2019 Year in Reflection

January

The year started off with some "life challenges" due to my father's health. He had to have a life saving AAA (see Protected: Getting through a family member’s AAA Surgery with Updates goodnewseverybodycom.wordpress.com ) surgery mid-January...

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I’m very #grateful to #God for answering my , my family, & many others ‘ #prayers 🙏 (@goodnewseverybodycom ) for the “success” of my dad’s recent “delicate “ #medicalsurgery yesterday . Now praying for the slow expected recovery. Thank you to the surgeon 👨‍⚕️, nurses 👩‍⚕️, & medical 🏥 staff overall at St . Joseph’s Hospital. Stay tune for my blogs and stories (eg videos ) before, during, & after. I want to help & encourage others in a similar “boat “ facing life’s challenging (some unexpected) waves 🌊 . Feel free to share yours (thoughts, stories, etc..) down below or dm (email) .

A post shared by Saldapal (@saldapal18) on Jan 19, 2019 at 6:10pm PST

... I would ended up living at "home" for a month to help out at home during his recovery. I used that time to work on a lot of personal projects too and spent some great quality time with family , so I thought it was a well time spent. I was able to attend my niece's musical concert..

Minnesota: Highland Park's "Scot-A-Palooza" at the North Garden Theater in St. Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HLganpmXhU&t=2s

February

During my month "break", I worked on an online class to build on to my "Fitness Coach" certificate. I took a class on Senior Fitness (see Fitness: Exercise tips for Seniors goodnewshealthandfitness.wordpress.com

I would apply what I learn with my aging mom to encourage her on exercising and get strong as she battled some health ailments due to aging..

Sit Down Squats w/Encouraging Verses for Mom w/ #healthfitnesslifeguy

https://youtu.be/IpU-k91SXt4

I went back to Morris mid February after almost a month of "paid leave time" from my work, which was a blessing. My dad started to slowly get his strength after a month since his AAA surgery, which I was a little more comfortable leaving. I would go with him to drive for the first time in weeks , which I wanted to make sure he was able to do this before I went back to Morris.

Sounds of Blackness at UMMorris (Feb28th19) Pt. 1

https://youtu.be/NMVDbI6Sr6g

March

It's been a long cold winter season, but we got some temporary heat when the Polynesian Dancers came in March 2nd...

I was inspired by the free workshop they gave prior to their performance to do some different type of drumming on my recent new drum set my co-worker gave me free..

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Throwback to earlier this month as I tried these “African type #drum #musicalinstruments “ as it “almost “ resembled the #polynesian influenced #drum . I was inspired by the #polynesianparadisedancers visit the day before (see previous posts ) I forgot to post a clearer pic of the instrument I used , so I decided to upload a full video playing it w/ a pic ➡️ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nxdhxvgsakM# (“dapalsal “) or linked in my profile above ☝️

A post shared by Creativemusicartsy (@creativemusicartsy) on Mar 24, 2019 at 7:35pm PDT

I play in my garage so my renter(s) won't be bothered by me playing in the house. It's cold , but playing on the drums keeps me warm!

April

This month is a big month for family back in St. Paul as we celebrate my mom and older sister's birthday. My siblings and I went to this "once in a lifetime" event called the "NCAA Final Four" basketball tournament as Minneapolis hosted this year's big event..

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A post shared by Saldapal (@saldapal18) on Apr 8, 2019 at 2:17pm PDT

We brought my nephew and his cousin to it, which we did various activities at the Minneapolis Convention Center..

The following day, we went to another event called Philippine Day...

I would see a buddy of mine from my high school days, who I keep in touch regularly. It's an annual event, which has been a great time to catch-up with friends I haven't seen for awhile along with spending time with family too.

I would go back home in St. Paul later in the month for "Resurrection Sunday" weekend..

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Reflecting on the #passionofthechrist 🎥 (on #uptv #directtv ch 185 #faithtv #familytv ) https://goodnewseverybodycom.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/movie-the-passion-of-the-christ-scenes-reflections/ ..by reading #matthew27 (#gospels #newtestament ) on the #crucifixion ✝️#cross & #isaiah53 (#bookofprophets #oldtestament #bible ) http://bible.cbn.com/#!/bible/nlt/23/53 Other #biblicalprophecies fulfilled by #jesus (#yeshua #Yehua #yahu ) http://www1.cbn.com/biblestudy/biblical-prophecies-fulfilled-by-jesus How does this speak to you?

