries Wikipedia has one. </a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jup3nep/2270325905/" title="Tibetan sacred place - Potala by Katarina 2353, on Flickr"><img alt="Tibetan sacred place - Potala" height="275" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2270325905_75a881ba41.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Potala Temple, Tibet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jup3nep/">Katarina</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-2145690265-hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-2145690265-hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Chiyu Gompa and Mt. Kailash, Gang Rinpoche Tibet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15470975@N03">reurinkjan</a> (please check out his Tibet sets- it is very surreal)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">There you are. I hope you enjoyed the out of this world landscapes captured on photo. Are there lesser known places for yoga and meditation? Don't keep it a secret- share =) </div><h1 class="photo-title" id="title_div3138679899"><br />
</h1>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-51727320608966856652011-02-13T16:58:00.000-08:002011-02-16T21:10:51.339-08:00G-ography's New Geography<b>BREAKING NEWS!</b><br />
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G-ography has a new geography. As cliches go: new year, new look. I admit I have not devoted the time and the passion that this blog deserves. But as I go into this new year with very clear goals you are going to see a lot of exciting changes. These changes are part of the original vision I had for G-ography and I am making it happen!<br />
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<b>Exciting Change #1:</b> <b>LAY-OUT </b>(imagine my hands moving around this blog Vanna White style) Notice that I chose a blogger theme that is more travel oriented. It's still a work in progress and I will continue to play around with the lay out. I am also in the process of figuring out how to add an About page on this blog. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this and what to write in it?<br />
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<b>Exciting Change # 2:</b> <b>CONTENT </b>This is a big one. One of the challenges I face as a blogger is delivering a focused content. I am a person with eclectic interests so a misconception that I had to dispel was that focusing meant sacrificing self-expression. So not true. I now realize that I can still express my eclectic ideas without being all over the place. <br />
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So I brainstormed and came up with a solution that will allow me to have focus yet still be my eclectic self. This effective solution is called creating sections. Yes, moving forward I am launching fun little sections inspired by my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1698833761">NNP</a><a href="http://gography.blogspot.com/search?q=NNP&x=0&y=0">: Next New Project </a>one. This will also be an easy way for all of you to hone in on subjects that interest you the most (my posts will be labeled and tagged appropriately). I have a brief description of each section below so please read on! (P.S. Feel free to give me some feedback on the graphics and the titles. I'm all for making things better.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5440126682/" title="Travel Therapy by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel Therapy" height="212" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/5440126682_446502224a.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Travel Therapy: </i>The perfect cure to cubicle blues. This section will feature drool worthy travel destinations and bring you news on interesting things happening in the world of travel. I'll also be documenting any on the road travel that will guarantee to leave you on the edge of your seats (or at least in the vicinity of the edge of your seats).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5439873391/" title="vantage point 3 by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="vantage point 3" height="212" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/5439873391_00a403dbb2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i>Vantage Point:</i> It's all about being a nostalgic nomad. This section will haunt you with images and stories from my past trips. Part of being a traveler is being a storyteller and our stories seek to bring new perspective. This is the value that a vantage point offers.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5439723847/" title="F.O.B. Report by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="F.O.B. Report" height="212" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5439723847_7ab8321615.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresh_off_the_boat">F.O.B.</a></i> Assimilation is the name of the game. As a foreigner abroad, it is important for me adapt to my host nation's culture. It is also very important for me to maintain my own identity as a Filipino. It may sound easy but it is a constant learning experience. This section will feature observations and commentaries on being a Filipina traveling, living and working outside of the Philippines.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5440268670/" title="tech_off by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="tech_off" height="212" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5440268670_df62c3a3c8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i>Tech Off</i>: Because the geek in me has to be unleashed from time to time. This sections will basically feature any cool technology aside from travel gear. It could be a new apps, mobile device, computer hardware, console game, photo equipment or a social media site. Definitely blogger's choice =p</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5445407011/" title="tsibog by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="tsibog" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5445407011_39aa9b76e0.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tsibog</i>: Because food makes the world go round. I'm a foodie and a burgeoning cook so this section is a no-brainer.Watch out for recipes, photos and good eats! </div><br />
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<b>Exciting Change # 3:</b> <b>INTERACTION</b> Throughout the years I have mainly blogged for my family and friends. This time around I want to be active within the blog community. I genuinely would love to connect with people who have the same interests and passions. Travelers of the world unite! If you have any suggestions on groups or resources-online and offline- I would love to read it! Drop me a line or two at <a href="mailto:gographyblog@gmail.com">gographyblog@gmail.com</a><br />
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TADA!!!! That's it. My trifecta of exciting changes ready for roll-out beginning 02/14/11!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-8391732750480747672011-02-12T20:22:00.000-08:002011-02-12T20:24:25.166-08:00Next New Project (NNP): Watercolor Painting Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/3523982009/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Next New Project by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="Next New Project" height="190" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3523982009_182993f87f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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You may remember my last NNP post about <a href="http://gography.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-next-new-projects-nnp-time.html">watercolor painting with local artist John Yato </a>I had my second session last Saturday and I am well on my way to creating my first proper piece of art. It's a beach scene of <a href="http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbs=isch:1&&sa=X&ei=rVdXTZyRF5LCsAPrpK2jBQ&ved=0CDMQvwUoAQ&q=Point+loma&spell=1&biw=1403&bih=649">Point Loma </a>in San Diego. You can take a peek at the photo of my work station below. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xrvSHn2S6T5HC-RXKARo699q8Q6I-1xnhh40bDRH3YIcgKoC_gCnpsOaA4PgZ97GQLhuRqBid7saSBWDzU7rCLXfMuku-eUarRY5WvjGfv4rHd3JavBC7-fajVDYK5Bgk2rC_aoFb031/s1600/IMG_3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xrvSHn2S6T5HC-RXKARo699q8Q6I-1xnhh40bDRH3YIcgKoC_gCnpsOaA4PgZ97GQLhuRqBid7saSBWDzU7rCLXfMuku-eUarRY5WvjGfv4rHd3JavBC7-fajVDYK5Bgk2rC_aoFb031/s320/IMG_3443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's still a work in progress. I can't wait until I get to choose my own scene to paint. I'll be posting more photos and updates of my progress. If you want to take a stab at watercolor painting here are a few resources you can check out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.watercolorpainting.com/">Free Watercolor Painting Free Lessons & Tutorials</a><br />
