First Taste

I was in Manila for my US Embassy appointment early this week. It was a tough plight just because I had a hard time leaving my daughter in the hotel with her elder cousin who watches so good. I think because the place is strange to her once more, she was too reluctant of me leaving her. But I couldn't bring her either to my appointment because it would take me four to 5 hours of walking around the US Embassy campus with no enough foods to satisfy her whenever she feels like eating. In fact, I had my first try of an espresso there via those espresso machines available at the embassy pavilion. Though I don't drink coffee at all, I had to last Tuesday to keep my adrenaline going. Sure enough, I was feeling all so active the whole day because of it. LOL.But, I won't try once more though! Nah... I know it won't do good to my system so I won't. Ha ha.

When in a Tropic Place...

Heat and humidity can be best defined. And to fight such, swimming in any fresh flowing waters like that in the dominican republic resorts is the best option! Of course, I'd love to experience a Domincan Republic getaway, but for now, I have to make the most of our stay here in super hot and humid Philippines! I've got so much to say, especially regarding my failed plan (yes, I didn't pursue schooling here) and I'll try to give you the detail about it later.

Meanwhile, I'll show you a single picture of what's keeping me up here aside from the important stuff that keep me occupied. Here it is:

It's no doubt everybody loves to soak in a cold, fresh, and flowing waters during the day and yes, with only two hours to spare going to Iligan City, I can already have access to the so many resorts flooding the city of waterfalls. What's more, my companions are mostly young ones so it keeps me grounded and sane and young as well, and I can totally say I'm enjoying our Philippines stay even the odds!

Lover of Books

Just as I am a lover of books myself, it's a wonderful thing to have a child who loves learning and adores books as well. Actually, one of the weirdest thing about my daughter is that ever since, she never showed any interest in dolls and stuffed toys and any toy that has a face on it. But give her a pencil or a pen and a paper, or books in general, and you can see a delighted child who seems to be having the best of her young life. Yes, that's how I describe my own daughter. I think she's got my reading "genes".

So now that we're thousands of miles away from our own home, you have no idea how much does Triz misses her mini-library back in our place. Even though I try to buy her children's books here, still, I can tell it feels so different to have her somewhat old beloved books in our own home. Oh well, the joy of being a lover of books, eh? With it, I'm a proud mama, can you tell? LOL.

Happy Birthday, Queen!

Today, my pretty niece Queenie turns 15 years old.

How time flies by so fast! It seems like it was just yesterday when we held her in our arms, bring her everywhere we go, and eat with her during mealtime. Our dad, (her grandpa) who passed away 11 years ago is one of the persons who considered Queenie to be the apple of his eyes. Today, there's going to be a double celebration. But the grand events won't happen until next week when her younger brother celebrates his own birthday as well. We're traveling to a spring resort that's three hours from our place and it should be exciting and fun. Now, the birthday celebrant herself will be amazed when she opens her account as there were lots of e-birthday cards I sent her last night, ones that look like those holiday photo cards at peartreegreetings.com! She'll love it I think.

Well, what more can I say? Being home for two weeks now is wonderful, and celebrating precious events with loved ones around is even more beautiful. I wish my tall, dark, and pretty niece a blissful birthday and more to come.

Try Gonzaga University Online

My sister-in-law Daisy is one of the people around me who inspires me to keep on pursuing my dream of earning a Master's Degree one day. Even when I am just home, I know I can make it because of online degrees offered by excellent online schools here in the US. Gonzaga University's Masters in organizational development is a degree that's worth anyone's time, especially if one is into leadership skills or organizational development or management profession. If I am not into nursing degree right now, I would surely be getting a master's degree in any profession that I am into. And with that, Gonzaga University online would be an option for me in choosing an online school. I would be a good try then!

Random Thinkin'

First things first. I am now in super hot and humid Philippines. It's been five days since we landed and every day gives me a lot of reasons to be busy and make the most of our stay here. Several missions have been accomplished so far, and I can't wait to start schooling in two weeks. I've already found an apartment to stay in the city where I'll be schooling and it gets thrilling each time I think of another start.

