Promises & Presale Codes

My dad always taught me that giving your word is like making a promise. So I don't like saying yes to requests that I'm not sure I can accomplish - especially not to my loved ones.

Last year, I told my husband I would get us tickets to the U2 concert. On the day the tickets went on sale at 10 AM - I had a meeting. Thinking that I would be able to get the tickets when I got back, I didn't worry about it. When I finally had time to buy the tickets, it was all gone - at least all the price points my husband and I were comfortable with were.

When they scheduled a 2010 concert in Anaheim, I knew I had to get tickets for me and my husband. I found a fan site that gave out presale codes to subscribers and obtained one. Five days before the show would be on sale to the general public, starting at 6:55 AM PST I waited patiently in front of my computer for 7 AM when I could order tickets. Not really having that much of a budget for concerts, my husband and I had already discussed the ticket prices we were comfortable with. And I was secretly hoping that that price level would give us access to the field - even if it was standing room only - because that way we could squeeze in as close to the stage as we wanted. At that very reasonable price (cheaper than most Filipino artists' concerts here in the US), I got field access!!!

I consider it a very early Christmas gift to my husband and me. U2 is one of the bands we really wanted to see live - he probably has seen them before, but this will be my first time. So hopefully, if all goes well, we'll see you at the Angel Stadium in June 2010!

Shop for a Cause: Thistle Farms & Magdalene

When I was younger and immersed in the joy of volunteer work - I dreamed of a safe place where abused women can seek refuge and rebuild their lives.

I remember reading of such a place a long time ago in the Philippines - it's called The Haven. It was started by a group of politicians' wives - which probably got me started on my wishing to be a politician's wife back then. Since it had already been established in the Philippines, I didn't think about it anymore.

But as I was reading up on a guest appearing on the TV show I work for, Becca Stevens, I discovered that she was the founder of Magdalene. Magdalene is a residential community where women survivors of violence, prostitution or abuse can live free for two years and rebuild their lives. She is an Episcopal priest in Tennessee and an author - and no, she's not married to a politician as far as I know!

The issue tugged at my heart, a forgotten dream mission for me. So I thought I'd help them out by writing this post. From Magdalene sprung a non-profit enterprise called, Thistle Farms. It is run by women that live in Magdalene and all proceeds go back to the residential program. Thistle Farms makes natural bath and body products, which will make great Christmas gifts (hint, hint). If you're still doing your holiday shopping, please consider their products. It's for a good cause!

Mail in Those Pink Lids!

Have you noticed those pretty pink lids on your Yoplait yogurt containers lately? Yoplait is running their Save Lids, Save Lives program in cooperation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. Each pink lid is worth 10 cents. Yoplait has pledged to donate a maximum of $1.5 million to the foundation if people participate in the campaign.

If you love Yoplait yogurt and have made it part of your healthy diet, please save your pink lids and mail them in before December 31, 2009 so that we can do our small part in fighting breast cancer.

New Found Passion to Heal

In order to spend quality time with my husband I went with him to the Mt. San Antonio College Cross Country Invitational Races. Their school was volunteering to provide medical assistance to injured runners. The medical tent was positioned near the narrow track just before the finish line, where runners are forced to run in almost single file to reach the end of the course.

It was amazing to watch how these high school kids run through rough terrain. There were a lot of hills in the course and the funnel leading to the finish line was a dirt road. They glided over the dirt like a gazelle.

My husband was in his high school's track and field team, he used to run cross-country. He could relate to what these runners were going through, he knew how to coach them so they would recover after the race. I think my husband found one of his passions right there on the field that day. I'm glad he decided to take the course on sports therapy and rehabilitation - being able to help athletes through injuries and towards their dreams of excellence is an admirable profession. There was excitement in his eyes and an inner joy at just being at that event that I did not have the heart to tear him away. He spent the whole day at the races and I think it was good for him.

Are you currently doing what you love to do? Why not? If you think it's too late for you to change your life to pursue your passion - you're wrong! It's never too late! May you find the courage to live your dreams today:)

Verizon's Droid: High Expectations

I love this ad.

My husband and I have been talking about switching to Verizon - I think their ads have brainwashed us into thinking that they are the biggest and best network around. There were just a few problems with switching.

(1) They don't have cool phones. (2) They have a very unimpressive line of Motorola phones (which my husband absolutely insists he wants).

I've seen Motorola Cliq from T-Mobile and it looks very promising. Hopefully the Droid will meet all expectations.

Enjoy the video!