This is a great article. For the managers and employees alike. What management style do you prefer? 
Micromanagement From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia {{dablink|This is about the management style. Micromanagement In business management, micromanagement is a management style where a manager closely observes or controls the work of their employees, generally used as a derogatory term.[citation needed] In contrast to giving general instructions on smaller tasks while supervising larger concerns, the micromanager monitors and assesses every step, and avoids delegation of decisions. Micromanagement is often easily recognized by employees, but micromanagers rarely view themselves as such.[citation needed] Extreme cases represent dangerous management pathology.[citation needed] The latter is characterized by an obsessive style of management and is closely related to workplace bullies, narcissists and other management pathologies. Micromanagers like many addicts are the last person to recognize that their addiction is in controlling others.[citation needed] Micromanagement may arise from internal sources, such as concern for details, incompetence or insecurity. While the main drivers are internal and are related to the personality of the manager it also can be partially attributed to external pressures such as organizational culture, severe time pressure, increased performance pressure, instability of manager position, etc. Severe forms of micromanagement may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. In other cases of excessive micromanagement, the manager may feel that by implementing processes and procedures to execute orders and instructions, this enables the manager to feel and be able to demonstrate his usefulness and a valuable role in the overall business activity. This type of manager may actually lack the competencies and creative capabilities necessary for the job, and therefore 'creates' the environment by which to demonstrate self-worth. Less frequently perhaps, it can also be seen as a tactic used by managers to eliminate unwanted employees, either by creating standards employees cannot meet leading to termination, or by creating a stressful workplace causing the employee to leave. Regardless of the motivation the effect can create resentment, damage trust, and usually inhibits efficient teamwork. Micromanagement can also be distinguished from the tendency of the manager to perform duties assigned to the subordinate. Benign forms arise when the manager can perform a worker's job with more efficiency. In severe forms, the manager does not have the required competencies of efficiency but still tries to dictate to the subordinate not only what to do, but how to do a particular task; he delegates responsibility, but not authority. It is also connected with requests for unnecessary and too detailed reports ("reportomania"). Typical examples include but are not limited to the area of performance feedback. A micromanager tends to require constant and detailed feedback and tends to be excessively focused on procedural trivia rather than on overall performance, quality and results. Frequently, a micromanager would accept much more detailed and trivial information from employees than he can actually process. At the same time, decisions may be delayed, overall goals and objectives are often not clear, information flow between employees may be restricted, and the direction of a project may be changed several times in opposed directions; the outcome of a project might be less important than retaining a feeling of control. Micromanagers are usually irritated when a subordinate makes decisions without consulting them, even if the decisions are totally within the subordinate's level of authority. Severe forms of micromanagement usually completely eliminate trust and can provoke anti-social behavior. They often rely on inducing fear in the employees to achieve more control and can severely affect self-esteem of employees as well as their mental and physical health. Micromanagement makes it extremely difficult for employees to develop their skills and to grow and learn. In many cases it may be the best option for them to change their employment as soon as possible. Conclusion: A micromanager is someone who has some control issues. They watch their subordinate's shoulder all the time. Having worked in big corporations had exposed me to different management styles. I dislike micromanagers. I like working in a cool and relaxed environment. Personally speaking as long as the deliverables met the deadline in great quality, I have no problem with that.
 I am starting a digital photography group to those who are into it. I know everyone likes to take pictures. I myself is into real estate photography since last year. I just need to brand my pics and copyright.
There are different kinds of professional photography - Fashion, food, scenery or travel, people, animal or anything you could think of under the sun. This Group is open to anyone who has the passion to photography. I'd like to network with some professionals to learn and share the trick of the trade in photography. The link is: http://digitalpix.multiply.com/ 
This is a great place to update on photography accesories, what's in and what's out. Potentially freelance on some photography projects (locally) or just simply display your hobbies about the said subject. No, I am not a papparazzi, don't want to be one neither....all I want is to take pictures. Have fun!  
 Click to enlarge.....
 Have you been to a concert where you had no clue what the band was singing, had no idea of the lyrics or probably haven't heard the songs before?
