The High Road | December 2010 | The Holiday Issue | Volume 2. No. 1

DECEMBER 2010 — GUAM’S GUIDE TO ELEVATING YOUR LIFE | LIVING | FITNESS | STYLE | TECH | STRONGER MIND + BODY

ALL NEW RIDES! SEE THE FAMILY FRIENDLY 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY

www.highroadmagazine.com

• ABOUT THE KIDS: HOW TO MAKE IT MORE MAGICAL • GIFT GUIDES FOR ALL BUDGETS AND INTENTIONS • EXPERT ADVICE: A MOM’S HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

PAGE 4

PICk UP YOUR FREE COPY AT ANY OF THE FOLLOwING LOCATIONS: 76/Circle K Agana Shopping Center: Casa de Essence, Gino’s, Java Junction, SM B&J Video, Anigua Ben Franklin’s Craft Store Champion Sporting Goods, Upper Tumon Coldstone Creamery: Micronesia Mall, GPO Faith Book Store Feathers N Fins FHP Clinic Hava Java, Hagatna Hertz locations Hollywood Theaters, Guam Premier Outlet JB’s Ukele Hut, Hagåtña Kim Chee, Agat

Mark’s Sporting Goods MCV Broadband Macheche Location McDonald’s: Hagatna, Tamuning Micronesia Mall Theatres Mobil, Participating locations: Upper Tumon, Apra Heights, Airport, East Hagatna, Fatima, Adelup Opus One in Anigua Oriental Supermarket, Agat Outback Steakhouse Paradise Fitness Center: Hagåtña, Dededo Payless Supermarkets: Micronesia Mall & Yigo locations

PMC Clinic Port of Mocha, Tumon and Micronesia Mall PROA Restaurant Rambies: Micronesia Mall, Hafa Adai Exchange Seaside Fish Mart Shell SHIMBROS/Rhythm & Brews The Piazza, Hagatna Town House Furniture Store Triple J Auto Group Locations Triple J Commercial Tire Center Tropical Living, Hagatna Video Queen, Agat Video Quest, Tamuning

publisher’s post 12.10

By Norman Analista

Christmas in the Philippines Comes with a Valuable Lesson I love Christmas! Everything about the “season of giving” is uplifting, that no matter whether you’re an adult or child; all can enjoy the blessed occasion marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

“As I handed it to them, they said, “Thank you,” and I could tell by the sincerity in their soft-spoken voices and look in their teary eyes it was much appreciated.”

Lately, however, Christmas has been overrun with lists and budgets, which I think distract from the meaning of the special occasion. There was one special Christmas from my past however, that taught me a valuable lesson and continues to shape my perception of the celebration today. The year was 1990 when I was left without presents under a tree, or envelopes to open.

My parents and I took a holiday vacation to the Philippines where there was a lot I had to get accustomed to. Instead of

strings of blinking lights like on local residences, colorful decorative lanterns were strung up in provincial Pinoy homes.

Families made do with what little they had to capture the festive spirit. In our humble residence, a bamboo plant with gold and red foil ornaments took the place of a fresh, bushy Douglas Fir. The bamboo didn’t take a place of prominence and was tucked in a corner. To me, it lacked the stature and fragrance of a majestic tree worthy of being the collecting place for presents.

On the eve of the 25th, my mom called me over and pulled out Filipino pesos, already counted and folded. She instructed me to give them to a dozen of my relatives. As I handed it to them, they said, “Thank you,” and I could tell by the sincerity in their softspoken voices and look in their teary eyes it was much appreciated.

After making my rounds, I sat quietly beside my parents.

Midnight came and went, but nothing was handed to me – just a promise came from mom that she’d get me something

definition: the high road also high·road n. The most positive, diplomatic, or ethical course.

back home.

At first it was disappointing to sit there empty-handed.

But after much reflection, I accepted my experience as a very deep, enlightening one. I did in fact get a present — a lifechanging one at that. I felt what it was like to give joy to others — not get something in return — and despite that, to be genuinely satisfied!

In closing, we hope you enjoy our December edition and first anniversary issue!

Our team is deeply humbled by the support and generosity we’ve received from our readers, advertisers, and contributors in the magazine’s first year of publication. Now more than ever, we remain committed to providing you with resources that you could use to improve your health and well-being, relationships, and finances.

As always, we thank you for taking The High Road!

Sincerely,

Publisher Norman Analista Editor & DESIGNER Carlo Cariño Writers Hernalin Analista Leo Babauta Dave Currie, Ph. D. Jill Espiritu Sean Fitzsimmons, M.D. Peter Lombard, M.D. Steve Oshiro MaryAnn Pangelinan Dave Ramsey Photography Eugene C. Herrera ADVERTISING SALES Greg Esplana Published by Triple J Creative Services For advertising Inquiries contact: Tel: 648-6081 Fax: 649-3679 marketing@triplejguam.com THE HIGH ROAD Vol. 2 No. 1 is published 12 times per year (monthly) by Triple J Creative Services, 157 South Marine Corps Drive Tamuning, Guam 96913; (671) 646-9126. Copyright 2010

by Triple J Creative Services. All rights reserved. The reporting in THE HIGH ROAD is meant to increase your knowledge in various areas of life and wellbeing. Because everyone is different, the ideas expressed and research shared cannot be used to diagnose or treat individual health or other problems. Seek professional help. The views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Triple J Creative Services, its staff, management or its Board of Directors. Triple J Creative Services makes no representation concerning and does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.

http://www.highroadmagazine.com

DECEMBER 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 | Rides: The new Honda Odyssey 6 | Relationships: A Restoration of Giving

28 | Home: Bake a Home for The Holidays

8 | Community Pulse

30 | Parenting: Passing Lessons Down to Your Children

10 | Ask Dave: Financial advice from Dave Ramsey

32 | Shopping: How to Shop Like a Financial Planner

12 | Fitness

34 | Gift Guide: New Gift Ideas for All

16 | Home Decor: An Elegant Wreath You Can Make at Home 17 | Style: The Gift of Presence 23 | Parenting: Give Your Kids a Magical Christmas 24 | Social Studies: End of the Year discussion

38 17

36 | Bright Ideas: A Mom’s Holiday Survival Guide 37 | See Clearly: Vision Myths Busted

28

38 | Dining Out: Truong’s Restaurant 40 | Editor’s Note: A Look Back at Year One of The High Road

26 | Live Easy: Life-Changing Gifts for under $10

DECEMBER 2010 — GUAM’S GUIDE TO ELEVATING YOUR LIFE | LIVING | FITNESS | STYLE | TECH | STRONGER MIND + BODY

ALL NEW RIDES! SEE THE FAMILY FRIENDLY 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY

www.highroadmagazine.com

• ABOUT THE KIDS: HOW TO MAKE IT MORE MAGICAL • GIFT GUIDES FOR ALL BUDGETS AND INTENTIONS • EXPERT ADVICE: A MOM’S HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

PAGE 4

Mr. and Mrs. Audie and Jennifer Artero and their two children Reese (7) and Niiah (5) look forward to Christmas every year, which they describe as their favorite holiday.

