CHAOS AT THE CATHEDRAL

Biship Earl Paulk. A spiritual father to many. I met him. I went to his church for a while. I was one of the many volunteers who gave of their time and money to build the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Decatur, GA. Back then, worship service attendance was in the thousands - more than 7000 per Sunday, and they boasted a membership of more than 10,000. The Bishop was seen on TV around the world, sought out by numerous congregations to speak, hosted several pastor's conferences and led countless worship services and conferences in several countries. Until.........recently. The Bishop's ministry has been darkened over the years by multiple charges of.....sexual abuse. While I was a member there, I heard all the rumors. I even witnessed the worship service where his brother, Don, confessed to sexual misconduct. Both brothers have had affairs over the years with members of their congregation. Bishop Paulk...I will refer to him as Mr. Paulk from now on......is facing accusations of sexual abuse from his granddaughter, facing the music that he had an affair with his brother's wife and even got her pregnant (they covered this up for years referring to him as his nephew when in reality DE Paulk was his own son conceived with his brother's wife). He is being sued for sexual abuse and many women have come forward saying he did the same to them. I am getting dizzy but there is more.....want to read the whole sordid story? Click here. The church went from over 10,000 members to less than 1000 in a very short period of time. It is a sad story but there are tremendous lessons. Everyone believes we should put our trust in God and not man. Lesson noted. But people still tend to crave leadership. In this case, we saw a congregation mesmerized by a charismatic leader who gave spellbinding sermons and even coerced members of the church choir....to have sex with him. It's an amazingly wild story but a horribly sad story. But God is, and always will be, faithful. What He raised up, He lovingly has leveled. I am certain God's heart is broken.....so much good was done there and so much more good was to be done. But God has plenty of servants to advance His will and His purposes. And you know what? MOST of His servants won't pastor large churches or do wonderous works. Most He calls to simply love Him and love our neighbors, right where we are. Your neighborhood, your workplace, and most of all....your home.....these places are the greatest mission fields in the world.

TEEN MILLIONAIRE

You may have already been to her website. You may have seen her being interviewed on TV. She is a teenager who borrowed $8 from her Mom and turned it into more than one million dollars. Click here to read her inspiring story. Ashley is someone who really knows her market. Yes, she is computer savvy and probably extremely energetic and smart but her product has struck a chord with her target audience. What she offers, people want and buy. That principle relates well to blogging also. Does this blog strike a chord in anyone? Does this blog offer meaningful content? Does this blog know it's target audience? Those are questions we all should ask about our blogs. When setting up our blog, Debbie and I decided we wanted to target the Fil-Am population mainly because we are a Fil-Am couple and now have a Fil-Am baby. As we mature in this endeavor, hopefully these posts and the content of this site will become more and more meaningful to you. In the meantime, I have some questions for you.

1) What issues are most important to the Fil-Am community right now?
2) How have you been received in the community as a mixed couple?
3) What issues do you face as a Fil-Am couple?
4) How have you managed the cultural differences in your relationship?

These are basic questions but they are very important. We would love to hear from all of you concerning these questions. Feel free to leave honest and blunt responses. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to many happy months and years of blogging together with you.

IDOL OR DEBATE?

NO BRAINER!!!! American Idol all the way. I have to say that I have voted in every election since 1984. I have watched so many debates that I really think I could impersonate a politician and get away with it for a while. Just put a suit on, speak the language and there you go! Hillary and Obama will go at it tonight because it is do or die for Mrs. Clinton. Here's my prediction - America is growing weary of the Clintons. It's the same ol' same ol'. The attacks are becoming more and more desperate and we are perceiving the latest attacks as....below the belt once again. Of course, Obama knows how to go on the attack also and he will do so tonight. But I will never mind........Debbie and I will watch American Idol. Of course we will watch the news summarize what happened...but only after 'Idol.' This is because politics in the US has become so very predictable. It's the same old promises wrapped in contemporary lingo delivered by people who will do almost anything and say almost everything to become President. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the election process pans out. I hope somehow I can breathe new life into my political spirit - actually I am excited about voting again but the truth is that I am bored to tears with this years candidates. It's politics as usual. Now politics in the Philippines....that's exciting...and somewhat sad. Impeachment? We'll see.

