Monday, January 31, 2011
Just learned from a job counselor that majority of key management positions are screened by companies using online applications/resume. You're hurting if you don't know how to use a computer. Glad the military forced me to use computers and getting rid of my paper maintenance tracking systems, in the late 80's. :)
Difference Between Conservatives and Liberals.
Bumped into this piece in a comment section on the internet. I never really thought about the differences between the two groups. I knew there were there, just didn't realize how much different in views each group has.
Differences between Conservatives and Liberals:
If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!)
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
author unknown.
Differences between Conservatives and Liberals:
If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!)
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
author unknown.
Chatting with Frenz
While chatting with Rhoda tonight, Frenz wanted to chat with me, after I called Larraine via voice chat. He sat on his mommy's lap and started typing away. Here's our conversation: Babyish and me replying in English:
Rhoda Taitano: ldlkdkdhfugue9oeidujfolgtpy'['']\
Rhoda Taitano: ffkfigighigjgkvfkv
Lorenzo: HOW ARE YOU DOING?
Rhoda Taitano: v v v \
Lorenzo: REALLY?
Rhoda Taitano: ghgj
Lorenzo: YOUR ATE LARRAINE DID WHAT?
Rhoda Taitano: jglkh;lj;d
Lorenzo: SHE PULLED DOWN YOUR PANTS.
Rhoda Taitano: tyoiyu]
Rhoda Taitano: yi
Lorenzo: OKAY, i'LL TELL HER NOT TO DO IT ANYMORE.
Lorenzo:
Earlier Frenz was hitting Larraine with a plastic bowl. Larraine retaliated by pulling down his pants. I don't know what he was saying. But I played a long to see the smile on his face. Until he was pulled away and had to go to sleep.
Rhoda Taitano: ldlkdkdhfugue9oeidujfolgtpy'['']\
Rhoda Taitano: ffkfigighigjgkvfkv
Lorenzo: HOW ARE YOU DOING?
Rhoda Taitano: v v v \
Lorenzo: REALLY?
Rhoda Taitano: ghgj
Lorenzo: YOUR ATE LARRAINE DID WHAT?
Rhoda Taitano: jglkh;lj;d
Lorenzo: SHE PULLED DOWN YOUR PANTS.
Rhoda Taitano: tyoiyu]
Rhoda Taitano: yi
Lorenzo: OKAY, i'LL TELL HER NOT TO DO IT ANYMORE.
Lorenzo:
Earlier Frenz was hitting Larraine with a plastic bowl. Larraine retaliated by pulling down his pants. I don't know what he was saying. But I played a long to see the smile on his face. Until he was pulled away and had to go to sleep.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Parrots Are Really Annoying!
I don't like parrots. No, I'm not talking about the exotic birds. Those I like.
Confused? Parrots are people who like to repeat things that they've heard other people say or what they've read. They like to hear their own voices, not allowing others to speak. When someone tries to break into the conversation or reply to one of the parrots comment. The parrots raise their voices to be heard or reiterates what they've just said. I'm thinking..."Yo, why you raising your voice? Or, you just said that".
In a classroom setting, it's really annoying. Who are they trying to impress? Not me, that's for sure. It's wasting my time trying to get valuable instruction from the instructor. Many times, the parrots comments don't relate to the subject or topic at hand. I'm sitting there thinking, "WTH"!
IMHO, if the parrot has no actual first hand experience of the topic or subject. They need to learn to listen and keep quiet. Listen to those who have experience in the field, especially when the parrot has no experience in actual construction work. That parrot will learn more. They also need to stop asking a question that was already answered in class, especially when the instructor rephrased the question and answer a couple of times. I'm like, "We just answered that. Pay attention!". Out of respect for the instructor, I kept my mouth shut.
Another peeve I have against parrots is when they dismiss other people's comments or opinions as irrelevant . Or, when they change the subject to an ongoing conversation because they have nothing to add that is relevant to the topic.
That's one reason why I'll test out of my Field Safety Class next Saturday. Having one parrot in the class, I can tolerate. But finding out that there will be another parrot in the class. Forget that. I have better use of my time. And, my time is valuable.
ESTA
Confused? Parrots are people who like to repeat things that they've heard other people say or what they've read. They like to hear their own voices, not allowing others to speak. When someone tries to break into the conversation or reply to one of the parrots comment. The parrots raise their voices to be heard or reiterates what they've just said. I'm thinking..."Yo, why you raising your voice? Or, you just said that".
In a classroom setting, it's really annoying. Who are they trying to impress? Not me, that's for sure. It's wasting my time trying to get valuable instruction from the instructor. Many times, the parrots comments don't relate to the subject or topic at hand. I'm sitting there thinking, "WTH"!
IMHO, if the parrot has no actual first hand experience of the topic or subject. They need to learn to listen and keep quiet. Listen to those who have experience in the field, especially when the parrot has no experience in actual construction work. That parrot will learn more. They also need to stop asking a question that was already answered in class, especially when the instructor rephrased the question and answer a couple of times. I'm like, "We just answered that. Pay attention!". Out of respect for the instructor, I kept my mouth shut.
Another peeve I have against parrots is when they dismiss other people's comments or opinions as irrelevant . Or, when they change the subject to an ongoing conversation because they have nothing to add that is relevant to the topic.
That's one reason why I'll test out of my Field Safety Class next Saturday. Having one parrot in the class, I can tolerate. But finding out that there will be another parrot in the class. Forget that. I have better use of my time. And, my time is valuable.
ESTA
Monday, January 24, 2011
My Week going through ICTP at the GCA Trades Academy.
