Monday, October 31, 2016

SSHO: Short Contracts.

I enjoy working these short project contracts.  At first, I was concerned that the salary won't be much.  However, my other ventures covered that area. I'm only on site for a couple of hours per day.  Then I go work on other projects after I leave the job site.  Or I just go home to relax.  This arrangements also allows me to continue with my teaching schedule. 

I'm currently writing a proposal for another SSHO contract.  A 2-week contract for carpet installation. 

If the negotiations go in my favor, this will be the 4th short contract for the year.  I've completed one earlier in January/February, this year.  A Confined Space contract for Fiber Optic Installation.  Currently I'm working a demolition/renovation project.  That should finish this Friday.  There is one more short contract, a 14 day contract.  It's another Confined Space project for a fiber optic/copper wire installation.  Waiting for the "Go" signal  to start work on that project.


Saturday, October 29, 2016

Meeting the accountant.

Had an interesting meeting yesterday with an accountant.  I was looking for someone to do my taxes for next year.  I got some advice on what to deduct: home office, company truck, and other areas that dealt with the company.  Looks like I'll be in zero again for the next tax year.  

Our conversation diverted from taxes to shooting.  We're both trained in weapons and various hand combat skills.   Learned that he's also an Army Veteran.   

Since we hit it off.  I learned about a recent project he had.  He couldn't tell me details due to client privilege.  However, he discovered that his younger brother worked for the same client.   Get this, they were reunited at the client's home.   How amazing is that?!  

Anyway, if you're looking for someone to do your taxes.  Checkout ZZZ Accounting.  They're backed by the US Treasury.  Ask for Christian.  

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Thank You for Being There.

A couple of weeks ago, we made a decision that would have impacted my niece.  Even though I had agreed fully, I was troubled.  My spirit was not right.  First the dreams came.  I was not sure what it all meant.  Then the memories of the past came to mind.  Memories of the Matuas' would pop up.  I found myself checking out their facebook pages, or instagrams.  Here I was wondering what it all meant.  

Memories of various Matua members came out of the blue, as if it were just yesterday.  Interactions with different personalities, conversations with Junior Leaders and troopies, it all didn't make sense.  I was uneasy.  I wasn't sure if it was a sign or signs if one of them was hurt.  

I kept wondering what did my Matuas' have to do with my niece.  I did not see the relationship between the two.  My Matuas' numbered over a hundred at one season so many years ago.  My niece only turned 12 recently, or is it 13.  

Longer memories would come to mind of tasks a Ranger would do or, a Troopie.  Reminders of trying to work with certain individuals and not getting through to them.  Visiting their homes, meeting their families, trying to build a mentoring relationship.  Frustrations on both sides.  Each one tested my resolved.  I didn't back down...I kept pushing them...each one to do better.  Do their best...nothing more.  To live by the Oath , Motto, Law, and Creed.  

Some would get it right away.  Others it took years.  Lots of counseling took place.  I kept wondering why I stayed.  What's in it for me?  I'm not their parent.  Some of the Matuas', I was actually their uncle.  Yeah...I'll admit...some of them tried to use that to their advantage.  I did my best to be fair to all of them.  

Looking at their facebook pages, those who chose to continue our relationship.  Many of my Matuas' are successful.  Years after the Troop or Crew...which they led, had folded its colors.  Either they graduated and moved on to see the world, or the Group just stopped altogether, and they found other interests on the island.  

Many of the Matuas' have families of their own, Others are still wild and adventurous.  Then memories of some of them came back, telling me that they are glad that I didn't give up on them.  One young lady sent me an email...thanking me for giving her and her brothers that chance, taking care of them, going on adventures on island.  She's now a mom of many handsome boys.  She signed off her email with, "Thank you, Dad.  I love you".  That floored me.  I did not expect that from her or anyone of my Matuas'.  I remember reading that email as if it were yesterday.  Someone was slicing onions close by when I read that the first time.  Even now the memory of that email...still gets me. 

Another young lady, actually a niece, teaches CPR where she lives and is more spiritual than I am.  This one, Lady Matua, gave me majority of my white hair.  She was the only one who challenged me one evening.  I remember it was summer camp and I had challenged the Matuas' that if they didn't win the Mas' Maolek Award (Best Troop Award).  I was going to leave the Troop and Crew.  I was already burned out and needed a break.  That evening she approached me and asked to talk.  She mentioned that everyone of the Matuas' were worried that if they didn't win tomorrow that I was going to resign.  They didn't want me to leave.  I'll admit they had a tough week in camp that year.  Competition was fierce between all the troops.  That morning, the last day of camp, just before flag raising, I hinted to her that I will stay...win or lose.  I wasn't going anywhere...they were stuck with me.  When the Camp Staff announced that the Matuas' won the Mas' Maolket award,  The whole group hesitated for a second and then at one time they were all jumping up and down, yelling and screaming.  