FAITH IS......

I recently read a disturbing blog. The person was blogging about their faith...or should I say their lack of faith. She commented that people use faith as a crutch, that faith is for the lonely, blah, blah, blah. She made it seem absurd to believe. It's quite common for people to lack faith and it's even more common and predictable as to the reasons why. This particular woman had breast cancer. If God is so good and powerful then why......? That's the party line for many who lack faith or lack belief in God. Actually, I don't blame them - for those who have diseases and all kinds of troubles and woes in their lives to blame God. If my orientation to God was that He would keep all bad things from happening to me and I was struck with disease or disaster, then I would also probably not believe. But the truth is that God does allow disease, He does allow disaster and He does allow bad things to happen to good people. Why is this? While no human has this answer, a wise professor once told our class, "God always reserves the right to retain a portion of His mystery." Does God want spoiled children who never have to face the harsh realities of life? How can we help others dealing with pain if we have never been through pain? For me, I have faith, in part, because of the trials I have been through. I am stronger because of the problems I have endured. But I also understand the lack of faith for many - I have been there also. Faith is not a heavenly magic wand you can use to dispell trouble or hardship. Faith is not a written creed you can just recite over and over and problems disappear. Rather, faith is hope, faith is confidence, faith is action, faith is waiting, faith is painful, faith is trust....faith is mentally and physically bending your will, and your willpower, toward the Lord above. Faith takes knowledge and yet, faith requires a simple mind. hmmm...I feel a sermon coming on. I'll stop for now....faith requires getting some sleep.

LINDSAY & EDDIE SITTING IN A TREE....

Not k-i-s-s-i-n-g but....singing the blues. Why? Because Eddie Murphy and Lindsay Lohan were given the distinct honor of being the worst actor and actress of 2007. The Golden Raspberry Awards or Razzies are given out each year before the Oscars. They honor the worst Hollywood had to offer in the prior year. For 2007 'I Know Who Killed Me' starring Lindsay Lohan won a record 8 Razzies and Eddie Murphy received a record 5 nominations for his movie 'Norbit.' Now, I didn't think 'Norbit' was so bad and I really enjoy some of Eddie Murphy's movies. However, I certainly didn't go see 'I Know Who Killed Me'....not a Lindsay fan at all. When I think about the Oscars and the Razzies, I have to admit that I am really not that interested in who did well and who didn't. But it really has to be hard being in the spotlight all the time. Being recognized for how bad you did...for all the world to read about and see, that has to be hard. But let's not feel so sorry for Eddie and Lindsay as I am sure they are both sleeping comfortably tonight. There are plenty of projects ahead for both. For a complete list of Razzie winners, click here.

A Personal Oscar Award goes to Daniel Gerald for his one week birthday today!! He has grown an inch already and is doing quite well. It's amazing to watch my wife being his Mommy - she is so wonderful and perfect!! Thank you to everyone for your comments and messages about our new edition. We are loving the blessing given to us!!!

BIRTHDAY BEER IN THE HEARTLAND

Davita Fuller is 26 years old, lives in Indiana, has an 11 year old daughter (wait....let me do some quick math.....26-11=15), and recently threw a birthday party.....for her daughter. Sounds great doesn't it?? Just one problem.....she offered beer and marijuana to her daughter and 3 of her daughter's friends. Imagine that?? The daughter told police she took one drink of beer and tried the "funny cigarette." All three of her friends refused the birthday refreshments. Smart kids.....very dumb Mom. Now, Ms. Fuller resides in an Indiana prison....where she belongs. Stories like this one are actually more common than we care to admit. I couldn't imagine doing such a thing to my own children. When I was 11, all I could think about was playing golf. My idol was Jack Nicklaus and I wore funny glasses. Being 11 these days is far different than when I was 11, but one thing should never change.....the way we love and parent our children.

"What are you in for?" "I gave my 11-year-old beer and marijuana for her birthday." Duh!!