Last Wednesday, January 19th, I attended my first session of the Instructors Certification Training Program (ICTP) at the Guam Contractor's Association Trades Academy main office in upper Tumon. The ICTP is an instructor training program with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). They certify instructors to teach construction craft skills for their programs through their sponsors. Guam Contractor's Association is the main sponsor on island for NCCER. While the GCA Trades Academy is an Accredited Training Unit of GCA.
I don't want to get into to much detail about the NCCER or ICTP. I had a lot of fun. The instructor put out a lot of information all week, since the first day. What I liked about the program is that it goes away from traditional teaching processes. It's not about the teaching. It's about the learning process. "Did Learning Occur?", the instructor reminded us each day during each module.
I was surprised to be taking a test after our first module. That caught me off-guard. It's a good thing I was reading along, taking notes, and listening. Those little tests went on for the next 8 modules, for a total of 9 tests or exams. It was not easy. The passing score was 70%. With a 10 question multiple-choice exam, that does not give much room to play with. More than 3 wrong is failing. But learning does not end there. We reviewed the questions after each and every test. So even if we know we answered a question wrong. The correct answer was given and normally discussed. "The Learning still continues.", our instructor would say.
The class size was small but fun. I got to know the other students before the first day was over. I already knew of Ann Marie and Debbie through my interactions with GCA and the Trades Academy. They both work for GCA and GCA Trades Academy respectively. I met Zenon, Tim, and Mike. Everyone of us have talents that we brought into the training. Our instructor Bert Johnston is an Educator by trade and is the Education Director of the GCA Trades Academy.
What caught my surprise again, was the first 10-minute presentation on the first day. I was not expecting that nor was I even ready for it. Bert had us partner up for the first presentation. My partner that day was Mike. I can't even remember the topic. Of course, I can look at my notes. But doing that now, would distract my train of thought in writing this post. Anyway, I don't remember anything negative from any of the presentations. Bert always asked what could be done better to improve our presentations. Edification was used a lot during our trainings. Something really different from traditional teaching methods. Where they ask what was wrong?
NCCER's Instructor Certification Training Program cut away all the fat from traditional teaching format and simplified it with only the best of all teaching has to offer. What would take a college student 4 years to do. NCCER cut it down to 3 intense days of instructor training. Traditional Education requires "time" spent in the classroom. NCCER only requires if you learned the skill. How fast is really up to the student.
The second day was much like the first, more modules, 10 question exams, and two presentations. We only covered 3 modules because we had a long discussion on the first module for that day. But, we were still on schedule. The last exam on the second day had me worried. I was not sure of 5 of the questions and answered as best as I could. We didn't go through the questions and had decided to wait until the next day to review it. Going home that day was not a good feeling. The good news for day 2, was that the whole class got perfect scores on Module 6. Which was supposed to be the hardest of all the modules. However, Mod 7 got all of us worried.
The third and last day, started off learning that we had passed the exam from the day before. What a relief! Then we finished off two more modules for the written portion of the course. I did pretty well on those two exams. After lunch was our actual presentation. Since day one, we were told it was up to us to use any topic for our presentation. I chose for my topic: "Guidelines for Armed Self-Defense for Women" the first night. It was a topic that I'm very familiar with. I had to get permission from Bert to use my gun, my Springfield XD40, for my presentation. Only restrictions were that it had to be unloaded and I'm not to pass it around to the students.
During lunch, I worked to prepare my presentation. Did a couple of rehearsals while everyone went to lunch. I was ready. At least, I thought I was.
After lunch, I volunteered to do my presentation first. I wanted to get it out of the way. Plus, I was nervous and didn't want to be the last one. I hit my topic hard, going through my objectives and giving some stories to have the student relate to my topic, asking questions, and having them do an exercise with their pen. I covered the different weapon types available for women. How to look for an instructor, and touched on training, safety, licensing, and territorial law/company policies. All this in 10-minutes.
During the class review, there were a lot of good suggestions to make it better. All of the students were surprised when I pulled out the gun. I had pulled the slide to show them that it was empty and also showed them that the magazine wasn't loaded or inserted into the weapon. But, all the comments were great.
The rest of the presentations from my classmates were great as well. Everyone knew their subjects. Not one of us touched on any of the topic modules in the Core Curriculum. I am pretty sure we all wanted to do something we were comfortable with.
In the end, we all passed. I had fun. It was challenging with lots of information given to us. But we all "Learned".
"The Learning Still Continues".
I don't want to get into to much detail about the NCCER or ICTP. I had a lot of fun. The instructor put out a lot of information all week, since the first day. What I liked about the program is that it goes away from traditional teaching processes. It's not about the teaching. It's about the learning process. "Did Learning Occur?", the instructor reminded us each day during each module.
I was surprised to be taking a test after our first module. That caught me off-guard. It's a good thing I was reading along, taking notes, and listening. Those little tests went on for the next 8 modules, for a total of 9 tests or exams. It was not easy. The passing score was 70%. With a 10 question multiple-choice exam, that does not give much room to play with. More than 3 wrong is failing. But learning does not end there. We reviewed the questions after each and every test. So even if we know we answered a question wrong. The correct answer was given and normally discussed. "The Learning still continues.", our instructor would say.
The class size was small but fun. I got to know the other students before the first day was over. I already knew of Ann Marie and Debbie through my interactions with GCA and the Trades Academy. They both work for GCA and GCA Trades Academy respectively. I met Zenon, Tim, and Mike. Everyone of us have talents that we brought into the training. Our instructor Bert Johnston is an Educator by trade and is the Education Director of the GCA Trades Academy.