As part of their family tradition, the Arteros watch the classic film, “The Sound of Music.” Photography

by Rob Tenorio, Expressions Studio.

rides 12.10

4 the high road DECEMBER 2010

you’ll never regret 12.10

RESTORATION OF GIVING

Turning Your Christmas Inside Out! We often hear the quote, “It is better to give than receive.”

Deep down in our hearts, we know it is true yet, that’s not the way Christmas is celebrated in most families. We have inadvertently taught our children that Christmas is the time to really cash in on getting what they want. It becomes an expectation. Christmas is about getting. family in the true spirit of this season become less self-absorbed and more enamored with giving of yourselves to others. Allow me to give you some suggestions of how your family can have the best Christmas ever.

I have listed 12 ways to ‘turn your Christmas inside out’.

These gifts need to spring from your heart — the inside — and they explode outward into the lives of people in your world, turning your Christmas inside out!

With the help of each family member, see if you can give five of these gifts away. For a real challenge, do all of them in the 12 days of Christmas fashion.

Read, discuss, and decide as a family which of these gifts you want to give.

1 Now don’t get me wrong. I am not a scrooge. I love the gift giving tradition at Christmas. As a child, I too loved receiving gifts and didn’t start buying gifts for others until I was a teen. Still, I am a sappy sentimentalist and I love buying gifts for my kids and

6 the high road DECEMBER 2010

grandkids far more than I enjoyed getting them as a child. I guess it is part of the life cycle, likely for all of us.

We all know the true meaning of Christmas is about giving – “For God so loved that He Gave...” My challenge is that you and your

Affirmation

Write a letter to a person where this could be their last Christmas.

Whether age or health issues complicate their future, share your appreciation for what they mean to you. It could be family, friends or a neighbor.

2

Invitation

Add a plate at your table for your Christmas turkey dinner and

invite someone who is away from their family either by distance or differences. Make them feel welcome into your family traditions.

3

Tribute

Choose someone very close to you and create a Facebook message declaring to the world the love and respect you have for them.

4

Phone Call

Reconnect with an old friend or extended family member that you haven’t talked to for years to reminisce about days gone by, get caught up on their life and thank them for their love and friendship.

5

A GIFT OF Encouragement Write a card to someone that you feel needs your support as this time. Whether they have been through a tough season, a loss of a job, or health or financial pressures, God knows they could use your words of hope and support.

Send your questions to Dr. Dave at drdave@doingfamilyright.com or visit his website www.doingfamilyright.com for tons of great relational help. Get Dr. Dave’s daily marriage and family tips by following him on Twitter - www.twitter.com/ doingfmilyright

These gifts need to spring from your heart — the inside — and they explode outward into the lives of people in your world, turning your Christmas inside out!

6

Your Presence Drop in on a “shut-in” as a family and bring Christmas to them.

Sing a carol or two, share a dessert you bring, read the Christmas story and give them a small token of your love for them.

7

Forgiveness

Within your own or your extended family, identify a hurting relationship and over the Christmas season seek to reconcile with that person offering your

love and desire for restoration.

8

Blessing

Write a note of affirmation to each of the members of your immediate family to share the reasons why you love and appreciate them.

9

Cash

In the random act of kindness fashion, look for someone who is struggling financially and could use the help. Simply put cash in an envelope with an anony-

mous note of support and leave it where they will find it.

10

Effort

Do some work for someone — help them clean house, yard, decorate for Christmas, or babysit so they can shop,

11

a gift of Understanding Attend a Christmas event or church service in your community for the sole purpose of re-

establishing the truth of what Christmas really is about. Invite someone to come with you.

12

A Gift to God Spend an uninterrupted hour alone with God to thank Him for what He’s done for you and discuss your life with Him and what changes He would want you to make this next year.

It is my hope that your decision to take the challenge to turn your Christmas inside out will be one of the most rewarding experiences for you, your marriage, and family. In doing so, you will receive the biggest blessing out of giving – matching the true spirit of the season. You’ll never regret putting your marriage and family first as you help them put others first. God bless your Christmas! ■

If you have a positive photo of community interest, send it to community@highroadmagazine.com and we might include it in a future issue of The High Road.

Triple J Enterprises, Inc. donated $2,500 to Sanctuary Incorporated, a beneficiary of the 5th Annual Triple J 5K held on November 13. Pictured from left to right from Sanctuary are: Katharine Dominguez, Human Resource Manager; George Salas, Program Director; Kelly Jenson, Program Manager, Jeff Jones, Executive Vice President, Triple J Enterprises, Inc., Millie Lujan, Interim Executive Director, Sanctuary; Jay Jones, Vice President, Triple J Enterprises, Inc., OJ Taitano, Acting Project Administrator and Lisa Settles, Program Manager both from Sanctuary.

Triple J Enterprises, Inc. also donated proceeds from the 5th Annual Triple J 5K, to the Oasis Empowerment Center.

The center received a check for $2,500. Pictured from left to right are Jeff Jones, Ray Rupley, Executive Office Manager/Vocational Advisor, Oasis Empowerment Center, and Jay Jones.

8 the high road DECEMBER 2010

finances 12.10

NEW MARRIAGES AND MONEY and end up regretting it later!

— Dave ............................................

Dear Dave, My girlfriend and I have been dating for about three years, and we’re talking about getting married. I have some money saved up and would like to buy her a nice engagement ring. Do you have any guidelines on how much to spend on something like this? — Dustin

Dear DUSTIN,

Dear Dave, My fiancé and I are looking to buy a house a couple of months after we’re married.

We’ve saved about $50,000 toward the down payment, and the payments on the house we like would only be $202 a month on a 15-year mortgage.

Does this sound like a good idea? — Robbie

Dear Robbie, You guys have done a great job saving up all that money.

But I think newly-married couples should wait at least a year before buying a house. In that first year of marriage you’ll get

10 the high road DECEMBER 2010

to know each other even better than you do now. It will also give you time to figure out just how far away from your in-laws you want to live!

Spend the first year loving each other, and mapping out a plan for your lives together.

You can save even more money in the meantime, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to pay cash for that first home when time rolls around.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to run straight to the real estate office right after you slip the rings on each other’s fingers. That’s a mistake lots of young couples make,

If you’re working a good, steady, full-time job, I think a good rule of thumb for engagement rings is one month’s pay.

Some jewelry stores will tell you two or even three months’ pay, but that’s just too much. Lots of people get engaged or married with cheaper rings, and the relationship and the jewelry last just fine.

Trust me, there’s absolutely no statistical correlation between the price of the ring and the length of the marriage!

Jewelry stores have huge mark-ups on diamonds, so make sure you don’t buy it at a typical mall or franchise shop.

You want someone who’s a diamond broker, or even a highend pawn shop. You can save literally 50 percent buying from places like these. But in either case, you need to look around and find someone you can trust, because if you’re like me, you’re probably not a diamond expert.

Remember, too, that diamonds are not an investment.

In two decades, I’ve never seen the diamonds I’ve given my wife go up in value. And the whole “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” slogan is just a bunch of advertising hype. Don’t fall for that stuff, either.

Be smart and buy smart, Dustin. It’s a great feeling to give the lady of your life a big sparkling rock, but you don’t have to break the bank to do it!

