For decades, serotonin supplement was the darling cure-all for a lot of health/mental issues but it has finally been exposed for several negative side-effects. (Pretty surprising that they are still selling the drug --- way to go big pharma!).

You don’t have to be perfect to enroll. You just have to have a willing heart to learn. In fact, we are all fellow human beings (warts and all) that are here to help each other through this obstacle course called life.

At this stage of life, I am not tied down by geography anymore. I can do work remotely. I can relocate where it’s cheaper than this overpriced California state. I’m willing to leave it all and follow where God leads me. So now I’m praying that I hear God’s voice. Where does He want me to go? Where will I be more effective?

Another year comes to an end. Is it just me or are things getting worse every year? Sure, I could list the craziness out there but why spoil the party, huh? Instead, let's thank God for the good that happened.

Christmas is upon us. If you're traveling and reading this while waiting for your next stop, safe travels to you. If you're at your designated home for the holidays, sipping your peppermint flavored hot cocoa, watch those calories. If you're sick with a virus, I pray it isn't too bad. If you're relaxing by chestnuts roasting on an open fire, enjoy your snuggle.

Maybe this was how Mary and Joseph felt looking down at their new born son, the promised Messiah, --- wrapped up in swaddling cloths in a manger. If there ever was a need for encouragement it was that night.

In September 21, 1897 an eight year old named Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the Sun (the leading New York newspaper of the day) asking if Santa Claus was real. One of the writer’s of the Sun reluctantly wrote a response in an article which arguably became the most reprinted newspaper article in the English language.

After staying in Iligan City (an industrial town in the Southern part of the Philippines) for 3 weeks, I could really appreciate the simple things we Americans take for granted. Things like clean beautiful architecture, cemented roads, clean air, reliable internet access, free movie channels, reliable phone service, etc. We're really spoiled here in the U.S..

He’s GoneWARNING: Very personal letter. Not in a funny mood. Let’s joke around next week.I woke up just before 6am Friday (Philippine Time). I walked into my Dad’s room and his caretaker and his house help were huddled around him in disbelief. The house help mumbled something that I didn’t understand but when I saw Dad’s lifeless body, I knew …

I’m still here in the Philippines taking care of my Dad. Several of you have sent me warm greetings and prayers. I can’t thank you enough. (I put some of them on the TGIF Joke section of the Travelingboy.com website). Perhaps that is the reason my Dad made it through. I came here to bury him but he doesn’t want to get into his coffin yet. I was concerned because he was delirious for a few days. He would stare blankly into space tinker with something in the air and talk to people who weren’t there. But after he slept continuously for 2 days, he’s back to normal. At least for now.