What caught my surprise again, was the first 10-minute presentation on the first day. I was not expecting that nor was I even ready for it. Bert had us partner up for the first presentation. My partner that day was Mike. I can't even remember the topic. Of course, I can look at my notes. But doing that now, would distract my train of thought in writing this post. Anyway, I don't remember anything negative from any of the presentations. Bert always asked what could be done better to improve our presentations. Edification was used a lot during our trainings. Something really different from traditional teaching methods. Where they ask what was wrong?
NCCER's Instructor Certification Training Program cut away all the fat from traditional teaching format and simplified it with only the best of all teaching has to offer. What would take a college student 4 years to do. NCCER cut it down to 3 intense days of instructor training. Traditional Education requires "time" spent in the classroom. NCCER only requires if you learned the skill. How fast is really up to the student.
The second day was much like the first, more modules, 10 question exams, and two presentations. We only covered 3 modules because we had a long discussion on the first module for that day. But, we were still on schedule. The last exam on the second day had me worried. I was not sure of 5 of the questions and answered as best as I could. We didn't go through the questions and had decided to wait until the next day to review it. Going home that day was not a good feeling. The good news for day 2, was that the whole class got perfect scores on Module 6. Which was supposed to be the hardest of all the modules. However, Mod 7 got all of us worried.
The third and last day, started off learning that we had passed the exam from the day before. What a relief! Then we finished off two more modules for the written portion of the course. I did pretty well on those two exams. After lunch was our actual presentation. Since day one, we were told it was up to us to use any topic for our presentation. I chose for my topic: "Guidelines for Armed Self-Defense for Women" the first night. It was a topic that I'm very familiar with. I had to get permission from Bert to use my gun, my Springfield XD40, for my presentation. Only restrictions were that it had to be unloaded and I'm not to pass it around to the students.
During lunch, I worked to prepare my presentation. Did a couple of rehearsals while everyone went to lunch. I was ready. At least, I thought I was.
After lunch, I volunteered to do my presentation first. I wanted to get it out of the way. Plus, I was nervous and didn't want to be the last one. I hit my topic hard, going through my objectives and giving some stories to have the student relate to my topic, asking questions, and having them do an exercise with their pen. I covered the different weapon types available for women. How to look for an instructor, and touched on training, safety, licensing, and territorial law/company policies. All this in 10-minutes.
During the class review, there were a lot of good suggestions to make it better. All of the students were surprised when I pulled out the gun. I had pulled the slide to show them that it was empty and also showed them that the magazine wasn't loaded or inserted into the weapon. But, all the comments were great.
The rest of the presentations from my classmates were great as well. Everyone knew their subjects. Not one of us touched on any of the topic modules in the Core Curriculum. I am pretty sure we all wanted to do something we were comfortable with.
In the end, we all passed. I had fun. It was challenging with lots of information given to us. But we all "Learned".
"The Learning Still Continues".
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Ranch Afternoon Walk.
After returning from Home Depot this afternoon, I took a walk around the ranch. I already knew what I wanted to do in my head. This afternoon, I wanted to visualize it walking through my ranch. I walked back toward the Guinea Fowl pens. I stood there for awhile taking in the scenery. I imagined what the new layout of the ranch would look like taking in the whole area.
The Guineas would have to move towards the north paddock to make room for the Goat holding pens. The new Boer and Kiko herds that I plan on investing in from Hawaii would stay out in the paddocks, rotating from one paddock to the other. I plan to build a mobile hoop shelter to drag along to each paddock that their in to provide shade and shelter from the rain..
The new horse fencing would be use for perimeter fencing, supplemented with 3 strand electrical polywire on the livestock side. My interior fencing would be 2 or 3 strand electrical fencing between paddocks and 6 strand at main ranch area and house.
The piggery operation will be pastured pigs. I picked up the concept from Polyface Farms in Virginia. That will save on lots of facilities costs. The pigs will be in their natural environment albeit controlled. With the pigs, I'll only have to run single wire electric wire and rotate them every month until slaughter.
The apiary operation will be on the roof of the house. I'll be getting a new 32' extension ladder to use, until the wooden staircase is built, to manage the bee hives. I'll start with one hive and increase it to one hive a month, until I get 10 hives up there on the roof. The bees will help pollinate the crops and vegetables that will be planted this year and in the future. They will also provide honey that I will use and sell. The price of honey is going up on island. I might as well start raising my own honey for personal use and sell the surplus. The reason why I'm putting the bee hives on the roof. It's to keep the toads and frogs from setting up any ambush to the hives entrances, like if they were on the ground. I got the advice from a former beekeeper here. Several toads will wipe out a whole bee colony.
We'll be going back to raising egg layers as well. The new mobile coop based on Polyface design will be built next to the new goat pens. The eggmobile will follow the goats, from paddock to paddock. I'm still debating if I'll raise 50 or 100 hens. I know, I won't be able to eat all those organic farm fresh eggs. But, I'm thinking of selling the surplus to family and friends. The last time we did this. My niece, Arissa, was in elementary. She enjoyed going out collecting the eggs. Because of that, she started baking cakes using the organic fresh eggs from the ranch. She would then share her cakes with her cousins in the compound. Back then we had a dozen egg layers. Each hen averaged 4 eggs a week. With 12 hens in full production, we were getting 48 eggs a week on average. Those eggs were really good.