Sounds silly isn't it? Well, this is probably meant to happen - that we as a family go see the Jeremy Camp concert once again. I bought tickets for me and a friend but unfortunately, that friend couldn't go. Some accident happen. However, I thought we could go as a family. Who is Jeremy Camp and Toby Mac? These names may not ring a bell. But to those who like Christian Rock kind of music, Jeremy Camp is one of the famous ones who had 15 #1 hit simultaneosly. What is so good about the music? It's not only the melody but the lyrics are so beautiful that you could relate. A friend went to a Hillsong Concert. Yet another group in Australia that tours the world. Those are one of the concerts I wanted to go to. Most of the time they go to LA which is to far from us. We are so excited to see Jeremy. The kids know the songs by heart - yes we all have his album in the IPOD. What's next in line? Maybe go for a mission and do the commission (Mat 28:20). Do I have to travel to do the commission? Not really, you can start with your own household and grow from there. What a wonderful way to serve.
 Calling Virginians! I am selling 4 tickets to the Jeremy Camp and Toby Mac Concert to be held at George Mason's Patriot Center. March 13th, Thursday. Tickets are at $30.50 each. Reply by email or text me if interested.
Jeremy Camp concert is awesome! Great voice and songs!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT... SWEARING AND CURSING? By Betty Miller Matthew 15:11: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:17-20: "Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." CURSE WORDS REVEAL THE CONDITION OF A MAN'S HEART 
Jesus taught in the Bible that when a man curses or uses profanity it is a sign of evil that was in that man's heart. It is popular today for both men and women to curse. They never think of it as an evil condition in their heart, but rather a small thing that everyone does. These small words of cursing the Bible says, will defile the whole man if they are not repented of and stopped. Cussing and using the name of the Lord in vain causes one to become defiled. Popular movies and T.V. are responsible for causing society to accept foul language as the "norm." They portray cursing as a way to vent anger and tell people off. The very attitudes behind cursing show that it is not right as cussing is used to demean and put down people. These words can be mild expletives to horrible blasphemies. Since the devil is the one who inspires these evil utterances he causes people to use our Lord's name in the most ungodly ways. In the modern definition of cursing, usually people use the name of Jesus or God in vain and swear with curses such as "go to hell" or "damn you." These words clearly show it is an evil coming from the devil. Have you ever wondered why people do not not use the names of gods of other religions when they curse? The names that the devil hates and uses people to voice hateful curses are "God," "Christ," "Jesus Christ" and "Jesus." Terms about hell and heaven are also used in derogatory ways. The very misuse of these words should prove the existence of God and the reality of a heaven and hell. Even Christians have been tricked into using bad expressions when they are upset. They are take-offs of the Lord's names such as: "Geeze" or "Jes" (short for Jesus), "Good Gosh," "Gosh Darn," "Lordy." This is known as "shoot cussin." There are other terms used, which we will not repeat, as they are vulgar profanities. However, these illustrations make the point. Many good movies have been ruined for Christians because the script writers thought adding profane language (which they refer to as adult language) somehow made the movie more relalistic. Adults nor children should use bad language if we are to be like our Lord. We do not have to use curse words to emphasize our intentions. Colosians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Matthew 5:37: "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." If swearing and cursing have been a problem in your life ask the Lord to forgive you and deliver you so that your words may be good and loving words full of grace and truth. He will help you overcome this problem through His power. Matthew 12:34-36: "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
I can't wait until I get through the 1st phase of my South Beach Diet. So far so good. The result after 10 days has been inspiring. With the strict implementation of what "NOT" to eat and religiously exercising 2 hrs each session, 3x a week has kept me on tract on the goal.It is not easy at all. But faith and dedication help reach it. These are one of the things that human has full control of. It just need "hard work". Here is my track record: Starting weight: 138 lbs Goal weight: 115 lbs Current weight: 133 lbs Lbs lost: 5 lbs from Jan 2 - Jan 11 % lost: 21.73 % (lbs to shed - current weight x 100) 
By next week, I can start phase 2 of SBD. I've been dreaming of eating artisan wheat bread....with extra virgin olive oil and balsalmic vinegar. I can have red wine, wheat pasta, fruits and other vegetables. And yes! My caffeinated coffee. As I said this diet will not starve you. It is really a matter of eating the right food and portioning as well. With Phase 2, I still have to stay away with food high in starch, fat and sugar and with 18 lbs to lose more, this is gonna take longer than phase 1. Phase 2 lasts until you reach the goal. Then Phase 3 is maintenance which means your lifetime. If you fall off the wagon, start in phase 1 again for 1 week.  There are a lot of food to enjoy that doesn't have to hurt your numbers. When I say numbers, I'm talking about your blood pressure, cholesterol count and the blood sugar count and of course your weighing scale numbers as well.
