Printed Books vs Ebooks

I actually like 'em both. I still find collecting printed books very nostalgic.  I like buying books from the bookstore because I have yet to fulfill my dream of having a library at home. I love how my printed books are piled up all over the bedroom. The old books are put on the shelves while the new books are piled on the floor until I have finished reading them.  I also still find satisfaction in turning the pages of my printed books. At the same time, I'm actually growing fond of my Nook Color. I'm always fascinated by the portability of most of my electronic gadgets. Most people like the fact that ebook readers take away the clutter and environmental issues that come with printed books. More than reading books, I like reading magazines in my Nook. With magazines, I don't care much if it's printed or electronic. The best feature though that my Nook offers that I can't have in printed books is the dictionary. One tap on the word and voila, out comes the meaning/etymology/pronunciation. It's the coolest thing. I have to be careful though. Sometimes when I'm reading my printed books and see a new word, I'd touch the page as if it were my ebook. Thank God I haven't had any public incident with that. I know that there is a growing competition between printed and electronic media. I try to support both because losing either one would be very devastating for avid readers like me.

How To Pass Your Driving Test

Are you thinking of getting a new driver's license anytime soon? Do you know of someone who is aiming to become a new driver? If you answered yes to either or both, then read on.

Passing your driving test entails both skills and luck. If you have just one of the two, following these simple steps may just help you bag the coveted prize.

1. Set your appointment way in advance, at least 3 months early. If you need to take your test sooner than that but can't find a free spot, then going on standby is the best way to do it.

2. Practice, practice, practice. Go to a driving school if you must. DO NOT ASK FAMILY MEMBERS e.g. SPOUSE to teach you how to drive. This is for everyone's sake and sanity. You can practice with     them after you've learned all the necessary skills to impress them.

3. On the day of your set appointment, be at the DMV at least 30 minutes early so you have time to mentally prepare for your test. If you're going on standby, be at the DMV by 6am. Yes 6am, don't argue. At this point, your life depends on the examinees who will chicken out at the last minute and won't show up. The

soon-to-be free spot becomes a free for all and is given on a first come first serve basis.

4. Bring a book or any electronic device that you can play with while waiting. Make sure the book is thick enough to last you a day. If you are a fast reader, read slow. Charge your electronic devices the night before. If you are on standby, take note that the tests run from 8am to 4pm and be ready to wait that long.

5. While waiting for your name to be called, DO NOT make friends with other examinees. Just focus on channeling your own positive energy. You don't want their negative energies to rub off on you. If the anticipation is killing you and if you feel like your heart is about to explode, try with all your might to fight

the urge to scream.

6. Observe and check out the examiners for the day. I'm sure they are nice people but don't expect them to be super friendly. If you see a scary looking or intimidating examiner, DO NOT think "Oh God please not him/her." Because the moment you do, you will for sure get him/her.

7. Do a mental run through of all the things you've learned including the initial car test that the examiner will conduct before you drive. The examiner doesn't have the luxury of time to wait for you while you figure out how to turn on the wipers.

8. If and when your name is finally called, SMILE...as big as your mouth can possibly stretch. You have to show the examiner that you're scared confident and excited to take your test.

9. As you walk to the car, make small talks with your examiner. Ask him/her how his/her day's been so far.  Just be ready if they end up ranting. If that happens, give yourself a pat on the back. You've just successfully diverted your examiner's attention.

10. Before you leave the parking lot, SILENTLY SAY YOUR PRAYERS. At this point, your heart will be pounding and you will be sweating big time. Make sure to use an anti-perspirant or deodorant before leaving your house.

11. Some examiners are helpful, some are not. Four things: focus on staying in your lane; red light and stop signs mean FULL STOP; drive in the speed limit: 15mph less than the speed limit will cause you, not earn, points; DO NOT hit another car or a pedestrian.

12. Last but not the least, have fun with parallel parking!! It's going to be a (something that rhymes with witch but starts with a b), and you won't get away with it. And don't even think of using a smart car for the test.  This one really requires SKILLS. So no matter how small your car is, if you don't practice enough, parallel parking might just take up half of your test time.

There you go, may these simple tips help you or your loved ones pass your or their driving test. After going though this experience, I realized that there should be no reason to feel intimidated if you practice hard. It's inevitable to feel scared but it's more of the fear of the unknown I guess.

Oh, one more thing. Practice your poker face for when you come back from the test. Everyone in the room will be watching you and looking for a sign if you passed or not. I say just SMILE no matter what!

Drive safely!

good things come to those who wait

About a week ago, something amazing happened to me. Exactly a year ago, I sent a job application to the Family Services department of our local government. At that time they were looking for a team member to help them with their foster care projects. I never received any feedback, until last month. They probably just got the grant they needed to fund the project. To cut the story short, I went through two interviews and got hired last week. The timing couldn't have been any better. My husband is about to start Nursing school and God probably thinks now is a good time for me to continue with my career. God is so good. And I'm so thankful.

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Our visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial was a meaningful albeit emotional one. Most tourists actually avoid visiting the site because it depresses them. I like going to historical places though because I love learning new things and acquiring more knowledge about something. When I visited the Hiroshima Memorial several years back, I almost cried. I felt for all the victims and couldn't help but imagine how my ancestors from Hiroshima survived the bombing. Seeing Pearl Harbor brought some light to the questions I had in mind after my visit to the Hiroshima Memorial.

Words are not enough to capture the emotion that I felt during my visit. I will just let the pictures do the talking.

Remember. Understand. Honor.

Missoni x Target

Have you seen the collection??  I sometimes find the patterns too bold but I think there are a couple that I liked from this collection. It is apparently the biggest collaboration to date for Target. I am also loving the kitchen series. That Missoni bike is calling my name. Out loud.

Out this September!

baby rosary

I made this baby rosary as a baptism present for my husband's nephew.

I used an elastic band to string the beads and clippers to attach the Mama Mary and the cross then put it in a matching tiny blue pouch.

 close up of Mary and child

close up of the cross

This is very easy to make and one that can be used and kept forever:-)

Meet Octavia

She hails from Waikiki and is the nicest octopus I've ever known (she's the only one I know!).

She gets a lot of attention and praises whenever I take her out.  She's one of the latest additions to my collection of animal rings. I'll make another post to introduce the rest of them.

Presents from Japan

Three weeks ago, my Japanese best friend sent me a parcel containing the Uni Qlo shirts she had bought for me. The first time the mailman came, I was in deep sleep and missed the door bell. I still get giddy every time I get a parcel. My friend also sent Japanese snacks and cute cell phone accessories. Of course, there has to be something Hello Kitty...

Hello Kitty nori (seaweed)

How can I possibly eat this cuteness??

coffee and sundays

Every Sunday, 11 years and counting.

my father's daughter

We went to the closing out sale of Borders yesterday. It was a bittersweet moment. Though I'm happy to browse through books at cheaper price, I was also melancholic over the fact that another bookstore is folding up. I love books and bookstores are my sanctuary. I decided not to buy any novels as I can buy those through my Nook. I went straight to the cook books section to look for the two books in my wishlist: any barefoot contessa book, and Gwyneth Paltrow's book. I lucked out on the first (totally bummed) and got lucky on the latter.

A few pages into the book so far and it's been a heartwarming read. I can't wait to try all those healthy recipes!