The duck operation is still in the air. Raising Muscovy ducks is easy. They're great to get rid of snails and slugs on the ranch. That helps cut down on the nematode issue. Also their meat is nice and sweet, especially when you roast it. I just don't want to grow to fast where I won't be able to handle it. We'll see how things go during our start up this year.
It would have been great if I was able to get that chipper. That would have helped me in making my own feeds. Next time...
Things are falling into place.
ESTA.
The Guineas would have to move towards the north paddock to make room for the Goat holding pens. The new Boer and Kiko herds that I plan on investing in from Hawaii would stay out in the paddocks, rotating from one paddock to the other. I plan to build a mobile hoop shelter to drag along to each paddock that their in to provide shade and shelter from the rain..
The new horse fencing would be use for perimeter fencing, supplemented with 3 strand electrical polywire on the livestock side. My interior fencing would be 2 or 3 strand electrical fencing between paddocks and 6 strand at main ranch area and house.
The piggery operation will be pastured pigs. I picked up the concept from Polyface Farms in Virginia. That will save on lots of facilities costs. The pigs will be in their natural environment albeit controlled. With the pigs, I'll only have to run single wire electric wire and rotate them every month until slaughter.
The apiary operation will be on the roof of the house. I'll be getting a new 32' extension ladder to use, until the wooden staircase is built, to manage the bee hives. I'll start with one hive and increase it to one hive a month, until I get 10 hives up there on the roof. The bees will help pollinate the crops and vegetables that will be planted this year and in the future. They will also provide honey that I will use and sell. The price of honey is going up on island. I might as well start raising my own honey for personal use and sell the surplus. The reason why I'm putting the bee hives on the roof. It's to keep the toads and frogs from setting up any ambush to the hives entrances, like if they were on the ground. I got the advice from a former beekeeper here. Several toads will wipe out a whole bee colony.
We'll be going back to raising egg layers as well. The new mobile coop based on Polyface design will be built next to the new goat pens. The eggmobile will follow the goats, from paddock to paddock. I'm still debating if I'll raise 50 or 100 hens. I know, I won't be able to eat all those organic farm fresh eggs. But, I'm thinking of selling the surplus to family and friends. The last time we did this. My niece, Arissa, was in elementary. She enjoyed going out collecting the eggs. Because of that, she started baking cakes using the organic fresh eggs from the ranch. She would then share her cakes with her cousins in the compound. Back then we had a dozen egg layers. Each hen averaged 4 eggs a week. With 12 hens in full production, we were getting 48 eggs a week on average. Those eggs were really good.
The duck operation is still in the air. Raising Muscovy ducks is easy. They're great to get rid of snails and slugs on the ranch. That helps cut down on the nematode issue. Also their meat is nice and sweet, especially when you roast it. I just don't want to grow to fast where I won't be able to handle it. We'll see how things go during our start up this year.
It would have been great if I was able to get that chipper. That would have helped me in making my own feeds. Next time...
Things are falling into place.
ESTA.
Got back from Home Depot...My niece, Arissa, and I went around listed what we needed for the ranch. A lot of nice tools, equipment, and supplies. As soon as VA Office approves the quote, Home Depot will deliver it. Can't wait to play with my new tiller and chainsaw. The ranch will be making a big move forward. :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Chatting with Larraine.
My daughter Larraine was able to catch up with me on chat last night. It has been a long while since we had a daughter/daddy chat. This time she wasn't in the mood to play her game of switching languages on me. That was good for me! So we chatted about her school and things around the house with her grandpa there. Rhoda is still in Butuan trying to take care of matters there dealing with the accident last week.
Larraine wanted to play a game of pool on messenger. It's one of our favorite games that we play together. She loves to switch players so she can continue to strike the balls. It doesn't matter if she started out with stripes first or solids. She's going to keep playing. I have to be fast enough to to hit my next shot before she tries to switch in and take my place.
There was one time last year, when I beat her to switching players and finished the game. She was very upset. "You don't give me chance to play!", she wrote, "Daddy is supposed to give daughter's a chance to play". BOY, Did I feel bad after that. After I apologized. We played another set of pool again. And this time, I gave her all the chances she wanted to play. Of course, she let me hit some balls into the pockets. It was worth more to see her happy via webcam. Than seeing her getting upset. I learned a lesson that day. Yes, daddy's are supposed to give their neni girls a chance!
However, last night, we could not play. My computer is to slow and old to play games on the internet, much less watch videos on Youtube. I had to slowly explain to Larraine that I could not play due to my old slow computer. After a few minutes, she finally understood what I was trying to tell her. So we just continued chatting.
One of our discussions was her allowance for her baon (food snacks) at school. Currently her allowance for baon is 5 Pesos daily. In U.S. currency, that is not even 10 cents. So she was requesting last night if we, her mom and I, may raise it to 10 Pesos per day. Then she pleaded with me not to tell her mommy. That's when I started laughing. I asked her questions regarding her school grades, chores at home, helping with her brother, helping her mommy, and going to church. I already knew the answer talking with Rhoda earlier. Larraine has been doing really well in school, helping around the house and with Frenz, and she loves going to children church. I did the calculation in my head to insure we're within our family budget. It would be a little over $1/week for Larraine's increased allowance for school, about $4 to $5 a month. I'm pretty sure we can do it. I still have to discuss this with Rhoda. She knows the actual budget back there. I don't. I'll have to find out Larraine's transportation costs to and from school 4 times a day. That would be a major factor.
