Yahoo! News - Devastating Asian Tsunami Darkens World's New Year

Devastating Asian Tsunami Darkens World's New Year

Yahoo! News - Devastating Asian Tsunami Darkens World's New Year
"Even the gods are crying," said one hotelier in the city of Batticaloa. From Buddhist monks in robes to Tamil Tiger rebels, Sri Lanka stopped to mourn and canceled New Year celebrations.
rest of the article >>>>

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even our roof is crying- drip, dripping away, just as if to remind us to welcome the new year reflecting on how we can help our hurting brothers and sisters in South Asia, welcoming the new year humbling seeking the Lord's mercy and grace in prayer - Tito Lits

What's up with you

Emptying my thoughts on to my blog

Train the trainer

The bike trainer was out of commission for a couple of days. It was making noise and the tension adjustment mechanism was not functioning properly. Paul had the patience to open it up and fixed the problem. Bravo! Paul.

Drip, drip, drip of another kind

I'm talking about the drip, drip of coins from the slot machines.

Nil and I had dinner the other night at one of the restaurants in the Casino Montreal. We were told that the food was good, free parking, live band to entertain, and some people watching (for a research project :-) ).

After a sumptuous buffet dinner we went around the casino floor to browse around. Wall to wall machines of various kinds. My focus was on the people, the expression on their faces, this desire to win, at the cost of having less and possibly losing whatever they hadbefore they went there. It was an interesting "people observing, watching" visit for me. I don't think we'd want to go back there, other than maybe for a show or dinner, which was superb. Well, maybe, maybe, a couple of donations into one of the thousands of slot machines there (hehehehe).

Drip, drip, drip of the watery kind

As we speak, or should I say, as I enter the keystrokes, water is dripping in different sections of our home, again. Milder temperature today, and tomorrow, coupled with ice and snow on the room makes a not so welcome combination at the moment. Can't complain much- it could be worse. I can just think of our poor brothers and sisters in the part of the world that's been hit and affected by the terrible tsunami; it makes this dripping roof situation pale by comparison to what they are going through right now. Yes, as the Christian hymn said, "count your blessings, name them one by one".

Welcoming the new year

We have a "Watch Night Service" (I'll have to check with those who have been with the church longer why it's called that) at the church tonight at 7:00pm. Prayers for the victims and families of the victims of the tsunami disaster will be a priority.

Later on in the evening, if all is well and the leaks and drips are under control, we'll be heading to Mike and Aimee's new home in Dorion for the Espinosa Family New Year's Eve Party.

SAFETY AND MEDICAL TIP- Stroke, HEART ATTACK, Self HELP

SAFETY AND MEDICAL TIP

Stroke?

This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions!

Is it a Stroke?

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
* Ask the individual to smile.
* Ask him or her to raise both arms.
* Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

HEART ATTACK. Self HELP
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved. Read this... It could save your life!!
Let's say it's 6.15 P.M. and you're driving home (alone of course), after an unusually hard day on the job. You're really tired, upset, and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE.
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before becoming unconscious. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many people as possible about this. It could save their lives!!

BE A FRIEND AND PLEASE SEND THIS ARTICLE TO AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE.

You are enormously gorgeous

Dear Pam and Trish, and you too, Paul (in a manly way),
You guys are enormously gorgeous!!
Dad

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My Dad says I am Enormously Gorgeous. I wonder if I really am?

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Sarah says you need to have beautiful long curly hair like she has. I don’t.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Justin says you must have perfectly straight white teeth like he has. I don’t.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Jessica says you can’t have any of those little brown dots on your face called freckles. I do.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Mark says you have to be the smartest kid in the seventh grade class. I’m not.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Stephen says you have to be able to tell the funniest jokes in the school. I don’t.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Lauren says you need to live in the nicest neighborhood in town and in the prettiest house. I don’t.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Matthew says you can only wear the coolest clothes and the most popular shoes. I don’t.

To be Enormously Gorgeous…Samantha says you need to come from a perfect family. I don’t.

But every night at bedtime my dad gives me a big hug and says, “You are Enormously Gorgeous, and I love you.”

My dad must know something my friends don’t.

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Yeah, Dad (Dads) knows best!!

