A Laid-Back Life In Ormond Beach

Feed

Shit Happens?

Jun 24th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
“What can you do? Shit happens!” – this is a very usual statement that I hear whenever something is not what it should be. Right now, I am feeling this very thing. Sucks, isn’t it?

I actually first heard of this statement from a colleague, a German QA/QC engineer, of the coal-fired power plant where I used to work in the Philippines. I never knew that, you could use this vulgar word in a sentence. I was schocked. Anyway, I still admired him for his very optimistic view on life. He’s also very comical. I remember, he was my manito during our Christmas Party. He gave me a bucket of Milka chocolates for a gift! That’s a treat! I wonder where he is now. Good times!

To Vince – thanks for this picture, which I keep for so long! I know somehow, I can use it in my blog.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Reviews

Shit Happens?
OMG, Unlimited Web Hosting For $10.00!

Jun 24th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Nexx Online. All opinions are 100% mine.

While I was browsing the Internet today, I came across a promo for Nexx Unlimited Web Hosting. Just for ten dollars, you get a year of unlimited web hosting services and a free dot-com domain registration. Actually, it is better than what this blog is using now. I am salivating. Anyway, I am not trying to sour-grape or anything. Time was an essence back then. I subscribed to my current web host over three months ago, which I initially spent about $90.00 to get it started including domain mapping and registration. I still consider it a good decision though. As they say – when you decide on something, stick to it!

I checked the details of the promo and found some perks that I did not get – Google Adwords credit of $50.00, and Facebook Ads credits of $50.00. If you are into online marketing, you must understand the significance of these two marketing programs in increasing site traffic. Well, it is nice to know that Nexx also uses some popular open source platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Zen. By the way, this blog is using the WordPress platform. I am a big fun of it. It is very easy to use.

If you have the colonial mentality and have the perception that any American made is superb, no need to worry. It is powered by a top tier North American data center, which uses clustered server technology. The resource allocation is more efficient, avoiding any untimely back down of websites.

When you subscribe to Nexx, do not forget to use the promotional code SPARK10 to get the $10.00 deal. Good luck!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

OMG, Unlimited Web Hosting For $10.00!
A Laid Back Life In Ormond Beach

Jun 23rd 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

2 comments
Change is a constant thing in this world. Regardless on what direction it leads to, it is something that, we can not avoid or something that we must do. Of course, a better change is what we always desire, hope for and dream of.

Just like any human being, this blog has to change. From its original title of “Year 2010 & Beyond”, I decided to give it a more personal and simple means to describe the life that I have now. The original title sounds very techie, which I am really not. Judging from the fact that, this is an online journal about my personal experiences and thoughts, may as well call it “A Laid Back Life in Ormond Beach”. Oh yes, life in Ormond Beach is very laid back. It is slow, in a good way. Even then, little exciting things are also happening here. This is what I hope to share to the whole world – Ormond Beach rocks! If you are tired of the fast phase life of New York, Chicago, or wherever, and you want to settle in a serene yet economically progressive city, this is your place. The tropical weather is just a bonus.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet, People & Places

A Laid Back Life In Ormond Beach
Gifted Education Resources

Jun 18th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
In my quest to be knowlegeable of the programs offered for academically exceptional students in the state of Florida, particularly, in the county of Volusia, I have been reading various informational web sites regarding gifted education. This is a subject that caught my interest as a parent to an incoming 3rd grader attending it. It is also a way for me to maximize the potential of our little mushroom. You see – I felt that I was thrown to this whole gifted education thing un-prepared. I never knew that this program even existed, until I received a letter from my mushroom’s 1st Grade teacher, asking permission to test her capabilities to be a part of the gifted education program. I was surprised and bewildered, because I was never a stage mother, until lately.

To share my finds, I created a new link category named “Gifted Education Resources” in my side bar. I hope to help other parents to explore programs offered for their talented and gifted children. We need to be on the ball too, if we want for them to succeed.

This is my new mission – to help educate naive parents (like me) in the world of gifted education.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

Gifted Education Resources
Debit Or Credit? Neither, EBT!