— Dave. ............................................

Dear Dave, I requested a copy of my credit report, and noticed there have been several instances where companies have asked for a copy of my report. I was under the impression that this could only be done if you were applying for credit. — Lynn

Dear LYNN, Under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act anyone with a valid business reason can check your report with, or without, your permission. Some employment applications even state they will be pulling a copy of your report as part of their screening process.

It sounds to me like you’ve gotten a bunch of marketing inquiries. That’s why your mailbox – like most – is full of unsolicited credit card and home equity loan offers.

But here’s the good news. You can put a block on your bureau for unsolicited marketing inquiries. This prevents companies from searching your bureau for the sole purpose of offering credit you didn’t request! — Dave ■ Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, popular national radio personality and the author of three New York Times best sellers – The Total Money Makeover, Financial Peace Revisited and More Than Enough. In them, Ramsey exemplifies his life’s work of teaching others how to be financially responsible. For more information visit www.daveramsey.com.

Na’metgot hao.

Get stronger.

Better qualified.

More employable.

Be ready for the upcoming military buildup by sharpening your skills and becoming the person who stands out when

employment opportunities arise. At Guam Community College, our programs will help you do that and more.

Register for Spring Semester at www.guamcc.edu.

Express Registration: Jan. 12 - 14 9 am - 5 pm

GCC Multipurpose Auditorium

fitness 12.10

12 the high road DECEMBER 2010

fitness 12.10

14 the high road DECEMBER 2010

decor 12.10

MAKE AN ELEGANT WREATh IN JUST 30 MINUTES A Christmas wreath provides the senses with many delights.

Not only do they look beautiful, but if you use pine they add a special scent around them.

You can also use ivy, eucalyptus sprays, wiry stems, or anything that your imagination conjures up.

It’s best to work on a table when preparing your wreath and then later hang it up to add the decorations and final touches. It’s easier to see where you need to add color through flowers, ornaments or ribbons when you’re at eye level with your wreath. Decide in advance what your color scheme will be. In this case, we departed from the traditional red and green for a more earthy look.

You will need: • Wiry twigs which can be bought at any craft store or trimmed from your Christmas tree

1

2

3

• Wire/wire cutter • Ribbon • Assorted Christmas ornaments • Silk or fresh flowers

INstructions:

Step 1: Fashion your twigs into a circle with

wire. In this case, we just used the greenery in one corner.

Step 2: Put crystals or other embellishments around your wreath

4

5

Jeffrey Popatco

Step 3:

Group your ornaments into clusters with wire and fasten them onto the wreath

Step 4: Insert your flowers into any gaps Step 5: Lastly, form your ribbon into bows and use wire to fasten them onto the wreath.

16 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Floral arrangement by Jeffrey Popatco, Diana’s Florist Photo Credit: Eugene C. Herrera

style 12.10

By Hernalin Analista

If you want to dress to impress this holiday season, take the time and effort to plan your look.

Create a presence when you enter a room and be rewarded with compliments and a boost of selfconfidence.

0 BOLD PAIRING: Play with nontraditional combinations. Try pairing a modern tux with a strapless satin cocktail dress. In choosing a tuxedo jacket, look for one that fits close to the body, as this will showcase your best feminine features.

Bobbie is wearing a black satin tuxedo blazer by Calvin Klein, green strapless satin dress by B. Darlin, and multi-colored cluster pendant necklace by Monet.

Bobbie Limtiaco

Mix colors and textures.

Don’t be afraid to introduce bright colors and bold prints into your wardrobe.

Choose pieces that are from the same color family.

When mixing textures, try contrasting silk and leather, lace with velvet, knits with patent, plaid with sequins.

On Marylou: black sheath dress with a pink pearl and rhinestone neckline by London Times, pink pearl stretch bracelets by Charter Club, and oversized pink and black gold ring by M Style Lab. On Maribel: peach v-neck empire dress

by American Rag, three-row big pearl link necklace by Macy’s, and matching stretch pearl bracelets by Charter Club.

On Rita: black and beige ruffled top by Grass, black trim skirt by Alfani, black and gray clustered pearl link necklace by Charter Club, and black charm bracelet by Guess.

On Bobbie: cobalt blue rayon empire dress

by Max Studio and black dangling onyx earrings by Ralph Lauren.

18 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Marilou Lacson

BOBBIE LIMTIACO

Rita Taitague

MARIBEL MENDOZA

0 Show off!: Be open to showing your less serious side with an interesting party outfit. Be experimental but cautious about going overboard and looking like Lady Gaga. Create a hip look without too many clashing elements. If your dress already has lots of details, then your accessories and shoes should not be over-the-top. Strive for balance. Use a simple dress with chunky accessories, or combine a bold dress with more subtle jewelry and shoes.

Blue tube top with bow accent by Rampage, black ruffled, bubble mini skirt by Grass, three-row silver and blue necklace

by Charter Club, blue gem dangling earrings by Monet, and silver crystal bangle bracelets by Charter Club.

20 the high road DECEMBER 2010

▲ EMBRACE SIMPLICITY

0 DRESS YOUR AGE Remember, your age determines the appropriateness of an outfit.

As a general rule of thumb, the older you are, the less skin should be revealed. For example, the hemline of a dress should always be increased an inch as you enter another decade.

Light blue silk top by Michael Kors, printed pencil skirt by Michael Kors, black and gray popcorn pearl necklace by Macy’s, and pewter pearl stretch bracelet by Macy’s.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the more outlandish an outfit is, the better it looks. On the contrary, a minimalist design has the potential to create a very dramatic effect. As the saying goes, less is more.

Blue and black snake-skin print belted dress by Michael Kors, black long, round necklace by Charter Club, and black charm bracelet by Guess.

GREG ESPLANA JAMES TERBIO Long-sleeved shirt in mulberry purple by Vintage Red and black gloss slim, straight leg jeans by Request Jeans.

MEN’S FASHION 1 Men generally have it easier when it comes to choosing the right attire. There are several options to explore: you can go dressier without overdoing it by using a jacket and no tie, or a sweater vest. A well-fitted long sleeve shirt and dark jeans are another way to go dressy-casual if that’s the look you’re going for.

CJ Urquico Black blazer by English Laundry, striped long-sleeved shirt by INC, and dark blue slim fit jeans by Projek Raw Jeans.

Light gray shirt by Geoffery Beene, striped necktie by Alfani, black diamond textured vest by Tasso Elba Golf, and gray pin-striped pants by Tommy Hilfiger.

CREDITS • Men’s and Women’s Clothing: Macy’s • Location: Sea Grill, Tumon • Photography by: Eugene C. Herrera • Stylist: Hernalin Analista 22 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Long-sleeved plaid shirt by Vintage Red and black cotton pants by Haggar.

parenting 12.10

JOY TO THE KIDS DON’T PASS HOLIDAY STRESS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN

As Christmas rapidly approaches, there’s a lot to look forward to. Many of us remember holiday seasons growing up where the anticipation was almost unbearable, and all the food and lights and family traditions added to the sense of wonder.

Every family is unique, but don’t we all want our children to experience a similar kind of joy during the holidays?