Later we discussed getting me a new computer and her mommy a new laptop. I do need a new laptop for this new career field that I'm going into. Larraine immediately pleaded for me to get her a laptop and cellphone as well. I laughed again. I asked her what happened to her cellphone that her nina Sharon had bought her last year. She told me that it was not okay. lol... She even knows the model of cellphone that she wants. I was shaking my head reading her requests. Again she did not want me to tell her mommy. I told Larraine that I'll consider getting her cellphone on condition of her school grades, chores, and help around the house. I made no promises. But y'all know how that goes.
Unfortunately for Larraine, her mommy will know of our conversation. I also know Rhoda. She'll laugh after I tell her about it or even reading this blog post. Which ever comes first. And, we'll both say, "Kaduka, that girl!".
ESTA...
Larraine wanted to play a game of pool on messenger. It's one of our favorite games that we play together. She loves to switch players so she can continue to strike the balls. It doesn't matter if she started out with stripes first or solids. She's going to keep playing. I have to be fast enough to to hit my next shot before she tries to switch in and take my place.
There was one time last year, when I beat her to switching players and finished the game. She was very upset. "You don't give me chance to play!", she wrote, "Daddy is supposed to give daughter's a chance to play". BOY, Did I feel bad after that. After I apologized. We played another set of pool again. And this time, I gave her all the chances she wanted to play. Of course, she let me hit some balls into the pockets. It was worth more to see her happy via webcam. Than seeing her getting upset. I learned a lesson that day. Yes, daddy's are supposed to give their neni girls a chance!
However, last night, we could not play. My computer is to slow and old to play games on the internet, much less watch videos on Youtube. I had to slowly explain to Larraine that I could not play due to my old slow computer. After a few minutes, she finally understood what I was trying to tell her. So we just continued chatting.
One of our discussions was her allowance for her baon (food snacks) at school. Currently her allowance for baon is 5 Pesos daily. In U.S. currency, that is not even 10 cents. So she was requesting last night if we, her mom and I, may raise it to 10 Pesos per day. Then she pleaded with me not to tell her mommy. That's when I started laughing. I asked her questions regarding her school grades, chores at home, helping with her brother, helping her mommy, and going to church. I already knew the answer talking with Rhoda earlier. Larraine has been doing really well in school, helping around the house and with Frenz, and she loves going to children church. I did the calculation in my head to insure we're within our family budget. It would be a little over $1/week for Larraine's increased allowance for school, about $4 to $5 a month. I'm pretty sure we can do it. I still have to discuss this with Rhoda. She knows the actual budget back there. I don't. I'll have to find out Larraine's transportation costs to and from school 4 times a day. That would be a major factor.
Later we discussed getting me a new computer and her mommy a new laptop. I do need a new laptop for this new career field that I'm going into. Larraine immediately pleaded for me to get her a laptop and cellphone as well. I laughed again. I asked her what happened to her cellphone that her nina Sharon had bought her last year. She told me that it was not okay. lol... She even knows the model of cellphone that she wants. I was shaking my head reading her requests. Again she did not want me to tell her mommy. I told Larraine that I'll consider getting her cellphone on condition of her school grades, chores, and help around the house. I made no promises. But y'all know how that goes.
Unfortunately for Larraine, her mommy will know of our conversation. I also know Rhoda. She'll laugh after I tell her about it or even reading this blog post. Which ever comes first. And, we'll both say, "Kaduka, that girl!".
ESTA...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Safety Classes and Career Field
I started my Construction Core Curriculum classes at GCA Trades Academy last October 2010. At first, I was going to take the classes part-time, only at night. While I worked during the day. After talking with other students at the Trades Academy, it was in my best interest, as well as my family's interest, to go full-time aggressively and finish early.
I finished my Core Classes this past December, after Christmas, on the 27th. I started taking my first Craft Class in November, Safety Technician. I'll be taking the exam tomorrow. Then I move into Field Safety the next Saturday. Which is actually supposed to be the first course before Safety Technician.
Since the New Year, last Friday, I've taken the Electrical Safety Workshop. I just finished up on OSHA 511 Industrial Safety, this past Thursday. I'm practically cruising in the Safety program at the academy. It feels really go to be finishing way ahead of schedule.
I'm currently looking at several Safety Certification Associations to decide who I want to be certified with. There's a lot out there. Here's some that I've been seriously looking at:
All offer some really good benefits. The only real difference are the cost of the exams. It's no rush for me to join. I can wait after I finish with the Field Safety Course. I've been fiddling with my career goals in the Safety Field. How high I want to get in this industry is really up to me. Here's a list of safety careers in the Construction Industry:
My ultimate goal would be to become an OSHA Enforcement Officer.
I finished my Core Classes this past December, after Christmas, on the 27th. I started taking my first Craft Class in November, Safety Technician. I'll be taking the exam tomorrow. Then I move into Field Safety the next Saturday. Which is actually supposed to be the first course before Safety Technician.
Since the New Year, last Friday, I've taken the Electrical Safety Workshop. I just finished up on OSHA 511 Industrial Safety, this past Thursday. I'm practically cruising in the Safety program at the academy. It feels really go to be finishing way ahead of schedule.
I'm currently looking at several Safety Certification Associations to decide who I want to be certified with. There's a lot out there. Here's some that I've been seriously looking at:
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- National Association of Safety Professionals
- American Society of Safety Engineers
- World Safety Organization
All offer some really good benefits. The only real difference are the cost of the exams. It's no rush for me to join. I can wait after I finish with the Field Safety Course. I've been fiddling with my career goals in the Safety Field. How high I want to get in this industry is really up to me. Here's a list of safety careers in the Construction Industry:
- Safety Technician (lowest)
- Certified Safety Technician
- Certified Health and Safety Technician
- Certified Hazmat Safety Technician
- Certified Safety Specialist
- Certified Safety Manager
- Certified Safety Instructor
- Certified Safety Professional/Executive (highest)
My ultimate goal would be to become an OSHA Enforcement Officer.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Children Sneak Past Security Guard at Hospital.