Jun 16th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

1 comment
Curiosity always eats me whenever I see a shopper with a cart overflowing with goodies at the check-out counter. Is he going to pay it in cash or credit? I know, I am so nosy. I don’t know – I am just impressed with people who pay in cash or from their checking. It only takes an eavesdrop to know. Usually, the cashier will ask, “Debit or credit?” whenever a shopper swipes a card. Obviously, the shopper has to answer clearly enough for the cashier (and unintentionally, the next shopper in line) to hear. I have heard people saying “EBT”, but I do not know what it means. It’s irrelevant, so I have not bothered to surf it in the Internet.

This afternoon at the grocery shop, a lady used “EBT” card, and for some reasons, my eyes caught the screen of the register and I saw “Food Stamp Balance”. I smirked. At last, I know what EBT means! It’s food stamp! Mystery solved! I really thought that, food stamp can only be redeemed at designated government-owned places and not just in any shops.

With regards to this food stamp thing, it is a noble cause. But personally, I have mixed emotions. Should I feel bad for people who use food stamps or should I get pissed because my husband and I work so hard to have food on our table, while others get it for free? If the beneficiary really needed it and no fraud was committed, why not? But if they use it just to have a license to be lazy, screw it!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Reviews

Debit Or Credit? Neither, EBT!
Books For Our Little Mushroom

Jun 14th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
School has ended a week ago, but our little mushroom is still glued to her (mathematics) books. Actually, these books were given by her 2^nd grade teacher (being math as her strength) , along with other worksheets, in preparation for the next school year. Yes, she’ll be in 3^rd grade. Definitely, it will be a more challenging year. This is also the grade wherein FCAT will be administered in all schools.

To be honest, I sometimes get worried. She reads her mathematics books before bedtime, when most children want a story or a tale. At one point, I hid her eyeglasses so she would stop reading it, and just go directly to bed. To my surprise, she got hold of her old eyeglasses. She really looked for it. My husband once said, “You are the only parent that I know, who does not want her child to read.”.

Also, I want to share the joy that I (and my husband) feel right now. Our little mushroom got all straight A’s for her academic subjects from the 1^st grading period up to the 4^th. She got all S’s for her non-academic subjects. These two letters are the highest grades in the school district. A perfect grade, indeed!

Anyway, I just want to share to you a really good mathematics book for incoming 3^rd graders – Everyday Mathematics (The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project). It also comes with a workbook. I scanned it a bit, and I felt dumb.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Education

Books For Our Little Mushroom, Everyday Mathematics (The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project).
LinkFromBlog : Buy Blog Reviews

Jun 10th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

1 comment
I have a reason to rejoice the coming of this week. This blog is on its 90th days in existence. I am proud of myself for pulling it off single-handedly after months of procrastination from my other blog, which until these days is still continuously raking readers. As you know, I am not allowed to accept any monetary compensation from advertisers, since the blog is written in a free WordPress platform.

As for this very blog, I am paying a web hosting company. As as perk, I can do whatever I want, and not having to worry about a rigid TOS. Again, I am shifting my gear a little bit higher this time. I am now accepting paid posting and buy blog reviews from advertisers, who trust this blog site will give them global exposure and eventually, help in the accumulation of its ROI. Just like the rationale – a million comes from a cent.

Since the Internet is the focal point of modern-day communication and socialization, blog marketing is in demand. It works like the word-of-mouth scheme, but in a much techie environment. It makes life easy for everyone.

Wish me luck! This is it!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

LinkFromBlog : Buy Blog Reviews
The First Ball Game

Jun 9th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

2 comments
In everything we do, there is always a FIRST. A first time to tie our shoes. A first time to watch a movie in a theater. A first time to skate in an ice skating rink. The list is endless. It does not stop even when the golden years strike. It is indeed a momentous event that, some people really take time in documenting it. The FIRST only happens once.

Amidst the inconvenience of having to go out on a week night, the three of us watched a baseball game between Daytona Cubs and the guests, Brevard County Manatees. We are not fanatics of any sport, so it was not something that we really planned and paid for. The tickets were free from the “Reading Night” program at my little mushroom’s school, which was sponsored by Papa John’s. As usual, she got it for completing the reading program. The very main reason on why we dragged our butts to the stadium – it’s my little mushroom’s first ball game!

It was one heck of a game, which finished half an hour ago. The Cubs won! The number of spectators was far beyond what I expected, in a positive way. I realized, baseball’s not that bad for somebody who does not understand the game mechanics – me!