Since this can also be a stressful time of year for families, we should be purposeful about helping our kids get the most out of the holidays. As fathers, we can do a lot to set a positive tone for our families, and our modeling is vital. We don’t want to emulate some people we see, who approach the holidays with reluctance or even dread because of traditional extended family gatherings that aren’t much fun, financial worries, conflicts with family members, or simply the business of life in December that can easily sap our physical or emotional resources. By maintaining a positive attitude and keeping our cool through all the events and activities, we can set a better example and help our children experience that childlike joy.

key ideas to keep in mind Your kids’ perspectives are much different from yours. They aren’t thinking about the stresses and conflicts that we see — at least not nearly to the same degree. For them, there’s really no such thing as “in laws”; it’s just different sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

And they live more day-to-day, so they aren’t likely to worry about finances or busy schedules. Of course, if you’re overstressed, they will surely notice and be affected. You can help spare them

ty this year? If not — and if you and Mom have no strong ties to it — then maybe it’s something you can skip. ■

ACTION POINTS • Ask your children what new holiday tradition they’d like to start this year.

• As a family, choose one tradition that you will intentionally not do this year. (Then see if it comes back next year.)

Remember, Parents, It’s not about you.

Sometimes the best remedY IS SIMPLY a mental adjustment on your part. from that by staying positive yourself.

It’s not about you. Sometimes the best remedy is simply a mental adjustment on your part — looking more toward serving and blessing others instead of seeking what you want. Make it your goal to find joy and fulfillment in facilitating activities that will bring everybody else Christmas joy. With extended family members, look for common ground and seek to better understand their perspec-

tive. That’s what dads do, and it’s a great way to express your commitment to your family.

Traditions should enhance the holidays, not add stress. As a family, re-evaluate which ones are truly worth the effort, and hold on to those. Carry them out with enthusiasm. Often, kids are a good measure for whether you should keep specific traditions. Will they notice or care if you don’t do a particular activi-

• Share your heart about what Christmas means to you. Give your children thirty seconds or three minutes about the memories or the message that makes it special for you.

• Are some extended family gatherings potentially a bad influence on your children? Try suggesting positive activities to replace the current routine.

Or, limit your family’s time there so you can do something that fits more with your ideas about what the holidays should be.

• Are you a granddad? Brainstorm about ways you and Grandma can reduce the stress and expectations that your adult children are probably feeling right now.

SOCIAL STUDIES: END OF THE YEAR EDITION A

B

C

EVERY MONTH, we invite everyday islanders to have an unfiltered conversation about the topic of the day.

Here’s what they said.

OUR PANEL

Q: What local or national

news story in 2010 do you remember the most?

LUJAN: I remember the BP oil spill the most and how long it took to contain it. This accident has damaged so much of the earth’s ecosystem. This event was a true travesty and I know that the entire ocean system will be damaged forever because of it!

GIBSON: Johnny Gerber’s passing on May 4th. His influence on

this community will be felt for an awful long time. His influence will stay with me until I die.

ANDERSON: The story that resonates in my mind would have to be the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners around September and October. It’s a story that every family can relate to. We witnessed the survival and ultimate rescue

unfold before our eyes. It was a story of faith, hope and courage from the family members waiting for the safe return of their loved ones, to the courageous miners themselves, trapped 2000 feet below the ground, having the will and fortitude to survive so that they could be reunited once again with their families. It had a happy ending, and who doesn’t love a happy ending?!

A. Marivel Anderson

Category Manager South Pacific Petroleum Corp.

B. William ‘Ray’ Gibson

Vice President Radio Division Sorensen Media Group.

C. Pinki Aflague Lujan Public Relations Manager Calvo’s Insurance

Q: If you could give a Christmas gift to the world other than world peace and ending poverty, what would it be?

ANDERSON: This holiday season, I wish I could give every person in the world a feeling of comfort. Comfort can be defined in so many different ways like relief from pain or anxiety, being physically relaxed, or simply a pleasant and unexplainable warmth that a person feels when they’re happy. It’s a gift, a feeling that some unfortunately take for granted, and whether it’s financially, a roof over their head, a warm and cozy bed to sleep in, food on the table, overcoming an illness, or the simple comfort of being surrounded by loved ones, I wish that everybody can experi24 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Hope empowers you to achieve great things. Hope is the little voice in your head that drives you to greatness. - LUJAN

ence comfort, especially for the holidays.

LUJAN: I would give hope. If one had hope no matter what they are going through in life they would feel it is just for that time. Hope empowers you to achieve great things. Hope is the little voice in your head that drives you to greatness. It’s not money that we need to drive people through their tough times because it will soon disappear. All walks of life need hope in some form or fashion.

Having it will bring you more success no matter how you look at it.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;

ANDERSON: The feeling of comfort hits home for me especially this year because I have a daughter who will be away from home for the first time for the holidays. It’s bittersweet because although she isn’t here with us, she’s still so fortunate to have so many people in California that love and support her. It gives me comfort to know that she’s with loved ones this holiday season.

render be on good terms with all persons.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

GIBSON: Everybody gets a DVR. What a life changer!

Record your favorite shows, pause live TV, rewind live TV! What’s not to love?! Seriously?

Fine. I’d give everyone a copy of the Desiderata. Every line has relevance, even in today’s supercharged world. ■

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

it is as perennial as the grass.

Here it is:

Desiderata* Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without sur-

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

Be yourself.

you have a right to be here.

Especially, do not feign affection.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

*Desiderata (Latin: “desired things,” plural of desideratum) was written by Indiana writer Max Ehrmann.

live easy 12.10

• LIFE-CHANGING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE KIDSGIFTS

• for under $10

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for DON’T PASS ways to give cheap but HOLIDAY meaningful gifts.

By Leo Babauta

Yes, I’m a cheapskate, but I’m a happy one. I’ve always been into improving my life, and if I can help the loved ones in my life do the same, without spending a lot, I’m very happy. Read on, then choose the ones that your loved ones will like best, for an inexpensive Christmas present (unless you have six kids like I do … then Christmas is never cheap).

Services

ample of course.

This is actually free, unless you consider your time worth something (what are you, vain?). Anything that you can do to help someone out, give them some free time, make their life better, reduce their stress: cleaning, chores, errands, yard work, fixing things, cooking, anything you’re good at. One of the best gifts ever, in my opinion.

Baked goods Ingredients don’t cost that much, and if you make a few batches and give them to a bunch of people, the costs will definitely be under $10 per person.

Try cookies, cranberry loaf, banana bread, pie.

Moleskine notebook

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

I love to read books of all kinds, but self-improvement books seem to be a great choice this time of year. Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman (recommended by a reader), Getting Things Done

by David Allen, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Simplify Your Life. A couple of these might be slightly over $10, sorry.

Pedometer

ipes That Rock) but if you try a used bookstore, you should be good to go.

Mixed CD How will this improve someone’s life? It can be a relaxing CD, or one that picks them up in the car … music is always a great gift!

Kirk’s Kickin’ Salsa

Self-

improvement books

26 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Make your own salsa, can it, wrap the jar in some photos printed from your computer.

Here’s a recipe from a reader:

• 1 29 ounce can diced tomatoes

The indispensable Moleskine Notebook, a pocket version.