I BEAT THE PROFESSOR'S SON

In high school I was a C student...most of the time. Sprinkle in a couple of D's and a B here and there and you have the perfect picture of a below average student. My fate would change, though, after I got to college. Mr. "he doesn't apply himself" suddenly began to apply himself and I soon discovered something about myself I never knew before.....I was kind of smart. Give me a golf club and I will take on anyone, anytime, any place. But put a text book in front of me and I would lose confidence. You know what the key was? The key to my turnaround was that.....(drum roll please)......I studied. Yes, I discovered you can get good grades by simply studying hard. Wow....with this new found confidence I was ready to enroll in one of the most feared classes on campus....Calculus. Week after week went by and I did quite well. It was during the last week of class that I found out who the top students were. I was in a tight race with the Professor's son for the top grade. The final exam would determine the top student in the class. We took the final exam and as we handed them in, the Professor began grading them. I waited around anxiously as did several students. Great news...I did better than the Professor's son and earned the top spot in the class. Sorry Professor Starr....I walked out of the classroom with my head held high knowing I beat the Professor's son. I still remember that day so well.....I still can't remember anything I learned in that class.

I NEED THIS BOOK

When Debbie and I first met, I knew immediately I wanted to speak her language. Tagalog. Filipino. It's a great language and I began learning Tagalog words and phrases like 'mahal kita', 'magandang umaga', and 'baboy'. hmmm....very fun to learn. I even watched (and re-watched) a movie entitled "Cavite' about a Filipino living in the United States who is summoned back to his country for a family emergency. I recognized many words in the movie and felt proud of myself. But listening to my wife speak to her friends and family, I knew I had a long way to go. But....little by little I am learning. The book picture inserted above is how I feel - just a beginner. A babe learning to talk in this new world. Thankfully, I am not alone. Our newborn son is just a babe as well and someday he will learn to talk. We will teach our son English, of course. But more importantly we will teach him Tagalog, the language of his Mommy. Every Fil-Am couple is a special blend of two very wonderful cultures and two great countries. I am so blessed to be on this Fil-Am Journey.

THE DAY DANIEL CAME HOME

We came home from the hospital today. We said goodbye to the hospital and hello to our new life together as a family. We're so excited!! Daniel loves his new home and I have to brag by saying he really loves his Mommy and Daddy!! Once again we want to thank everyone for your 'congrats' to us and for your kind words about our son. Debbie is nervous because she wants to respond to everyone's add request right away but is unable to do so at the moment. As soon as she is fully recovered, she will respond to everyone. Happy blogging to everyone!!

THE OBAMA CRAZE

Barack Obama. I have to say he is causing quite the stir across our land and even the world. Did you know that the people of Obama, Japan are rooting for him to be president? Did you know that people are fainting at his 'rock-star like' rallies? Comparison to JFK are being made. Similarities are found in his speeches of today and John Edwards speeches in the last presidential election, of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches of the past, of JKF's speeches during his political reign. His speeches are motivating and inspiring to so many (contrary to the effect of his wife's speeches). He knows how to deliver a charismatic message that speaks of change and making a difference. By the way, he does not write his own speeches. He just delivers what others write. NP - but what bothers me is that his followers are treating him in such a messianic fashion as if he is the ultimate answer and savior for our country and for us. It's as if we, the people, have no control over our future, that we are without hope and that we depend on him to solve our problems. Sorry.....neither Barak Obama, John McCain or any of the other candidates can ever solve my problems. Only I can. If I am unemployed, I could care less what the government can offer me - I will hustle endlessly and get a job because I have a family to support. If my taxes are high, I will seek ways to reduce my tax liability on my own. There actually are ways. If my mortgage rate is about to adjust upward and out of control, I guarantee I will not be calling the government for help. I will tirelessly try to refinance. In other words, government is not the answer to our problems. We, the people, have more power than we admit but we delegate it to our government because quite frankly, it's easier to let someone else take care of you than to saddle up and do it yourself. Also, it gives us someone else to blame our woes on, rather than taking responsibility ourselves.

Our Little Daniel Gerald!!

WHERE'S MY REBATE?

