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8/31/2008

This Keeps Me Busy...

Haven't blogged in a while...
This is what I've been doing for the past few days,
and I really enjoy doing so...

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Gift Tags
All Occasion and Christmas Tags



240

Personalized Notepads
1/4 Paper Size Bond Paper



240

Notepads and Colored Mini Notepads



240

Memo Pad and Note Pad



Now you know what I will be sending my loved ones on Christmas...

Photo Credits:

Design Yourself

It's Prison Time Once Again...

I can't wait to watch the new Season of...


After engineering an escape from the hellish
Panamanian prison Sona, brothers Michael Scofield
and Lincoln Burrows are determined to seek justice
against The Company, the shadowy group responsible
for destroying their lives and killing the woman
Michael loves, Dr. Sara Tancredi.

During their quest for vengeance, Michael’s world
is turned upside down when he learns that Sara
is still alive. Realizing the only way they will truly
be free, Michael and Lincoln avenge to find Sara
and take down The Company.

With the help of a government handler,
they assemble a group of allies and familiar
faces including Mahone, Sucre and Bellick
to aid in their seemingly impossible task.
Unfortunately for the brothers, they must also enlist
T-Bag, who unknowingly possesses a vital clue to
help them pull off their most difficult challenge yet.
They’ll soon discover the only thing harder than
breaking out is breaking in.

Prison Break Crazy

8/21/2008

I'm Lusting For This....

Dreaaaaammmmm, Dream, Dream, Dreeeaam.... (by The Everly Brothers) - i think...



Oh Bag Fairy, I have been a good girl...
The last time I bought a bag was I guess,
eons ago...
Please grant me this wish...

8/11/2008

Make Fun With Your Photos!

Thanks to Mabuhay Girl for posting Photofunia... I had so much fun creating different designs for my Avatar... Here, have a look...




Go ahead and try it! I know now how it feels to be seen on billboards... Haha, yeah right!

Rolled Up Jeans - Can I Pull 'Em Off?

Inspired by Tintin, aka, The Manila Fashion Observer, here she is,
she looks so chic I hate her... hahaha...
(Click on the pic to read her post)
I tried on an old/unused pair of jeans I bought in the US... It's nothing fancy, just Old Navy, but I didn't like the way it fits me. It's neither too lose nor too fit... I don't know, I just didn't like it... Anyways, since I'm running out of clothes to wear, and getting tired of repeating the same ol' outfits, I checked on my closet and found out that I still have that particular ON jeans... I was excited to try itan rolled it up just the way these guys do...





I think i like the way it turned out on me...
I paired it up with my gladiator flats...
But I still need your opinion, what do you think???

8/09/2008

Be Cancer Free - Live Healthy

Two years have passed, I was really down - emotionally and financially... I still am, but fortunately, I have nice, softhearted relatives who understands me...

My father was diagnosed with COPD, (Lung Disease) and he also had clogged tubes in his heart ventricles. He had Andioplasty, which got us in deep financial burden...

I got so scared... What if this happens again??? Where should we get more money to pay for his hospitalization and medicines??? What if it happens to me??? I'm not even insured...

Then I discovered this...


Goji Juice

I don't believe in Multi Level Marketing, aka, Networking... I don't want to work my butt off and let others (uplines) get richer and richer...

All I want is to try the product and let it work for me and my loved ones...

I told myself, why not try it??? Anyway, as the old, overused cliche says, Prevention is better than Cure...

Here are the facts that made me do it...

34 Reasons to Drink Goji Juice Everyday!

01. GOJI EXTENDS YOUR LIFE!

Goji extends life, protecting your body from premature aging through its powerful antioxidant action. Your body's ten trillion cells are under constant attack by free radicals. These harmful environmental agents can accelerate aging by destroying vital body cells faster than they can be replaced. Goji is known as the "longevity fruit." Its unique master molecule polysaccharides and powerful antioxidants defend against premature aging, fighting free radical damage throughout the body.

02. GOJI INCREASES YOUR ENERGY & STRENGTH!

Especially effective when fighting disease. Ranked as one of Asia's premier adaptogens, goji increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. It helps to eliminate fatigue, especially when recovering from illness.

03. GOJI MAKES YOU LOOK & FEEL YOUNGER!

Goji stimulates the release by the pituitary gland of hGH (human growth hormone)... the "youth hormone." The benefits of hGH are extensive and include the reduction of body fat, better sleep, improved memory, accelerated healing, restored libido and a more youthful appearance.