<a href="http://painting.about.com/od/watercolourpainting/Watercolor_Painting.htm">Watercolor Painting Techniques </a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Absolute-Beginner-ebook/dp/B004J35JKU?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004J35JKU" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRnc2olKaZiAI9cV_KV0cN91omMSeVr9WCg8fMn_4NCGnyBAxhjahoRF3eoEFuDtU29gvUCeTR9rAwoyiL7K9KWq-jqlbm6S7UKkz5sAA0sfwKThMfT1n9STN8FWDfzNNts-J0mBMDzhk/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRnc2olKaZiAI9cV_KV0cN91omMSeVr9WCg8fMn_4NCGnyBAxhjahoRF3eoEFuDtU29gvUCeTR9rAwoyiL7K9KWq-jqlbm6S7UKkz5sAA0sfwKThMfT1n9STN8FWDfzNNts-J0mBMDzhk/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My "candid shot" by Yato san....hehehe.</i></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-43995862625840799662011-02-11T19:00:00.000-08:002011-02-11T23:19:53.472-08:00Unsuitable for Ladies- The Travel Book to Read<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0192802011" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.letsbuyit.com/filer/images/uk/products/original/146/83/unsuitable-for-ladies-an-anthology-of-women-travellers-14683428.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.letsbuyit.com/filer/images/uk/products/original/146/83/unsuitable-for-ladies-an-anthology-of-women-travellers-14683428.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unsuitable-Ladies-Anthology-Women-Travellers/dp/0192802011?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><br />
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If you are looking for a good travel book to read, I highly recommend<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unsuitable-Ladies-Anthology-Women-Travellers/dp/0192802011?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Unsuitable for Ladies: An Anthology of Women Travellers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0192802011" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It is the type of book that any self-respecting female traveller should have ready by the bedside or in the suitcase. This excellent collection is composed of snippets of adventures written by women as early as the 1800's. <br />
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Longitudebooks.com describes it as:<br />
<i>A who's who of 200 adventurous women travelers, explorers, scientists and writers, organized geographically. Editor Robinson provides a short introduction for each along with a helpful selection of maps. In this anthology ranging over 16 centuries, she includes excerpts from the Victorian-era derring-do of Mary Kingsley, war accounts of Florence Nightingale, Karen Blixen's memoirs and some of modern writer Dervla Murphy's adventures. </i><br />
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It is the kind of book that you must savor. Meaning you don't have to hurriedly read it straight through. The style of words may seem outdated but the characters are modern- so full of wit, sass and guts. Personally, I find it most useful for a quick inspiring read about exotic places or exciting misadventures. I would even dare to suggest that you try randomly picking a page and reading it. The more dated ones with the flowery but proper English text are the best! Every time I read them, I feel as though it is a story from a letter that one my kindred female travelers has sent to me by "post".<br />
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It's fascinating to think that back then they had no cellphones, no cameras, no internet and no Facebook to help them update folks back home. You either had to write everything down and wait to get back home after surviving a long trip across the ocean or you wait for the next port of call to post mail. I know! It gives me the chills when I think about not having the modern comforts that we are now used to.<br />
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Pity really. We should envy the earlier travelers because they were free from these distractions which allowed them to be purely immersed in their explorations. They were also free to discover everything for the first time- no googling "first female to travel across Papua New Guinea" only to find out that Kristina Dodson had already done it or no naysayer commenting on your blog or status update that base jumping off of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is no longer an original idea (I checked it has be done: <a href="http://thebodhitree.ca/2010/03/base-jump-off-christ-the-redeemer/">http://thebodhitree.ca/2010/03/base-jump-off-christ-the-redeemer/</a>.) <br />
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Nowadays, all sorts of information about a destination is already on the internet- from reviews on accommodations, must see lists, itineraries and maps. It makes me think about how we are getting ahead of ourselves. We are already predicting the experience before it even happens. There is such a thing as over planning a trip you know!<br />
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In any case, I leave you with an excerpt from Lady Florence Dixie's Across Patagonia, 1880:<br />
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" What was the attraction in going to an outlandish place so many miles away?...Precisely because it was an outlandish place and so far away, I chose it. Palled for the moment with civilasation and its surroundings, I wanted to escape somewhere, where I might be as far removed from them as possible. Many of my readers have doubtless felt the dissatisfaction with oneself, and everybody else, that comes over one at times in the midst of the pleasure of life; when one wearies of the shallow artificiality of modern existence; when what was once excitement has become so no longer, and a longing grows up within one to taste a more vigorous emotion than that afforded by the monotonous round of society' so-called "pleasures"."<br />
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Do you have any good travel reads you want to share? Leave it on the comments field below.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-12230242464683360702011-02-09T18:30:00.000-08:002011-02-10T12:38:46.989-08:00Yummy Breakfast Oatmeal RecipeOne of my goals for this year is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gives you a lot of energy and it helps to jump start your metabolism. Thus, I bring you the oatmeal! This recipe was inspired by my co-worker's packet of instant spice & raisins oatmeal.<br />
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Now, I like the convenience of quick flavored oats but lately I have been hankering for home-made food with the "non-cardboard" taste. IMPORTANT: This recipe only takes 10 minutes to make so no excuses! You can cook it on the weekend then pack the rest to bring to work for a breakfast with lots of flavor and nutrients. I took the liberty of counting the calories and a small bowl is only about 140-180 calories (depending on toppings and if you want to help yourself to some more).<br />
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RECIPE:<br />
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3 1/2 cups water<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional<br />
2 cups old-fashioned oats<br />
1/2 cup cranberries<br />
1/2 cup chopped raw nuts (walnuts or mixed) <br />
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for this recipe I boiled a vanilla bean before mixing in the oats and it was AWESOME)<br />
Pinch nutmeg (or more to taste)<br />
2-3 tablespoons raw brown sugar<br />
1 container of small apple sauce <br />
1 cup lowfat milk<br />
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
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In a small pot, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.<br />
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In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. You can also bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F or 10 minutes. Set aside. <br />
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When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Swirl in the brown sugar and apple sauce.<br />
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That's it. It is ready to serve (6-8 portions). Just pour milk on your bowl and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-2156185901434703922011-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:002011-02-09T16:50:18.080-08:00They Come in Threesand that means good things =) Good things come in threes! <br />
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1. We had our company meeting the last week and as we were filing into our meeting area we saw packages underneath all of our chairs. Oh what could it be? We were told not to open. At the end of the meeting, before our CEO could even say NOW...a loud rustling sound exploded in the room. It was from people grabbing the blue paper packages and tearing them open. Gosh, now I know how it feels to be on Oprah. Guess what it was?<br />
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<center><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002Y27P3M&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I've always wanted to get one but have been largely debating it since I really love the scent and feel of a paper book. I was surprised at how the screen is so matte! Barely any glare its almost like looking at a grey opaque sticker with clear litographic print on it. Except that it's not. Really a cool gadget you can bring when you travel. Plus it also has a wifi. I'd take this over an iPad any day. Yes the iPad is very colorful but I already have a Macbook and an iPhone why carry another device? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAbDeFxzI-XVE1IFxbbzP170T5P-nUmWh_gHKN9B77tCKAjX71-VsqJtZ7LXCO1nJsNR1TMqPnF3P01Iko5tYnL4l_4YD2_0C1uArPc1BB_STk93HnvMIQsIedC2muzlysA1Vj0buOxYb/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><br />
