“Education would be so much more effective if its purpose were to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they don’t know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it.”

– Sir William Haley

My good friend – Kenneth came to the US to pursue a career of teaching.  He is currently teaching Special Education in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He told me that it is indeed a challenge not only because he is tasked to handle tough students but also because of the difference in culture.  Back home, students have a high regard and respect to their teachers.  Here, his experience was the exact opposite.  They’d care less if their teacher is going to drop them out of school. This is a very challenging and demanding job but this seemed to be one of the recession-proof career and I’m talking about being an educator in general not just for special education.

In this regard, I have decided out of curiosity to search on what one needs to prepare oneself in taking this challenge – in being an educator and one of the significant mold of every person’s future.  If you are a graduate of a bachelor’s degree and thinking of pursuing a career as an instructor, online schools like Saint Xavier University offers an MS Curriculum. In fact, Saint Xavier University is the second largest provider of teachers in the state of Illinois.  Their online MS Curriculum is acreedited and will prepare the individual for continued development as a master teacher in school and other instructional settings.  This will also enhance the individual understanding on curricular issues and their impact on the instructional practice.   Since it is online, it is easier for busy individuals or professionals to fit the classes in their schedule.  Thus increasing your credentials without interfering with other responsibilities.

Don’t be just a teacher, be someone who will enhance student learning and make significant contributtions to the students and classrooms with this MS Curriculum.  Be prepared to make someone’s future a brighter.

Whew! It has been a year since we moved up here in Minnesota.  So far, everything turned out really well for us.  I could just remember that our concern last year was how to move our stuff from Florida to here.  We have compared various moving companies that can give us a good deal for a one-way trip.  But in the end, TS ended up moving with his car and whatever things he can fit in his car.  I on the other hand was trying to generate an income while having a vacation in the Netherlands.

Twelve months have passed and a lot of things happened.  We stayed with TS’ uncle’s basement for 3 months.  After that, we rented Nick’s (TS’ bestfriend) spare room.  And 3 months later, we moved here in our place which doesn’t seem like a long time ago. The move to Minnesota was one of the good decisions we’ve done and it definitely worked out for us.

I’m gonna be a grandma and at the same time an aunt!  My sister in law – Trissica and my niece – Ella are both having a baby!  Hearing that news was very overwhelming.  I love babies and the more me and my sisters continue to talk about the coming baby in the family, I get really excited and started browsing through baby’s stuff.  I admit that I want to have a baby of my own too.  But it’s just not ideal for me and TS these days.  At least, not yet.

Babies fascinate me a lot.  From the colors and scents that are associated with them, to specific products like baby cribs, baby bedding and baby toys, they bring so many good memories with me when we were raising my nephews and nieces.

Someday, I am going to be a mother.  And by that time, I can definitely fulfill my fancies for my baby and his/her room.  I can’t wait to walk in the room and smell the fresh scent of the baby powder or baby cologne.  Of course there will be sleepless night but from all the mothers I’ve known, they always tell me that it’s all worth it.  I’m also looking forward to that day that some tiny creature will be calling me “Mama” and it’s not Cougar. hehehe!

Talks about the execs receiving bonuses after receiving bail-out money have never ceased.  The government has also tried to urge investors to buy government toxic assets while the US automakers asks us to reject foreign imports.  Do these appeal for economic patriotism make sense at these times?

It may sound cold but economists say that the capitalist system works best when individuals act in their own economic self interest – and not to try patriotism into own account.  And consumers are doing just that.  Whether we are buying a car, industrial products or other goods, we tend to buy the best product at the best price.  So Buying American seems to be more like a slogan than anything meaningful.  That is because we don’t know how much of any product is really made in the US.  Buying a product to help the domestic economy according to mainstream economists will take away the U. S. company’s incentive to become globally competitive.

Does Buy American still makes sense at this time of crisis?

When we moved here in our apartment, we have the option to choose between a 2 bedroom space or a 1 bedroom space. We chose the 1 bedroom unit thinking that the space would just be enough for us since it’s just me and TS most of the time and not to mention it has a gorgeous view of the lake. We have been enjoying the view so much but we are starting to suffer with the space.

The more things we buy to make this place a home, the more space we use and need.  Majority of the space was used by our large oak office desk which cradles our computers and 2 of which has 21 inches CRT monitors.    We still have more computer system laying around the house which shouldn’t be a surprise coz TS is an IT person and I love computers.  The thought of using KVM switches might help us save more spaces.  Having such, we will only be using 1 monitor and 1 keyboard for multiple computers.  Now, that has to be added in my goal list.