04. GOJI LOWERS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE!

Nearly one in four adults has high blood pressure (hypertension). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and/or kidney failure. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." Studies show that increased blodd pressure could be prevented significantly by having in the body the master molecule polysaccharides present in large quantities that are found only in goji.

05. GOJI HELPS PREVENT & CURE CANCER!

Goji is one of the only plant species on earth that contains the anti-cancer mineral germanium. Its antioxidants and unique polysaccharides can halt the genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Some scientists believe that goji may be an especially good supplement to prevent liver cancer because it exerts liver protection and anti-cancer effects at the same time. This is important as the liver is the body's primary detoxifying organ.

06. GOJI MAINTAINS HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL LEVELS!

Goji maintains beta-sitosterol which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Its antioxidants keep cholesterol from oxidizing and forming arterial plaques. The flavonoids in goji help in keeping your arteries open and functioning smoothly.

07. GOJI BALANCES BLOOD SUGAR & MANAGES DIABETES!

Goji has been used in China for the treatment of adult-onset diabetes for many years and its polysaccharides have been shown to help balance blood sugar and insulin response. It also contains betaine, which can prevent fatty liver disease and vascular damage often seen in diabetics.

08. GOJI ENHANCES LIBIDO & SEXUAL FUNCTION!

The goji berry is revered as one of the premier sexual tonic herbs in all of Asian medicine and is legendary for helping spark the passions. In fact, an old Chinese proverb cautions men who are traveling far from their wives and families: "He who travels one thousand kilometers from home should NOT eat goji!" Modern scientific studies have shown that goji markedly increases testosterone in the blood, thereby increasing libido in both men and women.

09. GOJI HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT!

In an Asian anti-obesity study, patients were given goji each morning and each afternoon. Results were excellent with most patients losing significant weight. In another study, goji polysaccharides were shown to reduce body weight by enhancing the conversion of food into energy instead of fat.

10. GOJI RELIEVES HEADACHES & DIZZINESS!

In traditional Chinese medicine, headaches and dizziness are often said to be caused by deficiencies in kidney yin (vital essence substance) and yang (function). Goji is among the most frequently used herbs for restoring yin/yang balance.

11. GOJI HELPS YOU GET BETTER SLEEP!

Goji has enjoyed long use throughout Asia in the natural treatment of insomnia. In several medical study groups with elderly people, nearly all patients taking goji reported better quality of sleep.

12. GOJI IMPROVES YOUR VISION!

Since ancient times, goji berries have been very popular in China for their vision improvement properties. Modern Chinese scientists have found that goji is able to reduce the time it takes for vision to adapt to darkness. It also improves vision under subdued light. Blind spots were reduced in patients taking goji. Its powerful antioxidant carotenoids may also protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.

13. GOJI STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART!

Goji contains cyperone, a sesquiterpine that benefits the heart and maintains a balanced blood pressure. Its anthocyanins help to maintain the strength and integrity of coronary arteries.

14. GOJI INHIBITS LIPID PEROXIDATION!

Cholesterol and other blood lipids can become deadly when they react in the body to form lipid peroxides. The accumulation of of sticky lipid peroxides in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke.Goji increases levels of an important blood enzyme that inhibits the formation of dangerous lipid peroxides.

15. GOJI HELPS YOU RESIST DISEASE!

The free radical superoxide has been implicated as having an important role in the onset and progression of human disease. Superoxide is neutralized in the body by the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), but you produce less SOD as you age. At any age, the stresses of everyday life can overwhelm your body's ability to produce sufficient SOD to ward off illness. Taking goji has been shown to result in a remarkable 40 percent increase of the important SOD enzyme.

16. GOJI IMPROVES IMMUNE RESPONSE!

The immune system is your body's "armed forces."More than 40 years of research have revealed goji's ability to regulate immunity by commanding and controlling many of the body's important defense functions. Goji polysaccharides enhance and balance the activity of all classes of immune cells, including T-cells, NK cells, lysozyme, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and interleukin-2 (IL-2).

17. GOJI MANAGES & FIGHTS CANCER!

Patients receiving a cancer drug together with goji exhibited response rates of up to 250 percent better than those obtained by the drug alone. These advanced cancer patients experienced amazing regressions of malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, clorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and malignant hydrothorax. Remission of cancers in patients treated with goji lasted significantly longer than those treated without goji.