A post shared by Goodnewseverybody (@goodnewseverybodycom) on Apr 20, 2019 at 9:12am PDT

I'm thankful to God everyday for what He did on the cross!

May

I had the opportunity to take some clients from my ft-job with another co-worker on the 15th to the annual Special Olympics: Track & Field Regional Competition in Moorhead, Minnesota...

This is just one of the perks of my job! :) I would end up coming back here later in the month after taking a renter (Shafiul from Bangladesh) to this area. We would visit Fargo first...

June

Went to my nephew's baseball tournament with family..

Later in the month, my parents and I went to Como Pavillion in St. Paul to this restaurant along the lake ...

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How are you enjoying this last full month of summer ? Checkout the various activities at #comolake in #stpaulmn 😊

A post shared by Goodnewsminnesota (@goodnewsminnesota) on Aug 10, 2019 at 7:33am PDT

July

I would later go paddle boarding for the first time within that week during my week vacation through July 4th..

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Throwback to 6.29.19 at #comolake in #stpaulmn , which I would late go paddle boarding for the first time afterwards in the week. My parents enjoyed the scenic lay back outing at this beautiful city park . Early tribute to #nationallazyday

A post shared by Saldapal (@saldapal18) on Aug 9, 2019 at 9:44pm PDT

Later in the week during my annual week of July 4th vacation, I went to the St. Paul Saints Baseball Game at their newest stadium for the first time since it opened years ago..

After July 4th, my mom and I would do some karaoke to some favorite "patriotic songs"...

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Another #karaoke song “#starspangledbanner 🎵 “ with my mom 7.5.19 ) Swipe to see #usanthemlyrics 🇺🇸 @goodnews_usa https://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/the-lyrics.aspx Tribute to #nationalseniorcitizensday

A post shared by Creativemusicartsy (@creativemusicartsy) on Aug 21, 2019 at 10:38am PDT

Wahid and I would checkout this annual event in St Paul, which was both of ours first time to attend..

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Throwback (7.6.19) from the #littlemekongmarket @littlemekong (#littlemekongnightmarket2019 #stpauluniversityavenue #stpaulmn ) earlier last month? What was your favorite #foodtruck #ethnicdish ? You still have a chance today if you haven’t. Feel free to checkout our past Facebook post at #goodnewsminnesota for details or @salphotobiz

A post shared by Goodnewsminnesota (@goodnewsminnesota) on Aug 30, 2019 at 9:40pm PDT

I would visit my sister and her husband in Willmar for supper at a Mexican Restaurant and then went to another baseball game this month...

Dwier Brown ("Field of Dreams" father) at Willmar Stingers Baseball Game

https://youtu.be/CO0g8P3fFuA

August

I took Wahid to to this "Taste of India " at the State Capitol Mall Grounds..

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#creativespotlight ⭐️ #bollywood #bollywoodmusic gets me dancing (behind the camera ) at the annual #tasteofindia in #stpaulcapitolgrounds #stpaulmn @goodnewsminnesota

A post shared by Creativemusicartsy (@creativemusicartsy) on Aug 22, 2019 at 10:37am PDT

February 2016

The first week of February was busy with my new photo-video project for a local resident in Morris. I would work on this almost daily after work on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the entire month. I saw it a blessing. On the 4th (Thursday), I would have to then quickly go to my local church for our monthly (every first Thursday) worship team practice (learning new songs for the month). I started the first weekend by getting "pumped" at Body Pump (fitness class) at the local gym. I then went to get my first fishing license in years to go ice fishing for the first time in my life...

...with a friend/co-worker (Paul J.) as another friend/co-worker couldn't make it. I brought various sporting equipment to make it more enjoyable as we waited for a bite (never got one-probably we made too much noise). It was fun to be out as it wasn't too cold (notice I was wearing my "fall" jacket only). It was like our pre-Super Bowl party!

On Thursday (11th), I went to the local elementary school to watch my first high school basketball game this season. I mainly went to give my support for the 2nd annual "Morris Special Olympic Fundraiser" (see pics). The game was actually fun to watch as the Tigers lost a "nail-biter" at the end.