DISCLAIMER - THIS IS JUST MY OPINION - Most people in the US can't wait to get their 'rebate'....actually I meant to say 'government handout.' hmmm......hopefully you aren't offended by my opinion but here is how it works. Economics 101. The ecomony is down at present. The stock market is unstable, the real estate market is a disaster, job growth is at a virtual standstill, gas prices are sky-high - this scares people. Here's how we react. We spend less money. Businesses, in turn, suffer because we aren't buying as much and they react by laying off people and raising prices. If this cycle isn't stopped our economy spins into a recession. To slow this cycle down and eventually turn it around, the government, in particular the Federal Reserve, looks for ways to stimulate the economy. "Let's lower interest rates" they say. Since that hasn't really worked the best, the President has stepped in and said, "No, let's put cash in their pockets." Thus, the upcoming government handout. If you qualify for this welfare check, as most Americans do, what do you plan to do with it? Will you spend it so that the economy is stimulated? What happens, though, when everyone spends their rebates and the economy gets a lift, only to possibly fall back again after the spending is over? I have two suggestions for anyone getting a rebate - put it towards debt or put it in savings. Stimulate your own personal economy. When everyone lives with a sense of economic responsibilty, then the national economy prospers. When there is responsible buying and selling, the free marketplace is at its best. Plain and simple. Does anyone know who I can talk to, to run for congress?

TAKE OUR POLL?

Political: Whether you are in the US or another country, we want your feedback on the US Presidential race? Who would you vote for? The poll is now open on the upper right side of this page. Once again, whether you are in the US or not, feel free to step up and pull the trigger. Notice the write-in candidate space?

Personal: Day two for Daniel is here and he is doing fine. Mommy, likewise, is doing really well. They both make me so proud. Hopefully we can all go home soon. Thank you again to everyone for your kind thoughts and comments for us. We appreciate them!

SAY HELLO TO DANIEL GERALD

(Feel free to double-click Daniel's pic)

His Mommy's water broke at 2:30am. Her first contraction was at 3:30am as we were on the way to the hospital. She went from 4 cm's to 10 in about 2 hours. She pushed for another two hours but no Daniel. She went through the pain and pushing of labor with no epidural. My hero!! But it was at that point the doctor decided to deliver via c-section. Dr Uribe was great. Want the stats?? Here they are:

1. Born - February 17, 2008 @ 9:22am

2. Weight - 7 lbs 8 oz.

3. Length - 19 inches

4. Mommy - Doing great

5. Daddy - Still sweating

As I sit here in the hospital and watch my wife breast feeding our son, my heart is moved at the miracle of a newborn coming into the world. While Mommy did everything for him when he was in the womb, the moment he was born it was now his job to breathe and function and adapt to his new world. Mommy and Daddy will always be there to help. Thank you to everyone for your well-wishes and support. We will respond to your comments and requests to exchange links in the coming days. For now, we are basking in the light shown down from our Heavenly Father in the form of our beautiful new son, Daniel Gerald. Thank you, Lord.

KIDS KILLING KIDS

Hear about the latest campus killing? Most of us have. Rage filled youth (young adults) getting so stressed and so frustrated and so angry and seeing ZERO hope for the future, that they point a gun at others and destroy them.....then turn the gun on themselves and end their own life. It happened recently at Northern Illinois University. Other examples are:

- Columbine, Colorado - group of students accumulate a dead body count of 12 students and 1 teacher
- South Arrington, Texas - student goes on rampage wounding several other students...and the janitor
- Bernidji, Minnesota - student kills 7 other students and then, as if that wasn't enough, goes to his home and kills his grandparents

And more. I realize this insanity exists in adults as well, but it's more shocking when we hear that youth and even kids are doing the killing. What makes a child, a youth go to that extreme to solve his/her problems? We will never find out but one thing is for sure - there existed inside them the most profound sense of depression and unhappiness and anger and hopelessness that is possible. What they felt drove them to kill. It's easy to feel helpless when we read and hear about things like that and, while we may not be able to change the world, we certaintly have control over our little corner of it. For starters, let's take care of ourselves, let's take special care of our wives and husbands, and most of all........let's take extra special care of our children. For starters.