This was told to me by Rhoda during our conversation last night.
Rizza, Rhoda's sister, has been admitted into the hospital for injuries from the accident Saturday evening. After attending Sunday Service at their church, Rhoda, Larraine, Frenfren, and Rhoda's father, Papang, went to the hospital to see Rizza. There they met Rizza's students down by the guarded entrance to the hospital. Rhoda was telling me that Rizza's students wanted to see their teacher inside the hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital has a "No Children Allowed" policy, due to possible cross-contamination.
The students started sneaking into the hospital one by one. Unfortunately, Larraine, our daughter, was caught by the security guard as she tried to make it into the hospital to see her Tita (Aunt) Rizza.
Larraine told the guard, "I don't care!". Then ran off into the hospital to Rizza's room.
The guard replied to her, "You're headstrong like your mother".
However, Larraine had doubled back and peeked around the corner, and told her older brother, Daniel, to go to the other side. So Daniel walked away from the security guard post and went to the other side of the hospital where there is no guard posted at that entrance. Both of them made their way to their Tita Rizza's room.
Meanwhile, Papang was holding Fren in the lobby just past the security guard. While the kids were upstairs with Rhoda and Rizza.
Later on, Rebecca, Rhoda's older sister arrived at the hospital with her children. The security guard was already upset that the other children who had gotten past him and denied entry to Rebecca and the other children because of the "No Children Allowed" policy. Rebecca saw her father, Papang with Fren, standing in the lobby past the guard area and asked, "What about that child?". Unfortunately, an argument started with Rebecca and the guard.
Awhile later, Daniel came down and told all of them to enter at the other side. So all the family members, kids included, walked away from the guard post. They went around to the other side and entered the hospital from the unguarded entrance.
All this, just to see Rizza.
ROFL...
Rizza, Rhoda's sister, has been admitted into the hospital for injuries from the accident Saturday evening. After attending Sunday Service at their church, Rhoda, Larraine, Frenfren, and Rhoda's father, Papang, went to the hospital to see Rizza. There they met Rizza's students down by the guarded entrance to the hospital. Rhoda was telling me that Rizza's students wanted to see their teacher inside the hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital has a "No Children Allowed" policy, due to possible cross-contamination.
The students started sneaking into the hospital one by one. Unfortunately, Larraine, our daughter, was caught by the security guard as she tried to make it into the hospital to see her Tita (Aunt) Rizza.
Larraine told the guard, "I don't care!". Then ran off into the hospital to Rizza's room.
The guard replied to her, "You're headstrong like your mother".
However, Larraine had doubled back and peeked around the corner, and told her older brother, Daniel, to go to the other side. So Daniel walked away from the security guard post and went to the other side of the hospital where there is no guard posted at that entrance. Both of them made their way to their Tita Rizza's room.
Meanwhile, Papang was holding Fren in the lobby just past the security guard. While the kids were upstairs with Rhoda and Rizza.
Later on, Rebecca, Rhoda's older sister arrived at the hospital with her children. The security guard was already upset that the other children who had gotten past him and denied entry to Rebecca and the other children because of the "No Children Allowed" policy. Rebecca saw her father, Papang with Fren, standing in the lobby past the guard area and asked, "What about that child?". Unfortunately, an argument started with Rebecca and the guard.
Awhile later, Daniel came down and told all of them to enter at the other side. So all the family members, kids included, walked away from the guard post. They went around to the other side and entered the hospital from the unguarded entrance.
All this, just to see Rizza.
ROFL...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
By the Grace of God.
Saturday after class, I learned that Rhoda and Larraine returned to Butuan City that early morning. I had no idea that they were going. It was a spontaneous event. I was not comfortable with was going on. It wasn't that Rhoda failed to inform me of this situation. I just felt uncomfortable with it. My spirit was not easy with this. It was restless. I was exhausted from class that morning. So I decided to take a nap to refresh myself. It was 1430 when I hit my bed.
At 1745, I woke up with a very heavy feeling that something was wrong. My son Frenz was constantly in my mind. I immediately went to the computer and browsed for messages on messenger or facebook. There were no messages from my inquiry to Rhoda on why she went back to Butuan City. So I sent messages asking her to respond immediately. No replies, so I went back to my bedroom and prayed that my family be kept safe.
About 2200, I got word from Rhoda via messenger that her family was in a traumatic accident, approximately after 5 pm, their time. Guam is two hours ahead of the Philippines. She explained that her auntie from Sweden wanted her and Larraine at the family's last reunion event before she went back to Sweden with her family. Everything was fine at the beach, west of Butuan City. It was going home that the group got into a near catastrophic accident. The first vehicle in the family convoy had departed the beach. Rhoda's family and other clan member fitted in the 2nd Jeepney. While Rhoda and Larraine were in the last vehicle, a van. Frenz was in the Jeepney with other relatives. Now for those who have been to the Philippines, you know how they pack those things like sardines. Sometimes, you see people riding on the top, surfing the road.
As the 2nd and 3rd vehicles full of family members departed the beach area. They had to traverse a road that ran along a cliff. For some reason, the Jeepney ran off the road down the cliff to be stopped by a small tree. It was that tree, by God's grace, that saved Rhoda's family. Her whole clan was in that Jeepney, along with our son, Frenz.