Yahoo! News - Pope Says Troubled World Needs Message of Jesus

Yahoo! News - Pope Says Troubled World Needs Message of Jesus

"Look upon us, eternal Son of God, who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary. All humanity, with its burden of trials and troubles, stands in need of you," he said, breathing deeply between his words.

The short sermon recounted the Christmas story of the child Jesus born of the Virgin Mary in a manger and lying helpless in swaddling clothes.

"You are born on this night, our divine Redeemer, and, in our journey along the paths of time, you become for us the food of eternal life," the Pope said.

the rest of the article >>>>

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Jesus is the Reason for the Season

We Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Very Merry Christmas Celebration and a Happy, Much Blessed, and Prosperous New Year to You All!!

Drip, drip, drip

The very mild temperature today, reaching as high a +15C, melted the snow and ice that had accumulated the last few days causing flooding, water leaks, slippery roads, specially the side roads.

Our roof must have sprung a leak because water started to drip through the ceiling in the living room area. I had to drill some holes to help the water drain. The roof does need to have a good overhaul. The good news is that the temperature for the next few days will take a dive. The low temp tonight will be in the -13C range.

It is also very windy at the moment causing power failures in our area. We're blessed in that we have had uninterrupted power the whole day. We lost power at the church a half an hour ago during our Worship team practice. Tomorrow night, our Christmas eve Candle Lighting Service may indeed provide the needed lighting for the church auditorium or sanctuary. We had that happen last year; it was fun though.

I am reminded to rejoice in the Lord always, yes, rejoice in the Lord always!! :-)

Ever heard of Monday morning zoo depression?

Ever heard of Monday morning zoo depression?

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Here's a good read for parents, like myself, who love the sweet stuff (once in awhile) and who have children (young and older) who may not be conscious of their sugar, sweet stuff intake (candies, pop - soft drinks, etc.)

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Researchers noticed that animals in a certain zoo were always lethargic and moody on Monday mornings. It took them a while to figure out the reason. Then it came to their attention that a lot of the weekend zoo customers where illegally feeding the animals candy and other sugary items which would send their blood sugar level sky-high. The critters then came crashing down on Monday.

I’m a dessert kind of guy, so I know I need to watch my sugar intake. We all should. But kids need to be constantly monitored to ensure they’re not ingesting too much of the sweet stuff. Overloading on sugar can cause children to misbehave, be unable to concentrate and to have serious health problems. Keep their sugar intake, and yours, to a minimum.

All Pro Dad

A fitting going away present

I sent an update to the members of our church elders board regarding the installation of a voice mail system through our telephone service provider (Bell Quebec) and with that e-mail I added a P.S. regarding our outgoing senior pastor's going away present.

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Bell will have the Voice Mail (Call Answer) operational by Wednesday next week, Lord willing.

FYI, installation cost / administration cost is $60.00 and the monthly fee is $12.50 (cost a little bit more because we have the Centrex system).

Blessings!

Lito

P.S. As agreed in the last Elder's meeting, I've ordered a Yellow Hummer - H2 for Pastor Dave as his going away present. http://www.hummer.com/ This will help him plow through snow, ice, mud, water, flood, walls while on his way to visitations and business table appointments :-)

It's the most wonderful time of the year ....

Yahoo! News - Snow, Frigid Temperatures Disrupt Travel

"My brother always told me that I would grow up someday to regret wanting a white Christmas," said Brown, who lives in Cincinnati, "and this year he may be right."

Rest of story >>>>

Agnus Dei - Lamb of God Christmas Presentation

Our Church Christmas Musical Presentation of "Agnus Dei" (Lamb of God).

There were two showings; one on Saturday night and one last night, Sunday.

Weeks and weeks of diligent practice, fine tuning, tweaking, paid off, as always.

Pastor Bill as well as the members of the Fairview Alliance Church Choir did a marvelous job. I can almost hear our Good Lord say "well done, good and faithful servants".

To God be the Glory!! Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2005!!

For more photos from the Christmas musical presentation check out our WebShots photo album >>>

I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky

While Nil was busy fixing up the Christmas decorations in our church foyer an hour before the Christmas Presentation, Paul was busy with other things.