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2. Also that same day, I come home to find a $100 check on my mail. I love getting money in the mail =) <a href="http://www.elliottbenson.com/">Elliot Benson</a> is a Market Research group who randomly contacted me last year on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>. They had asked me to join a small focus group for <a href="http://www.theladders.com/">Ladders.com</a> where I received a thank you check of $150 which I ended up using for a snowboarding trip to Mammoth. This time around I only had to set aside one hour of my time to join another focus group for Cisco. Easy money, right? Just remember to do it during your personal time. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR9oMHotOJZvZYVp-3w3m75F7rV6eImuERn9cMNBQ_XcN2oWBfQpt1NS3xTDblSUatujX6SBthZbgFplaq0Zo8xtio_56TlZcTpeoi7umD5SDT_Hu592_4UX70t8c5BCDzhmZylnEq-nr/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR9oMHotOJZvZYVp-3w3m75F7rV6eImuERn9cMNBQ_XcN2oWBfQpt1NS3xTDblSUatujX6SBthZbgFplaq0Zo8xtio_56TlZcTpeoi7umD5SDT_Hu592_4UX70t8c5BCDzhmZylnEq-nr/s320/Picture+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now, I don't do this a lot but if you are interested in making a quick buck check out these links. NOTE: exercise your own discretion and common sense to see if they are legit, read the comments, look for reviews online or better yet give them a ring:<br />
<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Paid_Focus_Groups"><br />
Best Paid Focus Groups</a><a href="http://aclnk.com/article/34058/get_paid_cash_to_participate_in_focus.html?cat=35"><br />
Get Paid Cash to Participate in Focus Groups</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5952151_make-money-paid-focus-groups.html">How to Make Money from Focus Groups</a><br />
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3. I am definitely spinning this one into a positive experience. Folks, I just received my first ever traffic ticket for running a red light on a photo enforced intersection! I knew this was coming and let me tell you when I saw the mail from the police department I was so anxious. When I tore up the envelope, I had a good laugh instead. On the top corner of the citation was the best photo I have ever taken =)<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/5419078052/" title="Picture 1 by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 1" height="250" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5419078052_69e563a923.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
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Needless to say, lesson learned. It's a very expensive ticket but nothing that I won't be able to earn or save back (this means no shopping or eating out for some time). Plus, on the bright side I get to 1) contribute to money to the San Diego county and 2) attend a <a href="http://www.myimprov.com/">comedy traffic school</a>. FUN =)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-356539507480975872011-01-31T21:30:00.000-08:002011-02-09T21:01:40.157-08:00It's Next New Project (NNP) Time<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/3523982009/" title="Next New Project by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="Next New Project" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3523982009_182993f87f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Almost two years ago, I started blogging about my "personal projects" (refer to my first <a href="http://gography.blogspot.com/2009/05/next-new-project-7-day-bikram-yoga.html">NNP here</a>). Next new project was born out of my incessant passion for adventure and learning. Some may call it being a serial hobbyist...I call it being a renaissance woman. That's right you read it right. I'm very curious and I like to experience things for myself. <br />
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If you would like to refer to my previous NNP posts just type NNP on the search box at the upper left hand corner of this site. These are only 1/4 of the things that I have gone through. Ahhhh, I fondly remember taking dance classes at a gym (I can't remember the name of the gym for the love of me!) in Tokyo almost 7 years ago (I know a gym of all places but they had an awesome dance program). I took beginner ballet, samba or salsa? and reggae! OMG. The reggae class totally rocked. I had a Japanese hippie reggae man complete with dreads as a teacher. Oh and did I mention that all classes were taught in Nihongo? I actually had to drag my co-worker to translate for me when I was signing up for the gym. Needless to say my brain was completely overworked from trying to understand the instructions while I execute the dance moves.<br />
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Memories...I, by the way, used to briefly live and work in Japan ages ago. I think my recent NNP has a lot to do with me remembering this story. So without further adieu my next NNP:<br />
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ART CLASS! I have been craving for a creative outlet and I was inspired by one of my Facebook friends when she posted a photo of herself in an oil painting class. I used to draw using charcoal back in college and have always wanted to learn watercolor painting. So I searched for classes close to my home and found <a href="http://yatoart.com/ArtClasses.htm">Mr. John Yato's website</a> (ahem he was born in Japan). For $160 you get four 3 hour sessions of watercolor classes. . I say it is a very good deal especially since the lessons are from a master watercolor painter (he has been doing this for 40 years)!<br />
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I started my first class last Saturday at a studio in an industrial park. I arrived 45 minutes before the session started for new student orientation and was immediately greeted by Yato-san. He had a neat little studio with 9 tables and a framing workbench on the side. The walls were filled with his work along with creations and testimonials from his students. I thought that it was authentic as it gets. <br />
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After the short exchange of pleasantries and a small chunk of my hard earned cash, Yato proceeded to show me where I was going to create all of my masterpieces (hehehe)- my very own work table =) It had a lamp, a small tray to mix the paint, brushes, buckets, bottles of water and all other materials needed to get me started. Mind you, he went through all of it and even had brief explanations on when I would use each item. This was when I knew that Yato-san is a no frills kind of guy. <br />
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My first task was to fill two small buckets with water. I honestly thought it was too much water but what do I know? He then showed me how to stretch the paper so that it would not buckle when I started mixing water and color on it. This consisted of taking a big brush, dunking it in water and stroking the paper softly for two minutes until it becomes soaked. There was this moment as he was teaching me how to move the brush that I suddenly felt like I was in the movie Karate Kid. You know that famous scence where Mr. Miyagi was teaching Daniel-san how to wax in and wax out. LOL! Yes, this may be a slight exaggeration but Yato-san just had this very calm and wise sensei voice that made my imagination wander. <br />
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After I finished soaking the paper, I actually had to dry it with a hair blow dryer and then staple it to the piece of plywood. I then had to shift to the next task which was dividing a piece of bond paper into 4. I had to complete 3 different ocean scenes and a series of seagull poses that I had to copy from a cheat sheet (drawing these birds were a pain!). This was to warm me up for the main exercise of the day. It's the finished product below. Basically 4 copies of an ocean scene in one color:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXja3VucPGE5zCbBnB_JjT5xsoBjRj4Wc-e7qj8sD2BoUuFheQVkt4NXM0Hh2BXIAmE6yIgGQMzUsT4t1vwwAswn6lNKMuXrX-OWihhXSEzL31iTS9Ep3KF6A4FLZI-ERqMlvc59d3jSym/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXja3VucPGE5zCbBnB_JjT5xsoBjRj4Wc-e7qj8sD2BoUuFheQVkt4NXM0Hh2BXIAmE6yIgGQMzUsT4t1vwwAswn6lNKMuXrX-OWihhXSEzL31iTS9Ep3KF6A4FLZI-ERqMlvc59d3jSym/s320/IMG_3412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I did not realize watercolor painting was such a process. This looks really simple but it is composed of a series of layers. You can't paint the whole scene at once since the very wet paper will bleed everything in and you will come up with a messy swirl. One must draw and then soak a specific part of the paper before painting the color then dry it before repeating the process for the next layer. By the way, when painting you have to employ controlled brushstrokes that will dictate the shades and the definition of the objects. You can actually see how the paint travels on the soaked parts of the paper- which was fascinating. One can choose to play around with this to create specific effects ex. the foams of the waves above. <br />
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As I was working on the painting, I began to observe the other students who started to trickle in. Half of which were kids...and the other half mostly women who looked like they were retirees. Yato-san was very attentive with his students and would constantly walk around the room to help each of us with our painting. <br />