The next day, my workplace would go to Clinton for the annual Valentine Dance. This was the first time I can remember we had above zero temps :)

We had President's Day (15th) off, so I took advantage of it to visit a friend (Cory) in a group home he was staying up north. I ended-up blessing him with some "healthy" grocery foods to promote "healthier" eating. I would be later blessed by winning a $30 dollar gift certificate from my pt-teaching job during a teacher's training meeting on the 22nd to a grocery store in Alexandria (where I bought the groceries from). Praise the Lord! On my way back to Morris, I stopped at Andes Tower Hills to do more snowboarding as they had a "holiday" discount :)

One of the parody songs that came to my mind earlier was the Ghostbusters and thought of "Bug" busters..

Music: Parody-“Bug Busters” (originally Ghost busters) by Crazy lil’ Sal

I went to the cities (St. Paul) for my monthly family-friend visit the 3rd weekend. I would spend some quality time with parents and my sister (e.g. went grocery shopping in our neighborhood) by sharing some pics I took from the past year.

I started a food blog recently and did one on French Toast..

Breakfast Starters: French Toast of Different Flavors

We have been having some newer students (e.g. Mexico, Brazil, etc..) for our weekly Wednesday ESL classes, which many of us happen to be at the monthly Community Meal the same time on Monday (29th).

March 2014

I started the month by going to the RFC (Regional Fitness Center) with my housemates (Rai & Yuu) and friend (Ed) playing basketball. Every 1st Saturday of the month, the local fitness center is open for FREE for community members. We took advantage of this day by playing pick-up basketball....

*see Good News Fitness

Jaime would join us in later game, which he would personally invite us afterwards to his presentation at Jane Adams later in the week.

My housemates would join me later in the evening for the community-wide monthly "Real Ministries Worship" at a local church (Hossana Worship Center). It was Rai's first time at a church "like" service, so it was cool to see him experience this event.

The next day, I went to the local indoor skating rink to ice skate my first, only, and last time of this winter season. I "hit" myself for not doing this more during this winter season, but I had a great time. It was fun to see a couple of co-workers (Johnnita & Lori) from my full-time job and other community members I know there...

Ice skated the last & only time this winter this past Sunday. Wished I did this more earlier! http://t.co/OSbpYP33qH pic.twitter.com/t4HISbQlKZ

— Dapalsal (@Dapalsal) March 6, 2014

While ice-staking, I was trying to learn how to skate backwards. This kid (friend's son) started to teach me, which I thought it was very kind and cool of him. He skates for a junior league, so he was pretty good!

On Saturday (8th), I did my every-other-month visit to Moose Lake. It was the "best" weather compared to the past 3 weekends, so it was nice to leave the prairie lands to the forestry part of northeast (e.g. Pine County) Minnesota.

The following day (9th), I went snowboarding with a friend of mine at Andes Tower Hills (Kensington, Minnesota). The weather was so nice (48-50 F) that I didn't even wear my winter jacket, just my workout jacket.

On Wednesday (12th), we had a special guest (Elvira) that presented about Kazakhstan during our weekly ESL-GED classes (Morris Literacy Project).

The following day (Thursday 17th) I participated in the MCC worship team practice as an "observer" in training before I start the next month. I decided to join after my Pastor (Pat) shared the "need" last month. I wasn't sure at time last Fall whether I was going to be around in Morris with my ESL career ambition. It didn't workout, so I stayed and decided to join this church ministry. I'm also looking forward to this involvement will help improve my singing as I've grown a passion for over the years (e.g. took voice lessons years ago). There are many other benefits of joining the worship team, which I'll probably add in future blogs.

ON Friday (14th), I had my every other year "physical exam" for my bus certification. I'm wasn't worried about not passing it, but just the eye-exam part. I've pass the last 3 exams, which I contribute to it to my change of lifestyle and eye patch therapy (I alternate covering my left-right eye almost daily throughout the year). I wanted to make sure I pass this year, so I did a special "fasting" almost a month prior to this exam. I "tried" to avoid any sweets a month prior to my eye exam. I also took this "detoxification" pill a month or so prior to cleanse my body of "toxins". I purposely scheduled it before my birthday, so I can celebrate "a little" after. Well, it paid off as I did pass the eye exam. Praise the Lord!

I started working on my taxes earlier this year after procrastinating last year (finished a day or two before the deadline). It paid off as I did more filing on the 16th (Sunday); Did my 2010-2013 carryover from my basement house projects on the 20th (Thursday). I did this after taking my housemates for supper at the Ranch House for a brunch buffet. It was such a blessed time as many friends from church were there the same time. Part of living in a small town!