I called him up to come to the church to give his mom a hand but instead look at what he does. He wanted to show me and Trish how high he can jump off the ground and while he does it he sings "I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky...." :-)

It is -38C at the moment, very cold

Took this photo one evening while I was waiting for T.Nil (T=Tita) :-). I was waiting for her, as always, to get to the car, meanwhile, while she was applying finishing touches to her already beautiful face (I hope she reads this so I can score some points).

You will notice that the outside temperature then was -2C, mild here, based on our local standard :-).

Today, not counting the windchill factor, the high will be -16C. OK, with the windchill factor, at the present time, as I write this, it feels like -38C. That's very, very cold, brrrrr.

A lot of ill-maintained cars will not start today. The CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) will be swamped with calls for boosting assistance (to help start the cars) as well as towing services. The wait, in days like today, could be up to a few hours before help can arrive.

I'll try to get the car started a little later, and if it does start, let it run for a few minutes.

Local Montreal weather - Yahoo! Weather - check out the forecast for the next few days. Weird huh?!

Looks like no snow in the forecast for Christmas eve. The forecast the day before is for rain and milder temperature which means that whatever snow we had will melt and get washed away by the rain. Maybe if we sing "White Christmas" the snow will fall Christmas eve, even just some sprinkling of some white stuff, that's all.

Victory in God's Perfect timing

Just want to share this 'praise' report from our brother (Pinoy missionary) in Cambodia. Met Bro. Jojo in Chicago, Illinois a few years ago. He and his wife saved up (hard to do when your earnings isn't much) for a few years to be able to attend the Prevailing Church Conference (conference fee, registration, accommodation, air fare, pocket money, etc) put together by the Willowcreek Association. The conference was actually held at the campus of Willowcreek Community Church, Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. He also happens to have some relatives (mother and sister) here in Montreal.

What a humbling message for me (and many of us that live here in North America). I thank the Lord for reminding me once more that there is work to be done, in season and out of season, be ready always to be used in His various ministries here and abroad.

Here we are, concerned with the upcoming Christmas dinner, Christmas presents, etc. Timely, yes, timely reminder. God is good!!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Victory in God's Perfect timing
Date: Sat, 18 Dec 2004 23:26:26 +0700
From: M[snipped]com.kh>
To: [snipped]

Dear Pastor,Church & Praying Friends,

Greetings in the sweetest name of our Lord Jesus!

It was indeed a great privilege for me to share to you another great things that the Lord has blessed. Last week December 6 to 9 2004 was our Evangelistic week aimed for the people that resides within the villages that surrounds our Ministry Center in the province of Kandal. The 4 straight day was a real challenge to us all as we have two meetings in one day,morning for the children and night time for the adult, wherein 250 children and 290 adults were ministered to by the gospel; and 32 were recorded to have received the Lord Jesus!

As we are so busy and rejoicing for this great things another great blessing was given by the Lord. One of our sister in the Lord named Rah, who was battling the sickness of Cancer for almost be more than 2 years, since it was discovered, had finally gotten very ill and died. The wonderful testimony of this dear sister had moved many others to believed in the Lord. Her kindness of offering her house to start the worship service is one great step showing her faith, the continues visitation to new believers that she usually does has been a testimony of her persistent faith rising above her suffering, the boldness of sharing to many that when she died she will just go home to Heaven was another foundation for the new believers to grasp in this new faith in Christ. But the most amazing part is that even earlier she already had an instruction that when she died the ceremony that will be conducted is not by their tradition of Buddhist origin but of Christian to honor Christ.

It was indeed so sad to see how the fire and smoke ate her body during cremation, but the joy in my heart can not denied for it is only now I have witnessed a Cambodian Christian being buried in the Christian way. Some cried but I indeed praise the Lord as the sound of the song amazing grace were being sung in the midst of a Buddhist believer that surrounds and listen to the great testimony of this woman and the preaching of the word of God. Oh how I was rewarded to receive a certain blessing this day, as it is once proven that the gospel is making its way to the hearts of the Cambodians....Oh how I rejoiced and may you too have rejoiced with me and thanked the Lord that our labor together in this country have never been in vain....NEVER!