Probably in 2-3 weeks I will be ready for blood work - just for my yearly physical. Btw, I've been researcing on how to make home made wheat bread, I realized how cheap it is to make your own. But again, you gotta have the love to do it, just like making cappucino. Oh well dear bloggers, I am just sharing another adventure on weight loss. Here's a word to ponder: "Faith without deed is dead." Explanation: Even if I have faith to lose weight but does not act upon it, it is meaningless. Always look at the result, focus on the goal. Even if you stumble and fall, get up and keep running the race. 
On the right is the Tae-Bo Amped with the power bar(4 DVDs that you have to follow). This exercise is amazing. Not easy the first week but really works! Kudos to Billy Blanks.
I was reading cnn.com's business and technoloty site and came across this article. It is said to be the world's cheapest car with an MSRP of $2,500. Dang that is really cheap!  The gas mileage is said to be 50 mpg. Wow it would probably take me 3 months before I fill up another tank. About safety and comfort, I don't know. As for now, it think money wise and economy wise this would simply get you from point A to B. Not bad at all!
To read the full article go to: http://ridingtheelephant.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/01/10/nano-achieves-ratan-tata%e2%80%99s-dream/
 You know when you are approaching your big four "O" stage, the metabolism slows down a bit. This is when you start gaining weight due to overindulgence, no exercise or simply feasting everyday and not thinking about tomorrow, health wise.
Take a look at these yummy blue cheese(oh yeah we used to toss this one inthe waste bin too during gf days). I just sniffed and stared at it. I actually prepared it for hubby before dinner is ready. I cannot eat this high fat cheese b/c I am still on Phase 1 of the SBD. There are a lot of food that are artery cloggers and most or all of them are from animal fat. I was having withdrawal symptoms from sugar and caffeine. These are one of the things I have to give up during this phase. Although, it is kinda hard to admit it was difficult the first 4 days, I am getting used to it. I'm am doing this for the sake of health. 
The one on the right are the good type of oil and sauces. Olive oil and balsalmic vinegar is my favorite salad dressing during this phase. Chili Bean help me get through it. My tip is to eat a lot of salad and lean meat, or shellfish. To fight your sweet cravings, sugar free candy, the sugar free fudgecycle and the sugar free jello are really great help. What's my replacement for caffeine? I now drink decaf coffee. Dieting is truly a sacrifice. Sacrifice for the benefit of your own system. In life, we really have to sacrifice something for whatever purpose. I can share my daily journal of this diet. Right now I am just focusing on all the weight loss. Movin
This is a very heart friendly recipe. Good for SBD Phase 1. Only 90 calories per serving. Very tasty especially if you eat it with celery. I had this one for night snack. It made me full without feeling guilty. I remember back in the GF days, we use to throw this away in the first class waste bin. Well, I nibble the olives first before I throw it away. This is also good in entertaining guests. Can be served with crackers or pita bread, but I prefer it with celery since I'm on SBD. Smoky Chipotle Hummus 
INGREDIENTS - 2 (15.5 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame-seed paste)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 (7 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
- 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ground black pepper to taste
I am making this blogsite my Southbeach Accountability Page meaning - everyone in my contact list should make me accountable for my weight loss. I'm currently on phase one of the southbeach diet. This is the toughest b/c I am giving up all the bad carbs(bad sugar) and bad fat in my system until it gets stabilized after 2 weeks. After that, I can re-introduce the the good carbs gradually. 
