This picture is from Frenz crying over the scooter.
I was on video chat with Rhoda and our kids this afternoon. For some reason the microphone was not working again on their side. Frenz was trying to talk to me. But I couldn't hear him. Although, he could hear me. I could see Rhoda, then Larraine, and Frenz. I just went along with the situation and acted like I could hear everyone even though the microphone was not working properly. I could see Frenz talking on the microphone. It was really frustrating not hearing them.
Next thing I know Frenz is crying and is visibly upset. Rhoda starts typing on chat that Frenz was trying to tell me that his mommy and sister, Larraine, were telling him not to pull the microphone and that they're "fighting" him.
I felt really bad at that moment. Because my boy was asking for my help and I couldn't do anything. I could only encourage him to stop crying and to smile. He was in the wrong for pulling on the microphone. But he doesn't understand that for his age. After a few minutes of coaxing him to stop crying and smile, he did. Later, he and Larraine ran outside to ride their bike and scooter as if nothing happened.
Aiii adai, parenting from over 1000 miles away is not easy. Rhoda is doing a great job raising the kids without me there. I am hoping that I will be there in a couple of weeks.
It's amazing how many people are really angry over the verdict that the jury gave out in the Casey Anthony Case. We cannot blame the jury. They followed their instructions from the judge to the letter.
This case was tried in the public by all the mainstream media outlets. It was already tried by public opinion. Yet, many of us were not in the courtroom or were part of the jury that saw the evidence that was presented by the prosecution. Even the prosecutor admitted today, that not all the evidence was presented. He stated, "If only the jury saw what he saw...". What? Are you telling me that not all the evidence was presented at trial? Someone dropped the ball.
The prosecution team didn't present the case fully. Or, they would have won. It's as simple as that. The prosecution relied on circumstancial evidence to try to convict Casey Anthony. They didn't have any facts or hardcore evidence that linked Casey to Caylee's murder. All the experts the prosecution brought in to testify was discredited by the defense. Like the OJ prosecution team, this team was overzealous. They went for the Hail Mary play and lost.
The Defense Lawyer did his best to discredit any, if not all, the prosecution's witnesses and experts. He effectively use diversionary tactics to throw the jury off the prosecution strategy. Some people in the media are saying he's not that effective. Well, he got his client acquitted in a Death Penalty case. I would say that's pretty effective.
Even with all that is said and done. Many people will continue to blame the jury. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Just remember we were not in that Jury Room. We were not privy to the evidence that they were shown. The jury acquitted Casey Anthony of the charges in this case.
I believe there are more than one person involved in Calyee's death. I believe Casey knows more than she's telling. She'll end up with a big windfall from all this. Why? Because the same people that are crying foul are stupid enough to go buy the book and/or watch the movie.
As the saying goes, Everyone loves to watch a train wreck. I wonder how many people wasted their lives watching this case daily. Amazing what people will do to put their lives on hold for something that doesn't involve them. Stephen King is right. No wonder he makes millions on Horror Books and Movies.
ESTA...
It's been a couple days since I bought this new cellphone, the Motorola Devour. It has a nice aluminum body. The Qwerty board is big and nice. So far the phone has worked the way I wanted it to work. I can send and receive calls, check my inbox for important messages, and able to network.
I didn't want to get a full-blown droid phone and not like it. The Devour would be the step before that, if I ever decide to take that step. The touch screen is a nice size. It's a lot bigger than my last phone. It's not as bulky as I thought it would be.
I'm not really into the apps. I do have gmail and facebook. But since I have the notification feature fixed to get updates from both those accounts. I rarely go there with the exception of the first two days after I got the phone. I was still trying to figure this thing out.
The battery lasts the whole day. I have to remember to recharge it before I hit the sack at night. It also charges up pretty fast.
ESTA...
LARRAINE'S REACTION
Larraine found out that I had watched Transformers 3 yesterday with her Ate Arissa. I also invested in a new phone for my work/business. I thought she would take it well. But I could feel her sadness that I didn't take her with me. I guess my neni girl felt that I left her out.
I have every intention of having fun with her and her brother when I go home to Cagayan De Oro in a few months. It's not easy seeing, feeling her disappointment a thousand miles away. She was more upset with the elders in the family teasing her. That didn't go to well.
Normally, she would have great comebacks. But, after our chat last night. I knew she wasn't in the mood. Larraine did try to negotiate a compromise earlier. I give her credit for that. She wants a touch screen phone just like mine. Unfortunately, Rhoda and I don't believe she's ready for one. She did want pizza. The last time we had pizza back in the Philippines was when I was last there, more than 2 years ago. I could manage to send extra funds next time so that Larraine and her brother can enjoy a slice of pizza with their mommy. Knowing my boy Frenz, he'll probably eat a small pizza all to himself. Larraine and her mommy, on the other hand, can share a small pizza just for them.
Larraine is very patient. Rhoda and I are blessed that she understands our priorities within the house.
FRENZ'S REACTION
We found out why my boy Raphael Frenz's enjoys bread at 1500 everyday. It seems that Larraine would use the money for her baon to buy her baby brother bread everyday after school on her way home. No wonder Larraine has asked me for an increase on her baon allowance.
