Reflections, Reflections

All too often, we justify not doing something because it is too expensive. This could be anything from a watching a 3D movie to attending an old friend’s wedding across the country. These days especially, you almost feel guilty when you indulge or spend money on something that isn’t necessarily essential to your survival. Sometimes, though, those non-essentials can be a lot more important than you think. (more…)

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Hello 2012!
I am starting my year right. So far, I have been consistent with my Spiritual commitments this year, yes commitments not resolutions. Tomorrow will be my last day of Fasting & Prayer. I cannot believe that I have completed a 7-day fasting on the 2nd week of the New Year. Other than that, I am also committing myself to a shopping fast this year, even if these finish line coupons would save me bucks on running shoes, I try to ignore it. Above all these commitments, I am committing myself to pray the Holy Rosary on a daily basis. So far, I have missed only 3 days out of the 11 days of this year, not bad, hee hee. So what are your New Year’s commitments/goals for 2012?

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God's blessings, New Year's Commitments and Goals, goal-setting, prayers, self improvement by ysobel

I have come to terms that when it comes to any types of relationships, Acceptance is the key. This I realized this year and for whatever its worth, I will embrace wholeheartedly the flaws and strengths of family members and friends who are in my circle. That way, I will have a better understanding and clarity of what they are going through (knocks on wood, I hope nothing as serious as going to addiction treatment centers) and how they are reacting to life’s circumstances.

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Friends are truly the family you get to choose. I am glad that at this stage of my life, I am surrounded with friends whom I could turn to anytime, anyday, anywhere. For the past 2 years, I have weeded out some so-called friends and whoever was left in my small circle are those I will treasure for life. One of my friends, I call my fasting and praying partner. She is the one I can turn to when I needed spiritual guidance and support. Aside from teaching me where to get affordable osprey packs, she also thought me to pray for Grace. Since then, I have been praying for Grace more than Wisdom and Patience.

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God's blessings, differences, finding peace, forgiveness, friendships, praying for Grace by ysobel

Short term or emergency loans serve an important function for individuals and families.

While jobless and cash strapped families can qualify for food stamps, free temporary housing programs and Medicaid for healthcare needs, they are still vulnerable to emergencies such as road accidents, death of a family member, and problems with State agencies who may need more proof before jobless individuals or families can qualify for welfare programs.

Therefore, cash advances or short term loans are necessary to safeguard their future until a new source of cash flow such as a new part time or full time job can be found.

That said, families or individuals have to exercise tremendous self-control and stay vigilant that the emergency cash they have gotten must be used wisely and should not be burnt in Ponzi schemes, drugs, alcohol, addictive gambling and harmful bets.

Here are two activities which loan recipients must avoid at all costs if they wish not to dig a deeper hole for themselves in the long run:

1. Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

Narcotics can be the most harmful activity one can dabble into either through a self destructive impulse, or through coercion by individuals who might be close to you but may not have your best interests at heart.

If you are out of job, cash strapped, utilize most of your time in finding yourself a new job, no matter how temporary it is, and avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco (cigarettes) at all cost.

Keep your family away from these narcotics and make sure you communicate with them frequently about the dangers these drugs may pose to physical and mental health and ultimately the stability of your family.

The addictive nature of narcotics can typically result in not only physical and mental ruin, but you may run out of your cash rather quickly.

If you received $500 in cash, you can burn it in as few as three to four days through such activities.

2. Gambling and Ponzi Schemes

Unscrupulous opportunists are always at the door ready to help part with your money by selling you ideas which are nothing more than Ponzi schemes.  Quite often, close friends, confidants, or even family members would promise you a hefty rate of return if you “invest” your cash in their schemes.

Do not believe anything they tell you unless you have verified all their plans and find them to be worth taking the risk.  But more often than not, such plans and schemes only backfire and leave you with nothing more than heartburn and anguish at the loss of whatever little hope that cash gave you to survive a few more weeks.

Do not participate in any Casino or gambling dens to make money from your cash.  There is a high likelihood that you will fail miserably and get into ever deeper misery.

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As 2012 is nearing, I can say that I have become a more positive person than I used to be. So before I check on these Big Agnes tents, let me share with you this Bible verse that I always recite in the morning. It has lead me to a more positive direction and perspective. It may sound profound but all it means is: Think Happy Thoughts, Erase The Negativity.

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God's blessings, contentment, finding peace, goal-setting, healing, moving on, optimism, past is past, positivity, prayers, self improvement, stop worrying by ysobel

My friend has been complaining about how poor the signal of her cellphone is that she would be needing this mobile cell booster. She is not ready to upgrade her old mobile phone to a smart phone and would rather invest on a good mobile cell booster. Hmm, some people can be really resistent to Change, me included hee hee.

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I have to admit that my husband is the better cook at home. In fact, I would also admit that our little boy would rather have his dad cook our everyday meals than me. But fortunately, I am not at all offended with this because I grew up having a mom who is such a great chef and baker, therefore, I am so used at eating only the finest dishes. Looks like my dear husbo can have a fall back and take any of these Cooking Jobs if ever he gets tired with the corporate world.

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Have I told you about my little boy’s love for the Music and Ludwig Drums? I was so amazed that when he turned 2, he would appreciate different kinds of Music genre. He would dance on rock music and would sit still on Classical music. Then when we were in D.C. catching up with the metro train rush, he overheard this group who were playing instruments that he wanted to sit there and finish the song being played. Looks like we have a Musician in the family!

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When I went to Vegas last year, I never really enjoyed playing Casinos, not even poker, thus no poker rankings for me. Good thing as I am not the lucky type. When another friend invited me to join their poker nights, I was a boring participant and never really learned the game while everyone got their poker rankings. So why am I going to write about slot tournaments, poker and casino games in general? It is because I got amazed by how much you can be entertained by these kinds of games and eventual earn a heft amount of money. And yes, this is for an Uncle who has been hooked in playing poker for several years now. (more…)

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