I definitely gained weight during the last holiday season. All my suit pants and jackets are bulging on size 6. This is not a good sign. For my cardio, I am also doing Billy Blanks exercise - the "AMPED" version. Below is my weight loss ticker to see my progress. I will be updating this every Monday and if you see me gain weight, I am giving you the freedom to yell at me. I am currently 138 lbs. My goal is to reach 115lbs. So thats 23 lbs to lose. So far I've lost 1 lb. Hey guys thank you for being my weight loss accountability partner. I appreciate all your yelling and scolding. he he he To get an idea how southbeach works go to this site. http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/index.php it gives you recipes, ideas on what to eat, you can also recruit for an accountability partner or what they call a "diet buddy" and post your before and after pictures.
 Pigging out is over. After enjoying these festivities, I must admit I kinda lost track of my food intake and exercise routine. After giving birth to my 2nd child, I was a whoping 210 lbs with lingering high cholesterol, high blood and diabetes for 6 months.
My primary physician advised me, it's a changed of lifestyle. Lifestyle starts with what you put in your mouth. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. I totally agree with this doctor. These 3 diseases are a silent killer that you don't necessarily have to feel anything different. I started controling what I eat by following a diet. South Beach worked for me best. From 210 lbs, it dropped to 120 lbs. It didn't happen overnight. It took a lot of hard work and most of all discipline and dedication. Yes, you can control what you eat and what you put in your mouth. Eating becomes an addiction to the point that you become a slave of it. When you become a slave of it, it is very painful to let go. Any kind of diet doesn't work alone without an exercise. Although with South Beach's 1st phase, it is very likely you will lose 10 lbs on the next 2 weeks b/c you are suppose to give up all the bad sugar even with no exercise, if you are following it religiously with no cheating. If you are willing to lose a lot of weight, you gotta exercise. Billy Blanks Bootcamp worked very well for me. I am not a huge fan of buying all these big exercise equipment that takes half the space of your house only to find out that it has accumulated 2 inches of dust where you could plant potatoes. Exercise doesn't have to be expensive. You could run for 2 miles every other day, brisk walk, ride your bike uphill etc. But with the exercise I am following all I need is a tv, dvd player, dumbells, resistance band and leg weights. BB exercise is so intense that you feel you are going to die. Hardly I could get up the next day-sore from head to toe. That's the only time you would know that your muscles in deed worked hard. As they say, no pain no gain. 
I'm now on my 3rd session of my exercise. I started on Dec 26th. Until now I am still in pain. But I know it will go away after due time. Exercise is a way of life. Would you be willing to make it a part of your lifestyle? Would you be willing to take charge of what you eat or would you let food control you? Our life is full of choices and we are in deed what we eat. I hope you find this inspiring. Let's not wait until all our genetic diseases come out in our bloodstream. Let's do what they call a "preventive" way of lifestyle.... Shall we?
Get inspired by viewing the "BIGGEST LOSER" before and after pictures.   more before and after pics
 
This is an educational topic since everyone drinks coffee. Taken from my favorite website: www.howstuffworks.com HOW COFFEE WORKS Red Cherry to Green Bean What we call a coffee bean is actually the seeds of a cherry-like fruit. Coffee trees produce berries, called coffee cherries, that turn bright red when they are ripe and ready to pick. The fruit is found in clusters along the branches of the tree. The skin of a coffee cherry (the exocarp) is thick and bitter. However, the fruit beneath it (the mesocarp) is intensely sweet and has the texture of a grape. Next comes the parenchyma, a slimy, honey-like layer, which helps protect the beans. The beans themselves are covered by a parchment-like envelope called the endocarp. This protects the two, bluish-green coffee beans, which are covered by yet another membrane, called the spermoderm or silver skin. There is usually one coffee harvest per year. The time varies according to geographic zone, but generally, north of the Equator, harvest takes place between September and March, and south of the equator between April and May. Coffee is generally harvested by hand, either by stripping all of the cherries off the branch at one time or by selective picking. The latter is more expensive and is only used for arabica beans. 
Photo courtesy CoffeeResearch.org
Coffee pickers can pick between 100 and 200 pounds (45 and 90 kg) of coffee cherries per day. Only 20 percent of this weight is the actual bean.
| Once picked, the coffee cherries must be processed immediately. Processing CherriesRight after picking, it's time for processing. This is done in one of two ways: - Dry method - By the simplest and cheapest method, the harvested cherries are spread out to dry in sunlight. They are periodically raked and turned for seven to 10 days, until their moisture content has fallen to 11 percent. The outer shell of the cherries turns brown and the beans rattle around inside.