Also, I've get to talk about business matters with my sisters and sister-in-law who are all running small businesses here in town. I was wondering, with the recession currently being felt and experienced worldwide, in what ways have they been affected. They all pointed out that a business insurance is truly a huge help, however, their small business won't let them get one. Oh well, I just hope that they'll continue earning revenues despite the global financial crisis. Things will get better still. Don't you think?

As for updates of our stay here, it's unfortunate that I can't share some photos yet for now. I need to resize what I've got and also, my memory card acted up on me when we left Las Vegas and the reformatting was only done a couple days after we got here in CDO so I don't really have plenty of photos to share during our flight. Now though, There are already hundreds but as I've said, I need to resize them first plus my dial-up connection is not that cooperative. I'll just share one highlight of our Las Vegas stay before leaving the US. That is, the Bellagio Hotel's dancing fountain. Take a look:

Those are just a few. We also went to Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium and we had a blast! Well, I hope you liked it!

In Las Vegas Now and Definitely Not On Diet!

I thought I couldn't logged in while here in Las Vegas but I was wrong. My SIL does have an internet connection here and since I am using my laptop, I got in thru a wi-fi connection. So yeah, Triz and I are here in Las Vegas now. We've had a smooth and safe flight from WI, and though it's tough to leave our dadi behind, it was very exciting to meet my in-laws who have waited for us so eagerly. Last night, SIL brought me and Triz to Las Vegas strip to enjoy the spectacular and grandiose view of this fabulous city and sure, we had a blast with the photo opp.

The question though, should I be able to maintain my current weight while here? I doubt. I wish I can take one of the best diet pills out in the market right now but the Filipino foods available here in the Pinoy market are just too tempting. We'll be hitting Jollibee later and with that, you can imagine that there's no dieting on the way!

Friday Thankfulness

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

It's weekend and I am so thankful! I mean, things are piling up for me here and I have all the reasons to be grateful. Though it's going to be a sad fact for me to be distanced from swithart in the coming days and months while me and the daughter go to Philippines, still, I am thankful for good health and peace of mind. The world is full of cares, worries, and pains right now, especially in the Asian countries where calamities devastated everyone, and even my home country didn't escape from the wrath of nature, but there's peace within me that I can feel which causes my happiness.

This coming Sunday, me and Triz will be leaving WI for Las Vegas and spend a few days there. Perhaps the next time that I'll update, I'll already be in Philippines. So for now, I hope you all have a good weekend ahead and a smile lights your hearts so you, too, could express some gratefulness within you.

Hello Winter!

Have you said goodbye to the warm days, guys? I have had, as early as September! That's because the temperature here in Central WI started to drop even before Fall season began. Right now, we have this low number:

Did I say it's cold? Well, If I have to go outside our door, I can't stay for more than 30 seconds! Can you? Thanks to our centralized heater, it sure gives me the warmth that I badly need these days! I wanted to get a heated blanket which I want hubby to use while he's alone during the cold months of winter while me and the daughter are enjoying the warm and tropical Philippines. But he said he's fine. That he can bear the coldness just with layers of comforters and clothes and this very thick blanket which reminds him of Triz and my presence:

This one's a very special comforter that we got as this was given to us by our Belizean friend whom we befriended and gotten so close to while we live in IL. That's why I never dared leaving this behind when we moved up here two months ago. Yes, I treasure gifts that much.

Then maybe I'll just get a heated blanket when it's going to be me who'll really need it! So did you say hello to winter yet?

Buy.com Has Cheap Video Cards

That's right! I almost bought one when my computer's video card acted up. Thankfully, it was just a little glitch and the hubby did some magic on it. Now, I am all set and ready to bring all these gadgets I've got (which are part of my life, LOL) in my upcoming trip! So, are you looking for cheap video cards, friends? If you are, then I must recommend buy.com-- my favorite online electronic retailer and my trusted one! Recently, I bought several electronic gadgets from them which are a need and as usual, they didn't fail me towards my expectation. Prompt delivery, smooth ordering process, and cheap prices-- what can beat that?

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

How's that?

It's a giant surprise for everybody, even for the President himself, as this winning isn't an expectation at all considering that his name wasn't even mentioned in the list of nominees. Accordingly, it is because of "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," as expressed by the the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Obama winning this accolade made him the third sitting U.S. president after President Theodore Roosevelt won the award in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson won in 1919. Cool. But there'll be a whole lot of expectations attached to this piece of award in the current national and global issues.

