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: April 2013

I started this April Fools Day working my 2nd part-time job after my full-time job. I just worked several hours only. When I came home, I saw some friends doing some "April Fools Day" jokes on their facebook, so I decided to share a couple (e.g. changed my relationship from "single" to "relationship" & "Found new job teaching English in China"). I "fooled" a lot of my "friends", which a cousin of mine suggested I actually do one of them (teach in China). This is something I should wait and see!

On Friday (5th), I hosted a former UMM Alumn (Ryan F.) over as he was recently accepted on the UMM Alumni Board. I treated him to the newest "Mexican" Restaurant located in the 2nd floor (formerly Jose Burritos) of City Centre Mall. It was great to "catch-up" on how a former UMM friend/resident (from residential Clay A. Gay Hall) is doing nowadays. The following day (6th) was a packed Saturday as I took my newest housemate (Adnan from Pakistan) to several community events (e.g. CNIA Pow Wow, WCA Cattleman Steak Dinner, and Jane Adam's sponsored "Spoken Word Rodrigo" at Common Cup.<

"With a former UMM Alumn (Clayton A. Gay Hall Floormate 95'-96')"

After a busy fun-filled Saturday, I went to the local gym for their "Fitness Frenzy" (Zumba and Abs exercises). The next day, it was "Holocaust Rememberance Day", so I decided to share one of my video project...

It was "Multicultural Heritage Week" at the local campus, so I took Adnan to check out as many of the cultural events (e.g. Blacktino the movie-> see Facebook Blog, Diversitunes, etc..)

On Thursday (11th), we had a another "Snow Day", which I took advantage of the day to take care of some "house stuff" (replaced my "old" water softener with one made from Valnes $1K). The next day after work, I was still in the mood to "Spring Clean", so I cleaned my "old" bedroom on the on the main floor to rearrange the bed of my newest housemate (Adnan). It was much needed cleaning, which I haven't done a thorough clean like this since I moved in 2006! During the 2nd weekend, I worked on my taxes, which I procrastinated before the 15th deadline.

On Thursday (18th), we had another snow storm, which we got off work 1 hour earlier. This gave me time to do some more "errands" before my housemate hosted a birthday party for his friend. Due to the "bad" weather that continued the next day, the local school closed. However, my workplace remained opened and I would ended up driving home (St. Paul) for the weekend as I would follow a little of the Boston Bombing "Drama", which the "last suspect" was found.

I spent the weekend visiting family and didn't do much (e.g. shopping with my mom & sis at Kohl's in Woodbury, watch my niece & nephew swim at the "old" Arlington High School, and watch Twins baseball on t.v. with my sis and her boyfriend).

On Tuesday (23rd), I went to support co-workers/friends at the "Annual Women of Today Talent Show" at the American Legion in town. The next day (24th), I took the "Defensive Driving Class", which my part-time job requires all of their employees to take. It was a great "reminder class" to learn to "slow down" in life.

It started to feel like "more" Spring on Thursday (25th) as I came home from work and put up the bird feeder out in my yard for the first time. I then put the solar lights along the sidewalk.

I went to a spaghetti feed fundraiser for the local fitness center at the elementary school on Friday (26th) with Adnan and some friends. They had a little dance going on at the gym of the school, which was fun! On Saturday (27th), I played outdoor "street-basketball" with a couple friends at the nearby court across the street from my house since it was a beautiful day. The following day (28th-Sunday), I took my housemate to my local church potluck after service. Then we went to a bowling fundraiser for the local Morris Life Care Pregnancy Center. We ended the eventful day with a "scream" (rock) concert at campus, which various bands ( Lessons + Word Will Spread + Zealot + Tracings) performed.

Gratitude: February 2013

The month started cold as it reached 5 above zero (less than an inch of snow, so NO 2-hour late start at my workplace this time) after having temperatures 17 below zero the previous day. I watched Lord of the Rings movie and got "motivated" to be more of a warrior against "evil".

I went to the Saturday morning "Body Pump" fitness classes every weekend this month except the last one. It was great social time with some folks from my local church and rest of the campus-community. Also, it's a great way to start the weekend.

On Sunday, February 3rd-I volunteered to chaperone a "Youth Super Bowl Gathering" at a local church (Hossana Worship Center) since I took a "youth" that I've been "befriending" 1:1 since last summer. He appeared to had a great time as I too had fun playing a couple of pick-up volleyball games (Adults vs. high school youth), which my teat lost the 1st and won the 2nd game (close win and the youth lost part of the team because it was getting to the end of the night). The Baltimore Ravens narrowly beat the San Francisco 49ners (almost came back after a 30+ minute or so "blackout") at Louisiana.

I helped out with others with the Pre-Testing of ESL students at the campus on Monday the 4th. It was great turnout for both students and volunteers!

I drove to Alexandria on the 5th to return a handrail that was too short for my basement stairway. After dropping it off, I went to Office Max to "window shop". While checking out, some stranger nervously waited for me and asked if I owned a car he "accidentally" hit. I told him to not worry about it as there was hardly any dents. I thanked him for his honesty as we depart from each other in the parking lot. I then took advantage of my time there by visiting a former housemate, who left a message on my old home phone # with another former housemate. He gave me a free trial membership to the local YMCA. After working out for about an hour in the cardio machines, I was more satisfied and appreciated of our facility (RFC) back in Morris. It might not be as fancy as the big nationwide chain fitness centers as Bally's or Gold's Gym, but we got almost a "first-class" fitness center for West-Central Minnesota! We met together to catch-up as he shared how he found his new "Christian Faith"!