As for the little mushroom, she’s happy and is looking forward to share her experience at the game to her friends tomorrow.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

Brevard County Manatees, Daytona Beach, Daytona Cubs, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Papa John's, Reading Night, The First Ball Game
Caring For The Aging Baby Boomers

Jun 9th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

A few months after I came here in the US, a Filipino who owns an assisted living facility in Palm Coast, Florida offered me a job – to be a caregiver. At first, I was excited and did not mind accepting it. After all, I was new. I was just ready to be in the system and to squander my first paycheck. It took me time to decide, but at the end, I declined the offer.

As far as I know, the most common and the easiest work to apply for Filipino immigrants in the US is being a caregiver, be it in an assisted living facility or a private person. With the baby boomers aging, this country needs more caring and loving hands. Hands down – this is a very arduous job. It requires so much dedication and effort in order to survive in the kind of environment that these caregivers have to endure. I heard stories that, some residents can be rude and physically violent. With the God-given small frames of Filipinos, I wonder on how they handle this.

I do like the idea of helping the elderly. It is fulfilling. I get sad whenever I hear stories of people or businesses ripping them off. If they are not so lucky, these elderly people may be relying on their monthly Social Security check. Some people are just heartless. We need more organizations like NMEDA, which protects the interest of medically unfortunate fellowmen.

NMEDA is a non-profit trade organization, which educates consumers on buying products from their accredited dealers. It is not a store. Somewhat, it is a referral program. It is the only organization that advocates safe driving and equipment for disabled people. Being a non-profit entity, this organization is very strict with their accreditation process. To be their dealer, an establishment has to adhere to a standard. It has two accreditation programs, namely, the Dealers and the Quality Assurance Program (QAP). The latter is the only nationally recognized accreditation for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. Within my area – Ormond Beach, there is one known accredited dealer. It is good to know.

Anyway, this kind of organizations must be commended for the charitable work they extend to our community. My kudos to NMEDA!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

Caring For The Aging Baby Boomers
The Reasons On Why I Blog

Jun 9th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

5 comments
First, let us define “blogging” in a layman’s term. This word, a short cut for “web log”, simply means an online journal or diary. A person or an entity can author it, using a blogging platform. Some platforms are offered for free, and some, for a little bit of money. It is a famous tool in reaching out potential audience in the World Wide Web in a much lesser cost. As for business-related use, the reason is obvious. It’s all about the bottom line. But for personal use, the reasons vary. It can purely be a narcissistic indulgence, a display of skills – technical and literary, a louder voice to impart a cause, a venue to share a charitable deed, a money-making machine or a virtual life far better than the real one.

If you are not into it, you will probably gear to believe that, bloggers just want attention and fame. In a way, it is correct. A blog without readers is after all a waste of time and energy. If you blog, you are aiming to seek bigger audience. Certain kinds of blogs have certain kinds of readers. As an author, it is up to you on how to position your masterpiece. Yes, a blog is a masterpiece.

Now, let us talk about my perception on this whole blogging thing. I must admit my reasons vary, based on the longevity of my blogging years. The creation of my first blog six years ago is generated from my desire to practice my English grammar skills. English is not a favorite. I rather dissect frogs than do an oratorical piece in front of the class or fill up my composition notes with stories. So for me to hone what I learned in school, I need a venue to write. True enough, I got hooked into it. Three years after, I went back and read my first blog. It’s horrible – my grammar, that is. I had to delete it to free myself from possible global humiliation. In a way, it helped me become resourceful. Whenever I doubted myself, I checked on my subject-verb agreement booklet, which was dated in the 90’s. They’re all the same. Anyway, I will never be a pro in the English language, but I guess, I am good enough to be clearly understood.

If you ask me now, what are my reasons for blogging? I have a few.

1.To practice my written English communication skills – still my primary reason;

2.To impart my immigration process know-how to the incoming Filipino immigrants in the US;

3.To be heard when I needed to be heard – the good and the bad reviews;

4.To help my better-half create a name for himself in the kitchen and bathroom designing industry – thanks meta tags;

5.To share a part of my personal life to people who are interested; and

6.To earn money in doing what I love the most – learning and writing!

For you who are not yet into blogging, but are thinking about it – go ahead and start scribbling. Your initial posts do not have to be the best. Always remember, learning is a process. You will learn the dos-and-donts along the way. Explore and read other blogs, believe me, you will also learn from it.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

The Reasons On Why I Blog
Great School, Great Education!