Rhoda took control of the situation. She told Larraine to stay in the van. Then started to help her family members providing first aid, and treating for shock. Fortunately there were no critical injuries. Rhoda's mom, aunt, and sister sustained most of the injuries; possible fractures, and torn ligaments. All the children were safe and in good condition, including Frenfren. Rhoda's cousin is also a nurse, but she was in the first vehicle that departed the beach and they didn't know what happened. Rhoda had to take care of everybody. They managed to get another Jeepney to transport the injured to the hospital.
After my conversation with Rhoda this afternoon, her sister, Rizza, has been admitted into the hospital for a possible fractured pelvis last night. The family will not know the actual diagnosis until Monday, when the doctors return to duty. Rhoda's aunt also was injured but decided to go home, but will return to the hospital on Monday. She has a possible fracture to her arm. Rhoda's mom, "Mamang" injured her back trying to keep Frenz safe from injury. Rizza was trying to keep Larraine's eldest brother, Shem, safe from injury as well.
Rhoda explained that the area where they had the accident is very dangerous. Vehicles that go over the cliff always have fatalities. It was that small tree that prevented the Jeepney, that the family was riding in, from going completely over.
Upon reflection, I believe it was Divine Intervention that Rhoda was supposed to be there, at that exact moment. I don't believe in coincidences. I also believed that prayer saved my family.
PTL <><
At 1745, I woke up with a very heavy feeling that something was wrong. My son Frenz was constantly in my mind. I immediately went to the computer and browsed for messages on messenger or facebook. There were no messages from my inquiry to Rhoda on why she went back to Butuan City. So I sent messages asking her to respond immediately. No replies, so I went back to my bedroom and prayed that my family be kept safe.
About 2200, I got word from Rhoda via messenger that her family was in a traumatic accident, approximately after 5 pm, their time. Guam is two hours ahead of the Philippines. She explained that her auntie from Sweden wanted her and Larraine at the family's last reunion event before she went back to Sweden with her family. Everything was fine at the beach, west of Butuan City. It was going home that the group got into a near catastrophic accident. The first vehicle in the family convoy had departed the beach. Rhoda's family and other clan member fitted in the 2nd Jeepney. While Rhoda and Larraine were in the last vehicle, a van. Frenz was in the Jeepney with other relatives. Now for those who have been to the Philippines, you know how they pack those things like sardines. Sometimes, you see people riding on the top, surfing the road.
As the 2nd and 3rd vehicles full of family members departed the beach area. They had to traverse a road that ran along a cliff. For some reason, the Jeepney ran off the road down the cliff to be stopped by a small tree. It was that tree, by God's grace, that saved Rhoda's family. Her whole clan was in that Jeepney, along with our son, Frenz.
Rhoda took control of the situation. She told Larraine to stay in the van. Then started to help her family members providing first aid, and treating for shock. Fortunately there were no critical injuries. Rhoda's mom, aunt, and sister sustained most of the injuries; possible fractures, and torn ligaments. All the children were safe and in good condition, including Frenfren. Rhoda's cousin is also a nurse, but she was in the first vehicle that departed the beach and they didn't know what happened. Rhoda had to take care of everybody. They managed to get another Jeepney to transport the injured to the hospital.
After my conversation with Rhoda this afternoon, her sister, Rizza, has been admitted into the hospital for a possible fractured pelvis last night. The family will not know the actual diagnosis until Monday, when the doctors return to duty. Rhoda's aunt also was injured but decided to go home, but will return to the hospital on Monday. She has a possible fracture to her arm. Rhoda's mom, "Mamang" injured her back trying to keep Frenz safe from injury. Rizza was trying to keep Larraine's eldest brother, Shem, safe from injury as well.
Rhoda explained that the area where they had the accident is very dangerous. Vehicles that go over the cliff always have fatalities. It was that small tree that prevented the Jeepney, that the family was riding in, from going completely over.
Upon reflection, I believe it was Divine Intervention that Rhoda was supposed to be there, at that exact moment. I don't believe in coincidences. I also believed that prayer saved my family.
PTL <><
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Now That's a Truck!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
VA Benefits Paying for My Ranch Equipment.
I was told yesterday from a VA Benefits Counselor that they will pay for my ranch equipment. This will help get me sustainable and doing what I have a passion for. We talked about my ranch operation plans and continuing education to finish my degree in Agriculture.
After my session, I went down to my favorite hardware store and met up with the lady who is helping veterans. She showed me what to do, and I can put anything in the store on my list. She will then compile my list and send the quote to the VA Benefits office, who will then pay for what I need.
There are limitations. There is a cap on the amount I can use. I can only get items that are related to what I am going to do. I can't get a brand new gas-operated bbq pit for the ranch, even though I do want one. It has to be related, like a tiller or bushcutter. The grant is not limited to equipment. I can also get supplies for the ranch. Yesterday, I went around the store looking at what I need. But sometimes, I did look at what I wanted.
I have to actually sit down and plan this all out. Not starting with what equipment I need for the ranch. But what kind of ranch operation am I going to be doing. My primary foundation was the goat herd. I will have change that out and rethink this whole thing out. I will have to see what will get me the fastest return on this grant. Then from there, I can expand out again.
For now, I am leaning on getting a new bushcutter, tiller, chipper, and some power tools. I would still have to prioritize those and balance it with the supplies I would need.
ESTA...
After my session, I went down to my favorite hardware store and met up with the lady who is helping veterans. She showed me what to do, and I can put anything in the store on my list. She will then compile my list and send the quote to the VA Benefits office, who will then pay for what I need.