I was caught off guard with this breaking news you see. I wanted to know the reactions from the winner himself and from his detractors, but I guess I will have to wait later today. It's too early to hear reactions because it has only been moments since this news broke. Let's wait and see!

What's your reaction by the way? Do you think President Obama deserved the Nobel Peace Prize? News can be read here!

Schooling Again is Burning Fats for Me!

I can't wait to go back to school! You see, I believe that the only way to get rid of these extra weight that I got and to burn fat fast is to be so occupied with studies and being a doting mom at the same time! When I wasn't married yet, I am like many women out there who maintain a super slim and slender body figure. But genes have it! I mean, our genes do. When I got pregnant almost two years after being married, I gained excessive weight and until now, even after more than three years of giving birth, I still didn't get my old body statistics and I've had enough of this current body size! LOL.

I have tried exercising but my laziness overpowered my desire after two months of doing it regularly. My bad, because I should do it constantly. I couldn't do heavy exercises since I'm asthmatic so I only do the hula hoop via Wii Fit. But then again, I've stopped. I couln't lessen my food intake either because I am the chef here at home and it's impossible for me to do it. So I am confident that I'll slowly get my old body stat back once I'll be the busiest nursing student out there! He he he. I really can't deny my hidden desire to be slim again to feel sexy and healthier, but each time I see the reason why I became this big, I just have to smile and be grateful for becoming a mom to my most precious daughter.

A sweet smile of us two that daddy took.

You bet, he'll be lonesome without us by his side in the coming months! :( But Triz right now would say "We'll just chat and see each other in the web cam, Dad". This time around, we trust that technology brings us closer virtually as our hearts continue to love each other even the disntance and come what may.

Colon Cleansing

My mother, who recently turned 59 years old last month is into detoxification and colon cleanse. She started with such health program last year when I went home for vacation after she has attended a health seminar and detoxification forum which made her really convinced that it is good for her. True, it was good for her as it is for everybody, and I am so proud of what she has done. She has detoxified her system and though I must say that the program is a bit expensive as she has to maintain a certain type of foods and vegetables, I can tell that it worked best for her. Her hypercholesterolemia is now gone and she doesn't have any complaints of minor aches and pains any longer. She even looks younger now than before. Really amazing! Now I am thinking of challenging myself to get started, too. There are top 10 colon cleansers at coloncleanseresearch.com with reviews that I find to be worth reading. If I'll be convinced, I might opt to try one so as to speed up my battle to lose weight.

Thank you, PayU2Blog!

I am indeed very thankful to PayU2Blog for giving me extra tasks today! Perhaps they knew how in need I am for extra $$$ since I'll be spending the coming months in our home country, and that means more spending to be incurred! I didn't expect that I still will receive star-studded assignments from them since it's been quite awhile that they've handed me some, but this morning, they made me express once more that...

Sure! PayU2Blog tasks make me happy! And I hope to receive some more, even when I am absent in this country so that I'll have a very valid reason to keep on updating this blog! But more than that, I wish you have the same blessings as well! :)

Getting a Degree Online is an Option

So, once again, I'd let all of you know that I am going home to Philippines for a very special mission: to go back to school and enroll myself in a nursing program as I am so desperate to become a registered nurse and work here in the US. Next week is our flight and I want to get started right away by getting into the second semester class of the school year 2009-2010 in the Philippines. I am already set with which campus to go, and because I chose to stay in the city two hours drive away from our home, I will be finding a house or apartment to rent while I go on with my plan. It's going to be another fresh start, huh.

Should I remain here, an online college degree would have been an option. Initially, the hubby and I planned of me proceeding to a master's degree in Mass Communication as that's my college degree course but because in the past four years of living here in the United States, I realized how in-demand nursing jobs are, my passion to work in the hospital or nursing home as one of those health and nursing care providers quickly arose. I even regretted why I didn't take up Nursing before, I could be that useful now. But it's not too late for me yet, is it?

So with that goal of mine stated, I hope you wish me luck! And if you're interested to get nursing degree online, accreditedonlinedegree.org has list of online schools for your course preference. Check it out!

Flu Shots Done!