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After the class, he showed me-with pride and joy- photos of his student's work on his computer. Most were impressive- which gave me hope. I could truly feel that he was passionate about what he was doing and that says a lot. I obviously want to take more than four sessions but it definitely depends on how I fare during the coming sessions. Or until I find out about another NNP that I can spend my time and well-earned money on. Ha! Seriously, I do want to make art a constant part of my life with or without classes. More to come!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-46300602052647940002011-01-22T07:41:00.000-08:002011-02-10T13:04:56.371-08:00Pilipinas kay ganda! (Beautiful Philippines)So I am indeed a go for the Philippines. My boss said yes and I am only waiting to finalize my travel documents. I am so excited! Aside from getting to spend time with family I'll be beach bumming. You have to understand that a trip back home will not be complete without flying off to one of our awesome islands. Case in point Coron, Palawan below:<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31570850@N07/3503967017/" title="KAYANGAN LAKE by aquinokc, on Flickr"><img alt="KAYANGAN LAKE" height="311" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3503967017_1331287d02.jpg" width="480" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Borrowed from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31570850@N07/">aquinokc</a></span><br />
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For those who are not aware, the Philippines is an archipelago made up of 7100 islands. Each very unique not only in how they look but in their flavor and their culture. This is in fact one of the reasons why it was easy for the Spaniards to divide and conquer us (we were a Spanish colony for 300 years). We were geographically spread out and had independent systems of community established in different parts of the region. Speaking of the Spaniards, I might dare say that this latin influence- for better and for worse- is one of the things that make us unique as an Asian country (Americans we are officially located in southeast asia and not some lost Pacific Island). Moreover, as a hub for trading coupled with various foreign invasions the Philippines has a lot of American, Chinese and some (more like a dash) Japanese influence (add to this a tropical climate). Our temperament, customs, behavior, religion and even from of government (democratic) sets us apart from most Asian nations. To be un-PC we feel less "oriental"than our counterparts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/2160827045/" title="cloudnine01 by grache23, on Flickr"><img alt="cloudnine01" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/2160827045_8cc2777f8f.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Now my own photo: Siargao Island, surf capital of the Philippines.</span><br />
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So when I was a lot younger, I could not wait to get out of the country and explore other shores. For some reason, you always think that anywhere else is better than home. As I grow older and become well-traveled, I have no doubt in my mind that the Philippines offers world class landscapes and seascapes that are unparalleled. I always now make it a point to spread the word around when I meet fellow travelers. They most often always skip the Philippines and would rather go off to Thailand for the beaches. I tell them that if they want good food, pristine white beaches and friendly English speaking people that they should go to the Philippines.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darktechsystem/3491900526/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2009 by Sidious Sid, on Flickr"><img alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2009" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3491900526_424e95364a.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Borrowed from Sidious Sid's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darktechsystem/sets/72157617558711970/with/3491900526/">Aliwan Fiesta 2009 set</a></span><br />
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On the other hand, I am glad we are not as bombarded by flocks of tourists. Less commercialism the better.<br />
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For this trip, I plan to go back to Palawan to visit my friend who I <a href="http://gography.blogspot.com/2010/11/discover-amazing-palawan.html">previously mentioned</a> moved to the island to quit city life (bravo to you amigo). He now owns a boutique travel company called <a href="http://discoveramazingpalawan.com/">Discover Amazing Palawan</a> which focuses on unique and personalized tours without putting a hole in your pocket. His wife is also a <a href="http://dharmadream.blogspot.com/">yoga teacher</a> and entrepreneur. Together with their son they seek to live a sustainable life. I can't wait to catch up with them.<br />
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I also plan to swing by one of the other islands for some diving (they have an excellent marine sanctuary). I'm leaning towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumaguete">Dumaguete</a> Apo Island which has this cool <a href="http://www.apoislandresort.com/">resort</a> seen below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/82356498@N00/3514406853/" title="Resort in Apo Island by justinsubscribe, on Flickr"><img alt="Resort in Apo Island" height="311" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3514406853_0795779608.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Photo already copyrighted</span><br />
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Then there is Apo Reef (I know same name but different places) which is a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5033/">Unesco World Heritage site</a>. It's one of the <a href="http://trifter.com/asia-pacific/philippines/top-eight-best-diving-spots-in-the-philippines/">top 8 diving spots in the Philippines</a>. I couldn't find a decent underwater photo but I did find this flickr profile with great Philippine photos: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/landscapist/">http://www.flickr.com/people/landscapist/</a>. Enjoy!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-21192295095332898932011-01-15T15:13:00.001-08:002011-01-22T09:52:01.281-08:00Home is Calling!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/3243841120/" title="Banol Beach by grache23, on Flickr"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/3243835826/" title="Palawan by grache23, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3243835826_c92a9df88a.jpg" width="480" height="311" alt="Palawan" /></a></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/grache/"></a></span><br />2011 and I am gearing up for my biennial pilgrimage back to the motherland as you can see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/sets/72157603838830018/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grache/sets/72157612991525173/">here</a>. Of course a trip back home won't be complete without a true island getaway. I have to say the Philippines has one of the best beaches in the whole world!!! I'm actually glad that not a LOT of tourists know about this because I can have it all to myself! Bwahaha!!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-47567517383689601312010-12-31T21:54:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:16:18.761-08:00Last Entry of 2010First of all Happy New Year =) Here's to 2010. It was a very very good year and I know 2011 will be fantastic!! CHEERS!<br /><br />Ok, so I was suppose to upload blog posts on my Peru and Bolivia trip but I'd rather savor the last hours of 2010. Actually, I've been procastinating for months now on doing this. I chose, to instead, make my own new year's meal from scratch (beef stew, rosemary bread, pomeberry tinis and apple crumble with madagascar vanilla ice cream). <br /><br />Plus, I obviously chose to post some photos of last Christmas...I hope your Christmas was as fun. Being an expat, I am lucky to have my Aunt (my dad's sister), her family and her husband's clan as my extended family in the US. I do miss Christmas in the Philippines where my parents, my bro and sis still live. It's totally lots of fun and very festive. Most of all, it's the best time to hit the beach!!! As you can see in <a href="http://gography.blogspot.com/2009/12/yultide-surf-trip-to-philippines.html">this Yuletide surf trip post</a> from 3 years ago. *sigh* <br /> <br /><br />Christmas day...totally missed on on taking more family pix. This was just half of the chaos. As usual, the day was filled with eating followed by a Wii Just Dance showdown and a Pictionary battle of the sexes where the boys tried to cheat! =)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF7n6Db2ufHO-OCXr_B129FRL33aah0-OQ9EqGLfEtOdZ2DFs01rQqiWLPiOeqcR3z6ddcbV4pMTDBSjv85AR-mwh56T0l1Apk3ZqPVmGUw8Fmwall_BPuZljNN_EOf_s9ay3OlThMbjJ/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF7n6Db2ufHO-OCXr_B129FRL33aah0-OQ9EqGLfEtOdZ2DFs01rQqiWLPiOeqcR3z6ddcbV4pMTDBSjv85AR-mwh56T0l1Apk3ZqPVmGUw8Fmwall_BPuZljNN_EOf_s9ay3OlThMbjJ/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557101866786327570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0oYgE99azw8UfZygM-_T3c00y6_yZe3WepMF5vWUsEWzrRabXlQK1iMoaU3QCePlH-WyjVIOfvOTtktXhbir-C-B8x1TJ8nxODNBBHqFTpsHSwZ1jF7zAPQuNC2x5wxxArQjFjWi-u1b/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0oYgE99azw8UfZygM-_T3c00y6_yZe3WepMF5vWUsEWzrRabXlQK1iMoaU3QCePlH-WyjVIOfvOTtktXhbir-C-B8x1TJ8nxODNBBHqFTpsHSwZ1jF7zAPQuNC2x5wxxArQjFjWi-u1b/s320/IMG_3304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557101861620713522" /></a><br />My family picture with Roxy-pooh<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1EcK6Lpig4PzvPH2TCmv5ycSOFJ0tdaLqWadGg9PS4ShAP61txU7EXiryo58IO5pMNRSMRAh6BsVQzS0QwOgpI2plWmYdimEobZmws2NL8aBI8eXUB2wKRV57AFnWYQzazLnqf_YIGNz/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1EcK6Lpig4PzvPH2TCmv5ycSOFJ0tdaLqWadGg9PS4ShAP61txU7EXiryo58IO5pMNRSMRAh6BsVQzS0QwOgpI2plWmYdimEobZmws2NL8aBI8eXUB2wKRV57AFnWYQzazLnqf_YIGNz/s320/IMG_3296.