Notepad Corner

photo from the web Whoa! It has been a year now that I’ve been spending much longer hours infront of my laptop. I enjoyed every minute of what I am doing, the reason why I always lost track of time once I began to sit on my desk. Multi-tasking - writing posts, answering blog comments, blog hopping, reading web based articles about tips and tutorials to improve my blogging ability, answering emails, etc. etc. As the year ends, we always tend to look back on the things that happened throughout the entire year, so here I would like to share you a recap of what transpired in my blogging career for the year 2011. I began to open Notepad Corner in public last November 9, 2010.  At first, I was so anxious, thinking of nobody might be interested to read on my page, fearful that I may not be able to maintain it with my daily hectic schedule.  But, thankfully through my dear friend Mhel“Blankpixels” patience, constant guidance and help, I slowly developed the confid...

Christmas, the time of the year to celebrate, to give, to share and to make golden memories of tomorrow. May your hearts be filled with unconditional love, happiness and peace not only for the holidays but in the next days and years to come. Me and my family wishes you a blessed and meaningful Christmas. May we remember to make merry not only this season but all throughout the year. May the love you share with others return to you in countless ways. God bless you a thousandfold. Merry Christmas!

Most people have heard the term “business casual” as it concerns work-dress codes. Generally, the term refers to clothing which allows you to work comfortably, but still project a professional image. For many new employees, the words business casual are cringe-inducing. Indeed, the thought of spending hundreds of dollars to meet wardrobe requirements can kill any joy being felt from landing a new job. However, there are several ways to shop for the proper clothing without going broke in the process. Thrift Stores and Online Shopping There are high-quality, second-hand clothing available now more than ever. The popularity of thrift-store chains like Goodwill have made it easy for people to unload clothing they no longer use and buy lightly worn clothing, all in one place. There are all sorts of reasons for people to get rid of clothing that still has life to it. For some people, gains or losses in weight result in wardrobe overhauls. Thrift stores make it easy to clear clos...

Providing your child with an adequate place to study can help him complete his school work in an efficient manner. When your child has everything he needs to get his work done, he will feel more organized and be able to finish it in less time, giving your child more time to have fun. 1. Get Everything Together Assemble all of the tools your child needs to complete his homework assignments. In most cases, you will need paper, pencils, a ruler, scissors and a pack of crayons. If your child runs into other items he needs, keep those in the same place for the future. 2. Choose A Well Lit Spot A place close to a window is best, but directly under a light can work as well. Being able to see clearly is important for completing homework assignments. This also reduces the strain on his eyes, which can help prevent damage to his eyes. 3. See What Your Kid Thinks You want your child to be comfortable while he does his homework. Therefore, his input on the matter is important. Let him pi...

Another devastating storm hit my beloved country, the Philippines. Tropical Storm Sendong a very devastating disaster brought a lot of fatalities and homeless people in the Mindanao area, specifically in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. As of this writing, Undersecretary Benito Ramos, chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said that a total of 1,002 people have been confirmed dead, including 650 in Cagayan de Oro City and an additional 283 in Iligan City. More fatalities are assumed and expected to arise in the next days to come as retrieval and rescue operations are still on-going for more people are still reported missing. Most people killed from the flashfloods were helpless children. Houses were washed away; thousands are homeless as of this time, meager of food, potable drinking water, clothing and shelter. I personally would like to make an appeal for your help, be in goods, in kind or monetary contribution. To share, to reach ou...

Window treatments are not the most obvious danger in your home, but unfortunately data showed 495 children in the US have been injured or killed by blinds in the last few decades. Most of these incidents are caused by the child getting tangled in the control cords and strangling. Fortunately there are a few simple steps which can ensure that your blinds are safe. Cordless Blinds and Curtains The simplest step is rather than using Venetian blinds or vertical blinds use window treatments such as curtains, roller blinds or cellular shades that often come with very short or even no cords at all. In addition many blinds come with alternative control systems such as plastic wands. With all of these products it is also vital that secure them strongly enough that they can resist a child pulling down on them. You don’t want them falling on your child. Buy a cord tidy If you already have blinds and don’t want to buy new ones then a simple but effective measure is to buy or make...

Third Quarter examinations is usually held before the Christmas break in my youngest kid’s school.  This year, it was scheduled on December 14, 15 and 16. December 17 will be their Christmas party. In this way, pupils and students will get to enjoy the Christmas break. Are you also hands-on in tutoring your kids? Daily school homeworks and weekly quizzes may come easy with our kids but what about quarterly tests? Reviews during quarterly examinations really need time and effort because the lesson scopes usually are long and that they will be reviewing for 10 subjects in the elementary level.  Math, Computer, Science, Civics (Sibika), EPP/HELE (Home Economics and Livelihood Education), MAPE (Music, Arts and PE), Reading, Language, Filipino and CLE/GMRC (Christian Living and Good manners and Right Conduct) I did not have a hard time with quarterly reviews with my eldest son during his school days, but with my youngest son, well he always has plenty of alibis in order to skip h...