dyed my gray hair brown!

had eyebrow waxed, hair colored and hair cut for $55. at Evelyn's. Now I am ready for the Tinapay reunion in Ozamis.
Our flight is at 12:30am. Newark international has no wi-fi or my t-mobile tzones does not work. Seattle airport was no better. I was able to plug my laptop at an outlet in both airport to do some work with some juice enough left to do a couple of hours work in flight. Taipei was worst. The waiting area are sectioned to wait for 30 minutes in one area and an hour in another area. Next time, I am flying business class so I can go inside those lounges with internet access.
Meals on the deluxe class was fairly good although it has a few choices. First meal between Newark and Seattle was pork or cajun something. Seattle and Taipei meals were a choice of chicken or beef and for breakfast - western or chinese. Taipei to Manila was forgettable. Then we arrive at Manila International and the heat!
to be continued, I am too tired and mentally worn out.

got to fill up my balikbayan box!!!

My balikbayan box weight max out the airlines luggage requirements - 35 kilos. It would have been weight saving if I use a brown, corrugated, cardboard box tape-sealed, rope tied as handle for maneuverability not a large suitcase with wheels to push or pull. But with a laptop and a camcorder to carry, I want to be able to lugged in one cart all my belongings upon checking in EWR and checking out in MNL. Went to RadioShack to buy a transformer for the laptop from ac to dc. RadioShack
salespeople are knowledgeable and helpful. Found out I don't need a bulky transformer if my laptop label has Input AC 100-240v. All I need are assorted Outlet Adapters. I already have a RadioShack Voltage Converters which was handy in my past European trips. Finally, RadioShack has found it's niche in highly competitive electronics retail market - knowledgeable sales people on parts and pieces of those expensive electronics sold by others or online...

Refurbished Sony VX2100

Bought a refurbished Sony Vx2100 at the Sony outlet in Woodbury for $2475 including NY tax of 8.25%, 5 yr repair service warranty, a spare battery and a blank tape. New one would be the same price without the repair service warranty at B&H. Children of Light promise to pay the monthly installment of my master card.
The boss of the house (BOTH) does not believe in credit card balances. God cares. I will not die owning people money.
The drive to the outlet was leisurely scenic through Bear Mountain, along the side of rocky hills, dug out highway at the side of a rocky mountain towards NY Thruway.
Bought a size 81/2 Puma GV Horizon style sneakers, wrong size and wrong color ordered by the BOTH's cousin, Renato. I will return it if it is too tight. Walk through Corelle outlet looking for my 1969 design plates. Thank God, there's none, I did not part with my money.
Return drive to NJ by Route 17 to Mahwah, to GSP South was a working hour commute because it was past 4pm. Roaring SUV's on the left of me, imposing trucks of unknown cargo in front of me, sleek sedan on the back of me, all with only the vehicle's driver, no passengers, carpool incapable. Regular unleaded gasoline along Route 17 was $2.07, down from high $2.15 last week.
Plan for a haircut and dye my gray hair black tomorrow but my friend, Dadie, (went to Europe with in 1995) is coming for a padala to Tagbilaran.

Many different spiritual gifts...

Lord, God forgive me...for being impatient, for being easily annoyed and not listening. I will be patient, quiet and attentive. I will listen in my heart, set limits on my impatient thought and quiet my runaway tongue.
Still did not find that Sony vx2000 camcorder in downtown Newark and Jersey City. Who is to blame for the dirty and messy sidewalk in their downtown? Every merchant and customer need a hand with a broom, a dustpan and a garbage can.
B&H has stock on the 2100 model. Emailed Lora & Lourdes if I can buy that model instead. RJ said HBO buys their equipment at B&H.
We had early dinner, late lunch at an Italian restaurant on Rt 35. Why do they keep restaurant dimly lighted? Everyone, ATR, Andee, Inday, RJ, JDR enjoyed and clean their plate except me. My eggplant parmigian had a bitter taste in every bite . I was hungry and tolerated a third of the portion. The leftover I had it dog bagged and plan to sprinkle sugar or honey on it at home. A few pieces of arm size pasta and salad eased my hunger.

Sony vx 2000 camcorder wanted

Sony VX 2000 video recorder wanted, reasonably priced and available asap in NJ/NY area. It will be use to produce videos for a Catholic charismatic ministry group in Manila - Children of Light.
Paramount Electronics near Times Square had 1 in stock but the sales person seem dishonest. First he said it cost $1600. Once he opened the box and we ask for the price again, it became $1699, then he only wanted cash. Who brings that much cash around this days? I walk out of the store determine not to part with any cash inspite of my son's ascertion that it is a good deal. If that store is not taking my credit card then they will not get a sale. Tomorrow, I will call or go to camera stores in Newark, Jersey City or maybe again to the city. My friend Remy said to call B&H on 33rd St.
Sony do not make that model anymore. Next version 2100 cost $2900 at 6th Ave Electronics & PC Richards. Such price is prohibitive. Nothing on ebay this week.
atemely@optonline.net

Balikbayan

balik means go back, bayan means nation.
As a group, we had no interest in going back. In 1969, we must file income tax returns on our income here in US to renew a PI passport. Marcos was not beloved among us, Filipino immigrants. Nurses with exchange student visa had to go back after their contract expired and applied as soon as they can for an immigrant visa. Many exchange student nurses downgraded their stipend to lower their liabilities to Marcos coffers.
Few months before the required 5 yr stay for US citizenship, I filed my papers. I went back as an American citizen in 1977 for my youngest sister, Rita's cranio-facial surgery. Marcos and his cronies caught on and implemented Balikbayan to improve and increase his dollar inflow. His gold was worth less after Pres. Nixon terminated the gold standard in 1971 and peso floated to market supply and demand.

Ate Mel

I visit for a reason, never as a vacation. Fares are reasonable if you buy them from ticket consolidators but travel time is physically draining. EvaAir's $1000 round trip between EWR and MNL is reasonable considering it is three times as far as California.
My visit is more island hopping - Luzon, Bohol, Cebu and Mindanao. Business stuff in Manila, estate stuff in Bohol, business networking in Cebu and hubby's deceased mother's side of the family reunion in Ozamis. My younger siblings (8 of them) and their friends call me Ate (ah-tea). My clients add the Mel for my given name, Amelia, after the Ate. Sound sweet and endearing when pronounce together - Ate Mel (ah-tea-mail).

Mission Statement

GOD is the source of my thoughts, strength and purpose.