Panic at the Drive Thru!

It was a long day at school, too exhausted to cook, I decided fast food was the best way to go.  On the way home, McDonald's was the closest so I pulled up to the drive-thru. 

After I confirmed my order, I drove to up to the window to make payment.  The cashier happily greeted me as I handed her my I.D. and credit card.  She swiped the card and told me that the card declined. In disbelief, I quickly asked her to swipe it again and she said it still declined.  I was completely embarrassed and I told her that couldn't be right as I had a hefty amount in my account because I received funds to pay my Spring tuition. 

At that time, I panicked because there was a bunch of cars behind me. I was debating to leave and drive off as I assumed that I didn't have enough cash on hand to make payment.  But I thought that would be a not-so-nice thing to do so immediately I ransacked my car for any possible means of payment. My heart was racing, still embarrassed I asked her what the expiration date was on the card, and she informed me that it was 2018.  I continued to panic, more like freak out because ordering at the drive-thru is a simple task; you drive up, order, pay, pick-up and enjoy! I kept apologizing for holding up the line.  I kept repeating how embarrassed I was. 

After I continued to search, I found a $20 bill tucked in in my backpack pocket and paid her.  She gave me my change and I proceeded to the next window.  When I was receiving my order, I kept apologizing for the wait but the attendant reassured me it was fine, no problem. 

I parked and called my husband and informed him of the mishap.  He told me to come home and call the bank.  When I arrived at home my husband said that we still have a substantial amount in our account per the bank's website.  After speaking to the online teller, she divulged that the bank was having internet problems and it was their end causing the inconvenience.  She apologized for the error and bid me a good day.  Although it wasn't my fault, I still felt embarrassed because I didn't want to waste food, even junk food.

Trash those Toxins!

I completed a ten-day detox with Synergy Studios that was funded by the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Care Foundation.

The Detox benefits are:

·        Improves overall health and vitality

·        Increases energy levels

·        Improves digestion

·        Helps control weight (even weight loss in some cases)

·        Decreases risk of disease and chronic health conditions

·        General ability to live lighter in body, mind and spirit!

The menu was basically a shake for breakfast, hearty meal for lunch and rejuvenating salad for dinner.  The ingredients were all vegan, meaning we could not eat anything that had eyeballs. 

NO MILK, EGGS, MEAT, SUGAR OR WHITE RICE!

Could I actually survive, I wondered!

The vegetables that we needed to stay away from were potatoes, corn, eggplant, mushroom and peas as it doesn’t digest well.

When I first started this diet, I was real tired and easily annoyed.  I didn’t feel good about myself, especially how I would be agitated by the smallest of incidents. 

The Master Cleanse which was taken during the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th days is a concoction that was created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941 that would eliminate toxins and congestion build up in the body.

While on this cleanse, we weren’t allowed to have ANY solid foods.  It was hard to just drink this for the three days, as we had a birthday celebration at Tumon Sands Join US restaurant that evening, so I “cheated” by eating the salad without the dressing though.  I kept munching on all kinds of fruits and I managed to drink 4 gallons of the cleanse.

As I reflect on this experience, it has taught me to drink more water, control my portions and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.  If I had the opportunity to do this again, I certainly would, but the program must be free as it is quite expensive to purchase the ingredients, plus I want to be able to make it at my home instead of picking up at the Synergy Studios in Maite every morning 5 a.m. – 8 a.m.  

 

This dish is called Tinaktak, it is Tofu with coconut milk, tomatoes, green beans and brown rice.  I love that I don't notice the meat missing from this local dish.

Dolphin Watch

What a beautiful and gorgeous day this started out!  I was lucky to find parking on this sharp and stimulating Saturday morning.  When I first arrived three of my classmates with their family members were already seated at the top deck, calm and cool in their sunglasses and island attire.  The crew was very helpful in getting us situated by announcing where we could settle in.  I was a bit apprehensive on this boat ride as I easily get motion sickness but as I stabilized myself, I didn’t feel the abrupt movement as like the smaller vessels I’ve been on plus it helped that the sea was not rough.  We were also being offered sea sickness medicine but I refused because I remembered the time I took, it made the situation worse and I was throwing up so bad that my back was hurting and I couldn’t enjoy the outing. 

As the rest of the gang trickled in, I noticed many smiling and happy faces piling into the 53 foot Catamaran and I knew we were going to have a great adventure.  The food spread was extensive and very delicious.  My classmates were very generous with the potluck and we almost finished the food.  As the vessel slowly pulled out of the dock and headed out to the big blue ocean waters we saw huge parts of the island terrain.

Some of the mountain sides were scarred with many patches of soil, devoid of vegetation which we discussed in the classroom; which led me to see firsthand what it is like to ensure that we take care of not only our oceans but our lands which majority of the population live on.  As we passed a couple of boats, we saw one that was being chased by dolphins, I didn’t capture any pictures of them but they were a sight to witness.  The dolphins swam in groups of three and we kept trying to keep count on when they would come up to the surface, but our timing was off.  Someone mentioned that they were attracted to the waves the boat was making through the water.  That was one highlight of the day.