There were other memories that came to mind: the welder, the Marine, the Army Sergeant, the Coasties, the football coach, the Youth Pastor, the DOD contractor, the moms, the security guards, the EMT or is it Paramedic,  the restaurant server or host, the Eagle Scout, the hotel worker, the Ranger, and so many more to mention.  

But each memory had a thread that came back to me each time, a common theme or event.  Most of those I remembered thanked me for being there, for not giving up on them.  The message came and it was very crystal clear.  I know understood the message between the Matuas' and my niece. 

We're not giving up on my niece.  I'm going to give her the same chance I gave each of my Matuas'.  When she screws up...she's going to be pushing Diamonds.  She will work herself back into the ministry.  Jesus brought her into our life for a reason.   Just like the Matuas', each one came into my life, for an adventure into Character building.  



Esta.  

Keep Smiling.  


 P.S.  

Matuas' if you're reading this post.  Thank you for the all the memories and the lessons.  I pray that each one of you and your families are blessed abundantly with overflow from the windows of heaven.  May Jesus guide you with the Holy Spirit and Protect you.  

I do love you all.  



 

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

BitCoin Digital Wallets: Coins PH




 http://bittrust.s3.amazonaws.com/1404716216.png



Coins PH is a digital wallet from the Philippines.   It is an app that allows the user to store and manage their Bitcoin and Philippine Pesos.  Users are also able to pay their utilities, get a load for their cellphone, pay their insurance or social security, and so many other transactions.  They have the ability to send funds to each other, a peer to peer remittance, with no high fees involved. 

Imagine taking care of all your transactions in the comfort of your home.  Not having to travel to so many places and then standing in line.  It's almost a whole day affair.  So many businesses have partnered with Coins PH or will be soon to have their customers enjoying their day and family time with technology at their finger tips. 

Get PAID using Coins PH.  Yes, Coins PH pays referrals to you, the user, when you invite your friends and family members to use Coins PH.  They have to activate their account using the invitation link you send them. 

How would you like to get rebates for paying your bills via Coins PH?  I've seen promos for "UP to 30% rebates"  for users if they pay their bills using Coins PH.  Even depositing funds will get you more pesos in your wallet.  But be cautious, the promos are limited.  But the good news is, there will be another promo soon. 

Many businesses are slowly catching on to the Bitcoin Phenomenon.  They are able to send large amounts of funds from one person or business to another person or business.  Whether it is next door or on the other side of the globe. 

My wife and I have family and friends who are OFW's in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, USA.  We introduced them to Coins PH just to share the technology.  They now use Coins PH to send funds to their families in the Philippines.  Another friend in Manila, incorporated it to her business to help her customers pay their bills via Coins PH. 

What if you're in a foreign country doing work for a contractor.  An emergency happens back home in the Philippines and your family needs X-amount of funds.  It's late at night when you get the call.  So most brick and mortar remittances are closed.  Even in the morning if you try to send funds, the fees are really high.  But your family needs the funds to pay a deposit to the hospital.  (I personally feel that in itself is a crime, to withhold emergency care due to no deposit).  You'll pay a huge fee on your end, and the Philippine government will collect a "small" percentage on the receiver's end. 

Using a digital wallet like Coins PH alleviates those fees and taxes.  It's peer to peer.  You'll be able to send funds in Bitcoin or fiat (depending on the wallet) to your family.  What I like about Coins PH and most digital wallets are following their example, is the ability to convert bitcoins to fiat currency in the wallet app. Then you can send it to an ATM or bank account to retrieve the funds.  Disclaimer here:  You will still be charged a conversion fee by the bank when you buy Bitcoin using your checking account. 

Coins PH is my, and my wife's, favorite digital wallet that we use in the Philippines.  I also have and have used other digital wallets, like Circle, Coinbase, Blockchain, CoinJar, Xapo, Airbitz, etc.  

Yes, if you are in any other country aside from the Philippines.  You should be able to use Coins PH to send Bitcoin to your family in the Philippines.  You could actually use other digital wallets as well.  You just need their QR Code.  It looks like this:  

Please feel free to scan and send some Bitcoins.   All Bitcoins are considered donations.