I wanted the three of us (the daddy, me, and the daughter) to get the flu shots this year a bit earlier. That's because I dreaded the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu and I figured getting the yearly flu shot would help. Well, it was just me and the daughter who got it, because the daddy didn't want to pay for the exact price of the shot since our insurance plan didn't cover it! He insisted it should be covered by our insurance plan since we have two different pharmacy cards but oh well, I wish it was the Medicare supplement insurance that we have. The hubby just told me that he will call our insurance provider first to insist that the flu shot should be covered and that's when he'll go get one for himself.

And now that Triz and I already have it, I can say that we are so ready now to fly home to Philippines and spend the coming months there. I could only hope and pray that the good Lord will grant us healthy days and safe flights going there and coming back.

Triz an hour after her flu shot. She'd been given the Elmo sticker for being so brave. She was the only child in the clinic who never cry and the doctor and nurses were so amazed!

How about you guys? Are you getting the flu shot? How about the H1N1 vaccine? Does your insurance covers it? I hope so...

It's Expensive to be a Cowboy!

Is it not?

Actually, it's what I've been telling my daughter now that she is still young as my way of instilling in her that she can choose what she wants to be when she grows old and not become a lover of horses! That's because she told me several times that she wants to be a cowboy like how the characters in the Saddle Ranch or Club show look like. Have you seen that PBS show guys? So yeah, that's one of the many PBS shows that my Triz likes to watch these days and she loves how a cowboy is made up with all those breeches, boots, and just about every outfit that an equestrienne wears. Take note, my Triz is only three years and three months old and she has expressed so much interest already on those things. Hmm... it's not bad actually, but I just dread the fact that being a cowboy is very expensive considering that one has to have a ranch to be one. What do you think?

Beth Painted This!

Take a look!

How do you find it?

It's beautiful, isn't it? My initial reaction when I first saw this was "Wow!" Really, I was totally in awe of Beth's painting skill. I must say it's a talent, not just a skill. Beth is the very first and for now, only Pinay friend whom we met here in Stevens Point. She's only been here for six months and when Fall semester started last month, she enrolled in an acrylic painting class just so to keep her occupied since she isn't working yet. Now with this first product that she has, we joked at her that she can make some more and sell these and doesn't need to work anymore. LOL. Tell me if you want to see her next creation! ;-)

Water Damage?

If you're around San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, and other surrounding areas, then worry no more because Able Restoration is expert in any water damage Orange County and in those mentioned vicinity. Just a single call that you make regarding your water damage needs, Able can restore it quick and fast! I am just thankful that we currently live in a apartment complex as I am being spared from the stress that water damage cause whenever it occurs because of the management. So if you live around those areas mentioned above, then better take note of the Able Restoration company to take care of your water damage needs.

Plastic Solutions

If you look around your home, I am sure you'll see a whole lot of plastic parts. I am so sure of that because it's what I can see here in my own home. I've thought about that when I heard from a friend here in town that they're looking for acrylic tube and some sorts of plastic materials as well as polycarbonate which they'll be using as they make some renovations for their house. Interstateplastics.com I think is a good site which our friend must find it of worth. I gotta tell them about it!

Fall Foliage here in Stevens Point, WI

If you want to have a glimpse of the Fall '09 foliage, the Weather Channel suggests you go to Minnesota or Wisconsin or in Colorado area and there, let your cameras do a lot of works in capturing the gorgeous beauty of Autumn. Living here in Stevens Point gave me a whole lot of works in taking tons of pictures of the lovely colors of the Fall. I must say I loved it here, though I'm leaving soon to enjoy the tropical Philippines! Here, I'll show you some snaps of the beauty here in our place:

This "giant bouquet of flowers" I call turned into this color when September came.


This beautiful spot is located at the very back of our church building. And I must say, I surely adore the location of the Stevens Point Seventh-day Adventist Church, really magical!


See? Every scene is a beauty for me! Unfortunately, with those gorgeous colors is the super cold temperature already, stopping me to stay outside for long. LOL


So yeah, there's yellow, orange, pink, purple, and red. Really a beautiful spot to enjoy!

I already have hundreds of shots around here, these I will show to my friends and family back home. If only the cold is bearable, I'd love to ask swithart to go up north and take a look at the scenic Granite Park in Wausau. BUT, he is also very busy with his work so I'll just be content with what I got here in Stevens Point. I think I'm already very fortunate to be able to see these beautiful colors in person. I hope you like 'em! :)

I can dream...