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557101858591297570" /></a><br />My uncle, aunt, cuz and Woxie-pooh<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirkRWPobBqnkqUql_F1eVjg1YmErn4tQJQG37xnZw1ar5t2GNDxl8khYcceKTPqdQx6IxLLNFbSqtHT5t6AfYL8D9DPFlTt_g-JnCl3l-Wm4PetJLYa4jg-tGPgABUD9Af0iBQ0hJvHO8/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirkRWPobBqnkqUql_F1eVjg1YmErn4tQJQG37xnZw1ar5t2GNDxl8khYcceKTPqdQx6IxLLNFbSqtHT5t6AfYL8D9DPFlTt_g-JnCl3l-Wm4PetJLYa4jg-tGPgABUD9Af0iBQ0hJvHO8/s320/IMG_3284.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557101853671647010" /></a><br /><br />This is Mojo- not a shrunken Roxy =) It's the new pup in the block.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8QcI3gSfcHJ7pGBOjyTu3PtyAJxxYb96xjb4WNux6PGGablaIiOmBm38b16SC31Po6K4gt9mwFhBXrjV_7e2qdoWrzjUF9wfW1pNkQpbKsnphyphenhyphenkrDkykNQ75dGuk4CX-cK8Wvcf7nn1/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G8QcI3gSfcHJ7pGBOjyTu3PtyAJxxYb96xjb4WNux6PGGablaIiOmBm38b16SC31Po6K4gt9mwFhBXrjV_7e2qdoWrzjUF9wfW1pNkQpbKsnphyphenhyphenkrDkykNQ75dGuk4CX-cK8Wvcf7nn1/s320/IMG_3272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557100416615201538" /></a><br />My cousin is into baking and decorating cakes with fondant.<br /><br />Christmas eve at my aunt's...she went with fancy finger food. There wasn't a lot of cooking but the prep work was so tedious!!!!! We thought nobody was going to show up- thus the empty photos. The clan showed up finally and the stuffing of faces began. It was a chill night...my uncle put on netflix streaming and we watched a riveting documentary on dogs (which I've already seen). The young ones played rock band and I was so tired that I said goodbye to everyone, went to my room and slept.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqLBEoDdOyNeXlRociKj8ZJw6rbG9Zoj9rUQdW4GqsqZFUEUcFQhw1XbXC4ul7VrfDc7XdEqqgPxB_ZuyYY4lY0wn-NapQCcgccUpPYCpYRa6r52nZuoi-DBDdWFeIaUXdPX3lglUytZH/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqLBEoDdOyNeXlRociKj8ZJw6rbG9Zoj9rUQdW4GqsqZFUEUcFQhw1XbXC4ul7VrfDc7XdEqqgPxB_ZuyYY4lY0wn-NapQCcgccUpPYCpYRa6r52nZuoi-DBDdWFeIaUXdPX3lglUytZH/s320/IMG_3227.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557100105410027378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi7Al914JYAIHwy96CL2Ryu0LuACpCgMnX-f_vb9nWgn2lG65jW-14gU_gK7B4e3aAPv_jjb-LLLlNSyQEUY0qrFKmON_Ek1P-IE_edRZwxwrJx9p5ioLKy-g-zSy7hlQAkznlk7mMUMX/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi7Al914JYAIHwy96CL2Ryu0LuACpCgMnX-f_vb9nWgn2lG65jW-14gU_gK7B4e3aAPv_jjb-LLLlNSyQEUY0qrFKmON_Ek1P-IE_edRZwxwrJx9p5ioLKy-g-zSy7hlQAkznlk7mMUMX/s320/IMG_3226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557100100168335058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKTuAb4AvcFumLqaLy7lWViOzXn2huQB1hJFfoCzgaHllPzjBGn3_PMJDfoLzWF2vDJEnqFbEGSp2D8MmiQrFUEMm9LC-zKBO6HGnckXRpaP2l_l6zyBGPpOjP9zRRVbozl9nVSBCCFs5/s1600/IMG_3225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKTuAb4AvcFumLqaLy7lWViOzXn2huQB1hJFfoCzgaHllPzjBGn3_PMJDfoLzWF2vDJEnqFbEGSp2D8MmiQrFUEMm9LC-zKBO6HGnckXRpaP2l_l6zyBGPpOjP9zRRVbozl9nVSBCCFs5/s320/IMG_3225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557100085354884946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFFIHNL4m0KtE2iXxjwZOnD6wtVfMc_FIdq4DPRknhfefew2JCYYgeqx42Rw-Qy7DHxDC5ZOlhgxOnE-IjvAaOIKJXwCKofwwl9DZvP6XXDVy5i8HNtgroqWMhY8S1szHPM5euZKJRZUR/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NMo3A61QhDRcct6i3ZQ9ku8WfzWSZulOTMMqIn3CNeihQ54n2omUEDo20oNW9vGuviwjBEYIoFW7hyphenhyphenNtSIWo2EZ6RqFtveG1CYWbckj8uQ-d6CuWngAyeFMkbENGENXgiLyVSBlqV8ED/s320/IMG_3222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557099106465451890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBvys_fae0N_Cwq2rL9AzT1H2s3_Uc8BujXRx_Gum_rZ6Ijjlc6V1fXddvViH-J2z6hbrnAQ5vhymOUCedhKChRCZVBvp7ZiAjzkWhbrLYoiGZFi2Y0U4toHNg9rJAmv4MJQHPUXoFT91/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBvys_fae0N_Cwq2rL9AzT1H2s3_Uc8BujXRx_Gum_rZ6Ijjlc6V1fXddvViH-J2z6hbrnAQ5vhymOUCedhKChRCZVBvp7ZiAjzkWhbrLYoiGZFi2Y0U4toHNg9rJAmv4MJQHPUXoFT91/s320/IMG_3221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557099095729315730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04CLM3rUVvlWqqZ3BpsRnqCo5jfgIkR2MRezPT6TGDlF4kbuQV5Z3pC9GjUAWHYM7xcsylOqr8ZfoZAvUn9FXDhWIE7DnpqqYdywDM1wyTy6GVYxz5eQV_rkUs7zGGg8rg1GguXI3JTDE/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04CLM3rUVvlWqqZ3BpsRnqCo5jfgIkR2MRezPT6TGDlF4kbuQV5Z3pC9GjUAWHYM7xcsylOqr8ZfoZAvUn9FXDhWIE7DnpqqYdywDM1wyTy6GVYxz5eQV_rkUs7zGGg8rg1GguXI3JTDE/s320/IMG_3219.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557099092591142066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeo5tc_SX2g4iGtqxOrrWxKi3d9g8rikLjzIvhrWhmwOJLZy4o4AMRhpVKcFQzgcRE3H5PTozn6wSLDbgTIJ37zzDV2EYbq54gFzD8vHv1hIj33jQqICYQb50QTGFbuWoa1_O-o-GvqJI/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeo5tc_SX2g4iGtqxOrrWxKi3d9g8rikLjzIvhrWhmwOJLZy4o4AMRhpVKcFQzgcRE3H5PTozn6wSLDbgTIJ37zzDV2EYbq54gFzD8vHv1hIj33jQqICYQb50QTGFbuWoa1_O-o-GvqJI/s320/IMG_3218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557099087819283714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uHvC2vPu3ilOPuK9egsmp9QbUbpvdNBM_NLIjVLzkgaJVKtpePo4fWgl-EKrWN7OkX0qpZs3MBtF5giHUsCji6UOdj1HVf0DXJBVxHkdjXXdTn2tan4fvZy9mvTm_wfMI_19VQ5cV3z-/s1600/IMG_3216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uHvC2vPu3ilOPuK9egsmp9QbUbpvdNBM_NLIjVLzkgaJVKtpePo4fWgl-EKrWN7OkX0qpZs3MBtF5giHUsCji6UOdj1HVf0DXJBVxHkdjXXdTn2tan4fvZy9mvTm_wfMI_19VQ5cV3z-/s320/IMG_3216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557099085169778914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykWPfHzoxFeJ1cIfk3wAPPdA2AQoxwTMTParLsg-fZCKxtcZyfXq8A9KeqJ-uMr0N9J__JXnDrbBrERuZ1Sqc4uqOICWJomFGXeEB6pMHmOuEmdq6BtArXfnxsofD1TOtBASt17AqReYX/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykWPfHzoxFeJ1cIfk3wAPPdA2AQoxwTMTParLsg-fZCKxtcZyfXq8A9KeqJ-uMr0N9J__JXnDrbBrERuZ1Sqc4uqOICWJomFGXeEB6pMHmOuEmdq6BtArXfnxsofD1TOtBASt17AqReYX/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557097875619866178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYsbBsEvlopJ8TYgCSKVUoOhkwEqbtlP34QIXX5WLkRN0zDeILzeNh1ICg72YaBZrUmZL25MoUmgjTprFLZ3uFtY74RDNKOCNEV9da3ah4t-55QgiKHY9sgEGKsgFx3U-Y8AufbeS5-hB/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYsbBsEvlopJ8TYgCSKVUoOhkwEqbtlP34QIXX5WLkRN0zDeILzeNh1ICg72YaBZrUmZL25MoUmgjTprFLZ3uFtY74RDNKOCNEV9da3ah4t-55QgiKHY9sgEGKsgFx3U-Y8AufbeS5-hB/s320/IMG_3212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557097873022201874" /></a><br /><br />Roxy is sporting a cat Christmas ski cap that I got her from Target...she absolutely hated it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKDI119puPDojGFbCBZBcGGXl9yT9H30OtvFMLatenshunsUSu5bRHRpzT9fq08PQC-PhfwL4H7pH52NA4gdoz9xgmIQ09_WVeh8m6svRKBBt82AVbQwfPVP88AUczDp_RBPv-m5OP_ep/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKDI119puPDojGFbCBZBcGGXl9yT9H30OtvFMLatenshunsUSu5bRHRpzT9fq08PQC-PhfwL4H7pH52NA4gdoz9xgmIQ09_WVeh8m6svRKBBt82AVbQwfPVP88AUczDp_RBPv-m5OP_ep/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557097868893455890" /></a><br /><br /><br />Christmas decor in our apartment...oh this is my first real Christmas tree ever. It's magical. Growing up in a tropical country we only had coconut trees...hehehe...ok actually we had fake overpriced trees made from China.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHHDL9ihQblELSB_Gfc_H_C2S_mzdAOhQ56oPXhUrAVKVCPHDC0vE_aCJpJAbOX61wNxEtzVQ0xS0fkL2E8Vli01jK4u-ponInvng4aM8RpaAlY57LemS67JJSQcyZpnmEEPgjqzhDpHD/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHHDL9ihQblELSB_Gfc_H_C2S_mzdAOhQ56oPXhUrAVKVCPHDC0vE_aCJpJAbOX61wNxEtzVQ0xS0fkL2E8Vli01jK4u-ponInvng4aM8RpaAlY57LemS67JJSQcyZpnmEEPgjqzhDpHD/s320/IMG_3111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557097858763205570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VJ6CsbInRvtrsvNrhbiVjd3n936O0xbmMAyyvszFralLid6eSCiHaDbSQX27BB0haWv9bF9ck-b4vEaJiRgc9PbQNFp9WiaaUEfsDD1rykYXdBjSWguRHq-zEbuwWtdf4up84dsl-H6k/s1600/IMG_3120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VJ6CsbInRvtrsvNrhbiVjd3n936O0xbmMAyyvszFralLid6eSCiHaDbSQX27BB0haWv9bF9ck-b4vEaJiRgc9PbQNFp9WiaaUEfsDD1rykYXdBjSWguRHq-zEbuwWtdf4up84dsl-H6k/s320/IMG_3120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557097865701126610" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-62897615722426842622010-12-19T18:13:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:00:05.439-08:00Winter EatsI have recently been watching the <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/">Cooking Channel</a> nonstop. I love how the shows are edgy and fresh. Everything is just damn good. One of my favorites would be Jaime Oliver's: Jaime does Christmas and <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/tv/jamie-s-family-christmas-tv">Jaimie's Family Christmas</a>. It's a rustic, quirky and hearty production. I love how he has different members of his family as his guests. Add Jaime's no frills approach to food and sense of humor- you will be glued.I think he's my foodie soulmate. I knew it as soon as I saw him show how awesome a combo of grappa, frozen grapes and chocolate are. I thought I was the only one experimenting on store bought food and/or drink combos. Ok I am a bit smitten by Jaime Oliver =) Who wouldn't be? Women love a good cook and with an accent to boot. Ha!<br /><br />Anyways, the channel has inspired me to start cook. I've dabbled here and there but I realize that it's now or never. I have to start getting serious about cooking. I, after all, come from a family of good cooks. Most especially, my Lola Nena who hands down is one of the best cooks I've ever known in my life. <br /><br />Below are a couple of dishes I made. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCbRM8tz9l27Nutgd7bWZWOMmqsTc6A5CJ-YVP_gZ_z2QzzjzN4825rlCpcxEFRxRmb1DItoUKplkZbsM4zRGzbcoHR8zhyphenhyphenf0BX9r6ZoiQT5GTrGbhQCHIBOSfAyea9Q9rFiG1JGDGd5f/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCbRM8tz9l27Nutgd7bWZWOMmqsTc6A5CJ-YVP_gZ_z2QzzjzN4825rlCpcxEFRxRmb1DItoUKplkZbsM4zRGzbcoHR8zhyphenhyphenf0BX9r6ZoiQT5GTrGbhQCHIBOSfAyea9Q9rFiG1JGDGd5f/s320/-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552589274031459570" /></a><br /><br />This is my pride and joy. It's my queso de bola cheesecake with muscavado sauce. In the Philippines it's traditional to have a ball of cheese on the Christmas dining table. This usually goes with <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=chinese+ham&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1254&bih=566">Chinese ham</a>, grapes or grated on top of fresh buns of <a href="http://www.google.com/images?num=10&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=yCr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=ensaymada&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1254&bih=566">ensaymada</a>. It's the perfect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nochebuena">Nochebuena</a> accompaniment. Note: QDB Queso De Bola is just edam cheese.<br /><br />For this recipe, I took a rich and <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/creamy-cheesecake/Detail.aspx">creamy cheesecake</a> recipe and added 2-3 cups of grated Queso De Bola. I then caramelized a cup of muscovado sugar with a cup of heavy cream (add a pinch of salt too). Muscovado is a type of unrefined sugar common in the Philippines. We regularly use it on coffee and it tastes almost like molasses. I then suggest adding some crumbled walnuts on top of the finished product to break the heaviness of the cheesecake. Warning: this is very decadent- it's sweet with bits of saltiness while the sauces has a deep caramel flavor. Ultimately, this converts your regular cheesecake into a unique Filipino dessert =)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLgrODux26YIHoCHLRVxBlSWjlqMRxkylYeekvbLqlIiOq8t0jb2LDOyLMegbDs6f-MpiLbfRMt1M2W-CAxVJ5qxfbQ5fHpNlJheRwlXg-FMd7NgqEyRDl2y_GtoRt-ALOn1l_BuGy6gF/s1600/154940_10150153881494097_773264096_8117714_2659203_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLgrODux26YIHoCHLRVxBlSWjlqMRxkylYeekvbLqlIiOq8t0jb2LDOyLMegbDs6f-MpiLbfRMt1M2W-CAxVJ5qxfbQ5fHpNlJheRwlXg-FMd7NgqEyRDl2y_GtoRt-ALOn1l_BuGy6gF/s320/154940_10150153881494097_773264096_8117714_2659203_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552591480756414658" /></a><br /><br />Siomai- to make it Filipino style serve it with rice and a side of toyomansi (soy sauce with lemon juice). When I was young, my mom used to make this at home. I was always fascinated by the way she was able to daintily wrap this delightful mixture of minced shrimp, pork, carrots and green onions. The key is to buy your ingredients fresh from your local Asian store. For the wonton or siomai wrappers, avoid getting the ones in the freezer- gross. The wrappers also come with a <a href="http://panlasangpinoy.com/2009/07/30/filipino-chinese-food-pork-mushroom-shaomai-siomai-recipe/">simoai/wonton recipe</a> which I actually ripped off for this one. The <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3858377">bamboo steamer</a> came from World Market (just place it on a wok with boiling water for 10-15 minutes). You can also steam some bok choy leaves and mushrooms to serve as side dishes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NN55wqs9I0XlRbXDTUh91l3fLDEUAwpBye0HqKtQv8sb6v_EC5cfmTbcBHc6Iatq2QFz2XXv2EDf-P1uVrQNGEfPy4XbGvIhHxYYHl2Hqxm0ks3tH-b93c42ah6YSEDHZ4Wb7i8f9vVY/s1600/155372_10150153880284097_773264096_8117700_2862130_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NN55wqs9I0XlRbXDTUh91l3fLDEUAwpBye0HqKtQv8sb6v_EC5cfmTbcBHc6Iatq2QFz2XXv2EDf-P1uVrQNGEfPy4XbGvIhHxYYHl2Hqxm0ks3tH-b93c42ah6YSEDHZ4Wb7i8f9vVY/s320/155372_10150153880284097_773264096_8117700_2862130_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552593109172013442" /></a><br /><br />This is a pho/wonton soup hybrid. You can choose to use leftover wonton/siomai or thin slices of beef round eye. Boil the wonton noodles separately because they are covered in starch that will cause your broth to become thick. You don't want that to happen. To assemble, place blanched bok choy leaves and cooked noodles in a bowl. Then place the beef slices on the side and pour boiling beef broth in the bowl. This will cook the beef. You can also choose to precook the beef. To do this, quickly dip the thin slice of beef in boiling water. You want it to be soft and not overcooked.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELluxYBeZOted9e_BntDxiZr2CR0RM35W9fjAWXRQFim8yjBcDHbA-YPxeqONCPhyphenhyphenNJiteaBNKWcJ6eyxLjOrUVSqnF1GMOTM77A4eoJ43cMTZP6b2Yo8iGIGtzV2rdDenHBAdArohlWA/s1600/156696_10150156834774097_773264096_8164397_663508_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELluxYBeZOted9e_BntDxiZr2CR0RM35W9fjAWXRQFim8yjBcDHbA-YPxeqONCPhyphenhyphenNJiteaBNKWcJ6eyxLjOrUVSqnF1GMOTM77A4eoJ43cMTZP6b2Yo8iGIGtzV2rdDenHBAdArohlWA/s320/156696_10150156834774097_773264096_8164397_663508_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594251317140434" /></a><br /><br />Ah, the classic pot roast. Awesome for a rainy California wintery-ish Sunday. I was inspired by <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/01/2008_the_year_of_the_pot_roast/"> The Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pot Roast</a>. In fact, I just finished cooking this baby an hour ago and it went down really good with a glass of cheap wine. I made sure to put lots of veggies- I never seem to eat enough of this. God, it was so tasty and tender it took all of my self control not to gobble the whole pot up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrhZNibq602_N_MkkJa0SJUGZtSiDu_aHsg1AiGSKoXS2ewCEwXXeXeUxLMynGk4MzAkgGE8PEe_EMl9mTJkdB2slkgQddWPlH_xTSIVRSDK171NrLqijgxnL_4ae1eMTgWKn7Qk3mFn-/s1600/75299_10150340093470204_585030203_16049452_7903809_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrhZNibq602_N_MkkJa0SJUGZtSiDu_aHsg1AiGSKoXS2ewCEwXXeXeUxLMynGk4MzAkgGE8PEe_EMl9mTJkdB2slkgQddWPlH_xTSIVRSDK171NrLqijgxnL_4ae1eMTgWKn7Qk3mFn-/s320/75299_10150340093470204_585030203_16049452_7903809_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552595415590058530" /></a><br /><br />This is my aunt's thanksgiving seafood paella. As you may well know, the Filipino culture has a heavy Spanish influence. And as Filipinos living in America we always have to incorporate rice in our holiday cooking. This recipe makes for a very festive rice. It's surprisingly super good with turkey. We serve this instead of stuffing. It's just a mixture of yellow and white rice, clam juice, saffron and any seafood that you can fit in the pan. World Market sells a <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3807579">paella kit</a> for $20 so all you need to buy is the meat. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagBqFqqUqH7iZETNwVDyNsbj2S70sbk_-rt7tpTD7CyT-qALQisgkKz3eJDKli72TPhBm5_DZqdrabUk9vMMsfQ2kHVWQaHdpUseNCpdvHZBurbZsMGRVRUis8iFgCQoKJkN7aeAY-G81/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagBqFqqUqH7iZETNwVDyNsbj2S70sbk_-rt7tpTD7CyT-qALQisgkKz3eJDKli72TPhBm5_DZqdrabUk9vMMsfQ2kHVWQaHdpUseNCpdvHZBurbZsMGRVRUis8iFgCQoKJkN7aeAY-G81/s320/-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552598497548762146" /></a><br /><br />This is <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/apple-pancakes-with-the-girls">Jamie Oliver's homemade pear pancake recipe</a>. It is soooooo easy and soooo good even his kids can make it. If you don't have self-rising flour just add 1 1/2 tsps of baking soda to 1 cup of flour and a pinch of salt. As for yogurt, I am going to suggest the nice and thick greek style yogurt. For the pear, the red d'anjou's are in season so make the most of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vsoIa1K3aK_6oL9_Q9Nq3Dq6YrreztcCPYunaVcMFWvhgsuM_ujqBU4Y1iNaRbzk_C-3c6xNtwzf_zUAhP2NQf5vW3m-cem2Y0msl4YuFsd3unaiXDNyoXWO8a28hoOgCj3yrM0tu-U1/s1600/156608_10150156842649097_773264096_8164531_6131805_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vsoIa1K3aK_6oL9_Q9Nq3Dq6YrreztcCPYunaVcMFWvhgsuM_ujqBU4Y1iNaRbzk_C-3c6xNtwzf_zUAhP2NQf5vW3m-cem2Y0msl4YuFsd3unaiXDNyoXWO8a28hoOgCj3yrM0tu-U1/s320/156608_10150156842649097_773264096_8164531_6131805_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552596827229941378" /></a><br /><br />Alas, it won't be Christmas without frosted cookies. This is a shortbread cookie that my cousin mixed up. She didn't have time to finish it so I shaped, baked and frosted these babies. As you can see, I have yet to improve my piping skills. I've already popped 3 of these and am currently making room for my leftover QDB Cheesecake. Folks, Christmas is the only time of the year that you should enjoy guilt free eating =)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-81461757238010489322010-12-16T19:28:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:01:20.931-08:00Wait what???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWH_FvCSACcD6OUGZtnslFFvO4wdu0tgoHCnb2pFw576tt0zotvmAHcg7MfOX771zWxvRM9Z9rXD2RmDI5FyU-rl_tL8U1wvJc23KmbcWX7GsjXerKGPG2y7LxsgH_TUj5uov7KeO0wYn/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWH_FvCSACcD6OUGZtnslFFvO4wdu0tgoHCnb2pFw576tt0zotvmAHcg7MfOX771zWxvRM9Z9rXD2RmDI5FyU-rl_tL8U1wvJc23KmbcWX7GsjXerKGPG2y7LxsgH_TUj5uov7KeO0wYn/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551489544825771762" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Print Screening it = framing it.