Blessings,

Bro. Jojo M & Family
Your Co- Laborer for the Cambodian souls

Busy week

Business stuff (those last minute orders- customer says I want the stuff yesterday), church stuff (financial year end, elders meeting, pastoral transition, Christmas presentation, church Christmas decoration [Tita Nil's], etc., etc., etc.), personal stuff (Christmas gift shopping not completed- I think I will delegate this to my daughters Pam and Trish) :-)

Just got back from a couple hours of tennis. Reservation was made for 8:30AM which meant I had to wake up early this Saturday morning. It was well worth it, the early wake up call. Could use a little more playing time.

Christmas party invitations, left, right, center :), it's fun, no complains there. 6 more days before Christmas eve and few more get togethers outside the family ones. Late afternoon party for our church Youth Group hosted by the Balls. Dessert night with our outgoing senior Pastor and his wife hosted by the Scott's. Have to look up the driving directions.

Our Christmas Cantata (Presentation) is going to be presented tonight and tomorrow night. The choir members have worked hard, met regularly for the last few weeks to get everything down pat.

More to come :-)

360 degrees revolving building 'Sufte Vollard'

Yahoo! News - Lifestyle Photos - AFP

View of the 360 degrees revolving building 'Sufte Vollard' with 11 floors and one apartment in each floor, in Curitiba, Brazil. Each flat has a surface of 287 square meters and costs 300.000 USD(AFP/Orlando Kissner)

Related slide show

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Wow, Tita Nil and I would love to have an apartment like this. Please send your donation through PayPal - Revolving Apartment Fund; no tax receipts will be issued.
:-)

More snow to scrape off the car

Our neighbor was in a rush to clean his car, even forgot his snow scraper, had to use his brief case to clean the snow off his car.

See what we have to put up with here? Watch him as he cleans the snow off his car. But is that his only dilemna; look closely.

Click here for the video file

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Arroyo challenger dies of stroke

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Arroyo challenger dies of stroke

Arroyo challenger dies of stroke.
Fernando Poe first made his name as a film star.
The actor who narrowly lost to President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines in elections last May has died after suffering a stroke.
Fernando Poe Jr, 65, had been taken to hospital after complaining of dizziness while drinking with friends in Manila and slipped into a coma.

Full story >>

ABS-CBN Interactive - 'Da King' FPJ is dead

ABS-CBN Interactive

ABS-CBN News Headlines
• 'Da King' is dead
Actor and former presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., dubbed as "the king" of Philippine cinema, is dead. He was 65 years old.DZMM/abs-cbnNEWS.com

The Manila Times Internet Edition | December 14, 2004 - FPJ Comatose

The Manila Times Internet Edition | December 14, 2004

Poe’s condition worsens

A SUPPORTER of the actor and presidential also-ran Fernando Poe holds his portrait during a vigil Mass at a church in San Juan. Hailed by the local press as the "King of Philippine movies," Poe, 65, was admitted to the intensive care unit of Saint Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City, where he was being watched by members of his family and close friends.
Photo By Joel NITO/AFP


By Maricel V. Cruz and Ronnie Calumpita , Reporters

THE movie actor Fer­nando Poe Jr.’s condition has deteriorated and only medicine and a life-support system keep the thump in his blood pressure.

His neurologist, Abdias Aquino, said Poe remained in a coma after suffering from “severe brain attack [stroke]” and indicated his internal organs were affected.

Full Story>>

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Yes siree, it's winter for sure here in Montreal, QC Canada. Up to 25 cms of snow expected this weekend. I had to dig out the car from over a foot of snow. It's fun. My tennis game scheduled for this morning was rescheduled. Roads are pretty good, main highways, according to the traffic report on the radio, have been cleared of most of the snow, but the smaller, side roads leaves a lot to be desired, the blue collar workers are on a work slow down.

Trish will get an upgrade on her road bike wheelset. I'm picking up Oka's not so old wheelset, the one he had on his Pinarello Prince (replaced recently by a Ksyrium TDF SSC wheelset). We're counting down the days when we can go riding again in the warmth and sunshine of summer :)

Riverdale High School's Espinosa was named the MVP at the Greater Montreal Athletic Association's, Girl's Volleyball all-star game last weekend. 