On my birthday (18th), there was another snow storm, just like last year! However, it wasn't big enough (only 1" or so actually stayed from the forecast 6"-12" of snow precipitation-uncertain amounts melted) to cancel work unlike last year. We would have another "overestimate" snowfall projection storm on the 27th, which 1-4" that fell melted right away too.

I did my annual birthday tradition of going to the cities during Philippine Day. I brought 2 housemates of mine (Rai from Pakistan & Yuu from Japan) this time to celebrate my 37th birthday with family and friends. I gave them a tour of Downtown St. Paul (e.g. State Capitol) and the surrounding area, which they seem to enjoy. One of my favorite stops was a trip to Mounds Park-Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood, which I was very excited to visit this historic archaeologic spot. Unfortunately, i got too excited where I slipped on hard ice and still feel the impact as I write this to this day (Monday, April 21st 2014). We also visited the other side of the river to downtown Minneapolis (see Foshay Tower Skydeck Pics).

On the last day of the month, I watched a life-touching theatrical performance of the life of "Christy" Huddleston performed at Central Square in Glenwood, Minnesota. I carpooled with a couple (Wayne & Julie) from my local church, which it was great fellowship time to and from Glenwood!

Gratitude: February 2012

I started the second month of the year doing more work in my basement. I worked on putting a vent for my oven/stove; however, I had to have some barriers (wires) in the path for this vent. During this particular project, I had to cut part of the joist (supporting the main floor) to move the wires away. Unfortunately, I got a little too aggressive with my handsaw and accidentally chipped one of the wires. Fortunately, I stopped short enough before any more serious further damage. It created a spark and burned part of the blade. Thank God it didn't electrocute me! The lights upstairs (bedroom) unfortunately went off and I had to just turn on the circuit breaker. I then had to patch-up (with electrical tape and duct tape) the small cut in the wire.

The month started with more "unusually" warm weather as it hit the 40's during Groundhog Day (2nd), which was fitting for the 1st International Student "Spring Festival" at the local university. The next day, I got an update by mail on my "close to borderline diabetes" level. It's been close to 5 years when I was diagnosed "borderline" and ever since I've been more health conscious in my eating. Well, the numbers turned out well as I'm in a good level and just need to keep maintaining it!

On Super Bowl (Giants beat the Patriots) Sunday, I went to a local restaurant to watch the game with a local resident (see frequently at the local fitness center) to just have a conversation. We see each other regularly and just wanted to "talk". Unfortunately this guy has full blown cancer and was very pessimistic about nearing the end of his life, so I encouraged him that he can still "fight" it. We ended up talking about my faith and ended up sharing a brief testimony how God has changed me.

The nice "warm" weather ended on Friday, February 10th as it was another cold day (below 6) during our annual Valentine Dance at Clinton, Minnesota with my workplace (D.A.C.). However, we had a great dance and it kept us all warm!

The second weekend, I went to the cities for my monthly visit. My mom, sis, bro, and I went to this new Korean restaurant (Fresh Korean Fusion) in our neighborhood. The following day, I spent quality one and one time with my nephew and then to Savoy's Pizza with my brother (along with his kids) as my be-lated birthday gift. It was a great time hanging out.

It's been a basketball frenzy this week with "Linsanity" and that inspired me during a "pick-up" basketball game (Thursday, February 16th) with my former softball teammates. My legs ended up hurting for several days due to cheap shoes (running) I used for playing, so I ended up planning to get basketball shoes before I play next. As I rested during the weekend, I watched the live funeral memorial service of Whitney Houston (see Pop Diva).

Most Sundays, I go to two different church services (English and Spanish). I was asked by the local Spanish church to help with day care, so I've been volunteering watching the infants on Sunday afternoons. It's been more training as a future father! On Sunday, February 19th-I came to Morris Evangelical Free Church for a birthday party by a friend. I ended up bringing my special camera to take pics.

The following day (20th), I went to special "Soul Food Dinner" (sponsored by BSU) at the local university. It was part of a African-American History month celebration.

I finally finished my ceiling tile project during the last weekend of the month. It was tedious work and was very content about finishing this project that I've been nervously planning for a long time. I turned out easier than I expected! Between my project, I would go to the local DQ (2 blocks away) for their annual 50% of "Customer Appreciation Day". I ate lunch and dinner throughout the day!