Photo courtesy CoffeeResearch.org
After floating in fermentation tanks for awhile, the beans are dried either in the sun or mechanically.
| - Wet method - The main difference between the wet and dry method is that in the wet method, the pulp of the coffee cherry is removed from the beans within 24 hours of harvesting. A pulping machine washes away the skin and pulp. The beans are put in fermentation tanks for 12 to 48 hours. Natural enzymes loosen the slimy parenchyma from the parchment covering. The beans are then dried, either by the sun or by mechanical dryers.
Once the beans are dried, all of the layers are removed from the beans (this process is called hulling). Occasionally, beans may be polished in a machine designed to remove that last little bit of silver skin. Beans are then graded and sorted, first by size, then by density. Beans are either sorted by hand as they pass by on a conveyer belt or by an air jet that separates lighter (inferior) beans from heavier ones. Coffee is shipped unroasted. This is called green coffee. It is stored in bags made of jute or sisal, or shipped in huge plastic-lined freight containers. About 7-million tons of green coffee are shipped worldwide each year. Pop, Pop Roasting is where coffee's flavor is fulfilled. The green coffee beans are heated in large, rotating drums using temperatures of about 550 F (288 C). The tumbling motion of the drums keeps the beans from burning. The beans first turn a yellowish color and smell a little like popcorn. After about 8 minutes, the beans "pop" and double in size. The beans have then reached about 400 F (204 C) and begin to brown as the oils within them start to emerge. This oil is called coffee essence or caffeol. The chemical reaction of the heat and coffee essence is called pyrolysis, and is what produces the flavor and aroma of coffee. A second "pop" occurs about three to five minutes later and signals that the bean is fully roasted. 
Photo courtesy CoffeeResearch.org
Before and After: Green (left) and roasted coffee beans (right)
| Coffee roasting is something of an art. Roastmasters use sound, sight and smell to determine when the beans are roasted to perfection. Timing is everything. Roasting time affects the color and flavor of the final brew, so the length of the roasting period depends on the type of coffee desired (shorter for American brew, longer for espresso). Roasting TimeRoasting times vary depending on the type of coffee you want: - 7 minutes - lightly roasted; typical American mass-marketed coffee
- 9 to 11 minutes - medium roast; a full-bodied roast that is sometimes called "city roast"
- 12 to 13 minutes - dark roast; known as French or Viennese coffee; like the specialty coffees of the Pacific Northwest
- 14 minutes - darkest roast; known as espresso roast (The beans actually begin to smoke, and the sugars in the beans caramelize and burn.)
| Everyday Alchemy The beans are roasted to perfection and have been poured into a cooling tray. Now what? If roasting is an art, brewing is a symphony. Four factors have to come together to make a perfect cup: the freshness of the coffee, the grind, the proportion of coffee to water, and the water itself. Freshness
Photo courtesy CoffeeResearch.org
Before you can make that perfect cup of coffee, your coffee beans must be ground into the fine powder used in most coffee pots.