Click on the links above if you'd like to get a Coins PH or Circle Wallet.  Be part of the Bitcoin Industry.  Use Bitcoins.  Make it convenient for yourself. I use Expedia to book my flights and hotels when I travel.  They allow me to pay them in Bitcoin.  I also get a discount when I do...sometimes. 



Esta.  

Keep Smiling.   



Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Home Invasion: Stopped the Threat.

They came into my home, while I was in the shower.  I tried to be quiet as possible so they don't notice me.  Unfortunately, they heard the water splashing and spotted me in all my glory.  Soon their numbers grew from a couple to many in seconds.  They hesitated to attack me.  But as soon as did, they started to claw at my lower extremities. 

I decided to take action.  At first, I wanted to jump out of the shower to grab my weapons to stop the threat.  But the thought of me running out of the bathroom in my splendorous birthday suit would surprise the manamkos (the elder folks) in the house.  My beauty of my tan toned glory might blind them.  

So to keep them safe...I stayed and fought.  I fought back furiously.  My airborne paratrooper training came back, like the fury of St. Michael fighting the demons.  Using the only weapon I had in control at the moment.  The 120 degrees of hot water from the shower got those gangstas attacking me.  After I stopped their menacing clawing.  I turned my attention to the rest of them trying to invade the upper reaches of my house.  

I splashed left to get those trying to flank me.  And then I splashed right to get that other column trying to get around me.  Then I concentrated fire up and down as they blitzkrieg down the middle.  I adjusted for windage and made sure my sights were clear and soft targets identifiable.  Checking the background to insure there were no innocent bystanders on the glazed tile as I sprayed in controlled bursts of fire.  

We engaged in close quarter battle...hand to claw fighting.  They clawed at me and I countered with palm strikes.  Effectively killing many with one blow each time.  They tried to retreat...but only to regroup.  As they again moved towards me in a daring kamikaze attack.  I turned the water on high and splashed them all with hot steaming water.  They died instantly.  Many were stopped where they stood.  

Just like that they were all dead in the shower stall battle field.  I celebrated doing my version of the Happy Dance and Running Man.  WoooHooo!  I had stopped the home invasion...Splashing to stop the threat.  Castle Doctrine works.  

I was debating to call the police precinct.  But the last time I dealt with the police.  They wanted evidence first.  Unfortunately, all the bodies went down the drain as I rinsed the battle scarred walls of the shower stall.  

I warned the stragglers that were scurrying away out the window to tell their leaders.  The next time, I'll go NBC on them and deploy the Black Flag.  

DAMN ANTS!  


Esta.  Keep Smiling. 

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Our Children's Conversation: About Roses.

Fren and Larraine are having a conversation about their shoes.  How their feet have grown so fast.
Fren then says, "Ate Larraine, Before we were rich back then right? We need to accept the fact that God lectured us and we need to learn a lesson".
Larraine then smiled and said, "We are still blessed, not only rich. We are blessed in Christ. Blessing is not only material things. Also being happy in everything".
Fren then said, "How about when daddy give us roses? I won't be happy with that. I always tell dad that roses are for girls".

Larraine said, "It's just one of dad's kadukuness.  You also have to accept that fact like what you're saying".
Fren exclaims. "NO WAY!".

----

The above conversation was relayed to me by Rhoda, my wife.  Our son, Frenfren, was complaining about me always giving "Roses" to them.  It's not literally.  In our family, Fren's roses are more aromatic.  Yet, he's complaining about mine.
Do you understand what we're talking about?

Esta.  Keep Smiling 

Friday, July 22, 2016

Why Bitcoin and Bitclub Network?

Why Bitcoin?

Hmmm, well...why not?!  Everytime I introduce the bitcoin technology to family, friends, and colleagues.  I get the "why".  It's the new digital money that's coming up through the internet.   

I invest in Bitcoin because it is easy to use and it's value is higher than any fiat currency in the world.  It's easy to send Bitcoin to my wife or children from my digital wallet to theirs.  

The fees are incredibly low unlike Western Union, Paypal, Pinoy Express, or bank wire.  I'm able to send small amounts of US dollars in Bitcoin and not pay extravagant fees. You can't send $3 USD on Western Union without paying the $6 or higher fee.  It's not worth the trouble if the fee is higher than the small amount your sending.  Then the Philippine government will want their tax on my money that I send my wife.  So I'm getting hit with a user fee on the sending side, and a tax on the receiver side.  