Montreal Gazette - canada.com network

Montreal Gazette - canada.com network

Rising Stars

The Gazette, Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Volleyball

Patricia Espinosa, Micheal Carbone

Riverdale High School's Espinosa and Vincent Massey Collegiate's Carbone were named the MVPs at the Greater Montreal Athletic Association's all-star games last weekend.

Espinosa helped the East defeat the West 2-0 in the girls' game, while Carbone led the East to a 2-1 victory over the West in the boys' game.

Valerie Savard

The 21-year-old from LaSalle was named McGill University's female athlete of the week after leading an injury-laden squad to a 3-2 win at Trois Rivieres Friday. The 5-foot-9 setter, who is an occupational-therapy sophomore, racked up 27 assists, 13 digs, seven kills and five stuff blocks.

Basketball

Catherine Parent

The veteran John Abbott College forward had her best game of the year with 25 points, 14 rebounds and four assists as the Lady Islanders defeated Dawson 71-62 last Friday. The Lady Isles take a 3-5 record into the Christmas break.

Greg Page

He scored 19 points and added eight rebounds Sunday as the Vanier Cheetahs improved to 7-1 and took sole possession of first place in the CEGEP Triple-A League with an 88-58 win over the Dawson Blues, who dropped to 5-2. Vanier travels to London, Ont., this weekend to participate in the North American Prep Stars Tournament.

If you know of an amateur athlete who deserves to be recognized as a Rising Star, please let us know.

E-mail sports editor Stu Cowan at scowan@thegazette.canwest.com
© The Gazette (Montreal) 2004

What she thought of growing older

Quote from: Isiong on October 3, 2004, 10:02:48 PM

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah (on her show) for Dr. Angelou's 74th birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day... like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first, she said. The audience laughed so hard they cried.

Dr. Angelou also said:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

good read bro - mabuti at napadpad ako dito sa topic na 'to

Tito Litsto

Yahoo! News - Child Advocates Win $27M Calif. Lottery

Yahoo! News - Child Advocates Win $27M Calif. Lottery

Talking about some blessing!! Good for you girl!!

Last week, though, Faris-Cifelli — who has had to rely on donations, grants and fund-raisers to give babies a decent burial — got a very different call. She had won the California lottery; the jackpot: $27 million.

"Maybe it's the children saying, `Thank you' for taking care of them when nobody else would," Faris-Cifelli said, bubbling with laughter. "It's a gift and one for which we feel an awesome responsibility."

Rest of the article

The only bike riding I've been doing is on this bike trainer. I usually do a 30 minutes stretch. By the end of that 30 minutes I'm sweating buckets. I had such time and opportunity this afternoon- took some time off to ride on the trainer. Felt so good after.

Looking forward to days like this :) Maybe, like Paul, I should pick up a winter sport activity. He goes snow boarding. How about snow shoeing? Well there's still my indoor tennis membership which only expires April 2005.

Thank You Lord

I walked into my daughters' bedroom this morning and rather than get upset because of such a messy, unkept room, I gave thanks to the Lord for moments like this one. Soon scenes like this will be no more, when they all have grown up and moved out and have their own place. This morning, as any regular weekday morning, Pam's gone to work and Trish has gone to school. Everyone's rushing out to be on time at work and school. Thank You Lord for scenes like this at home.

Barb's bouquet - finally delivered.

See previous post for backgrounder.

After the festivities at the restaurant, by the way, it was at Pavillon Wong Restaurant, Pastor Dave's favorite Chinese buffet place, I called Paul on his cell phone just to let him know about the flowers in the trunk of the car.

It turns out that he did not go to the game because he felt tired and sleepy. Tired because he also played three tennis matches the day before (Saturday, Dec 4), sleepy because he came home late, early Sunday morning, from a party.

Nil and Trish went ahead with Karen to the Smith's place while I went home to get the flowers from Paul's car. It was kept very fresh while inside the trunk of the car, considering it was -5C yesterday afternoon :)

Voici, Voila :)

Pastor Dave and Barb expressing their appreciation to the members of the congregation present.