18. GOJI PROTECTS YOUR PRECIOUS DNA!

DNA is the most important chemical in your body. It carries the blueprint for all the traits inherited from your ancestors and also ensures that -- as they need replacement -- your ten trillion cells are faithfully reproduced as healthy, exact duplicates. Exposure to chemicals, pollutants and free radicals can cause DNA damage and breakage, leading to genetic mutations, cancer, and even death. Goji's betaine and master molucule polysaccharides can restore and repair damaged DNA.

19. GOJI INHIBITS TUMOR GROWTH!

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a crucial cytokine (cell protein) that induces potent anti-tumor responses in a variety of cancers. Goji polysaccharides have been shown in Chinese studies to enhance the production of IL-2. IN the US, IL-2 has been under study as an immune promoting factor since 1983, used for some cancers and for HIV infection. Goji also has the ability to cause the death of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis, a process in which cancer cells are broken down and recycled.

20. GOJI REDUCES THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION!

In one study, goji was shown to enhance the effects of radiation in combating lung cancer, allowing a lower dose to be used. Other research indicates that goji can protect against some of the noxious side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

21. GOJI BUILDS STRONG BLOOD!

Goji is a renowned blood builder and rejuvenator. IN one study, the berry caused the blood of older people to revert to a markedly younger state. In another trial, vital red blood cells were protected against free radical damage by the reaction of goji's flavonoids. Goji has also been used in a number of recent clinical trials for treatment of bone marrow deficiency conditions like the low production of red and white blood cells and platelets.

22. GOJI HELPS CURE CHRONIC DRY COUGH!

Goji is used by Chinese herbalists, either alone or combined with other herbs, for relieving coughs and wheezing. It's been proven to be very effective.

23. GOJI FIGHTS INFLAMMATION & ARTHRITIS!

Extensive scientific research over the past 20 years has shown that, in acute and chronic inflammation, th efree radical superoxide is produced at a rate that overwhelms the capacity of the body's superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme defense system to remove them. Such an imbalance results in pain and damage to joints and tissues. Goji can restore the balance of the important anti-inflammatory SOD enzyme.

24. GOJI IMPROVES YOUR LYMPHOCYTE COUNT!

A lyphocyte is any of a group of white blood cells of crucial importance to the adaptive part of the body's immune system. The adaptive portion of the immune system mounts a tailor-made defense when dangerous invading organisms penetrate the body's general defenses. Goji increases lyphocyte count and helps to activate them when the body is under attack.

25. GOJI TREATS MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS!

In traditional Chinese medicine, many menopause symptoms are ascribed to a deficiency of kidney yin. For ages, goji has been the yin tonic of choice to restore hormonal balance.

26. GOJI PREVENTS MORNING SICKNESS!

In China, goji -- in the form of a hot tea -- is used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. Drinking this tea is a quick and effective remedy. It can be duplicated by combining two ounces of high quality goji juice with hot water.

27. GOJI IMPROVES FERTILITY!

Goji has long been used by Asian physicians for the treatment of infertility in BOTH men and women. In women, goji is said to have an unmatched ability to restore jing (reproductive essence). In men, goji polysaccharides have been found to extend the life of sperm cells, and also were shown to be potent inhibitors of stress-induced structural degradation and cell death in testicular cells.

28. GOJI STRENGTHENS YOUR MUSCLES & BONES!

Goji facilitates the secretion and release of the human growth hormone (hGH), which is responsible for many of the body's important maintenance, repair and development functions. These include the production of lean muscle and the incorporation of calcium into bones and teeth.

29. GOJI SUPPORTS KIDNEY HEALTH!

In traditional Chinese medicine the kidneys are the most important of all the vital organs, and they are believed to control the brain and other organs. Proper kidney function is considered to be essential to survival. Goji has a well-deserved reputation as a kidney supertonic, influencing both yin and yang.

30. GOJI IMPROVES YOUR MEMORY & RECALL ABILITY!

Goji is the premier "brain tonic" in Asia. It contains betaine, which is converted in the body into choline, a substance that enhances memory and recall ability.

31. GOJI SUPPORTS YOUR LIVER!

Goji contains a novel cerebroside that was shown to protect liver cells, even from highly toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons.

32. GOJI ALLEVIATES ANXIETY & STRESS!

As an adaptogen, goji helps the body to adapt and to cope with stress. It provides the energy reserves to help you handle just about any difficulty.

33. GOJI PROMOTES CHEERFULNESS & BRIGHTENS YOUR SPIRIT!

It is said that constant consumption of goji brings a cheerful attitude. In Asia, it is rightfully known as the "happy berry."

34. GOJI IMPROVES WEAKENED DIGESTION!

Goji has long been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, a weakening of digestion caused by reduced activity of stomach cells. Goji itself is easily digested, especially when taken in its highly bio-available juice form.

