Last Saturday, December 9, I got a sweet surprise during the Thanksgiving Worship Services for the young members of Iglesia Ni Cristo. Thea performed (twice) in the Choir in the said special gathering.  After the first worship service, an Awarding Ceremony was conducted to honor the most active child (Pinakamasiglang Bata) and most active officer (Pinakamasiglang Maytungkulin). 

Congratulations, Ate Thea. To God be the Glory!

Happy Friday, everyone!

While browsing my Facebook feed early this morning, I saw a video  shared by a friend. The video I am talking about is Meghan Markle's speech at UN Women conference sometime in 2015. Ms. Markle told a inspiring story about her when she was 11 years.

1. Golden Sedum
2. Hens and Chicks (Echeveria elegans)
3. Aloe Vera
4. Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
5. Zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata)
6. Echeveria "Lady Aquarius"
7. Jade Plant
8. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
9. Queen Victoria Agave
10. Black Rose

The average American will move about 12 times over the course of their lifetime, and each moving experience is both stressful and exciting. In fact, experts say that moving is in the top 5 move stressful experiences for people, even when they're otherwise happy about the move. Not only do you have to give up the familiar routine that you've established in your old location, you also have to create a new life and routine for yourself in your new home. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to make your move a little less aggravating. Here are four to get you started on your exciting relocation.

Research Your New Location Before You Go

Before you even start packing, go online and do some serious research about your new location. Make sure you know what kind of weather do expect, as well as any new cultural facts. Look into local customs and slang, and find out if there are any surprises awaiting you in your new home. If you're moving for a new job, talk to someone in your HR department and ask for advice about moving. They will certainly have information that can help you.

Find Necessary Providers Early

Don't just jump into your new home with two feet. Make sure that you have contact information for any professionals that you might need on an emergency basis so that you won't have to worry if disaster strikes. For example, if you need a Charlotte emergency dentist, you don't want to wait to the last minute to find one. Instead, call a local professional like Charlotte Dental Partners before you move. Similarly,  find out where your nearest urgent care center will be, in the case of medical emergency.

Use Social Media to Make New Connections 

Thanks to the wonders of modern social media, you can make new friends before you even step into your new home town. Join local Facebook groups for your new neighborhood, and find online groups for your favorite hobbies and interests. This way, you'll have a community that is waiting for you on day one.

Pack Only What You Need

Look at moving as an opportunity to jettison your unnecessary items. Sort through your belongings before you go and only bring what you love and need. Start your new life lighter, happier, and more optimistically.  

My heart is overflowing with happiness and excitement.  My daughter will be part of the team who will compete for the 2017 Division Schools Press Conference tomorrow, July 22.  She was chosen for Feature Writing for Collaborative Publishing. She's in charge of writing the article while the other members of their team will handle cartooning, editing and lay-outing.

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My youngest is officially entered First Grade this school year.  Though I am quite emotional during day 1 (even until today) because he is attending school in my hometown. We had a deal - that he will be staying with my folks back home for a year. Oh boy, I terribly miss him.By the way, he is enjoying there in his BIG school, my Alma Mater Irosin Central School.

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Here are some latest photos of my school boy  taken in front of my Mama's house. :)

What with the multiple millions of residents in New York and New Jersey, it's quite understandable there are tremendous number of things to do, places to visit, and events to attend. On any given day every single day of the year, the number of special events taking place throughout the two states most popular cities, New York City and Atlantic City, New Jersey, may perhaps be too many to count.