It was after this portion of the loosely orchestrated program we were going to present Barb with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. But, the flowers were nowhere to be found :(

While loading stuff from the church into my car- amplifier, mics, wires, etc, Colleen, the overall coordinator for this event, handed me the bouquet, and so taking it, I put the bouquet in the trunk of Paul's car (which I was going to drive to church). I asked Paul, Tita Nil, and Trish to go ahead, take may car, so they may start the set up, some decorations (balloons which were also in my car). I drove Paul's car to the restaurant, unloaded, set up, and all that stuff.

Paul had to leave early because of a basketball game his team was scheduled to play. He took his car with Barb's flowers in the trunk :(

I asked Colleen that I should make the explanation for the fiasco, and credit to our understanding brothers and sisters, specially Barb, grace was shown to Tito Lits :)

My daughter Pam addressing Pastor Dave and Barb. Pam, together with Carole Ball, and Sheriane Cowie are the ministry coordinators of Graceland. Barb, Pastor Dave's wife, was the ministry coordinator- overall previously. Graceland uses the curriculum produced by Willowcreek Community Church, Barrington, Ill.

Earl, one of our Elders board members, gave a rendition of the his version of the Brady Bunch song which he called "The Davie Bunch" :)

Fairview Alliance Church hosted a farewell and appreciation lunch in honor of Pastor Dave Smith and his family. They will be moving to Cobourg, Ontario, end of this month, Lord willing. Cobourg is a good 4 hours drive from Montreal. Pastor Dave will be the new Senior Pastor of Cobourg Alliance Church.
l-r: Sheriane Cowie (coordinator, works with my daughter Pam, Graceland Ministries, a children's ministry of Fairview Alliance Church), Pastor Dave, Barb, a couple of guests, friends of their children.

The Place Ville Marie building Christmas Tree. As I turned around, after taking the other photo (see previous post), this is what you'll see. This tree of lights greets visitors to the Place Ville Marie complex (business offices, stores, boutiques, restaurants, also connected to the Train station). Right underneath is the entrance and exit of the parking lot.

As you exit the parking complex of the Place Ville Marie building (downtown Montreal) you are greeted by this awesome sight. You see this festive, brightly lit street, McGill College St, all dressed up for the Christmas season. At the farther end of this street (towards the left of the picture) is the entrance to McGill University.
To the right side of the photo you will see the Boccacino's restaurant, one of our favorites. There's also the Van Houtte coffee shop beside it.
In between where I stood to take the photo and the entrance to McGill University is St.Catherine St. where you will find boutiques and fine stores.
BTW, this was around 1:00AM, hardly any traffic downtown (maybe because they are still inside partying:)

View from the top floor of Altitude 737. The doctors of the cardiology department of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital hosted this, the department's Christmas party. Very good choice of venue, ambiance, food, music, the company- all great!! I'm glad Nil and I decided to attend.

Red Team, inter-color tennis doubles / mix doubles tournament champions.

Congratulations, welcome, the newly elected officers of the Filipino Tennis Association of Quebec, l-r: Precy Nombrado, Doc- Dr. Ruben Caranza, Bobby Araneta, Roger Bonyad, and Allan. The reception: Christmas party, induction of officers, awards ceremony - was held at the Peche Peche Restaurant in Dollard Des Ormeaux (one of my favorite spot for seafood).

Filipino Tennis Association of Quebec (Montreal) Christmas Party, Induction of new officers, awards for the recently concluded Inter-color tennis tournament held this past two weeks at the Gran Chelem Tennis and Racquet Club.
My doubles partner was Nancy Sarazola, daughter of our dear friend, the late Ike Sarazola.
Our first game was scheduled for 7:30AM. Our first game was a #$@!&*%$# forget it. Do I need to say more?? :) We lost a game we could have easily won by all accounts- the only explanation - we were half awake :)
We redeemed ourselves by beating all other opponents easily (two matches Saturday afternoon).
My legs are still sore :)

Congratulations Trish!! Most Valuable Player, All Star Game, GMAA Volleyball, December 4,2004.

