This week was a little mellow than the last one. My boss who was my previous highschool teacher turned out to be one of those bosses who are ocassionally-heard-never-seen ones.  In another life that would have bothered me but then this is a good thing. 

I won't come home this weekend nor do I feel the need to go.  It feels relieving. Though I am going to work on a Saturday, I still feel  a little better.  I hope this continues.  Happy weekend everyone!

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We all think that love is all about the deep things in life - and that the strong bonds of love might be about the sacrifices that people make for each other.  Well, love can be a little simpler than that.

A recent research conducted with 52 couples found that laughing strenghtens the relationship.  When people laugh at the same thing, they validate each other's opinions.  Private jokes and pet names, things that others just don't get,stengthen ties betweek couples. 

One of main reasons why people who laugh together find that they grow to have each other is because laughter is a pleasurable experience.  The more positive memories you have, the more you love the other person.

If you have ever ate something and got sick and then decided from that time on not to eat the food again? Same thing applies to relationships that have a lot of negative images. Negative images add up to pull the relationship apart.

The second component of love is those secret little pet names and private jokes that no one else know about.  These little secrets help the couples feel that they are in a tight bond.  It seems that they are likely in their own little world with their own language that no one else understands.
 
So, may I suggest that go ahead, create endearing yet funny and unusual pet names.  Even  "klunkhead" may evoke such giggling-inducing and warm associations with the moniker that only the two of you will hold dear.

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The tragedy in Myanmar is more saddening not mainly because of the further rain, but because of the government who has refused foreign aid inspite of  thousands dying.

It's military junta has denied aid from the United Nations and other foreign organizations who just want to five water,food, and medicine to the now-homeless, hopeless citizens because of the cyclones.  The military junta stressed that they should be the ones who will be solely responsible to give basic aid to the victims especially in the far-flung areas.

CNN reported that the citizens of Myanmar who fortunately survived better than the other millions, have taken the initiative to distribute the most needed items for the victims.  But the weird and sad thing was, they have to hide their faces so as to avoid military junta retribution.  It appears that the government would punish their own people just because they are joining the move to help those who are in dire need.  What kind of government is that? What do they get by refusing foreign or even internal aid?  What's it for them? The glory?  Sole acknowledgement of assistance? I don't get it.  People, especially in the small and hidden communities are literally turning turning rain water to drinking water just to survive. New-born babies are freezing to death and the government refuses to receive milk from outside sources.  I really don't get it.  Now isn't the time to think of policy differences, but to think of precious lives waiting for aid.

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There is never,ever a bad time to travel.  Yes, the weather maybe the number one enemy, but then, it really isn't. As they say, you'll make a lot of excuses if you don't want to do things, but you'll move heaven and earth to the thing you want to do.  So, when you're the type that needs to get out of town on a monthly or even a regular basis,  there are a couple of tips to take note as to avoid a stressful travel.  Here are a few that even th best travel channel shows wont' feature:

1.  Bring a pashmina or a sarong -  these are versatile pieces that can take you from the beach to the streets.  Also, pack a silk animal-print or Pucci-esque scarf to add glamour to an other-wise simple outfit, and a black dress for your evening escapades. 

2.  Mark your suitcases with a colorful ribbon or sticker - This way, you can easily locate them at the luggage belt upon arrival at the airport.

3.  Pack an extra set of underwear and clothing in your hand-carry - Just in case, ( well, this is most likely to happen but I hope not) you will have an additional outfit on hand.

4.  Roll your clothes instead of folding them - This is to avoid excess creasing or wrinkling.

5.  Stack your clothes in piles in your bed -  After assessing your inventory remove half of what you think you need.  Keep your wardrobe casual, simple, and versatile.

6.  Stick with one carry-on and one piece of check-in luggage -  I know this is the one that's the hardest to  follow or even consider.  It's like there's always something we HAVE TO bring, But then, it all comes to functionality first then there goes the fashion part.

I remember when my friend from work was endlessly convincing me last December to go on a  trip to  Berlin in Germany.  I wasn't really up for long trips but the main lure for me was this cafe which has no name.  It's in the heart of Zion street (Zionstrasse). 

I was having second thoughts for a week even though my visa was ok  and at the night  before the flight I decided not to go mainly because of work.  But the next morning I just woke up so early and I thought that was the sign that I should go. Good thing my friend had already bought our tickets.  And all that I was able to follow in the rules above was number 6, mainly because I have 2 hours to pack.  It was all worth it, it was so difficult to find because it has no names or signages, you have to ask the locals for directions. Its warm, yellow wooden floor planks, and mahogany table sets and stools lent an inviting cozy ambience, while cheeky art murals and the stark red bar gave it a quirky twist. The menu was just on a sheet of paper listing the day's fare. When it comes to paying, there's a bowl on the counter where you can drop the amount you think is fair.  Really cool place.

I have learned that making things simpler either for short or long travels is the key to a stres-free journey. I go out of town not only I want to see something new, but just to take my mind off the hustle and bustle of work, which I can only escape temporarily but not forever.

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A recent CNN report shows that the paparazzi are now also tailing Clinton and Obama and even the entertainment magazines are featuring them on their covers instead of the latest celebrity breakdowns.

Britney and the other Hollywood celebrities can be a little relieved as their lives won't be in the tabloids in the coming weeks as the media is concentrating on Obama's basketball game in  a university or Clinton's speech in a pickup truck or John Mccain cuddling a baby.  And the odd thing is, they sell.  It seems we are more curious of how the politicians spend their days instead of  Jennifer Aniston suntanning with John Mayer. 