Too good to be true eh? But tell me, won't you give it a shot too???

8/03/2008

Fonzie Walks all by himself

Starts to touch all the things he can reach... Oh no...

My DFA Adventure

Cassie's passport is expiring on February 2009. I read DFA's website and found out that I can have the passport renewed if: 1) expired and 2) will be expiring the next year.

In short, Cassie is qualified and she doesn't have to be physically present because she is 6 years old. They require personal appearance for only 9 years and above. It states that , in case of a minor, the application shall be processed by either one of the parents of the applicant.

So I filled up the computer generated form - available online pdf format, and signed for an appointment via internet.

The day after, I received an email from the DFA, confirming my appointment and all I have to do is print out the confirmation letter and present it to the guards at DFA.

Confident as I was, I went to DFA with my brother, who also is renewing his passport. Our appointment states: 1pm, proceed to Gate 2.

Going to Gate 2 is not easy... We had to go thru lots of by-standers and fixers, trying to catch our attention and making us believe that we are not doing the right thing. But I was very sure of what I was doing, we headed off. As soon as I reached the guard, there were no queues at all. He asked for my appointment letter, and checked my application form and pictures, he said, "ok, kumpleto ito", so I was allowed to enter the bldg.

We entered a big airconditioned room and saw this in front of me: 1:22pm


and behind me:



Behind me were I think about 60 seated people on queue. There were 5 windows addressed to attend to these people, and I belonged to this group, (sigh). We were all holding the same forms, with appointment numbers, and were expecting to have our final steps to have our passports renewed.

I was relieved to find out that I belonged to the group with lesser queue because the people on the first picture were those who were asked to come back a couple of times and had to present more documents to have their passports processed. Ang dami palang walang passport sa Pilipinas...

This is from where I was seating, waiting for my turn. Not bad at all...



At 1:50, my brother was done with the First Step. I wasn't. (Another story) The processor gave him a receipt, and told him to pay for it at the Auditorium.

This is the Auditorium:




We were shocked when we saw this. But the guard led us to the "payment" booth, which is at the far end of the room. There were no queues. We paid for his passport, P750.00 for expedited or express - 13 working days (that's expedited already)...

After the payment, he was seated at the last row. This last step is the "Encoding". Wherein they get the fingerprints and signatures, for the final printing of the passports. There were about 30 computers and encoders in this room and I noticed that the waiting is not that long... At least people were all seated comfortably in an airconditioned room.

I left my brother in the auditorium to have my own journey...
And this is the "other" story...

At the first step, I was asked by the processor to present my passport because I am the accompanying person of the minor applicant. And since I am stupid, I didn't bring mine.

I called up all my friends who has "contacts" with the DFA and they were all out of reach. Until I finally got hold of Kulasann, who has a cousin who works at the DFA and she said I could ask anyone around and they would lead me to where her cousin works. So I did. His name is MM. I asked all the guards where his office is, and they all told me to go to the Main Lobby, and proceed to the basement. The Main bldg. is in Roxas Blvd., I was in Libertad. I wanted to cry... But I was quite determined to finish the task in one day, I went to see MM. Going to his office was quite challenging because I had to deal with very difficult guards. I had to project like a "VIP" so as not to be treated the way they treat applicants. It's sad because the guards were very arrogant. Good thing they fell off my stance... Times like these, my acting skills are excellent!

I finally saw MM. He was kind, accommodating, but a little unaware of how passports were issued in their department. It is because he is the head of the Transportation Division and he is not into Passports. I told him what my problem was, and he said, I'll try to help you but it's out of my hands, but still, I'll try. He did... But, no can do... He said - "Go back to the processor and beg. She will talk to her Supervisor and maybe they'll make arrangements on how to accommodate you without showing your passport."

Much to my dismay, I had no choice but to beg. I had to fall in line again to be entertained by the processor. When it was my turn, I had these built-in "have mercy" face. She then made me talk to her supervisor, Mr. MC, and I was accommodated in no time! He signed my application form, and told me to give it back to the Processor, pay for the passport, and go back to him without lining up again... My "have mercy" face worked!!!

Mr. MC endorsed me to an encoder and was acted upon instantly. I thanked him and he gave me a very sincere "you're welcome" smile.

We went to the basketball court to have our passports picked up by the courier service so we don't have to come back to DFA and claim them.
We paid P100.00 to LBC.

By 3:30pm, we were done... And I had blisters on both of my big toes...