There are some good ones out there, some for under $10 … my own Zen To Done is a good ex-

Homemade salsa

I don’t know anyone who owns one of these who doesn’t love them. I love mine. They’re so beautiful, tactilely wonderful to write in, and useful. There are many choices (I recommend one of the pocket notebooks so you can carry them around everywhere).

0 Legendary, indeed

E-books

Encourage the loved ones in your life to get healthy this coming year. A pedometer is one great way to do that … most are over $10, but some come well under the limit.

• 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce • 4-6 cloves garlic or to your taste chopped fine • 1 handful or more of crushed red chili also to your hot taste • ¾ large chopped onion • Salt

[ CUSTOM TUNES Stir this good and add a little water if too thick. Tomatoes have a lot of salt so check before adding, then add to your taste. If you like, oregano or cilantro that can be added, I don’t care for it.

Make ahead of time as the flavor will be much better in 2-3 days.

Good on eggs and corn chips.

Healthy cookbook Great way to get someone to eat healthy while trying out some new delicious foods. Unfortunately most good cookbooks are over $10 (my favorite: Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Rec-

A relatively low-tech, low-cost way to share a little of yourself.

Movie night gift basket Purchase items in bulk and divide them into multiple baskets.

Items for a movie night: popcorn, rental gift certificate ($5), soda, and a blanket.

Scrapbook Make it yourself … great memories that will last a lifetime. Be creative and have some fun! This is a priceless gift.

0 SHRINK THAT WALLET The MoneyBand. www.money-band.com

Massage Do it yourself … free, wonderful, relaxing, and … well, wonderful.

Baby sitting Another service, but I mention it here specifically because as a parent, I know how awesome this gift can be.

10 Reasons I Love You — Framed One of the most special gifts

you can give, I think. Of course, I’m very sentimental.

some instructions to expand the emergency kit.

Moneyband

A care package

I’ve been using this minimalist wallet myself and love it — just a rubber band, really, but sized perfectly to hold your cards and cash. That’s all I carry around.

Keep it simple: a favorite magazine + a mug + real chocolate (or someone’s favorite tea). That’s a great little way for a friend to spend an evening at home.

Build an emergency kit Buy a container bag, put in it whatever other small items you’d normally forget to pack for a trip. Tie with ribbon. Print out

Towels As we all know, towels are the most massively useful thing you can have. Some discount stores have cool towels that cost less than $5.

No-stress tire pressure caps Are you bad at checking your tire pressure? Get Accu-pressure safety caps, a set of tire caps that turn red when your pressure

0 PEACE OF MIND Accu-pressure safety caps let you know when you need a refill.

is low.

Spend time with them Absolutely free. You can’t beat this gift! ■

Leo Babauta is the author of The Power of Less and the creator and blogger at www.zenhabits.net, a Top 100 blog with 175,000 subscribers — one of the top productivity and simplicity blogs on the Internet. It was recently named one of the Top 25 blogs by TIME magazine. Babauta is a former journalist and freelance writer of 18 years, a husband and father of six children.

home and garden 12.10

Nothing says “holiday family activity” quite like building and decorating a gingerbread house!

“It’s a family thing,” says Chef Paul Kerner, a chef instructor from Guam Community College’s Culinary Arts Program. “The mixing and baking part may be for Mom and Dad, and the kids love putting candy on to decorate the house. You can get really creative with it – you can pipe in

You will need: • Gingerbread dough • Egg White Icing • Assorted candies • Cardboard cutouts (basic shapes include a square, rectangle and triangle) to use as guides when cutting gingerbread dough • Rolling pin • Stable base (either plywood or heavy cardboard) covered with aluminum foil or wax paper taped at the bottom • Dough cutter • Piping bag or regular Ziploc bag (cut small part of bottom corner for a makeshift piping bag) • Spatula or butter knife

Gingerbread House Dough Recipe Note: You may need to make several batches of dough to complete your project; don’t double up on the ingredients to make double the amount of dough – the process just doesn’t work that way. Do two separate batches.

• 6 cups all purpose flour • 1 ¾ cups sugar • 2/3 cup shortening • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons double acting baking powder • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 eight-ounce container sour cream • 2 eggs

28 the high road DECEMBER 2010

To prepare the dough: Into a large bowl, measure 3 ½ cups flour and the remaining ingredients. Set your mixer at low speed, beat it until it’s well-mixed, constantly scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula. With your hands, knead in the remaining 2 ½ cups flour to make soft dough. Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and refrigerate it for two hours or until the dough is not sticky and has an easy kneading consistency.

To roll the dough: Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use. Working with half of a batch at a time on a lightly floured work surface, with lightly floured hands, knead the dough until it’s smooth. Then, on a greased and floured 17” x 14” cookie sheet with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough to 3/16” or 1/8” thickness.

You can use dowels of the same size at either side of the dough on the cookie sheet to help create a

the door, cut out the door, there are so many options. Some people even put Christmas lights through the house,” Kerner adds.

The beauty of putting together a gingerbread house is that it can be easily made at home and it doesn’t require a long list of specialized culinary items or tools.

uniform thickness. (For easy rolling, place the cookie sheet on a damp cloth to prevent it from slipping.)

To cut and bake the dough: Make your pattern pieces out of heavy cardboard. Lay them on the dough and using a sharp knife make as many pieces as you can from the rolled dough on your cookie sheet, leaving at least a half inch between the pieces. Remove the scraps and reserve it for re-rolling.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator if there is room while the oven preheats. Bake the dough until it’s golden brown and very firm when lightly touched with your finger. Remove the cookie sheet from your oven and cool it on a wire rack for five minutes. Carefully remove the baked pieces and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. If you need to do some trimming do it while the cookie dough is warm out of the oven.

Instructions: • Step 1: Follow the gingerbread house dough recipe to create batches of dough. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin applying flour to the dough to prevent it from sticking onto the pin.

• Step 2: Use cardboard cutouts as guides to cut the gingerbread dough into even pieces

to construct the house. The excess dough from the edges of the shapes can be re-rolled into more shapes.

• Step 3: Follow the egg-white icing recipe to create icing to use as an adhesive agent for the gingerbread house. Add food coloring as needed for the different colored icing if desired.

• Step 4: Pipe icing onto a stable

base only where the gingerbread shapes will make contact with it.

• Step 5: Once the gingerbread shapes are done baking, trim the edges if necessary. Once cooled, pipe icing onto the edges where the gingerbread shapes meet. When icing oozes from the seams, use a spatula or butter knife to run along the edges to tidy it up. Press the ginger-

bread shapes together to secure the pieces. Use canned goods to help support the pieces as the icing hardens. Let the structure dry for at least an hour.

• Step 6: Once all the icing hardens and the gingerbread house is stable, go wild with assorted candies, icing and other items to decorate the house! ■

parenting 12.10

TEACHING VALUES PASS ON LIFE LESSONS BY SHOWING FIRST HAND

The best lessons for our kids are the ones they experience firsthand. In Carey Casey’s book, Championship Fathering, he tells a story about how one dad took advantage of an opportunity to teach his kids a real-life lesson they would not soon forget.