As we traveled further out to sea we saw a huge land mass that possibly could be a habitat for humans, perhaps a rich, tycoon could afford to convert it to a nice lodge or bungalow, but then again some parts of nature should be left alone for the true beauty to be preserved.  When it was time to anchor the boat, I was super excited.  I didn’t hesitate to get into the water that I forgot that I wasn’t a good swimmer and failed to wear a life vest.  But I soon lost most of my fear and wandered around in the deep blue. I got me a snorkel and tried to venture down to the bottom but that didn’t happen as I wasn’t that strong enough to submerge myself but I had so much fun swimming.  I saw many types of fish, but none of which my brothers would bring home for the family to eat, as the boat crew started tossing bits of bread and hotdog around me to lure them in our swimming area.  I saw the bottom of the sea floor and it was quite mesmerizing as I saw fish coming out of the rocks and corals to come up and feed.  Someone saw a turtle but I wasn’t fast enough to see it. 

This field trip gave us opportunity to view other aspects of ECOTOURISM.  Guam’s economy is driven with the sights and experiences nature has to offer.  In fact, Tourism is one of the top three ways Guam thrives economically.  With advances in transportation and data innovation, even the most remote places of the earth are viewable to the curious, locals and tourists alike. Truth be told, tourism is currently the world's biggest industry, with nature tourism the quickest developing section. Individuals need to experience nature and the world, yet ought to attempt to do as such in a way that doesn't affect the indigenous habitat. In light of this expanding venture for nature encounters, another travel ethic has emerged called ecotourism.  There are several ways that tourists and locals can enjoy what Guam has to offer throughout its beautiful waters.  The ocean is wide, deep, and full of mystery. It is one of the parts of the Earth most people have yet to see.  We’ve always loved to swim at the beach and be amazed with colorful coral reefs as we snorkel, but we’ve never known everything about the waters – the deepest, darkest parts of it. We’re not even sure if we’re ready to explore it or just prefer to leave it untouched. 

Here are a few ways we can enjoy Guam’s tropical waters.

Boat Charters. Guam has several boat operations providing day and evening charters, snorkeling, dolphin watching and on-board bar-b-ques. Many are available for parties and special occasions. Guam offers excellent wind conditions for sailing, without fighting rough surf.  Vessels can launch in selected areas for snorkeling, diving and fishing.  Sometimes dolphins frolic in front of sailing vessels, and if you are lucky you may see a turtle or whale.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. Guam's extraordinarily clear waters with temperature 82-86 degree year round, boasts a pristine undersea life and various World War II remnants which make it one of the best nature sites on the planet offered to tourists and locals.  Extraordinary encounters can be experienced through photography; you must be mindful to not disturb the reef inhabitants by removing or destroying coral.  Diving adventures can be started from the shore or on a boat but you must abide by the laws and regulations of water safety.           

Deep Sea Sport Fishing. Located in the Pacific Ocean just to the West of the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the Ocean in the World, and ringed with coral reefs, Guam offers some of the best open ocean sport-fishing in the world.  Schedule with one of the local fishing charter boats and head out for sailfish, marlin, yellow fin, mahi-mahi, skipjack, wahoo and much more. The charter captain will provide the gear and bait and know where to go to bring back the fish.  All you need to do is relax and enjoy.

Water Parks and Beach Clubs.   Businesses have beach buddies on shore who offer a wide array of water activities closer to land such as kayaking, windsurfing, water aerobics, swimming pools and water slides.  You could also go outside the shoreline towards the reef with jet skis, paddle boats, canoes and parasails hooked on speed boats. 

Ecotourism has wonderful qualities because it gives the people employment which bolsters curiosity for the unknown as well as local legends.  With government and private sectors working together a lot of areas can be discovered and enjoyed for the future generations.  I understand that areas cannot afford the presence of humans because of the destruction caused by paving roads or paths but there are safe ways though arduous exercise that we can observe and capture these natural wonders.  Be that as it may, this same development opens doors for both preservation and neighborhood groups to take part and claim pride and ownership of our island’s well-being. 

Ecotourism is very important and easy way to provide revenue, but we must take great heed when we venture out to the waters by not disturbing and destroying the ecosystems.  We must be fully aware and responsible by not polluting the waters, with human debris and waste.  We can have fun and fully enjoy the myriads of sites the ocean has to offer but as with every activity we do, it must be with done with moderation and great care.
*Margarita Boat Charters

Penguins eat fish!

I have been watching a bunch of TV lately as one way to take a break from homework and to alleviate the tension of waiting for Season 7 of The Walking Dead.  One show that I enjoy is Gotham, which stars the character Penguin played by Robin Lord Taylor.  

I am more interested in the character Oswald Cobblepot aka Penguin as opposed to the actor because he is all grey; he is a bad guy with a moral high ground or a good guy with the moral low ground. 