A GREEK LESSON YOU WON'T FORGET

Want to learn some Greek? I studied the Greek language for one whole year so you have to indulge me, ok?? Since it's Valentine's Day I thought I would teach you about the three words in the Greek vocabulary that mean love. Ready?

1. Philia - brotherly love, friendship (Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love)
2. Eros - sensual love (the English word 'erotic' comes from the Greek word eros)
3. Agape - unconditional, selfless love

I think Valentine's Day encompasses all three. Being best friends, being lovers and most of all, being there for each other no matter what...is what celebrating Valentine's Day is about.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT BILL GATES??

I saw an interview Bill Gates of Microsoft gave years ago. During the interview he was asked this question - "Do you have a prenuptial agreement?" He looked intently at the interviewer and with a tone of disbelief he replied, "Of course not!" Chills went up my spine as I thought about a number of things. So many people must think he is crazy. The world's richest man not protecting what he worked so hard to build all his life. Others, like me, just applauded out loud!! Thank you Bill Gates!! Thank you for loving your wife. Thank you for giving your all. Years later, just recently, he was asked the same question again and he replied in kind - "No, I don't." This is the first Valentine's Debbie and I will get to share together. Instead of ordering flowers and gifts from a Filipino website, I was able to deliver them to her in person and see and experience her joy first hand. Our relationship is about giving, it's about growing together but most importantly it's about loving each other without reservation - giving our all. This is our Fil-Am Journey.......no pre-nup here!! Happy Valentines Day to everyone!!

SOMETHING RED TAG

Thank you to Femikey for this Valentines tag!! Since Valentines is just around the corner we decided to show this picture of us both dressed in red. And guess what?? This picture was taken on our first full day together in person!! I had just arrived in the Philippines the night before and Debbie took me around Manaoag and showed me the sites and introduced me to many of her friends. This photo was actually taken in the mayor's office. Don't tell anyone, but I sat in the Mayor's chair. He was out of the office, I saw my opening and I took it!! I just wanted to see what it felt like since I intend on running for Mayor of Manaoag when Debbie and I move back there in the future. Anyway, thanks again to Femikey for the tag!! Happy Valentines to everyone!!

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME

I was reading an article about a couple who got married recently. They made it to their reception and as they were dancing the very first dance, the bride died. She died right there on the dance floor less than one hour after they were married. Their first dance was their last. Tragic....not fair at all. For the whole story, click here. My favorite emotion is thankfulness. Thankfulness enhances all the other emotions. Thankfulness separates the weeds from the wheat in our lives. When you are thankful, love is that much more powerful. When you are thankful, food tastes that much better. When you are thankful, anger loses much of its edge. If you really study people, you can tell the thankful ones. Reading the above story made me think about my wife. I can't help but be even more thankful for her and every day we have together. Stories like this challenge me......what if that were me? Moreover.....what if that were you?

BLOG OF THE MONTH AWARD

We got this award from Avee the other day. We are so thankful to her. We have blogged for a little over a week and feel honored to receive this award. Hubby and I love dogs and as soon as Daniel is about 6 months old, we will get him his first dog like this one. Again, thanks alot!!

We also got the same award from Lira today ( Feb 14. ) We appreciate you sis!!!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU AND ME

Lalaine, thank you for this tag...

Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!

1. What is your occupation?
- Homemaker.

2. What color are your socks right now?
- White.

3. What are you listening to right now?
- None.

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
- Pork and chicken caldereta.

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
- No.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
- Blue.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
- My husband…..just few minutes ago…

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
- Yes, she’s a new blogging buddy.

9. Favorite drink?
- Pineapple juice, water…

10. What is your favorite sport to watch?
- Golf, basketball..

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
- Yes , ages ago..