It happened some years ago, during a time when a terrible famine in Ethiopia was getting a lot of TV coverage. Pictures of suffering children were everywhere, and one day his seven-year-old boy asked, “Can we send some money to help those kids?”

The dad said he’d think about it. Writing a check would be fine, but he had a different idea. After a few days, he gathered the family and explained about the family budget: if they gave some money, it would have to come out of another expense category. He paused. “Do you still want to do this?” Both boys nodded eagerly.

Here was the plan: during the next weekend they would go hungry for two days — between supper on Friday and supper on Sunday — and donate the money they’d normally spend on food. They’d only drink water, no food. He assured them that they were healthy kids and they wouldn’t be harmed by skipping a few meals.

As you’d imagine, it turned out to be a memorable weekend.

They experienced hunger and learned a lot about sacrificing to help others, the abundant blessings they had been taking for granted, and what they could accomplish by working together.

The experiment took some effort, but those two boys, who are now grown with children of their own, continue to talk about that experience. Their dad was intentional about teaching them important values in a memorable way, and it made a difference for

30 the high road DECEMBER 2010

line. Do similar things with other important values: respect, honesty, responsibility, hard work, etc. In addition to building your children’s character, you might also be able to make a difference for someone who really needs help.

This “firsthand experience” approach is also vital if you are seeking to instill faith in your children. ■

ACTION POINTS • Self-sacrifice is a great value to teach your children. What can they give up in order to benefit someone else?

Think of the values you want to teach and then come up with specific ways to model them yourself and get your children involved. them.

Dad, maybe you won’t proclaim a fast for next weekend — or maybe you will. In either case, be creative and come up with ways your kids can learn important values by experiencing them firsthand. This will probably require you to be intentional, thinking of the values you want to teach, then coming up with spe-

cific ways to model them yourself and get your children involved.

For example, to teach thoughtfulness, maybe you can challenge your children to be on the lookout for anyone who may need help during a trip to the grocery store — by reaching something on a shelf, returning a shopping cart for someone, or letting another shopper go before you in

• Notice and praise your child whenever he demonstrates a positive character trait. If he makes an extra effort to do something good, consider rewarding him for that in some way.

• Along with values, come up with a list of other skills and bits of knowledge that you want to teach your children in the coming years.

• Take time and put forth the effort to help someone in need in your community. Whether or not your children join you, you’ll be setting a great example for them.

• Make sure your children hear what you believe about the values that are important to you.

Don’t let them think you’re indifferent about something bad because you’re silent about it.

shopping 12.10

HOLIDAY how to:

By Mike San Nicolas

Shop like a financial planner As a financial planner, holiday shopping has a twist for me, because I always have a mind for the future value of the dollars I am spending today.

Luckily, I have found the balance to making sure my family enjoys the season of giving, while at the same time satisfying my financial hang-ups on spending.

Knowing the difference between shopping with an eye for savings and shopping with an eye for value is the secret to shopping like a financial planner. In general, shopping for savings means shopping for items on sale or at a price point lower than what you would typically pay. These can be discounted items, two-for-one specials,

32 the high road DECEMBER 2010

buying in bulk, or buying generic brands versus premium brands. This type of shopping is the common way for people to make purchases, not just during Christmas, but throughout the year as well. I like to call this save-shopping, and just like everyone else it makes me feel good that I am able to buy things that cost less than what they regularly do. The problem with save-shopping is that it leaves too much money on the table when you neglect to value shop as well.

Christmas shopping is unique

to everyday shopping because we don’t give gifts every day, therefore, we tend to go a little more out of our way to shop for gifts that make an impact – and cost more. If we are going to spend more than we do on an everyday basis, and if this expense is only going to happen once a year, it is much better from a financial planning point of view to look for items that are going to have greater value over an extended period of time. To do this, I shop for certain types of gifts and not just the ones that are on the wish list.

THREE WAYS TO VALUE SHOP The first is to shop for items that will retain the value of the money you spent on them, increase in value over time, or eliminate your need to replace it sooner than later. For ladies as well as men, this means buying hardwood furniture versus composite furniture, certified jewelry that is smaller instead of uncertified stuff that looks better or a quality piece of stainless steel cookware rather than a whole set of aluminum pots and pans.

For the kids, this means getting educational toys to fill learning gaps, or sports equipment to build athletic skills, instead of stuff that just gets tossed in the toy box with no intellectual of physical benefits.

benefits. A new netbook will provide far more utility than a designer handbag – but you didn’t hear it from me!

Of course don’t abandon your save-shopper habits when look-

Christmas shopping is unique to everyday shopping because we don’t give gifts every day, therefore, we tend to go a little more out of our way to shop for gifts that make an impact — and cost more.

SHOP FOR MONEY SAVING ITEMS The second way to value shop is to buy items that will actually decrease your costs over time. This means buying a Netflix membership to control your DVD rental late fees, getting a new stove to cook at home instead of eating out so much, or buying new tires for a truck to improve gas mileage. Medical costs can be reduced if you buy the treadmill rather than the surround sound system. Power may be saved if you buy the small tv for the kid’s room rather than having them watch a new and bigger tv in the living room.

ing for value, just apply them to your value shopping instead! Now, you can shop like a financial planner, and smile knowing that the gifts your loved ones enjoy are also ones that give you a little peace of mind.■

RESEARCH TO BUY FOR LONG-TERM USE The third way to value shop is to purchase items that will have a longer span of use than other items.

This means researching the video game wish list and buying the one with the highest average of playable hours. It could also be buying the bicycle, which provides years of use and hours of fun rather than weeks or months, not to mention health

Michael San Nicolas is a Wealth Manager with BG Wealth Management Services in the Bank of Guam, and serves as a Financial Advisor with an educational certificate in Financial Planning. A proud husband and father, Michael is the author of "A Father's Hand: Lessons for Life from Father to Son.”

gift guide 12.10

NEW GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL books as gifts for Christmas. She illustrated Tasi & Matina based on childhood experiences. “My parents both swam and the beaches, the ocean, and my father’s spear and net fishing became a part of our lives,” she explained.

Both Alison and Aaron Inapu, her children, swam as toddlers, thus the love for the ocean and the water was born and embedded in their lives and stories.

Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam Author: Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo Illustrator: Sonny K. Chargualaf SYNOPSIS: Based on a universal “tail” of the mystery and origin of mermaids, Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam, is a retelling of a classic for the next generation of Chamorro children and all to dive into.

Tasi and Matina: The Story of the First Clown Fish Author: Alison Taimanglo Cuasay Illustrator: Dr. Patricia LG Taimanglo SYNOPSIS: Matina and her sisters were full of love and happiness. They shared their love and friendship with all of the animals of the sea. Tasi was a lonely fish who lived in the ocean reef. This

is the story of the great friendship between Tasi and Matina and how Tasi got his white stripes and became the first clown fish.

Author stories Former Guam resident Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo has fulfilled a life-long dream to become an author by drawing upon her cultural experiences. She wrote the book “Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam.”

NEW PHONES, TABLETS

This holiday season, iConnect is offering two phone plans that will surely create excitement!

Choose the Smartfone 40 plan which gets you a free Vodafone 845, the smallest Android 2.1 smart phone on the market today!