| Coffee needs to be kept away from light, heat and moisture. Oxygen will speed its deterioration, so store roasted beans in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Since ground coffee begins to lose flavor quickly, coffee should be ground only in the quantities needed for a few days. Refrigerate ground coffee to keep it from going stale -- even then, it's only fresh for two weeks or so. Grind
The whole point of grinding coffee is to get the most flavor out of the bean. To ensure the best-tasting coffee, buy the beans of your choice and grind them yourself just before brewing. Coffee grinders are inexpensive, widely available machines. Generally, the faster the brew time, the finer the coffee grind. Espresso, which is brewed in about 25 seconds, has a very fine grind, almost like powdered sugar. A coffee press takes about four minutes and uses a coarser grind than espresso. American drip coffee is coarser still -- it can take anywhere from five to ten minutes to brew coffee using a standard coffee maker. Now that we understand the importance of freshness and just the right grind, let's take a look at how measurement and water factor in a good cup of coffee. Good to the Last DropProportionFor a full-bodied cup of coffee, use two tablespoons of ground coffee for each 6 ounces of water. This produces a strong coffee, similar to what you find in specialty coffee stores. Read How Espresso Machines Work to learn how to make a shot of espresso. Water
Another trick to a great cup of coffee is fresh, cold water. It needs to be heated to around 200 F (93 C) to extract all of the flavors of the ground beans. Your automatic coffee maker will get the water hot enough. Be sure to keep the coffee maker clean (a periodic vinegar rinse does the trick) so that it not only keeps the water pure but also operates at its most efficient. Decaffeinated coffee is made by washing the caffeine out of beans in one of two ways, both done before roasting. In one method, a chemical solvent is used to extract the caffeine. The solvent is completely washed out before the bean is dried. The second method uses water to steam the beans, and then the outer layers, rich in caffeine, are scraped way. See How are coffee, tea and colas decaffeinated? for details. There is one naturally decaffeinated coffee: the Madagascar coffee species mascarocoffea vianneyi produces decaffeinated beans. Coffee Around the World If you travel throughout the world to countries where coffee is the beverage of choice, you'll find that the tastes vary greatly. - America - Most Americans still prefer a light roast; but with the popularity of Starbucks, darker roasts are becoming more common. Americans generally like their coffee with cream and sugar. Flavored coffees (which "taste" flavored only due to the aroma of the additive, not because the beans themselves are flavored in any way) are also popular.
- France - The dark roast called, appropriately, French roast, is popular. The French also like café au lait, a half-milk, half-coffee mixture.
- Austria - Viennese roast is a blend of two-thirds dark-roast beans and one-third regular roast (what's known as "European roast" flips those proportions).
- Italy - Italy is the home of espresso, which is coffee brewed by forcing steam through finely ground, dark-roasted coffee beans. Espresso is very strong. By adding frothed milk, espresso becomes such variations as cappuccino, macchiato and cafe latte.
- Turkey - A Turkish proverb calls coffee "Black as hell, strong as death, sweet as love." Turkish coffee is very finely ground (finer than espresso) and is brewed in little pots called ibriks or cezves. Turkish coffee is often spiced with cardamom, chicory or coriander.
- Cuba - Similar to espresso, café cubano is an extremely strong coffee that is not sipped -- it is shot, like tequila. In restaurants, Cuban coffee is served at the end of the meal in tiny tacitas, cups smaller than demitasse cups.
- Thailand - Thai coffee is a strong, chicory-tinged coffee served with ice and sweetened, condensed milk. To make it at home, add a tablespoon of sweetened, condensed milk to a 6-ounce cup of strong coffee and throw in some ice.
For more information on coffee and related topics, check out the links on the next page.
Another Set of relatives are coming in. This time of the year is the busiest. Most of the kids are off so mostly travel nationwide. You know there are times when you have a lot of apples in your fridge that are ready to rot? It's time to innovate. Either make it an apple pie, apple sauce, fried apple or something. 
I would like to share this recipe. It is very easy to make. Enjoy! APPLE STRUDLE Ingredients: 1/2 of a 17.3 oz. pkg. Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)
1 egg
1 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. ground ground cinnamon
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 tbsp. raisins
Confectioners' sugar (optional) 1. Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it’s easy to handle. Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Stir the egg and water in a small bowl. Mix the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the apples and raisins and toss to coat.
2. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the sheet into a 16x12-inch rectangle. With the short side facing you, spoon the apple mixture onto the bottom half of the pastry to within 1 inch of the edges. Starting at the short side closest to you, roll up like a jelly roll. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Tuck ends under to seal. Brush with the egg mixture. Cut several 2-inch long slits 2 inches apart on the top.
3. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden. Cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Slice and serve warm. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.   Apple Strudel - ready to be served A la mode!
A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved, although many resolutions go unachieved and are often broken fairly shortly after they are set. 