Whenever he comes on screen I always cheer for him, whether he kills people for fun or need, he always comes out on top.  He is humble and is forgiving when he gets bullied or beaten up.  He owns up to his mistakes and just tries to make wrong, right.  He just wants to be King of Gotham City.  He loves his mother so much and even if she makes a fool of herself by singing off-key on stage, he sees only her beauty and love.

I love that he has a disability, with a splayed foot, he walks like a penguin yet he looks debonair and handsome with his signature 1960's suit, pointy shiny shoes and black umbrella.  He is proven to be an essential character in the show.  With manipulation and deceit, its hard for me to predict his next move and that is the reason he is fun to watch.

The scene I really liked is when he expresses to  Edward Nygma (Riddler/Friend) that he is afraid of Fish Mooney (his ex-boss) and Nygma with sleight of hand creates an origami penguin and says, "Always remember, Penguins EAT fish!"

Squash that Bug!

At the South Pacific Memorial Peace Park in Yigo, I tried to get a good picture of the praying hands memorial and the coconut tree in the foreground caught my attention. 

This tree was ravaged by the disgusting Rhino beetle.  The technology that was created to eradicate this invasive species is not working. 

An excerpt from Guam Pacific Daily News,

Rhino Beetle caught in tekken, net

First a virus that has helped control previous infestations of rhino beetles in other islands doesn’t affect the ones found here, accordingto researchers. It seems the beetles in Guam have developed immunity to the virus known as Oryctes nudivirus, said Aubrey Moore, a University of Guam entomologist.

Rhino beetle bore holes into trunk

The virus is the most effective means to take care of the beetles, Moore said. Other methods include using a fungus that attacks the beetles. This method has been effective with the Guam rhino beetles, but doesn’t have as great an impact as the virus, he said.

Tekken wrapped around trunk of coconut tree

Bundles of  tekken, or gill net, material are photographed attached to a coconut tree outside the Agriculture and Life Science building at the University of Guam. Roland Quitugua, University of Guam's Cooperative Extension Outreach extension agent, says the method, which he calls the bowtie method, has been found to be effectiveness to a point, of protecting the trees from the invasion of coconut rhinoceros beetles. Quitugua found that some beetles looking to nest or feed on the tree, become entangled in the netting. (PDN)

“Failure to act will result in the rapid spread of the beetle with damage to economic activity and food security through many of the most vulnerable parts of the tropical world,” Trevor Jackson of AgResearch New Zealand said.

This is very disheartening news because many Island nations use the coconut for means of safeguarding their culture.  In turn, if we squash this beetle we can preserve our culture because I believe culture is how we thrive as a human and how we deal with challenges in the future.

Flower power!

Tonight with the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Care Foundation, I had an opportunity to learn some art techniques using pencils and acrylic paint.

First, the instructor had us introduce ourselves and express what makes us happy.  I declared that I am blessed to have my husband, Danny, as he is my support system in every aspect.  Some said, the joy of a newborn child in the household and others mentioned helping others keeps them happy.

After we became acquainted, Mr. Lee San Nicolas disclosed to us that he had been painting for 10 years now and that he is working on getting his master's degree in Art.  He then proceeded to explain to us regarding the equipment that we were going to use and just told us to illustrate what we see as happiness.  My hand was a bit heavy when holding the brushes and applying the colors that my drawing was dark, but with time and practice I can control the strokes. Most of us drew flowers and sunrises and our instructor was really impressed with our creations.  An outpouring of oohs, aahs and laughter were heard throughout the evening as we admired each other's handiwork as well.

Altogether, we all felt good and drawing helped release some of our daily anxiety and stresses.  I recommend to anyone to take up scrapbooking, journaling, and photography as a way to memorialize and celebrate your life’s milestones.  It will be a lasting treasure for all to see and a great way to feel good about yourself as we all go through strife and hardship.

Community calling

Although we are all smiles in the picture, we (GCC ESO) were saddened by the tragedy that happened to the children in the village of Yigo.  On September 27, news spread through social media that a fire broke out and five children, all girls, were pronounced dead.  The family was living in an abandoned structure in Chalan Ge'Halom in Yigo and according to Guam PDN, an unattended candle was the cause of the fire.  "Yigo family fire" PDN. 2016. Web

I can't imagine the deep sadness of their family members upon hearing this painful message.  Moreso, as a future educator, I wonder how the teachers handled speaking to the children's classmates of this unfortunate crisis; a task that I honestly would not know how to manage.

Through our plea, we collected donations such as food, clothing and toys.  I heard through WhatsApp(group chat for online phone texts) UOG students through the collection of Education Majors amassed a little over nine hundred dollars to help with burial expenses.

Donations are still being accepted by the Yigo Mayor Rudy Matanane.  In fact, families around the island are always in need, any offerings for them can be received at any mayor office, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Island Girl Power, check a location close to you. 

It feels good when you are the answer to someone's prayer.