What's the difference with investing in just buying Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining?  

Well, you can invest in Bitcoin by exchanging it with your fiat currency.  Let's say you want to exchange $3,500 USD to Bitcoin.  With today's rate at 1 Bitcoin to $667.74 (Coinbase).  You'll get 5.2494 BTC in exchange.  If you just invested that dollars to bitcoin.  Then that's what you'll have.  You're bitcoin value will fluctuate in your digital wallet with the US dollar.  Like stocks...the value goes up or down depending on the market.  

Now if you invest in mining bitcoins through a mining pool with BitClub Network (BCN).  You first have to become a member.  The only way to do that, is to get sponsored by a member of BCN.  You can't just go to the website and apply to be a member.  There is an affordable membership fee of $99 USD.  You cannot pay in fiat currency.  You will have to pay for your membership and mining pool shares with Bitcoin.  

A $3,500 USD investment will allow you to become a Founder with the company.  You'll be able to invest into 3 mining pools of different values for 600 days on each mining contract share.  

How do I change fiat currency to bitcoin?   

Okay, you'll need a digital wallet.  There are hundreds of digital wallets out there.  Here are some of the ones that I use:  

Get the wallet for your region or country.  For Guam and USA, you can use Circle or Coinbase.  I use both.  But now I prefer Circle.  It's more user friendly and not a "Know Your Customer" platform.  While Coinbase is a KYC.  When I'm in the Philippines, I use my Coins PH wallet.  It's the BEST wallet out there.  My wife uses her Coins PH wallet to pay most of our bills from the comfort of our homeWhich saves us travel funds.  

Now that you've chosen your digital wallet.  Start using it by syncing the wallet to your checking account or your debit card.  Never use your bank savings account to sync to your digital wallet.  Once you're able to sync your wallet.  Buy bitcoin using your checking account or debit card.  For some new users to the digital wallet, you'll be limited for a time until you are verified by the exchange that manages your wallet.  Your limits will go up depending on the usage and level of verification.  Don't stress over it.  Just buy Bitcoin based on what you're comfortable in purchasing with your fiat currency.  Note:  You'll want to pad or add to your buying bitcoin due to the bank's conversion fee and then the digital wallets transfer fee. Go ahead and make your first Bitcoin purchase.

Now you'll have to decide if your just going to buy bitcoins and hold it.  Or, if you're going to mine bitcoins and let it ride.  
Let's go with the 10 year plan for both option scenarios.  

Initial Purchase Option 1:

If you just buy $3,500 USD in BitcoinsYour exchange will be 5.2494 BTC for your investment at today's rate of $667.74 USD.  

Bitcoin experts say that Bitcoin will be $10,000 USD within the next 10 years.  That's very conservative.  So in 10 years time, your investment will become $52,494.  You didn't do anything but held on to your initial purchase of 5.2494 BTC.  

Mining Option 2:

Let's say with the mining option, you decided to accept my invitation to join BitClub NetworkYou paid for one time membership fee of $99 USD and invested $3,500 USD into the Founder packageWhich gets you 3 mining pools for 600 days of mining.   

(I'm going to use my own experiences here:  Since July 2015...I've earned 5 Bitcoin for 1 year).   


So in 10 years, just using the 5 BTC/1 Year.  You earned 50 BTC from your mining investment.  Again, if we use what the industry experts say bitcoin will be worth in value within the next 10 years at $10,000 USD.  You're 50 BTC will be worth $500,000 USD.  That's still very conservative.  

So now that you've seen both options 1 and 2.  Which investment do you feel comfortable in getting started?

The above averages and formula was based on my own experiences with my 3 mining pools, sharing the investment with 4 people and earning percentages from their initial shares and repurchases.  There are other market factors involved that will fluctuate the value of BTC.  Your individual investment and future market, mining, and arbitrage factors will determine your BTC earnings and value.  There is no guarantee that the above example will happen to you.  

Final Thought: 

I enjoy my investment with Bitclub Network for the following reasons: 

  • One time membership fee of $99 USD.  
  • No Annual dues. 
  • No Back Office fees.
  • No Monthly Autoship.
  • No Attrition. 
  • Affordable investments into the 3 mining pools, Arbitrage, and Merchant Services Platforms.

We're not just a mining company anymore.     

If you have any questions on how to get started.  Please do not hesitate to ask me.   
 

ESTA...Keep Smiling  :)