Many New Year resolutions in the Western world involve maintaining peak vitality, physical fitness, or appearance. For example, one person's goal might be to reduce or to eliminate intake of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. The most common new year's resolution is weight loss. A student may make a resolution to stay focused in class or to complete all of his assignments. Resolutions to eat sensibly or increase exercise are also quite common. More socio-centric examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more economically or environmentally responsible. People may act similarly during the Christian fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility. The new year resolution is one example of the rolling forecast-method of planning. According to this method, plans are established at regular short or medium-term time intervals, when only a rough long-term plan exists. Top 10 New Year's Resolutions New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list? 1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. 2. Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. 3. Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds. 4. Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! Even Allegheny County is trying to go smoke-free, and it's taken them a few tries as well. Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. 5. Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of Pittsburgh's holistic healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new!  6. Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available. 7. Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 8. Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. 9. Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. The Pittsburgh Cares organization makes it easy by connecting volunteers with projects to fit practically any schedule. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 10. Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. If you are celebrating your New Year's Eve at the Mall, be sure you come early(most people have hotel booking 1 year ahead), bundle up, bring umbrella, snacks, drink (No alcoholic drinks allowed - security is extremely tight) and of course, your portable chair. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!  
The reflecting pool on summer time. Standing from Lincoln Memorial. 
World War II Memorial 
The Capitol 
The Lincoln Memorial 
The Jefferson Memorial Credit: Pictures from www.flicker.com, articles from about.com
Finally, getting in the groove for Christmas shopping just this afternoon, I started singing holiday songs. I've been seating in a meeting 3 days a week. Buti na lang meeting means you are with your laptop with the wireless connection. I really don't like going to the mall walking around for nothing. I get very tired of walking (sign of aging he he he). If I am not going to buy anything, I'm not going at all. After work, I enjoyed shopping for tomorrow's White Elephant gift exchange. Corporate requires $20 budget for those who want to participate. I went a little bit overboard. Would be nice to see someone's eye sparkle and get excited. For the potluck, I bought a rich and creamy, not so sweet chocolate cake. This cake has been tried and tested by the kids. No doubt, people at work will love this as well. 
On the other hand. I'm still torn between leche flan and creme brulee for Christmas Day. Looks like I'm gonna settle for the latter. So here's the recipe of he world's famous Creme Brulee. Easy to prepare and easy to cook. Best of all, It is delicious. 
CREME BRULEE - The Recipe 1 quart heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (can be replaced with vanilla flavoring)
1 cup vanilla sugar, divided
6 large egg yolks
2 quarts hot water Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the cream, vanilla bean and its pulp into a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and reserve for another use. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. Add the cream a little at a time, stirring continually. Pour the liquid into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the creme brulee to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Christmas Dinner everyone!
 2weeks ago, we stopped by the filipino store as part of our weekend errand. As I passed by the
fast food window. I saw a bibingka on the table for sale. Mind you, this bibingka has itlog na pula on top. I got so excited that I grabbed this bibingka. Over the register I payed $4.00 for this. I was bragging it to my kids about this Filipino delicacy. So I waited until we got home to enjoy the aroma and the exotic taste of this special food. Kids looked at it. They were not interested. They've never seen anything like that before. Hubby wans't interested too. Hmm, I said "cool", this is all mine. I took the first bite of it, closed my eyes...imagining I was somewhere in manila with all the jeepneys and the sound of tricycle as my background sound. My palate told me to open my eyes and get real. This $4.00 dollar bibingka is a crap!!!  I didn;t taste the smoke flavor of it. Although the banana leaves were used as a base, the red egg taste like it. But in totality, it doesn't even resemble the bibingka taste at all. As my friend Rica always say. "No Star". No, that bibingka I bought in that filipino store for $4.00 doesn't deserved  even 1/8 of a star. HA HA
Few days before Christmas, I was thinking of what to make for dessert. We are not hosting Christmas this time. I was thinking of puto bumbong. How can I make that the american style? We don't have the bamboo steemer here? I could buy the glutonous rice and the coloring and the banana leaves...why not? How about cream brulee'. It sort of close to leche flan right?  
 I still haven't decided what to make for dessert. I might make pumpkin cheesecake or chocolate cheesecake. But who knows! I might end up making leche flan.
Enjoy your Christmas with your family everyone. There are truly a lot to be thankful for in the past and in the years to come. *****pictures taken from Flickr website
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