12. Pets?
- Used to have dogs, but none anymore…

13. Favorite food?
- Pizza…

14. Last movie you watched?
- The Terminal

15. Favorite Day of the year?
- Our ( me and hubby ) birthdays, Christmas,Anniversary

16. What do you do to vent anger?
- Just being silent…tampo!!

17. What was your favorite toy as a child?
- Sticks, balls,hehe, growing up,I was surrounded with boys that’s why…

18. What is your favorite, fall or spring?
- Both

19. Hugs or kisses?
- Both

20. What kind of pie?
- Apple, pumpkin…

21. Do you want your friends to email you back?
- Ofcourse,yes!

22. Who is most likely to respond?
- Close and real friends….

23. Who is least likely to respond?
- Hhhmmm, those who are lazy or too busy to reply….

24. Living arrangements?
- Just my husband and I, and very soon, with our little boy…

25. When was the last time you cried?
- Last night….after I read my husband’s recent writing/post… I am deeply touched…

26. What is on the floor of your closet?
- Shoes..

27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to?
- Marie

28. The friend you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to?
- Julie Ann, Ate Gigi, Ate Beth, Sweetiepie,Lutchi, Gwapa, and Rosemarie...

29. Favorite smell?
- My husband’s masculine scent…

30. What inspires you?
- Being a wife and motherhood inspires me…

31. What are you afraid of?
- My love ones being hurt...

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
- Cheese hamburgers…

33. Favorite car?
- Just a simple one, as long as no car problems…

34. Favorite cat breed?
- None…

35. Number of keys on your key ring?
- 2 ( house and car )

36. How many years at your current job?
- Being a homemaker, a little over 9 months…

37. Favorite day of the week?
- Weekends…

38. How many provinces have you lived in?
- 1 ( Pangasinan )

39.How many countries have you been to?
- 2 ( Philippines and USA )

Now, im tagging Marie, Julie Ann, Ate Gigi, Ate Beth, Sweetiepie, Lutchi,Gwapa and Rosemarie...

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?

Recognize this photo?? If not, let me tell you that every single person in this picture, is at the very least, a millionaire. Some of them are billionaires. Yup, it's true! Some in the picture are just secretaries, some are in charge, but they all pitched in to empty the garbage and sweep the floors. They started in a garage and now have offices all over the world. Of course you know this is Microsoft. Microsoft employs more millionaire secretaries and janitors than any other company in the world. Why? Because over the years they chose stock options instead of Christmas bonuses. Very smart. They did this because they believed in their cause. My wife and I know that we have a very strong calling for each other, a strong purpose for our lives together. The decisions we make now, will directly impact the direction of our family's future. We strongly believe in our cause. Excuse me for now, my wife is calling me.....gotta empty the garbage.

SWEETHEART.....WHERE'S MY GUN??

My wife was chatting on-line with her family in the Philippines a couple of weeks ago and excused herself to use the CR. She heard a noise coming from the garage so she opened the door to the garage and to her surprise, she saw a young man trying to break into our home!! She yelled a few words at him and he quickly ran off into the woods behind our house. Now, for everyone in favor of strict gun control....you may relax. I don't own a gun. But I never felt so angry at another person than I did that day when my wife called me at work. I rushed home and I admit I wanted to hurt that young man sooooo much for what he tried to do. Worse, my wife was home alone when it happened - and that terrified me. Anyone have a pitbull you want to sell to us??? Anger does funny things to us. For the investigating sheriff it was just another day on the job. Don't blame him......but for us, it was a traumatic experience. I still want to find the criminal and punish him, the high school isn't that far from here. But I would rather energetically serve and love my beautiful wife and family. Although there are bear traps and barbed wire in those woods now. Hehe!!

FRUSTRATION!!!!!

We had quite an evening trying to revise our template. I guess all beginners go through the agony of messing up and inadvertantly deleting stuff. We struggled through it and recovered everything - we are no worse for the wear...whatever that means. Actually we are not so sure we recovered everything so if your blog is missing, please do two things:

1. Forgive us.
2. Tell us.

Deal? America's Funniest Home Videos is now on and we are signing off....we need the humor! Please don't take back the awards - we'll earn them again!!!

FIRST 2 AWARDS!!

Thank you Femikey for the awards - we really appreciate them!!!!! We would like to pass on these awards to Princess, Ritchel and Gwapa.