I ended the weekend with this faith building service (1st-morning church service with 2 other local churches 2nd-evening) on "Faith & Home" (see GoodnewsEverybody.com Family, Believers, Brethren, Brothers, Sisters, Unity, etc...)...

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I highly recommend this message to everyone-especially parent(s) raising kid(s)!

The month ended with our 1st and ended up being our last (so far as of March 24th 2012) "Snow Day" (see GoodnewsMorris : Winter : 2012) we had a +8" inch snow blizzard. It was actually a blessing for folks at my workplace as we haven't had a day off since our one-week winter break before 2012 started. It was a great day to catch-up on house work and I was able to snowboard (2nd time only this whole winter season)!..

I invited some friends (one from Pakistan and two from Bangladesh), which it was their 1st time ever to go sledding!

Gratitude: March 2011

This month is my birthday, so I would like to start of by saying I'm grateful for another year of life. Life is so precious and with all the "challenges" we see in the world right now, I'm just thankful for the life God has given me no matter the circumstances I'm challenged presently or in the future. My month started with some good "getting to know" more of my friends. I had some good times where friends opened-up (e.g. email, meeting at the local coffee shop, etc..) more about their life, which it has taken years as friends. I'm thankful for the friends God has put in my life as they have spoken words of encouragement to me.

I was also encouraged to keep doing what I'm doing (writing my on-going life story through websites like these to inspire or encourage others that may benefit from your life experiences) through an inspirational movie (e.g. Antwone Fisher-see Life: Adoption) and a visiting speaker during a post-movie discussion (see Native American)during the local campus's annual event (World Touch Cultural Heritage Week)in the last week of the month. Basically, we all got a story to share and it goes to waste if we don't tell about it...

"We need to learn from history to prevent it from repeating itself"

In order to know where we are going, we need to learn our past. Some people don't go far enough (e.g. family genealogy or family tree) in the past as they stop there. How far in history can you go? (see Creation story)

I also enjoyed the "nearing" Spring-like weather some days of the month despite the first day of Spring started the 20th of March. I had the opportunity to ride my bike, which I'm going to try to do more as it reached it's highest ever for a long-time today (Tuesday, April 5th 2011) at $3.63/gallon!! Crazy, huh? We need to find ways to conserve gas (e.g. walking or riding a bike-great health benefit too with all this exercise).

I can't leave sports out of this too as it was the month of "March Madness"! It was more basketball as a nearby local town (see Stevens County) h.s. girls basketball team went to the big State Tournament. They actually beat a #1 team in the first round, which was very exciting for my workplace. Several of my co-workers are from Hancock, so we followed (via radio at work for 2-days) their local team very closely during the end of the 3rd week. Unfortunately, the lost the 2nd round, which a win would've been a great birthday bonus. I'm very blessed with great co-workers as they gave me a great celebration (e.g. pies, cake, etc..) and I ended up bringing the pies back to the cities to share with family. My family blessed me with a lunch outing at Red Lobster-great seafood!

That same weekend I was in the cities was the annual "Philippine Day" (see GoodnewsMinnesota.info- Minnesota Filipino Community)..

24th Annual Philippine Day St. Paul, MN-Part 1 (March 20th 2011)



Other highlights included one "Snow Day" (saw the 2nd of the "Bourne Identity" trilogy series, which I would watch with a good friend the 3rd part later in the week -see Issues: "Low" Self-Esteem, -Image, -"ish", etc... as I wrote about finding one's own "identity" in life) of the month, which happened 3 days after the "first-official" day of Spring. Went to a couple of "fish fry" with Lent season as I did some fasting once a week during the month and will continue till Easter as I "try" to seek my Heavenly Father's "calling" in this season of my life. I went to an event to learn more about Judaism, a foundation of my Christian faith! I then had my faith built more during a local radio (see Music-Hymns, Praise, Worship, etc...) banquet I was invited (along with a couple of co-workers, friend, and others in the Praise FM listening area) to as faithful sponsor for many years. Lastly, I had a great time with several new students (from Brazil) of my weekly GED-ESL classes the last week as I showed them the "new" town!

During the state girls basketball tournament, there was an unfortunate deadly earthquake in Japan. Currently, as I write this today (Tuesday, April 5th 2011), they are still battling the radiation leak of their nuclear power plants (see Science: Chemistry). Please keep these folks in Japan and their national catastrophe in prayer!