My Eden on Earth: Marriage, Family, Love, Life

Professional Baseball Games are a Family Tradition

8:16 AM by Riza

Thanks for the post from Wilbert Aguilar

Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed going to professional baseball games. We don't have a major league team in my hometown, but we do have a minor league team, the Delmarva Shorebirds. There was no team when I was young, so my dad would take us to 5 or 6 games in Baltimore every season. I love the Orioles still and try to get to a game a month. When I can't go, I watch the professional baseball on satellite TV from www.direc4u.com/tx/. It isn't the same as being there, but at least I can see the game, and usually get a better view of play. There is something about the feel of going to a baseball game though; maybe it is the air, the weather, or just the smell of roasted peanuts and hotdogs. I love to take my kids to the games, and think they enjoy it too. Having a team right here in Salisbury means that we get to go to a lot more games than I did, but I still think the time is special. The team may not be one of the best in the minor league, but there is always next year!

J.LO on American Idol

3:58 PM by Riza

Alright, I heard a news this morning that Jennifer Lopez will be joining the American Idol Season 10 as judge. My first comment was, "She's ok!" I personally won't barge her presence on the panel of AI's judging table. She can actually be a valuable critic for AI wannabes. She's a good singer and dancer, she should have tons of constructive criticism or commendation to the contestants.

Well, Kara and Ellen were following the footsteps of Simon in stepping down from the judges' table. It didn't bother me at all. Since two of the pioneers of American Idol decided to vacate their million $$$$ seats, it's just right that the two newest ones leave the show too. I think it's better for AI to start anew—new faces, new judges. But how about Randy? I would love Randy to stay, and I am glad he is staying.

So, rumors say that some of the possible judges joining J.LO are Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Shania Twain, Elton John, and two others I am not familiar of. We'll see how this goes. I'm looking forward for Season 10. To J.LO, welcome to AI!

Give Your Dog a Good Treat

11:27 AM by Riza

One of the things I admire about people in the U.S. is their love for animals. Almost all households have pets—mostly cats and dogs of different breeds. I love the fact that these animals found a family to provide them shelter, food, and most of all LOVE.

My husband and I both grew up with dogs around the house. I love dogs, so is he. But right now as a married couple, we only have cats. Whether we will get a dog in the future, that is still a decision to make. If we will get a dog, I want a Labrador Retriever. Maybe because they are adorable, learn so quickly, and quite loyal to their owners. Right now, I am already contemplating how to show our dog my affection. One that I could think of is giving him TREATS like the Nylabone Nubz Dental Treats. I heard that this product is mostly recommended by vets to dog lovers because it maintains the dental wellness of our canine friend and it's all natural! I actually would want to hear from people who have tried Nubz treats to their dogs and how their pets like it. I have a guess that dogs must love it because it's made with real chicken.

My mind, heart, and arms are wide-open for an additional member to our family—a dog! Giving him chewable, yummy treats is just a drive away to Costco where Nubz treats are available. For my friends who have dogs and want to grab the Nylabone treats in Costco, you can save $3.50 using a coupon that you will find on the Costco monthly coupon book. Well, that's a good treat for you!

Watching Oprah

6:13 PM by Riza

Written by my friend Otis Buckley

One show that is known world wide and seems like it has been going on for ever is Oprah. This is a great talk show with such a variety of topics. From serious topics like Breast Cancer to more entertaining topics like Shopping, it is one show that will catch anyone's attention.

I started watching Oprah on satellite TV from www.Direc4U.com when I was pregnant with my first son. I don't know if it was the pregnancy or whatever, but this show always got to me and put tears in my eyes. I especially remember the one episode where Oprah opened up a school in Africa for the less fortunate children. This women is truly amazing and inspires me to do better with my life.

She truly has a great impact on people all of the world, from charity events to just basic advice. Watching Oprah is one of my favorite things to do in my past time, even if she doesn't have the most famous guests on her show, the topics that she discusses really touches the audience.

Fox 10: Greeting My Morning with Local News

11:44 AM by Riza

I am a "news" person. Back in the Philippines, I always turn the TV on every morning to listen (watch) to local and national news. It's a daily habit that I missed doing after I arrived in the U.S.. We'll it's only a few months ago that I started to tune in to a TV channel to watch local news. At first, I was confused which one to choose. There's a lot of channels to choose from: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. There were times I switched channels every now and then. But I got tired of it. I needed to stick to just one channel.

I finally decided to stick on Fox 10. My primary reason for patronizing Fox 10 is they focus on local news and events 90-95% of the entire show. Plus, their local coverage is aired up to 10 in the morning unlike other channels.

I am starting to know the hosts as well. So far, I am now familiar with Rick D'Amico, Alexis DelChiaro, Ron Hoon, Cory McCloskey, and Jayme King. I actually like Cory's style of reporting compared to Jayme. I think he's more fun, lively, and gregarious. On the other hand, I couldn't help but notice Alexis' love for "red" outfits. There were weeks that she wore more red-colored outfits than any other color. I thought, "She must love reds." Rick looks dignified—and he's funny too!

Anyway, I love the fact that Fox 10 News focuses on local events. Makes me more aware of what is happening around the Phoenix Valley. Aside from that, they feature local businesses that are pretty interesting.

It's nice to sip a hot cup of coffee while watching the NEWS. Fox 10 is already a part of my morning.

Shopping for Groceries the Smart Way

9:15 PM by Riza

Post contributed by Heath Key

When I shop for groceries, I always take along a divider filled with coupons divided up by category. I also leave one tab blank so that I can move coupons I will use on that trip into. This makes for easier access when checking out. I also make sure that I eat a good meal before I head to the store. Shopping on an empty stomach leaves room for me to buy things that I don't need.

When I leave my home to head out, I always make sure that I set my home security door alarm before I close the door. This way I make sure that my home is safe and secure while I'm away. When I arrive, I start on one side and proceed down each aisle, only buying the things on my list. This reduces waste and keeps me from temptation to buy "on the spot." Purchases like that are later regretted, and I often return them. By doing these things on my grocery shopping trip, I can save a lot of money.

Congratulations Miss Philippines -- Venus Raj

3:06 PM by Riza

I know that extending my big "congratulations" to Venus Raj who represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2010 is 2 days overdue. But as the saying goes, "better late than never."

Anyway, Venus bagged the 4th place of the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world. Her answer to Mr. William Baldwin's question, created a social networking and media frenzy all over the Philippines (and maybe some parts of the world). A lot of critics said that, had she given a "smart" answer, she could have won the title.

Of the many people that should support and be happy of her achievement in the recent Miss Universe competition, many Filipinos are ashamed of her—for an answer that came from her heart. Worse, they were mocking her for it. In my Facebook account alone, a lot of my friends are using the popular words she uttered on their statuses. Instead of expressing their gratitude of making it to the Top 5, they're making her a laughingstock. I feel sorry for these inconsiderate people. I do not think they are aware that mocking their own color and race is a mockery they imposed on themselves. Why can't people just be happy and contented of the outcome?

Well for me, I am proud of her. She did her best. She's elegant, smart, and most of all a beautiful woman inside and out.

To you Maria Venus Raj, mabuhay ka!!!