...for cancun vacations, can't I?

Well, now that we are finally living on our own with the hubby having a regular full time job, I have the confidence that getaways and trips overseas is now closer to fulfilling them than before. In fact, if I haven't asked my hubby's support of me going home to Philippines and study nursing, we could have made it to booking our Mexican or Belizean getaway come December! BUT, time and again, trips like that can wait, so I have to mind what I think is best for me and I love seizing opportunities so you can't blame me on my decision.

Anyway, our friends in Belize who fortunately owns a resort is always right there waiting for us. Lucky us, indeed! If resources matter, next year's summer vacation, since I'll be back here from my mission in Philippines, we still wish to go to Central or South America and have a blast on a nice beach getaway down there.

The Malak's Are Coming Over!

And we are so excited to have all four of them this Friday!

It's been a while since we last saw them. We left IL two months ago and that's the last time we saw them. When Jerry (the dad) knew that Triz and I are leaving next week for Philippines, he saw to it that he can find a time to come up and see us before we'll leave, and sure enough, this coming Friday works best for all four of them. Awww! I can't wait to hold, hug, and kiss baby Joshua and big sissy Amy! They've been like a family to us and their kindness is beyond measure that words are inadequate enough to tell you all how grateful we are to God for having our paths crossed.

Meanwhile, today, I've finally started my packing up. After a week of procrastinating, today, I stayed off from the internet and minded the stuff that I need to be packing and yes, I'm done with my first luggage. HAH. It feels like going home na gyud, di na matabang. LOL. I have been having headaches since yesterday and last night it worsened when I learned the very devastating news back home, that my older brother got into an accident, driving our cab and hitting another driver (who was on a motorcycle) and who was unfortunately very drunk while he was driving. Though it wasn't my brother's fault, still, the fact that he got into an accident is a news that I sure hate to hear. The drunk driver that my hit is still in the hospital right now and hopefully, things will get settled before I'll get home. For now, I'll try to find a way to ease this headache of mine which I'm feeling to becoming a migraine attacking me severely. Oh Lord, let Tylenol do some magic, please! :)

If Only...

If only I'm done with one of the health care careers that I am so aiming to get, I wouldn't have any problem then of seeking the job that I long to have. For now, I have to make a good start of the Nursing program that I'll soon partake. I've got a lot of people who inspire me to go for it so I'll keep them in my heart so that my desire would be taken seriously by me. Even jobs that are only assistants in positions I would take it, as long as it's related to medical field like laboratory assistant careers. Here in the US, finding for jobs isn't that big of a problem at all because the internet can be an avenue in applying for one. Like for example, at laboratoryassistantjobs.com, you can just upload your resume there and browse the available jobs for free so it's really that smooth and easy.

Random Tuesday Thinkin'

There are a lot of things going on right now. I got so much to put into words, but I feel like I am incapable enough right now. LOL The fact that we are going home to Philippines soon excites me most, but I don't know where to start with the packing up. Ha ha ha. I keep listing first what the basic things that I have to let swithart know about household stuff so that when he's alone here, he won't have any problem with things. It's a pain to be apart but we have to sacrtifice one more time. God bless us....

As for this blogging thing that I do, I hope to continue updating my blogs even when I am in Philippines busy with my mission. You see, blogging has been a HUGE part of my life and to leave this online journal would be a tough thing. If you can see, I've got 1,202 written posts already, just in this URL, and this very post is the 1,203rd that I've written! YAY!

Since this is still affiliated with an active paid blogging site, I hope to receive more tasks still even when I am in the other part of the world so I'll have a more valid reason to write for updates. It would be great to share with you what keeps me busy while away from my hubby. Don't you think it's nice? He he he...

To share with you the thrill that I'm having right now, actually, I am the most excited because mid next month, my daughter and I are flying home to Philippines for quite a longer time of stay. I am going to enrol in a Nursing Program in one of the Medical School in our place and I can't wait to start with it. Define my excitement if you can, for now, I'll enjoy my remaining days here in the now cold and wintry place before stepping foot in our beloved homeland! ;-)