There are limitations. There is a cap on the amount I can use. I can only get items that are related to what I am going to do. I can't get a brand new gas-operated bbq pit for the ranch, even though I do want one. It has to be related, like a tiller or bushcutter. The grant is not limited to equipment. I can also get supplies for the ranch. Yesterday, I went around the store looking at what I need. But sometimes, I did look at what I wanted.
I have to actually sit down and plan this all out. Not starting with what equipment I need for the ranch. But what kind of ranch operation am I going to be doing. My primary foundation was the goat herd. I will have change that out and rethink this whole thing out. I will have to see what will get me the fastest return on this grant. Then from there, I can expand out again.
For now, I am leaning on getting a new bushcutter, tiller, chipper, and some power tools. I would still have to prioritize those and balance it with the supplies I would need.
ESTA...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 Year in Review Hightlights
Reviewing some of my family's highlights last year. We had a lot of blessings and challenges that entered our lives. This past year was a huge challenge for Rhoda and I due to the geographic separation and distance. We stood firm and weathered the storms. We basked in the Blessings. Truly there was a purpose for each event we experienced this past year. We both learned a lot from all of them.
FEBRUARY
Larraine's Accident.
Larraine had accidentally broken her arm at school. She left school that morning and walked back to the house, splinted her arm-by herself, and prayed that God will heal her arm before her mommy came home that evening. She didn't want Rhoda and I to get mad at her.
NO SURGERY! Larraine's arm had set itself through the night, prior to her scheduled surgery the next day. No doubt it was a miracle from God. MARCH
Rhoda's Graduation
After so many years of sacrifices, Rhoda finally accomplished her dream. She graduated with a BS in Nursing from Lourdes College.
APRIL
Rafael Frenz Taitano
We finally made the decision to adopt Fren. He joined the family in Cagayan De Oro. He seems happy and adjusted quite readily to his new surroundings. He loves to pull down Rhoda's nursing books from the shelves. 
This picture was taken in November while he was on vacation to the family compound in Butuan City. This was the same time Rhoda and Larraine went to Cebu for her sister's wedding. JUNE
Rafael Frenz: Measles
Fren admitted into the hospital and diagnosed with measles.
Fren feeling miserable. He was placed in isolation away from the other kids due to measles. He has his own private room, which enabled Rhoda, Larraine, Sharon, Dindin to stay over to watch over him. 
Fren riding on the IV stand. He looks better after his battle with measles.
COMPUTER CRASHED
My computer crashed in June. A week later my sister's laptop crashed. Leaving me without internet communications with Rhoda until November when I bought a used tower and had it fixed. Still need to invest in a new tower in 2011.
SEPTEMBER
Larraine and Fren celebrating their birthdays. Larraine turns 8 years old. Fren turns 1 years old. Fren got excited and tried to eat their cake early before blowing out the candles. 
All the icing on Fren's face. Larraine trying to keep him from grabbing the cake.
NOVEMBER
Larraine's 1st Ferry Ride
Larraine's first boat ride on a passenger ferry from Butuan City to Cebu. Rhoda and Larraine were heading to Cebu to be part of Rhoda's sister's wedding.
Rhoda and Larraine having dinner on the ferry. It looks like they are having bbq kabobs with rice cooked in wrapped coconut leaves.
Rhoda and Larraine enjoying the view from the window of the ferry as it makes headway to Cebu city.
Larraine meets her biological
father and sibling for the first time. Larraine really enjoyed her visit with her father and sister. She especially loved the beach. I am glad that meeting happened. There will definitely be more visits in the future, as well. (Back Row L-R) Rhoda, Rhoda's sister-in-law, Joane, and Ramil (Larraine's father and Rhoda's brother).
(L-R) Larraine, and her sister, Shane Mae.
Rhoda and Larraine at Kawasan Falls Adventure at Moalboal, Cebu with Shane Mae, Ramil, and Joane.
Larraine's first plane ride.
Larraine's first plane ride on Air Philippines from Cebu to Cagayan De Oro City. She had the window seat. From what Rhoda told me, Larraine was very excited to ride the airplane.
Larraine exiting the aircraft on Lumba Airfield at Cagayan De Oro City.
DECEMBER
Christmas New Year Vacation
Larraine riding a motorela or trike, one of the many modes of transportation, in the Philippines. She usually accompanies her Auntie Rizza (Rhoda's sister) into Butuan City from the family compound.
Larraine posing on one of the relative's river boat next to the family compound along the Agusan River.
Fren playing with his grandfather's handcrafted ukelele. It was to heavy for him to play with.
Rhoda helping out at the family Christmas party.
Fren was diagnosed with pneumonia a couple of days ago. He was able to overcome his sickness with lots of prayers, meds, and nebulizer treatments. He is doing okay now.
This picture was taken yesterday. He's doing a lot better. It looks like he's going to be following his mommy's foot steps into the medical field.
Those were the highlights to our lives last year. I'm still trying to catch up transferring pictures from Rhoda's albums to mine to share it here. It'll take awhile but it'll get done.
Happy New Year!
I was looking at the Kaimito tree (Star Apple) behind the house to cut it down later this week. To my surprise, it's bearing fruit. I picked 4 really good size Kaimito's this morning. That tree saved itself. If there wasn't any fruits, I was gonna cut it. It's been 12 years since its last fruiting. That was when Supertyphoon Paka damaged it. That gives us 3 Kaimito trees bearing fruits on the compound. :)
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