Walking: My new daily fitness routine

After that momentous decision of attending the 6:30 AM Mass daily (except Sundays), I made another earth-shattering decision. LOL. I made up my mind to walk to and from church. As a workaholic night owl who’s used to sleeping in the wee hours of dawn, working late at night and waking up late, these are two major and life-changing decisions for me. And I’m glad I made it.

It’s been more than a month since I started waking up at 5:30 AM just to fulfill my daily rendezvous with God. The walking part came as an inspiration as I realized I can wake up earlier for the walk to church which takes about fifteen minutes.
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07. May 2013 by carmel
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Go camping and enjoy your time with nature!

Our community recently concluded a very successful Summer Youth Camp last weekend. It was a 3D2N event designed to enrich the social and team-building skills of the young, as well as enrich their spiritual life. The affair just made me reminisce on my college days when we had overnight retreats for self-renewal.

Don’t you wish to experience your own summer camp adventure too? I know camping is definitely an exhilarating experience. Young or old, anyone can have some fun while camping.

If you do plan to have an upcoming camping trip, it’s best to orient yourself with all the helpful information you can get to help you find more enjoyment from it. Review the tips in this article, and you will probably be well informed and ready for your camping adventure.

Your sleeping bag selection must be created using the expected climate in mind. In the summer, it is advisable to select a light sleeping bag. However, you’ll want a heavyweight sleeping bag to maintain you warm at night-time.

Bring plenty of water and food along with other drinks within your supplies. Practice safety and beware of bears. If you may be camping in areas where bears live, store food clear of sleeping areas. Be sure to burn every bit of garbage and then any remaining food to keep the bears away so they will not be attracted to the slightest smell of leftovers.
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23. April 2013 by carmel
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Weekend with an electric guitar

Last Saturday, we celebrated a friend’s birthday by hosting a potluck party for him. Mom called up everybody and told them to bring food and that’s it, the result was a happy and hearty get-together. After lunch, I had fun playing the electric guitar while somebody sang her heart out. I really did enjoy it even after not having played one for a long time.
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01. April 2013 by carmel
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Nearby summer destinations

The days are getting sunnier and warmer, sending out summer vibes to those who plan on visiting nearby resorts or faraway destinations. For us, we still haven’t planned any trips yet for this summer. I have some not-so-far summer destinations in my mind, such as Pata-an Mountain Resort in Bago and the white sand beaches in Sipalay. It would take about a half day’s drive to go to Sipalay though, and needs careful planning when it comes to vehicle preparation and maintenance.
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01. April 2013 by carmel
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A London trip for business or holiday

If you’re planning to organize a business conference or meeting with international participants coming in from different parts of the globe, London is a good choice. This city offers not just top tourist spots but is also considered as a leading finance capital in Europe. It is strategically located as well, providing easy access to other notable tourist destinations in the UK. London has three main airports, making it easier for business delegates coming in for the events as they can freely choose which is conveniently located for their arrival.

Travel enthusiasts consider London as a top European destination for business and leisure; there are lots of fun things to do in London, from shopping to clubbing and relaxation or exploring the city’s past while visiting historical sites and notable landmarks. Popular tourist attractions in London are worth visiting such as the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and more.

London offers varied choices of hotels, from budget to luxury types, to accommodate the requirements of the event, whether it is for business, or leisure, or a mix of both. Event organizers can readily choose which venues are equipped with the rooms and facilities for their participants as well as the most convenient location. With such a wide range of options, it simply depends on the client’s needs.

London hotels are generally well-equipped with modern conference facilities that could readily accommodate gatherings specifically for business purposes, offering convenience for the conferees with attention to details. Family affairs, parties and weddings are also served by these business hotels. Event organizers can readily choose a venue that’s strategically located beside tourist attractions in London.

12. March 2013 by carmel
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Backup musical instruments

I just got back from our community’s weekend family appointment. The musical instruments backing up the choir was just an electric guitar and a bass guitar. They were not able to bring the keyboards which we usually borrow from a friend. Despite just two instruments as background for the songs, we were still blessed with their singing. Of course, it could have been much better if there was a full band backing them up – with drums, keyboards, percussions and all.

One of our community’s projects is raising funds to upgrade our musical instruments and equipment. Hopefully, we can buy new acoustic guitars, an affordable acoustic bass and of course new keyboards so we don’t need to borrow one. Having different instruments as backup help in creating a more solid sound. Currently, we have a musician expert in our community but he will only be staying with us until August, so it would be much better if we have the funds so we can get assistance for the upgrade and learn from his expertise while he is still around.