So everyday, Monday to Friday, at around 1400. Frenz would jump on the wooden couch in the living room and look out the window waiting for his Ate Larraine. Everytime a bicycle or motorela would stop in front of the house, he would shout, "Ate!". He did this everyday when Larraine was in school. He eagerly waited for his pan (bread).
Unfortunately, yesterday, Larraine had a test and a school event which kept her late from returning home at the appointed time. Frenz was patiently waiting at his usual lookout spot in the living room, peering out the window. Rhoda informed me that he was worried why his ate was taking long. But he waited on his usual spot.
When Rhoda got ready to leave the house to do an errand. Frenz assumed that he would be going with his mommy to pickup Larraine. According to Rhoda, Frenz through a fit and was terribly upset that he could not go, and was screaming as she left the house.
Before going home, Rhoda bought some fruits for the kids to eat. At the house, when she opened the door. Frenz came running towards her with a morsel of bread in his mouth. He was in a happy mood. His Ate Larraine had finally come home earlier and brought his bread. He looked into the bag that his mommy was carrying and laughed really hard seeing the fruits inside. He knew it was for him and his sister.
I love it when my children are happy.
ESTA...
Today, while video chatting with Rhoda and Frenz. I watched as Frenz got a stern lecture for messing with the headphone wires. The expression on his face was not the smiley go happy boy seconds earlier. His pouting really caught my attention. Seconds later, he jumped up and hugged his mommy. I guess he was hoping that would quell his mommy's anger. After he hugged his mommy, he sat down but he was still visibly upset.
So I tried to cheer him up. Sending Smiley faces on chat and telling him to smile. Frenz continued to pout. Then I enthusiastically encouraged him to kiss his mommy and say, sorry. He did, he got up and kissed his mommy on her cheek and said something. Rhoda responded. Then my boy sat down and was all smiles.
It's always great to see my kids laughing and smiling. We continued our chat. 
Receiving the Scholarship from First Hawaiian Bank to use at the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy on Thursday was an awesome experience. I received one of thirteen, $1000 Scholarships to use on my craft skills courses. I could use the scholarship funds on any of the courses that's offered at the GCA TA. However, I choose to use on it on the Program Management Course. By completing that course, I'll be able to round out myself in the management area and use that course to compliment my Safety Career as a Safety Manager. it's really such a great feeling knowing I was one of thirteen who were awarded the scholarship.
On Wednesday, I took the Industrial Electrical Assessment exam at the GCA Trades Academy's Training Facility in Barrigada. Three questions into the test, I was wondering if this was the correct electrical exam that I was supposed to take. Many of the questions threw me off. There were questions on heat trace, transformers, conduit bending on rigid pipes, high voltage, and other questions that I didn't know or recognize from my electrical experience as an Electrician.
I would need a 70% to pass the Industrial Electrical Assessment Exam for the NCCER. When I finally answered the 100th question with 10 minutes to spare on the two hour exam. I was elated. I didn't realize how hard NCCER's Assessment exams were. When the proctor came by to my computer station to log off the site and have me check my scores. I asked her if there was another electrical exam or if this was the only one. The proctor informed that there is a Commercial Electrical Exam. Then and there, I realized that I had taken the wrong exam. No wonder the questions were not familiar. I'm a low voltage electrician, not a high voltage electrician.
When the proctor reviewed my score results. I was really surprised to see that I scored a 66%. As hard as I thought the exam was, I thought I bombed the exam with a really low score between 20 to 30%. 66 is 4 points from passing. I don't know the Industrial Electrical Field. At least I didn't think I knew it. As I have mentioned earlier, I am a low voltage electrician. So I was really surprised to see how high my low score was. I'm not upset for not passing. I'm really happy that I scored 4 points from 70%. God is telling me not to underestimate myself and what I know. What a learning lesson. Awesome.
On Friday, I watched one of my safety instructors, Samoan Joe, teach the 16 member class in Traffic Flaggers Safety at the OSH Solutions Training Center. With keen interest of a child watching something really interesting for the first time, I observed Joe's teaching style and interaction with the students. That day, I was a student again. I was more interested in his teaching and presentation style more than the Traffic Safety Course.
In order for me to be one of the best Safety Instructor's on island. I have to observe the best and learn their techniques. I know that through practice and teaching more courses. The experience will come to help build up my own techniques.
Today, was my first class in teaching Respirator Training. I worked on my own slides by taking material from the OSHA 30 hour, OSHA 500, and USACE EM 385-1-1 slide presentations. Although, I have rehearsed the presentation. I messed up on some of the information I put out to the participants today. I only knew that after I re-read my rehearsal notes. At least, I know where to improve for my next class.
I also worked on my Aerial Lift Safety Training slide presentation this afternoon. This is for tomorrow's morning training at 0830. I'm glad the slide presentations are getting easier to put together. Especially when I combine materials from the different OSHA and USACE Standards.
Have a great 4th of July weekend!
ESTA...
This picture is from Frenz crying over the scooter. 