I daresay that we are becoming frighteningly smart readers.  I say frighteningly smart because we now care more about important issues such as the election, how the hopefuls are coming up with ways on how to solve the high gas prices or the mortgage rates or our healthcare.  But then, why do they need to be feature in celebrity magazines? What does that tell us on how these politicians will do just to get attention?

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I am sure that most of us are tired going to traditional parties. You know what’s even more tiring? Watching or joining the same century old darn blasted boring games. Everyone knows it is the only way to bore people in parties. Pin the tail on the donkey, trip to Jerusalem, longest happy birthday and so much more!

This is a nice getting to know party. Who said that slumber parties are only held at nights? Do it in a different way! Hold your party starting lunch time till midnight. This way, you got to “sleep” with all the boys you want in one day, at the same time, getting to know all those boys you slept with, finally.

3.  Host an Outdoor party

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I had no idea that my previous post would be featured in the front page.  Really, it meant a lot. It boosted up my confidence.  Work has been so stressing adding the new boss.  On an update on her, she almost didn't recognized me the first time she saw me and I was so relieved but then when someone spilled the high school where I went, she suddenly realized who I was, though she can't remember which class I was in, which was a good thing. 

Another good thing was I would not be mingling with her a lot as she is stationed a floor above me and I would be just seeing her on our weekly meetings. She hasn't set goals yet and what I found off was that she didn't asked what each of us are working on.  I mean, if you're the new boss you have to familiarize yourself with the tasks, right? But then, it was her first day so ok, I'll give her a break.

But the feeling that I have done something wrong even though I haven't came flashing back.  I feel that my heartburns are attacking again. I don't know if I'll go to a cardiac arrest or it's just because of the heartburns, but then at least, the Vox people are appreciating my thoughts.  Thanks guys.

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You can learn a ton about a person by collection of books.  What does your date's reading far reveal about him?

Personal libraries reflect intellectual interests, literary learnings, religious and political dispositions and a sense of self. Even the way the publications are stacked tells a story about a personality.

If he has a combination of fiction and non-fiction books...
Readers of fictional books tend to claim that that there is more truth, beauty, and understanding about the world and human psyche can be derived from make-beliefs.  Those who are fans of non-fiction feel that learning through stories cannot be compared to the straigh-forwardness of plain fact and details.  It's fair to say that both are right to some extent. What matters is what you believe.

If he's collected a number of book by the same poet or author..
It shows premeditated purchasing and a prefence for a certain style of writing - this is also a hint of a seasoned reader.

If he has a room full of books..
Don't be intimidated by a room full of books, floor to ceiling.  Anyone can snatch trunk with poorly written paperbacks from a garage sale and call it a library. Even though he boasts that besides he has books as one of his biggest collections, operative word, quality over quantity.

If his books have doodles or written comments..
This can mean a few things, It's possible your date may have bought second-hand books (which bodes well for the environmentally friendly and money conscious out there) or perhaps, your guy used his books as a form of note-taking while at school (sacrilege or academically thorough?)  If all volumes have bookmarks in them and appear unfinished, you may wonder about his ability to follow through.

If he has coffee table books..
These kind of books often come us as gifts. A coffee table book purchased by your lover has a purpose: to suggest to guests that he has a fascinating hobbyor interest he wants you to know about.

If he has reference books..
You name it, thesaurus, dictionary, atlas, style guide, how-to books - there's no any way that this is a negative sign.  It's safe to assume that the more reference books someone has, the more interested they are in language, writing, reading and learning.

Not trying to label anyone here, but it will not hurt to see for signs, right? In this day and age, it is rare to find a guy who is stimulating in ALL areas. 

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Just about to go back to work when my friend at the office texted me that a new manager will be coming in. This could have been good news but as the manager was my old highschool professor who was a terror teacher,  I doubt if it will be a good week.  She was my physics instructor and I was not and until now not a big fan of the subject, I just hope she has changed. Odd thing was, she was very young when she became my teacher, unlike those other older highschool teachers I had and yet she wasn't the groovy ones back then, hopefully, she has changed.

She was so terrorizing that she even insulted our names, especially those that doesn't sound that common, or the way we walk, or even the way we answer in class.  Worst thing, her favoritism was so obvious even the class suckers can't get enough of her favoring ways.

I though this will be a different week, but as I have heard from the office, I have a feeling it will be more difficult. So, help me God.

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As we all know, summer is the right time to go places, discover the world and experience sights and sounds of any possible destination country. Although, some have not been blessed with such opportunities, let me remind those who still have the chance to savor the moment because there will come a point in time that they would be so busy like most of us, they wouldn’t have bountiful chances of going out of the country they live in.

While some have the luxury of time to take long trips in cruise ships or by land, sadly, most do not. It is not true that the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. In some cases, airlines can be the fastest way from point A to point B. We have been riding airplanes for a long time now, but do you know, there are still some certain rules that we do not know? If you are going out of the country soon, why don’t you check out the graphical airline safety procedures in front of your seat? Here are some.

1. In the event of an airplane emergency evacuation, style points are given to the most stylistic and creative exit impression.

Evacuation All-Star Exhibition

2. While using your chairs as flotation devices, check the water for bubbles and ask, “Okay, who farted?

Float, Float, Float your seat...

3. Staring at the emergency exits long enough and waiting for it to open might do the job for you but, for most of the time? It doesn’t

I see you...

.

These are just some, remember, it is knowing what information to trust and what not to trust that saves you

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