</span><br /><br />Ok so according to this blog post I'm <a href="http://ow.ly/3pWJ2">"LA’s Top 100 NON-Celebrity Bloggers You Should Take to Lunch : Social Media Marketing Secrets"</a>. I didn't even know I was on the list until I saw someone tweet the article on Hootsuite. So who's taking me out to lunch =)<br /><br />By the way, I would really love for you guys to leave a comment. I know you are out there lurk...errrr....reading. Send me some cyber love.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-65696040730328481552010-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:01:49.175-08:00Sunday morning roll around the mud and grass...ah breakfast of championsI don't know what's more embarrassing- having mud on your face or having mud on your face because you failed to land a front roll. This morning's Krav class was pretty intense since it was held outdoors at a nice muddy park. Plus it was the last few sessions so instructors want you to step it up. One of the drills was to pick a partner where you then proceed to run after each other. Once you catch up to your partner you give them a push from behind. The idea was to quickly do a front or forward roll once this happens. This means you have to put your arms up and around as you tuck your head while you start to roll towards the ground. As you roll, your hands and forearm should hit the ground first while following through with your shoulders then the side of your body. It sounds easier said than done. It's hard to remember since rolling forward is not what you do all the time. Add the attack scenario and you have adrenaline rushing through your body. This video will give you a better idea of what I'm talking about especially 1:20 in to it:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bPRtB3FIFig?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bPRtB3FIFig?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Now this may come natural to some but I'm not one of those people who would do rolls and flips when they were a kid- and for fun. I hate falling! So when my partner caught up to me and gave me a shove. Boy was I not ready. I ended with half of my face kissing the muddy ground. I turned around to my partner (chunky white guy) and I knew as soon as I looked at him I had mud smeared on half of my face. He did not even try to hide his laugh. <br /><br />I admit, I've missed some sessions over Thanksgiving and some Sunday morning ones which always cover the groundwork. So yes, I was rusty on the front roll. I eventually got it together in time for the obstacle bonanza the instructors had in store for us. We essentially had to run through the park, climb up a kiddie slide and scale a low wall, front roll and bear crawl while defending ourselves from chokes, punches, headlocks and unleashing our "lethal" elbow/heel strikes, punches, kicks and knee throws throughout the course. Not to mention my all favorite forefinger on attacker's nose to release a side headlock move. *cringe* There's just something about possibly touching a strangers mucus that disturbs me during a non real attack session. But seriously it is very effective when done right. I've brought some large men down to the ground with this finger technique (in Krav class all are encouraged to make an effort to simulate an attack). This video shows you how to do this:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BUim7mYwwrY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BUim7mYwwrY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />It's hard work but it's also a good time. In Krav Maga there are two rules: 1) There are no rules 2) Use your aggression and effort to defend yourself. Here's a really good video from the History channel's Human Weapon series which features Krav Maga (the rest is on Youtube):<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XcyrGuUnmMk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XcyrGuUnmMk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Sorry, I know it's cut off but there were no options for a smaller frame so just watch it on YouTube.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-73700246829336542122010-11-26T17:24:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:02:13.653-08:00Doggie Drama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6mGhGa4AS-2FcyC8sNBUbqw8HnMzFg96Vq2dQfREldnCOh2JRG7GBkSWLxdxUzckfAeL2Ar8U2RixOGuBXxWvxRQF0jSaEwCk_a1Lq1ZexgqHbFrzo9miJG8zPbnGAoGE_rIGko6B5SW/s1600/155478_10150140106754097_773264096_7900254_93154_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6mGhGa4AS-2FcyC8sNBUbqw8HnMzFg96Vq2dQfREldnCOh2JRG7GBkSWLxdxUzckfAeL2Ar8U2RixOGuBXxWvxRQF0jSaEwCk_a1Lq1ZexgqHbFrzo9miJG8zPbnGAoGE_rIGko6B5SW/s400/155478_10150140106754097_773264096_7900254_93154_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544034597178604338" /></a><br /><br />Last Tuesday my dog was attacked by a rottweiler on our way back to our condo from our usual morning walk. We were this -> <- close to our place when this big black dog came running towards us. It happened so fast. One second she was sniffing Roxy then suddenly my dog was off the ground being mangled by the rot. The owner came running while I stood there frozen...or rather I was screaming "oh my god, oh my god". I didn't know what to do! Thank goodness he was able to pry off my dog from the jaws of death. Roxy emitted this horrible whimpering/crying/panicky sound as I tried to comfort her. It was just so surreal. I still couldn't believe that Rot was off it's leash!!! I'm lucky since the owner was decent enough to give his contact details (he also offered to pay for the vet bills). <br /><br />After trip to the vet and 8 stitches later, I am happy to report that my dog is recovering. Next time around, I'll be more prepared. I'll be using my krav maga kick and chop on whatever tries to attack my dog! Grrrrrrrrr.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-10375854123672571312010-11-13T17:28:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:02:35.521-08:00Discover Amazing PalawanMy buddy back in the Philippines recently moved to Palawan which is this amazing island in the southern part of the country. We've always talked about living next to the beach and he finally did it! With wife and son in tow this young family is living a sustainable and organic life (check out his blog: http://myonebigtrip.wordpress.com/ and this is his wife's: http://dharmadream.blogspot.com/). He's been sharing stories on how his quality of life has increased. Now he has time to wake up and watch the squirrels from the trees in his backyard and make his own peanut butter! <br /><br />Did I mention that he just opened a boutique adventure shop for tourists who want to explore the island the off the beaten track kinda way? If you are planning to go to the Philippines check out http://discoveramazingpalawan.com/.<br /><br /><a href="http://discoveramazingpalawan.com/"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq9tr_RhXNz7DsugTwLyQohOsu7ed74cVnd8ftQKlGGkJW9V8dJvfhtKKHav2HxKGcrjWtHQwEluAbQb1iaoTTnQqocV3xLM9EXbyIdxCJCXcoE38x7-1_0ResnlV3a1OGBY0GnGCusTH/s1600/GetInline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq9tr_RhXNz7DsugTwLyQohOsu7ed74cVnd8ftQKlGGkJW9V8dJvfhtKKHav2HxKGcrjWtHQwEluAbQb1iaoTTnQqocV3xLM9EXbyIdxCJCXcoE38x7-1_0ResnlV3a1OGBY0GnGCusTH/s400/GetInline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539226370085311394" /></a></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-65678424896481866122010-11-11T21:57:00.000-08:002010-11-11T23:05:39.985-08:00Next New Project (NNP): Krav Maga<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9hjcp8P3dUyshkJXN4hA4pPLl12CLXcDVVlWsx07uh1kxJsfAOJnnYniUL9aaHMLF3tTv_WrfbNtHrCW6VI-UXhd3gLgodn3AdwXB0w4Q6TxR4IC_Revdk7F5d4hpLb4EFPJIimy6kdA/s1600/3523982009_65f7c6d703_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9hjcp8P3dUyshkJXN4hA4pPLl12CLXcDVVlWsx07uh1kxJsfAOJnnYniUL9aaHMLF3tTv_WrfbNtHrCW6VI-UXhd3gLgodn3AdwXB0w4Q6TxR4IC_Revdk7F5d4hpLb4EFPJIimy6kdA/s320/3523982009_65f7c6d703_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538540674217064402" /></a><br />NNP is back!<br /><br /><br />Krav Maga is the Israeli hand-to-hand combat system that involves wrestling, grappling and striking techniques (very brutal counter attacks). It's heavily influenced by street fighting with an emphasis on threat neutralization, simultaneous defensive and offensive maneuvers, and aggression. The Israeli military isn't the only using Krav...it's so effective that various American law enforcement and intelligence organizations have adopted it. If you've ever seen Liam Neeson's movie Taken, a lot of the fight scenes use moves from Krav Maga. <br /><br />For ordinary folks like us, Krav Maga can be most useful for self-defense. I'm into my 3rd week of training and so far I really like the practical and applicable approach of this technique. Being a single female I'm pretty vulnerable to a lot of possible hostile situations especially when I travel. One of the things that Krav can teach me is how to handle myself during a life threatening situation. The objective here is not to win the fight but to fight to gain enough time to run somewhere safe or to get help. <br /><br />I used to take Karate when I was a teenager and eventually became a brown belt. It gave me a lot of strength and flexibility but I don't think I'd ever be able to use it to fend off an attacker. I think it didn't really lend a lot of the mental conditioning that Krav has. For example, drills consist of partnering up with different people (women and men some very big) to simulate choke holds, fending off attacks from the ground and running erratically around a crowded small room like you were being chased while trying to avoid from being grabbed. <br /><br />Again I'm only on my 3rd week so I am looking forward to what fundamental techniques I can learn from Krav. More to come...Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-33210277483887278532010-11-01T21:03:00.000-07:002010-12-31T22:02:55.631-08:00Lemony Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eJwsyrmtJH5PgsoPJGVoWlf41SVn_9QlQG8hjFGbeD8kUMFZ2rZUXa0ysDHSzupF3xS0xYv-bU799hQg5I2NU4Iu1mPp7Q18sHEXsxe0T1wrt8Yw2TKq43MWzDQPMzfgG6r9x_rhxdke/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eJwsyrmtJH5PgsoPJGVoWlf41SVn_9QlQG8hjFGbeD8kUMFZ2rZUXa0ysDHSzupF3xS0xYv-bU799hQg5I2NU4Iu1mPp7Q18sHEXsxe0T1wrt8Yw2TKq43MWzDQPMzfgG6r9x_rhxdke/s320/-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534798191730699170" /></a><br /><br />My first test batch of lemon squares were a hit...thanks to my Aunt for sharing her secret recipe! I think I may have a future career in baking...next on my list is bread!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-60704641832283880912010-10-30T19:39:00.001-07:002010-11-01T21:06:00.352-07:00Halloween B StyleThis year I've decided to skip the usual American Halloween festivities and hole myself up in my apartment. I just cooked myself a test batch of homemade lemon squares and semi-homemade mac n cheese. For the main event, I have queued up a cult classic that I've never had the chance to watch...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.movie-list.com/posters/big/zoom/evildead.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.movie-list.com/posters/big/zoom/evildead.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />god, I love b-movies and their awesome posters.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-39697085006334533312010-10-30T19:00:00.000-07:002010-10-30T19:03:44.155-07:00The Cutest Dog in the World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcqaKPDqHWlJ83ri7UX1H3JLS7MKbkl4KmbJbjHIDm-mWk0slOuxODz91MVLeIEFr10y53itTaGONNm77jJ3WJ2JlI_CcevbULEoTuy4BbViKxfF7lhgR1HQlXBtBFOgTGs4AqrcNlLSd/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcqaKPDqHWlJ83ri7UX1H3JLS7MKbkl4KmbJbjHIDm-mWk0slOuxODz91MVLeIEFr10y53itTaGONNm77jJ3WJ2JlI_CcevbULEoTuy4BbViKxfF7lhgR1HQlXBtBFOgTGs4AqrcNlLSd/s320/IMG_2848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534024371272343378" /></a><br /><br />of course is my dog =)look at the small little wet nose and big brown eyes! *cuuuuteeee*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-14097841653943057412010-10-19T23:40:00.000-07:002011-02-09T23:13:20.288-08:00Bro comes to visit<a href="http://www.carlojcecilio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/CRL_8314.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.carlojcecilio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/CRL_8314.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Have I ever mentionied that my brother is a wedding photographer? He is now here in the US visiting from the Philippines. He is also here to shoot a wedding and some prenups. Bro is going international..w00t! I'm a proud sister =) <br />
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The picture was take near the Wild Card Boxing Club along Vine- also close to my old apartment in H-wood. I took him around LA a week ago and you can check out his blog entry about it <a href="http://carlojcecilio.com/blog/?p=1981">here</a>. Ignore my icky photos and click on his other posts. I must say that he has really grown into his profession and passion. I'm really digging his gallery. <br />
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Oh btw, this is the first time I've seen him in two years. I say always good to spend time with family...at least in small doses.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-48506824945935310002010-10-14T14:11:00.000-07:002010-10-19T23:28:27.878-07:00The Guinea Pig Incident<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quillcards.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/guinea_pig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://quillcards.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/guinea_pig.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It all began with my co-worker asking me about Peru. She and her man were possibly planning a trip so she asked for recommendations. I mentioned a couple of places to go and things to do. One of which concerned dishes to try. Thus, bringing us to the subject of the guinea pig. A national delicacy in Peru. Since co-worker had an Irish sense of humor I told her that she should try it. I was testing to see if this would faze her. Adding that I was Andrew Zimmerman enough to try it (I know! Don't judge). I was being silly and in the mood to shock. We were laughing when all of a sudden she stops and looks over my shoulder.<br /><br />I glanced and it was one of our SVP's looking at us with this look of horror on his face. Well looking at me most especially. At first, I thought he was pretending to be in utter horror. After a couple of seconds we were like you didn't have a pet guinea pig before right? Of course as it turns out he did and had around 7 at one time in his life. Wow 7? <br /><br />After he leaves, I discover he passed by our area to drop off a photo of him as a kid for one of the events we were arranging for work. Lo and behold on the photo was him holding the cutest guinea pig with the craziest hair ever. WOW. Like what were the chances huh?<br /><br />Let's just say that I am now planning to adapt a rescue guinea pig from Peru to make up for my sins.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-83058298194592511532010-09-19T19:17:00.001-07:002010-10-19T23:36:27.196-07:00Addictions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gogaminggiant.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/PVZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://gogaminggiant.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/PVZ.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Number 1 soon to be addiction: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N1_0SUGlDQ">Plants VS Zombies</a> extended play on XBLA (click on link for the super cute music video dedicated to the game). I love it! The game designer, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/george-fan/2/a35/888">George Fan</a>, really did a great job on this indie platformer.It really puts the fun back in fighting zombies. None of the COD Nazi stuff that spooks me out! Who would have thought that plants can be bad-ass?! With colorful 2d graphics and a catchy in game tune it will have you chanting to brainsssss! BRAIIIINSSSS! in no time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/8073/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-comics-the-long-way-home.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/8073/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-comics-the-long-way-home.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Number 1 current addiction: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I know...I watched some of it back in the 90's but have lately been hearing about how good it was from fellow Joss Whedon fans (Firefly is the bomb!). Lucky for me my cousin has the whole 7 seasons. One of the things I love about watching a series after it has been released to DVD is that you don't have to wait for the next episode or the next season to find out what happened. Also, you get to know and understand the characters better and watch how they evolve. I like how Buffy takes a unique twist to the monster/occult/vampire genre- a blonde cheerleader saves the world (Heroes you were a decade too late). Plus, Whedon really knows how to pack a punch with those witty one liners. Makes me wonder if teenagers of America really talk this way? And are there real slayers out there? Hmmmm...Buffy much?Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2785971172347684318.post-15702218187798153282010-09-15T23:38:00.000-07:002010-11-11T23:25:20.239-08:0032<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcGJNJ_P1UshDTfWeolyYJmAZJ3O7PVEVONDH_PuedyUfUXX6Xysk65uKe7hWdvTRbnvy6UImfhiCE2y3NnuBW4Y-vCcxFubUnEQukCFwoXY9lipdlDgZoJYAg7ByO076U-9iNfl8VYfq/s320/2238682064_192f64f317_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcGJNJ_P1UshDTfWeolyYJmAZJ3O7PVEVONDH_PuedyUfUXX6Xysk65uKe7hWdvTRbnvy6UImfhiCE2y3NnuBW4Y-vCcxFubUnEQukCFwoXY9lipdlDgZoJYAg7ByO076U-9iNfl8VYfq/s320/2238682064_192f64f317_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Photo: Buddha's Halo (dawn), Mt Fuji 2005<br /><br />It's minutes away from the end of the year. At least for me it is. Seven years ago I started celebrating the beginning of my year during my birthday. I was 25 and I had just climbed Mt Fuji. There was something very inspiring about being up in the clouds looking at Buddha's Halo. It made me feel invincible. I thought if I was able to endure hours of trekking 12388 ft of stratovolcano solo (no guides, no buddies), then I could do anything. That was when I started making the list. It was a list of things to do before my next birthday which I do every birthday.<br /><br />For the 31st year, it was:<br /><br />1. Visiting Darwin in Galapagos [check]<br />2. Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu [check]<br />3. Experiencing the unearthly beauty of Salar de Uyuni [check]<br />4. Learning to choke and throttle while balancing on two wheels. [check]<br />5. Discovering the deep sea- well at least 60 ft or so of it. [check]<br />6. Completing my second triathlon. [check]<br /><br />As for year 32, well I've got a lot of ideas. It may involve a Felucca, an iron fist, fresh mozzarella, the lost world, an island, some French and LOTS of imagination.<br /><br />Happy New Year to me!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187055990919347600noreply@blogger.com0