Jun 8th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Having my little mushroom in the gifted-child program in her school brings excitement to me. I always daydream the day when she will graduate in high school. I know, it is still quite a long haul. Why such excitement? Being in this program, she has a greater chance of being admitted in an Ivy League school within the country. She can also easily apply for academic scholarships. You see – I am believer that a good education from a prominent school will brighten one’s future. It may not be true for all, but it surely shortens the path of success to most.

I always ask my little mushroom on what she wants to become in the future. She wants to become a scientist and a teacher. I am somewhat hesitant on the teaching part. It is a noble profession, but it is underpaid. Perhaps, this problem will be solved if she will earn a masters degree in teaching. For me., there is one university that really stand out – USC Rossier School of Education. It is not just an ordinary school, but it is an internationally renowned research institution with a hundred years of existence in educating responsible and competent teachers. In fact, it has been ranked 22^nd in the United States and the 9^th among all private universities by US News and World Report. Most importantly, the school offers online education to qualified students. My little mushroom does not have to be geographically far from my sight. I checked its program information, it’s so vast and detailed. Here is a bonus – becoming a part of the elite USC Trojan family.

It is still a long way to go, but there is no harm in planning for the future, right? Well, I hope that she will continue to be the student that she is now until the end of high school. I can only hope for the best!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Education

Great Education!, Great School
I Do Not Like The Color Of Your Shirt!

Jun 6th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

1 comment
Can you say that, the color of your shirt (or clothing, in general) describes your personality?

Let us say – you like black, and most of your clothing is in this shade. Are you bold enough to wear the same color or shade every day of your life? If you are the type of person, who does not care what other people say and have no insecurities in life, then I say, YES!

Will you allow other people to affect you with their narrow-minded opinion, by saying that the color of your shirt sucks? Heck, No! This kind of people does not deserve to be listened to. Why? Because, these are the people who have nothing better to do with their lives. Hence, they take joy in meddling in other people’s business.I encountered this kind of person months ago.

I was not directly targeted by such predicament, but it was surely an awakening moment for me. I realized that, age does not mean anything when it comes to psychological maturity. Life is really full of surprises. Sometimes, you do not expect some people to act and think in accordance with their age. It is time to say – grow up, people!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

I Do Not Like The Color Of Your Shirt!
I Like Spinning At Gold’s Gym

Jun 4th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
The first time I attended my spinning class, I almost fainted. I never realized that it would be extremely strenuous. I was literally breathing heavily throughout the hour-long session. It was embarrassing. In fairness, I was discreet about it. I never complained to our instructor, but just continued to spin my wheels at my own phase. The loud dance and rock music completed the ambiance of the class. It pushed me to pump more adrenaline in my system.

It has only been three weeks since I started spinning. I feel different – a longer stamina perhaps. My legs (and my butt) does not hurt anymore! If you plan of joining a spinning class, you must bring a face towel and water. Most importantly, be sure to use a spinning bike with a good seating cushion, or else, you will have a hard time walking the next day. Whenever you feel giving up, just think – I can do it! Do not stop! You will not die! Finish your session at your own phase, if needed. Good luck!
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

I Like Spinning At Gold's Gym
TV 5’s Juicy, My Daily Dose of Laughter

Jun 1st 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

No comments
Before I hit the pillow every night, I make sure to view this Filipino TV show from either Ebenta.Com or Pinoy24.TV. The show is very light and entertaining. What I really enjoy the most are the guest hosts, like Morly Alinio, Shalala and others. They are fun to listen to. Indeed, they are gay (or happy). I literally laugh out loud whenever I watch this show. It is my daily dose of laugher.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
Computer & Internet

My Daily Dose of Laughter, TV 5’s Juicy
Seminole Towne Center in Sanford, Florida

May 30th 2010

By: Tingting Rimart

2 comments
To kill the boredom of a Sunday afternoon, we went to Seminole Towne Center in Sanford, which is about 40 minutes drive from Ormond Beach. It is quite a small mall, but it is enough to spend our whole afternoon entertaining ourselves jumping from one store to another.

We culminated our day at Olive Garden for an early dinner. Oh well, there is nothing much to say here. I still eyeing a good topic to blog about.
- Share this:
- Reddit
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
- Print
- Email
People & Places

Regional, Seminole Towne Center in Sanford
- <
- 1
- …
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- >