Sign up on a 24-month plan plus security deposit and get the FREE Vodafone 845 which has a 2.8 inch QVGA display with a modern touch screen supporting about 65,000 colors.

The Vodafone 845 offers a strong selection of data connection options like Wi-Fi and EDGE and Bluetooth connectivity. The 845 has a 3.2 Megapixel camera. Captured images can be touched up straight on the phone, as it comes with a photo/video editor pre-installed.

Or, by signing up on the Smartfone 60 plan, you may get the Galaxy Tab for only $599 with a

34 the high road DECEMBER 2010

Her family has become a major source of inspiration. “I wanted to have something tangible for my children who are being raised in California. My husband and I are the gatekeepers to their cultural identity and we need more than just great Chamorro cuisine or T-shirts identifying them with Guam,” she said.

Meanwhile, Patricia L.G. Taimanglo, Ph.D. hopes that adults will consider giving the

GAMES AND COLLECTABLES 24 month contract and security deposit. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a bigger, better oversized Galaxy S Android smart-phone.

The Galaxy Tablet has a 1 GHz Cortex A8 “Hummingbird” processor, a great-looking 1024 by 600 pixels TFT multi-touch screen, 802.11n Wi-fi, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, a 3 MP camera on back and a 1.3 MP on the front, 16GB of onboard memory which is expandable and just about everything you’d expect from a modern-day Android device! The Galaxy Tablet is also a GSM Phone which is compatible on iConnect’s GSM network.

Simply subscribe to iConnect’s smart-fone plans and use an iConnect Buddy sim-card and they are ready to go! Visit any

The new 250GB Xbox 360 has built-in Wi-Fi, making it easier for you to enjoy Xbox LIVE games, HD movies, streaming TV and more. The Kinect sensor uses the latest technology to track your every movement, making you the controller. It’s

Where to buy the books?

ONLINE: GuamBooksAndBeads.com Guampedia.com Amazon.com BarnesAndNoble.com GUAM: Bestseller Bookstore Dr. Patricia LG Taimanglo (ITC Office)

easy so to use, you’ll find yourself literally jumping into the action in no time.

This Anakin Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber Replica from the Star Wars saga features durable, die-cast metal parts that look and feel like the real thing!

Its sturdy, blue, polycarbonate blade is permanently attached to the hilt and features realistic power-up and power-down glowing light effects. The lightsaber also includes digitally recorded and motion-sensor-controlled authentic sound effects such as power-up, power-down, idle, movement sounds, and clash sounds.

bright ideas 12.10

Smart strategies A WORKING MOM’s HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

It seems that once we head into the Holiday Season, the rest of the year becomes a blur.

No time in my life have my responsibilities been more daunting than now as a working mother with three children. People say that I do it all effortlessly, but if you were to ask my husband or kids, I think you would get a different response.

So when Norm asked me to write an article about holiday survival, I thought it would be good for me to reflect on ways to make it through to 2011.

So as my kids dance around me dropping toys and crumbs in their trail, let’s contemplate how to survive this season…

1

Plan ahead

Make a list. Decide where you want to go, who you want to be with, and what your holiday budget is. What are the dates of the children’s performances, school events, work parties, and family gatherings?

Will you have Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with yours? Or will you be having it with both families and will one be lunch the other dinner? How will this look on the calendar? Make sure to include everyone in the discussion, so that there won’t be fights later.

2

Start your shopping early If you see something that someone will like, buy it when it is on sale and then put it away. This in36 the high road DECEMBER 2010

cludes decorations and wrapping paper. Take advantage of the after holiday sales and prepare for next year. In addition, make a list of what you would like to get for everyone and how much you want to spend on them. Then as you are doing your usual shopping or have some free time keep an eye out for the perfect gift.

Pick up a few generic gifts or bottles of wine that you can have on hand, when you unexpectedly need a present for someone.

3

Get ahead in work Most of us have slow times in work. Instead of using this time to update your Facebook page or play solitaire, see if you can jump start upcoming projects. If you can lessen your workload going into the holidays, it will make it easier to find time for enjoying the holidays.

4

Delegate

Make sure you are not trying to do everything yourself. Consider who you could ask for help.

For instance, the kids could help bake goodies for their teachers in one marathon baking session.

Or perhaps your husband could buy the gifts for his side of the family. Maybe your mother could bring her “fantastic pecan pie” to dinner. But whatever happens, once you enlist the help, let it be. So if your husband forgets or doesn’t get his shopping

done, be supportive, but don’t add it back on your list. It’s his job now, not yours.

5

Say no

You can’t do it all, so there is no time better than the present to look at your priorities and decide what matters. Busy families are consistently going different directions and the holidays only make it harder. “Working mom guilt” often causes us to feel like we need to do everything for everyone, except ourselves. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied into doing something that you don’t want to do. If you can’t say no directly, say you need to check with your spouse or calendar.

This will give you some time to decide if it is something you want to do or not.

Lastly and most importantly, remember it will never all be perfect. We live in an imperfect world and that means no matter how hard you try, it won’t be perfect and no one expects the holidays to be. So, have fun and remember the reason for this season is not about gifts and parties, but instead love…the greatest love of all, God’s gift to us, His Son. ■ Deane Jessee-Jones lives with her husband, Jay and three children: Jake, Jenna, and Jeremy in Mangilao.

She works as an Educational Therapist and Consultant for Brain Builders Guam and Saipan. Send questions or comments to: brainbuilding@gmail. com. For more information on training programs available in Guam and Saipan go to: http://guam.processingskills.com.

see clearly 12.10

DANGER IN THE DARK?

By Peter Lombard, M.D.

READING IN DIM LIGHT AND OTHER VISION MYTHS ANSWERED It makes intuitive sense, right? If you can read better with bright lights, aren’t you hurting your eyes when the lights are dim?

Not so! Just as taking a picture with your camera in low-light doesn’t damage the camera, there’s simply no basis for any type of eye damage being caused by reading in low-light conditions. You might feel like you’re straining your eyes while trying to read in low-light conditions, but there’s no physiologic damage being done to any part of the visual system. Reading fine print for long periods of time won’t hurt your eyes either.

Am I making my eyes worse by wearing my prescription glasses all the time?

Reading with prescription glasses does not mean you’re making yourself more dependent on your glasses. The only situation where this might hold some water is with near-sided people, or myopes. There is some evidence to suggest voluminous reading, we’re talking law school volume, may contribute to a progression of nearsightedness.

However, it isn’t clear what the mechanism is behind this, and this shouldn’t discourage anyone from reading as much as they like.

If you’re of the age that you need reading glasses or bifocals, you’re certainly not hurting yourself by using your glasses to read. It’s not a crutch that makes the condition worse. It’s a simple part of life – as we get older, the natural lens inside the eye becomes stiffer, and can no longer change shape to allow us to focus clearly on things closer to us. This is called accommodation, and the inability to accommodate with age is called presbyopia.

Distance vision or reading without the appropriate glasses or contact lens correction for those who need it can cause eye strain and headaches.

But even in this situation, there’s no actual harm being done to your eyes. For comfort, those with prescription needs should by all means wear their corrective lenses or contacts.