Congratulations Trish!! Most Valuable Player, All Star Game, GMAA Volleyball, December 4, 2004.
We're all proud of you Trish.
BTW, Trish is also team captain of the Riverdale High School girl's volleyball team two years in a row. Yeah baby!!
Trish also plays basketball with the Riverdale High School girl's basketball team. Congratulations on your first win ever this past Friday :) hehehe, finally got one :)


Montreal Gazette Article

Most valuable player, GMAA all star game, girl's volleyball

Congratulations Trish!! Most Valuable Player, All Star Game, GMAA Volleyball, December 4,2004.

Award included: a certificate, an official Baden volleyball, team t-shirt, Dawson College sweat shirt.

Holiday Cheer, The Reason For The Season

Subject: Holiday Cheer, The Reason For The Season

What's on my mind

Let's not forget the reason for the season and the One that gives our spirit the true, real, deep, long lasting holiday cheer, even after this other month of December passes by.

Like many adults, chances are I'll be, if I let my guard down, caught up with the so called "holiday rush". Rush for what?

For starters, Christmas gift shopping - I've decided, for our household anyway, we would give presents only to the children, nephews, nieces. Have we started? Not yet. I thought that we'd budget $10 - $15 per child, setting that "child" age limit to 16 years old. Maybe gift certificates will be the way to go.

Spending

Finances usually get tested around this time of the year. Buyer, or should I say, spender beware. Are you going to be putting many of your purchases on credit, plastic, line of credit, etc.? Beware.

Parties, Get together

This Friday Tita Nil and I will be attending their department's Christmas Party (Cardiology Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital). It will be at the Altitude 737, atop the Place Ville Marie.

Early Saturday, 7:30AM, I've got a Tennis match, mix doubles. This will be interesting as I haven't played tennis for a couple of months, at least. I am rehearsing, practicing my moves, in my mind. I keep reminding myself, this is not a pro level match, most people participating are weekend warriors, probably in the same boat as I am, with very little practice. I have been riding my bike mostly during the summer and have not been inside the tennis club for awhile, I wonder how it looks like now :) I better look for my tennis bag, and hopefully my tennis racquets are inside, yeah racquets, plural, just in case I break a string.

Breaking a string

Allow me to get side track, or really, back track. This past Sunday I was designated, assigned to lead the Praise & Worship segment of our Sunday Worship (Mass) Service. Pastor Bill will be preaching and Pastor Dave's away, scheduled to preach at the Cobourg Alliance Church, where he will become the Senior Pastor beginning of January 2005. Search for a new Senior Pastor Story will be covered sometime- should I remember :)

Included in this Sunday's program is a segment to remember our departed sister Tammy Shaikh who passed away one year ago now. With the publicity surrounding her death in the hands of her estranged husband Tommy and the recent sentencing of Tommy, some of the media will be covering the Sunday service. Indeed the media came with their reporters and cameramen.

I thought it would be wise to bring a back up guitar, just in case I broke a string. It happened before during a heavily attended service, thank God we had a another guitarist on hand. So I was able to play my heart out, strumming hard on those strings without fear of breaking any and being left empty handed, without an instrument afterwards. Oh yeah, I remember once that I continued to play with a string broken :)

Back to tennis- breaking a string

When you least expect to break one, that's when it happens. Even if you have to bring a crappy tennis racquet as a back up, bring it anyway. Better to be able to continue to play than forfeit the game and walk away scratching your head.

Back to looking ahead this week - get together - rush

So Friday night, dinner at that fine place atop the Place Ville Marie followed by an early Saturday tennis game.

This early Saturday tennis match will be followed by at least two other matches after lunch. I really look forward to this tennis invitational, more fun and catching up with one anothers happenings than a competitive game, but at the same time I am not sure if I will have the strength to attend the Dessert Night hosted by Pastor Dave and family at their home. I'll remember to bring a couple of bottles of Gatorade; it should help me from cramping, and also I should bring some rubbing ointment for those soon to be aching muscles :)

Sunday morning service, have not heard yet from Pastor Bill, I believe he is putting together the songs, arrangements for this Sunday service. Right after service, 1:00PM, we have a Farewell and Appreciation Lunch in honor of Pastor Dave and Family at the Pavillon Wong Restaurant.

Business

Sure do hope that business will continue to flow our way this month of December. Bills and taxes to pay, gifts to buy, and let's not forget to give a small portion back to Him who provides all our needs faithfully.