Got the same awards from Ricka, ( Feb.8 )... Thanks alot....You're very much appreciated!

Another thank you to Gwapa and ate Gigi for the same award we received from them...

RENDER UNTO CAESAR!!

I voted today! It's Super Tuesday here in Georgia and as a dutiful citizen, I stood in line (only about 10 minutes) and cast my ballot for my choice for President. I thought about the first time I voted way back in 1984. Some things have changed - the technology of the voting machines and the method of counting votes. Some things haven't changed - the complaints and groaning of the voters about waiting too long or various things that "happened" to them while trying to vote. In all, it has been an important day here in Georgia. But hey...it's not only Super Tuesday but it's Fat Tuesday as well. It's Mardis Gras in New Orleans today. Known for its debauchery, Mardis Gras actually has Catholic roots. It was their one last hoorah before Ash Wednesday....or so they say. No matter, it has been an incredible day here in Georgia. Sorry.....gotta go - American Idol just started. What can I say?? My wife and I love it!!!!!

COUNTDOWN TO DANIEL

His heartbeat was 142; he is beginning his 38th week; he is growing perfectly and seems right on schedule! We had a checkup today for our baby boy. It's amazing to listen to his heartbeat, to watch him move and also to watch the effect he has on his Mommy! It's amazing to watch her smile when he shifts positions, to watch her eyes sparkle as she speaks of our son finally being here with us......but also it's saddening to wake up in the wee hours of the morning knowing she hasn't slept a wink in hours, to know she is struggling with contractions that get harder and harder with every passing day. Such is pregnancy. Three cheers for my wife!!!!!!! A few more doctor's appointments...just a week or two more.....and our little Daniel will be here!!


Quick foot note - A special thank you to Vilma for visiting with us today.......thanks for the food and especially your company!! You and Barry are always welcome in our home.

CALLING ALL ADVERTISERS!!!!

A little research shows that a Super Bowl advertisement in 1967 costs "only" $40,000. I say "only" because that same Super Bowl commercial today costs more than $2.7 million!!!! Guess why. Because it works!!!! Advertising works!!!! Or should I say properly placed advertising works. For a moment, think of yourself as an advertisement. Wherever you go, whatever you say and do - you're an advertisement. Same with blogging.......it's an advertisement of us....our lives, our thoughts and opinions, and various defining moments for our family. We can't wait to advertise!! Actually, as for today........we over-ate and watched football. So much for advertising. Hmmm.......we'll do better tomorrow.

SUPER BOWL OR TIGER???

It's Super Bowl Sunday....but we love to watch Tiger. What shall we do? Actually Tiger already won the Dubai Classic as he is playing in an earlier time zone so we really have no quandry....except how spicy the wings should be!! But before Debbie came to the US, we also had to deliberate the different time zones. She was 13 hours ahead of me during Daylight Saving Time and 12 hours the rest of the year. When I wanted to call her I had to consider the time change.....2:00pm here meant 3:00am there. On top of that.....my Monday was already her Tuesday. Not too bad though....we could celebrate our birthdays twice!!!! Such is life when dating on opposite sides of the world. Today, however, we are in the same time zone under the same roof and we will cook together, sit on our couch together, watch the Super Bowl together, and take turns feeling little Daniel move inside her tummy. We will exhange smiles on the miracle of our being together. It's really been a miracle........stayed tuned...........there's more to tell.....you'll see.

OFF AND RUNNING......

Our first blog!!! Kind of exciting.......thanks for reading. Our blog is named A Fil-Am Journey because we are a Fil-Am couple and life can get pretty interesting and exciting at times. Different cultures means different languages, customs and backgrounds. Ever heard of "tampo"?? Speak Tagalog?? Hungry for pansit?? What's "balut"?? It's been an incredible journey so far and we are so blessed and so grateful to be together! Even more exciting....little Daniel Gerald is on the way. Actually you will be seeing and reading more of him in the coming days as we expect him anytime now!! As we grow, we'll share our family with you, share our thoughts with you, share our opinions and recommendations with you.............welcome to our journey.