And since we only have 1 bedroom, guests who might be staying for the night will have to stay in the living in our uncomfortable couch until we get a sofa sleeper as a replacement.  When we get a sofa and a loveseat, it will definitely look crowded and I have to get rid of some things for sure. For now, I will have to maximize the space that I have and enjoy the view that I get.  In time, I will definitely get the space that I wanted…

My 28th birthday was very memorable.  Everything turned out to be really good.  My supervisor sent out an email to all the people in our floor announcing my birthday.  Some Loan Officers would drop by my desk to personally greet me and others just sent an email greeting.  Kyeela surprised me with a panda stuffed animal.  It was really cute!

After work, TS and I went straight to Chanhassen Dinner Theater to watch The Altar Boyz.  The dinner was fine and I was really stuffed.  The musical comedy was very entertaining and they are such great performers.  Their performance will conclude tomorrow so I was lucky I get to see them.

The following day, I was surprised because my team mates seemed very pre-occupied with something.   It was not until I read my supervisor’s email that I know the reason why.  These guys have brought together some food to celebrate my birthday.  That is definitely sweet.  What’s better is, we get to have an hour lunch celebration.  My supervisor brought a chocolate frosted chocolate cake for me.  It was very nice of them.

After work, Morgan went with me and TS to dine in Pei Wei.  We hang out at home for awhile watching my Wedding video and a movie until it was time for us to get ready for our girl’s night out and it’s my first one ever!  We went to Aqua and meet up with Kyeela.  Some of our friends didn’t make it but still we had so much fun.

After seeing myself in the pictures taken yesterday during my 1st night out with my girlfriends,   I am determined to work on getting fit.  My birthday celebration should be my last excessive eating that I will en  gage myself with.  Most of my friends tell me that I don’t need to lose weight.  Trust me, I need to lose the excess fat in my arms and stomach.  Should I start considering and looking for the best weight loss supplements out there? Maybe not…yet. It will definitely my last resort.

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In the meantime, I would like to thank you for all the birthday greetings: cards, email and comments on my website.  And I would not forget to thank TS for making my day so special.

Boot is one type of footwear that comes in various types and uses. There is always a type of boot that will fit you in any season. Boots are considered safety footwear and are commonly worn on cold weather as they cover at least the feet and the ankles and sometimes extend to the knee or even the hips that allows us to wear dresses on those cold days.

Boots were also worn as work-shoes because of their durability and dependability. Safety boots for example provide protection in the wilderness or industrial settings. Boots that have good traction, provides protection from chemical exposure, supports the ankle makes a boot a safety footwear that you can depend on.

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I have always wanted to go out.  I’ve been asking TS to take me out dancing.  I am not a big fan of exercise and for me, dancing is the great way for me to release the stresses and maybe my choice of work-out. Taking diet pills would be my last resort if I desire to lose those excess fats.  For now, I will have to give dancing a try.  I am looking into enrolling myself for a belly dancing lesson every Wednesdays after work.  Morgan – my friend from work also recommended to do pole dancing which may look and sound easy but requires a total body strength.

If dancing doesn’t work, I will involve myself more in outdoor sports like tennis and mountain biking.  Right now, I’m trying out what to wear on my first dancing night out!  And look whose got a close eye at me.

Wow!  I could not believe that a week from now I’ll be a year older.  I am not expecting so much on my birthday.  The original plan was to invite my friends from work to have barbecue at home.  However, I am caught with a perplexing situation knowing that our place is very small and I have at least 10 guests who are coming over.  We only have our loveseat and two of our office chairs to accomodate them.  So that plan was cancelled.  The day itself may just be simple and I’ll be spending it with Travis.  On my birthday weekend, there’s the plan of going out dancing and hanging out with my friends from work.

I am not expecting a gift from TS.  But I know he has something for me and I can make couple guesses.  He gave me a sexy lingerie last Valentine’s day.  That works for me too!  Who doesn’t want to wear a sexy lingerie when it boosts your confidence and make you feel and look sexy.  He may buy me a bike instead since the weather is getting better and we have both been wanting to ride on the trails.

Whatever plans TS has in his mind, the important thing is I am able to have another year to spend with my Hubby, my family and my friends.

There are many risks involved in owning a vehicle.  That is why it was made a statutory requirement in almost all the countries to have the vehicle insured.  There are many insurance companies that offers different insurance policies.

When you do auto insurance compare, you have to consider a lot of things. For one, think about the price of how much are you willing to pay. Shop for different rates. Let these companies compete for your business. Choosing the auto insurance should not only be based on which offers the cheapest policy. It should also be based on reliability, quality and financial strength. Insurance companies are rated base on how well they meet their obligations to their customers. So it is best to consider this as well. And most of all, consider the service. When we get into a situation that seeks for the rescue of our auto insurance, we don’t need a company that will just leave us behind when the time comes we need them. Research for customer’s feedback and learn more about the company.

There may be more factors to consider and it is up to you to set up qualifications and expectations for a good insurance policy.