Can you “wear your eyes out” by using them too much?

No, you cannot wear out your eyes no matter how much you use them. However, don’t look directly at the sun because this absolutely can damage your retina, permanently, in the same way that powerful lasers can damage the retina.

Certain tasks are more fixation-dependent than others, such as reading and using the computer. When engaged in these tasks, we tend not to blink as much. This can cause the tear film that protects our corneas to evaporate, leading to intermittent dryness, eye irritation, foreign body sensation, or blurry vision that comes and goes depending on how much you blink. Taking short breaks intermittently, or using artificial tears can alleviate this.

What about squinting? Is that bad?

Squint all you like if it helps you see more clearly…. you’re not causing any harm to your eyes. Squinting for better vision may in fact be an indicator that you’re nearsighted or farsighted, and need

prescription glasses or contact lenses. Squinting is the natural way we try to get a little bit of a “pinhole” effect to improve vision. If you recall previous eye tests you had, you were probably able to read much smaller letters on the eye chart when looking through the pinhole. The pinhole removes the “refractive error” of the cornea that causes blurriness in those that need glasses.

Will sitting too close to the television hurt my eyes?

Sorry, there’s absolutely no evidence to suggest any eye damage is caused by sitting too close to television or computer screens. Feel free to tell your children to move further than three feet from the television, but also rest assured that even at that close distance they’re not ruining their vision. The only caveat here is that if your child is unable to see the television clearly at a further distance, this may be nearsightedness, and an eye exam is warranted. ■

Peter Lombard, M.D. comes from a family with strong medical ties to Guam.

He is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and was recently assigned to Naval Hospital Guam as the only military ophthalmologist on the island. He attended the US Naval Academy for undergraduate training, and completed medical school at Johns Hopkins University. The statements expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Navy or US Government.

dining out 12.10

A TASTE OF VIETNAM: TRUONG’s A

B

D

C

Restaurant patrons recognize Truong’s for its authentic and distinctive Vietnamese cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients and original family recipes are used to make the restaurant’s signature items.

From their tasty fried lumpia and distinctive soup broths to salt n pepper shrimp which both crunch and melt in your mouth guests always leave with an unforgettable experience.

The Truong’s Restaurant concept was created by the Truong sisters, Kim, Ly, and Tran who opened the restaurant in Guam in September of 2003 at the East West Business Center in Upper Tumon. Truong’s Restaurant is named after the siblings’ late father, Hoang Van Truong.

There are dozens of special dishes found in the restaurant’s menu.

For many locals, there’s com-

fort in eating familiar foods at Truong’s like rice noodles, soups, curry, tofu, seafood, beef, poultry and pork. Yet, there’s also something exciting and exotic about eating them spiced and prepared the Truong’s way. They use a diverse range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, long coriander and basil leaves which give their dishes a unique flavor.

This month, Ly Truong is proud to share three new menu items. First is the “Shrimp Salad” which includes a generous portion of sauteed peeled prawns served on a bed of lettuce and sliced cucumbers. The sauce it is cooked in doubles as a tasty dressing over

38 the high road DECEMBER 2010

the greens. A second dish is “Stir Fried Tofu with Tomato Sauce” which includes cubes of fried tofu and straw mushrooms. Vegetarians will fall in love with her recipe.

And last is “Chicken Fried Steak” cooked with a combination of unforgettable seasonings. If you think Chicken Fried Steak is overrated, think again. Ly’s version is worth trying.

The restaurant offers affordable pricing, fast service and a comfortable dining atmosphere. If you’re too busy to dine in, the restaurant also accepts orders for take out.

Call 646-1207. ■

IMAGES OF TASTE A. Stir fried tofu with tomato sauce seasoned to perfection.

B. The chicken fried steak has such a distinctive flavor you won’t soon forget.

C. Ly Truong holds up a dish of her new special, shrimp salad.

D. A closer view of the succulent shrimp on a bed of fresh greens garnished with green onions and seasoned with black pepper.

editor’s note 12.10

By Carlo Cariño

YEAR ONE IN THE MIRROR LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD FROM THE HIGH ROAD’S FIRST YEAR Welcome to the second year of The High Road. I want to thank you personally if you’ve been with us for the first year of this journey. If you’re new to the magazine, then you’re picking it up at a great time.

Before we move on, however, allow me to present seven highlights from Year One. It’s not a list of the best of our articles or issues from 2010. Instead, this list is an illustration of what we want The High Road to be.

April 2010: Stress-Free Superguide

February 2010: Relationships We feel that the experience of the every day Guamanian is something we can all learn from. The relationship stories of the couples highlighted in our February issue have much to teach. Guam Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Gerald Fernandez and his wife, Sarah, shared their experiences with keeping their marriage strong through Gerald’s multiple overseas deployments. It’s their kind of story that exemplifies the kind of profiles we think are most worth sharing.

March 2010: Chamorro History Month It’s easy to get caught up in how difficult it can be to preserve Guam’s heritage. We were glad to present examples of how it thrives through our features on native jewelry, local food, and roundtable discussion in Social Studies. Readers appreciated how we tried to show traditional topics in a modern light.

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ing to share. If you want to understand how we think of profile stories, these issues exemplify our philosophy. These men and women didn’t talk about themselves and their accomplishments. Instead, they spoke of the kinds of shared experiences we all have, which we think is much more valuable.

July 2010: Guam in the Kitchen

For me, this issue represents when The High Road became the magazine it is today. When Publisher Norman Analista and I first started planning the magazine last fall, this is what we envisioned. Our expert columnists, feature writers, contributors and community participants all shared valuable strategies toward minimizing and coping with stress. There was vital — and maybe even life-changing information — nearly cover to cover. When I think of a successful issue of The High Road, I think of this one.

May/June 2010: Moms and Dads Never have we been thanked so much for sharing people’s stories. We asked notable Guamanians about their parents and they were more than will-

September 2010: Parenting We were glad that Vivian Muratani was willing to share her story of how she took control of her health and fitness with us.

We were also happy that strategies she learned in The High Road’s fitness section played a large part in helping her reach her goals. It was a measure of validation for us — an indication that the magazine is making a difference for some.

This is the most-read issue in our online library at http://www. issuu.com/thehighroad. It’s not hard to see why. This roundup of community recipes and cooking tips is as useful as it is fun. Restaurant owners, five-star chefs, and avid home cooks had so much to offer. The fantastic food photography from staff shooter Eugene Herrera only adds to the colorful culinary celebration.

August 2010: Our Guide to Modern Learning There’s a story in here called, “Don’t Let Your Wallet Stop You,” about how financial aid is available to anyone on Guam who thinks they can’t pay for college. There’s another story about how parents can work modern technology into their child’s eduction. Again, I think we met our goal of offering practical advice and entertainment with this issue.

As The High Road heads into the new year, we’re focused more than ever on what makes this magazine worth reading and worth doing. We hope you stay with us on the journey. ■

Carlo Cariño is the Editor of The High Road. He is a writer, illustrator, cartoonist, and graphic designer. He lives in Yigo with his wife, Juvy. You can follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itsjustcarlo or view his blog at www. itsjustcarlo.com.