I had a new temporary route at my full-time job as I drove the mini-van to Benson each morning and afternoon. I did this for a week and half with several days missed due to "bad weather". It was a fun route as it was something different from my daily routine (in-town route). On Friday the 8th, we had our annual "Valentine Dance" at Clinton (30 minutes west of Morris). This time, it was above (24 F.) zero for the 1st time that I can remember in many years. It was great weather for driving my Benson route!

I was invited at a friend's house from my local church, which a guest (ESL student) cooked some great Cambodian food...

Church was cancelled for the 1st time in so many years on Sunday the 10th due to a 12" blizzard (6 inches Sunday morning and another 6" or so in the afternoon). We ended up having service at the pastor's house for those in-town that can make it. I was hoping to make it, but I didn't get my alley shoveled till close to 10am. I'm very thankful to my neighbor Bill who lives 2 doors down who shovels my and others front side-walk in our entire block all the time. I usually try to return the favor by using my roof-shovel to help him and other of my neighbors. As I drove to my pastor's house in the west-side, I couldn't get into his alley. Thurs, I wasn't able to make it to the special service. The roads were really bad driving around that time of the day, but I was able to get around. It would get worse as the next day, we had a "Snow Day" (my work and local schools were closed). I had to work my pt-job at the group home on Sunday night, which was "bad" driving in-town itself. I made it to the front of my workplace safely, but couldn't get in the driveway. I ended up getting stuck trying to get through it. It took over 15 minutes to get myself out (thanks to a local cop-Anita, who helped shovel a path through the snow). I even slipped and fell back as I was running to hurry-up shoveling...lol!

The next morning (11th), I couldn't get into my garage of my house since the city hasn't plowed my alley this early (7ish) in the morning of the blizzard. I ended up parking up-front and got my lab top to bring it to Common Cup. I would hangout at the local coffee shop for 5-6 hours since work was cancelled. I took advantage of a gift card I got and would end-up having breakfast and lunch while working of my on-going computer projects.

I would meet another rape victim online, which she shared her story of how she was raped by a neighbor for over a year of constant abuse. Why a year? She was threatened by this neighbor at age 14 if she ever told anybody! :( I've been sending her on-going testimonies of other rape victims to encourage her.

On Valentines Day (Thursday 14th), I would start bringing my friend's 8 year-old son (Dimitri) with me to a weekly fitness class called "Zumba" every Thursday evenings (@7p-8p). This time was a break for the "mom" with her other kids and this is also part of my "mentoring" New Year's goal. He has been enjoying this time as we both get exercise and getting good conversations (e.g. school) during our short drive to and from.

On Sunday (17th), I was scheduled to "greet" at my local church. I was blessed to get a "word of encouragement" about "being more open with fellow believers (2 or 3) for accountability purposes as the Devil/Satan likes to deceive us that we are alone on whatever we are going through (e.g. "struggling with challenges")" from a fellow "older brother in Christ".

Later in the day, I drove to Alexandria with a friend to go snowboarding at Andes Tower Hills in Kensington, Minnesota. I "thought" it was ideal weather (30's), but the roads going from Cyrus to Kensington was pretty challenging to (did a 180 on the slippery state highway north of Kensington to State Highway 29) and from (slowly slipped off the road, but my friend Chris was able to push my car as I slowly backed up from the edge of the pavement). It was windy, so I was glad I brought my face mask. I not only enjoyed the great fluffy snow for snowborading, but the great time chatting with the various people (e.g. 2 international students from China, ski-patrol that used to live in Morris that worked at the group homes, the ski-lift guy himself with his great lines, etc...) I met along the ski-lift rides.

The next day (18th-Monday), my workplace closed earlier (1/2 day of work or so only) due to increasing "bad weather" conditions (blizzard-like). The following day became a "Snow Day", which we had close to 39 below zero windchills. I still got around town to do some errands (grocery shopping) with my housemate. I was called-in to my "second" job (PCS-group home: 4-11pm) since a co-worker couldn't get out of his home due to high snow drifts caused by the high winds. I texted my sister our forecast while she was visiting our Aunt in Florida.

On the last weekend of the month, I had to go to Alex for our every other month or so ABE (Adult Basic Education) meeting. I got back in time for Dairy Queen's 50% off "everything" sale as part of their annual "Customer Appreciation Day". On Sunday, there was a special joint services of 3-different churches in pre-lude to this "World View Conference". It was a great time to meet other's in the family of Christ. I was very humble to see my pictures posted in my local church's newseletter, which I took (along videos) of this great "Kodak moment" (churches' unity-John 17)! This was a 2-day conference about challening each other on the way we look at the world (e.g. from a sociological perspective), which you can see notes in above link. On Monday (25th), my niece had a piano recital, which my sister shared (pics) via email and videos from my brother's in-law via facebook. I'm so glad for technology to be able to do this since I coudn't make it.

On Tuesday, a co-worker's dad passed away, which he was a WWII vet. I had a chance to chat with another WWII Vet while waiting in-line at the local funeral home during the "Wake Service". He (Leslie N. from Donnelly) and I have had previous conversations, but he was very open to share more. He was an MP in the Philippines, which he shared stories about his work with the roads that were damaged from Japanese bombings. While he was working along with the Army Corps of Engineers, he met the Filipino President (Manuel Quezon) at that time. He didn't remember his name as he told me this story, which I would tell him as it was refershed in my mine as I told him I visited Corregidor Island last Fall (November 2012).

On the 27th (Wednesday), a friend finished completing a quick 2-day project of putting safety covers-handrails of my basement apartment. I tried to do this myself (using fancy ballusters), which I had no-luck. I wished I contacted him earlier on this project instead of spending on expensive materials that I ended up not using. It looks beautiful!