02. March 2013 by carmel
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A day without music

I’ve heard most people say that they can’t live without music. I’m pretty much like that. I love playing my favorite mp3 collection while working, except when doing some mental tasks which need focus and concentration. When I was still studying and reviewing for the board exams, I would solve some mathematical equations with the radio dishing out rock music as my background sound.

Hmmm… I wonder if those music enthusiasts who love to tinker a bit with the best audio recording software or those musicians who regularly play their fave instruments can survive without listening to music at all. Maybe few days or weeks are tolerable, but a year without music? Tsk tsk

Lately with my hectic schedule, I can go through some days without playing some music on the side. I know that statement about “can’t live without music” is just an exaggeration. Of course, life can be boring not having music at all.

Well, a day has passed me by just now, with me not hearing a single favorite song, and I am still alive. LOL.

02. March 2013 by carmel
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Printing error: Incomplete output

Isn’t it that we often encounter issues with things that are supposed to make our work-at-home life easier? For instance, the computer suddenly becomes unresponsive or the USB hard drive cannot be read. One time, it was the printer that behaved weirdly – it would stop printing after giving out few lines of output. It got me so upset as I was in a rush to complete my job; I even searched the Internet in the hopes of getting answers from other users with the same predicament.

I tried browsing over discussion forums focused on everything about printing, from ink cartridge replacements to printing labels and all. Sure enough, I got information from these printing forums on similar complaints from users about the incomplete printouts, but still got no definite solution even if I already updated the printer with the latest drivers downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. So, what was the problem then? I was already exhausted that time, so off to dreamland I went.

The following day, I tackled the printer issue again and tinkered around with it. Then a sudden idea hit me; maybe I need to check the USB printer cable if it was properly plugged in. And indeed, it wasn’t! Oh well. So a little push of the cable to snugly fit the printer port was all it needed! What a shame. My apologies to our trusty printer for getting the blame; I was even thinking about selling it to the weekend trash market! LOL.

28. February 2013 by carmel
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Preparing to be fit and fab for Valentines

The Love Season is finding its way into our hearts and pockets (!) again. Just think about people getting excited about this coming Valentine’s Day. It’s not just a special day for couples, but for families as well. Even kids are looking forward to this day. You bet, it’s one of the most eagerly awaited occasions for everybody.

Most families will be having get-togethers for Valentines; even just dining out at a nearby resto or organizing a small party as a way to bond together, all in the name of Love. LOL. Such events are fun opportunities for reminiscing and laughter, especially those who haven’t seen each other for years – a chance to tease each others’ pot bellies or thinning hair! Yes, physical change does happen even within few years.

So, you want to look your best before Valentines, right? I know it’s a great feeling when you finally meet your long-lost friends and relatives and they compliment you as being healthy and fit.

If you’re into dancing, then just put on your favorite dance music and get it on! Be more active than usual, and try something new, such as getting into some kerrits equestrian apparel and go horseback riding. Yes, it’s time to grab those dumbbells and yoga mats, start those exercise sessions and shed some excess pounds!

Unfortunately, with my busy schedule, I have not continued my dance exercise routine though. I know it is bad and I’m guilty as charged. There are just so many deadlines and back logs to catch up. But let’s not talk about me.

If you are serious about getting fit and slim before your Valentine date, consider hiring a personal trainer if you feel you need to be guided. Joining a dance class or registering for gym membership are also great options. It’s good to know that there are many health and fitness websites offering discounts on featured products, from gym memberships to vitamins and even fitness gadgets. Gym memberships these days not only include access to the latest fitness equipment and gadgets, but training and guidance from fitness professionals as well.

We’re getting closer to the much-awaited Love Day (yikes!); this is enough reason to make one run to the gym to lose those extra calories, get fit and look fab before meeting family and friends to celebrate this special occasion.

04. February 2013 by carmel
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Little A is now 3

My nephew just turned three few days ago and I forgot all about it until I saw the Facebook updates of my sis. Sigh. How time flies! It seemed just like yesterday when I did a digital invitation for his 2nd birthday party and now he’s already three! I just can’t believe how kids grow up so fast these days.

Pretty soon, my cute nephew won’t be physically cute as he is now. I mean, he is still so little and chubby and adorable as a three year old, and I bet he’d still be a cutie as a pre-schooler, not like his nearsighted auntie who had to wear those children’s frames at an early age. Anyway, I’m praying for my little nephew to grow up as a good boy and become a smart and responsible son in the future. God bless you little A. Auntie loves you!

27. January 2013 by carmel
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