i am mad!!! : a tag

Okay, so I've got a very very interesting tag that Redlan threw on me! Strange, odd, embarrassing, and interesting-- a little bit of all! LoL. Now you're thrilled, huh. Well, this is quite simple. The rule is just to dig in your photo library and find a snap of your very self where you are mad or angry. One that showcase your face and then share the story why you got mad! Easy? It will be, if you've got those shots kept in your photo gallery. Now I'll give my take on this one. Please, mock me, mock me not! LoL. I am just being real here, okay? Go down below and see if I got you tagged, too! Okay, here I go!

(Yikes on my fez!!! LoL) This is an older photo of mine, June of 2005 when we went to Camp Akita in Gilson, Illinois to attend a Camp Meeting. Lunch time and we were enjoying our feast, picnic style, when something from the top of the tree fell on my very plate and I was already set to eat. Guess what it is? A worm!!! Eewww! Just made me so terrified and frustrated and mad. And so I threw my plate and took a new one and what do I know, swithart was all set to do the **click** to capture how I looked like! Grrrr....

And, what about this one, huh?

Well, this is another shot. I was concentrating very well on the internet doing some good reads on the Amazing Facts website when the husband keeps on calling me just for nothing. I can't tell how many those times were and was just so annoying, and the last time was my turn to look and face him and again, what do I know, he was all ready to take a shot of me! Isn't he silly? Duh wa pa man go'y anak nga kalingawan ug picture-picture. Karon kay naa naman. Hehe... I'm different when I get mad. If it's because of someone, naku... I could hold my peace for days. As in real silence I will become. But if it's because of something, I could express it real quick through pen and paper in poetry style. :)

There yah go Redlan! I gave it my all, okay? What a shame!!! LoL. But of course, I won't end here! I am going to ask the following fellas as well to do this thing just like I did! And you are: aBBy, Bless, cHikai, Darlene, Emzkie, Francine, gEn, In-in, iVy, Jen of New Zealand, JennyR, Juliana, maRie, Ritchelle, and Vicky! Whoah!!!! Come on guys! Show us how you look like when you get mad and why! No hard feelings, no pressures, all for fun!!! Game???

w-e-d-n-e-s-d-a-y!!!

Yesterday was a blast of storm in our place. Very severe that was! The temperature in the morning reached 45F but when 12pm stroke, it dropped down to 7F. Whew!!! Triz was sleeping when the loudest thunder and lightning hit and the wind was blowing the strongest. It rained and hailed, too that I thought our window glass would break. But thank God it didn't. I've heard ambulances serened to and fro and I was terrified because it's just the two of us here at home. Hehe... When the storm stopped late in the afternoon yesterday, it was sleeting and icing right away. Yaay!!! I just hate bad weather!

Well, today's Wednesday and the sun is up very warmly. But no, it's still winter here so we'll be bearing with the cold temperature still. I am lucky swithart is not going to the university today. He's on his own thing- with all those paperworks but I still could ask him to watch over Triz when I want a me-me time even for 5 minutes. That's a consolation I am telling you! We're going out later for grocery shopping and more. As usual, I am up for multi-tasking so I better stop here and see what happened to my paksiw that's on-going in the kitchen. I could smell it's yummyness already! :D

just had to share...

With my bestfriend Shas' permission, I have to post her wedding portrait here which I find so elegant, lovely, and gorgeous! She is just so beautiful in here and I could tell she and Bob, her husband were the happiest during their wedding! Ahhh... I missed their big day yes, which took place during the very last day of the year 2007 in one of the resorts in Jacksonville, Florida and I felt bad, but she understood my situation. Gifts, calls, chats, texts, and all those talks that seemed to not end were all but the consolation. Hopefully, this coming summer, if I won't be able to go home to Philippines, we could spend a week or two in their place in Florida. Here's their lovely pics alrighty!

Smiles that are for real!!!

Don't they just look stunning and perfectly in love? Keep loving Sha and Bob! Cheers to a great married life!

Saved By Ameda

My pregnancy with Triz was planned. And so was my breastfeeding. I couldn't believe how delighted my doctor, the nurses who took care of us after I gave birth, and my very nutritionist with my desire to exclusively breastfeed. They are very proud and happy for me. Thus, their all-out support was really felt by me. I was still in the hospital when I received the Ameda Purely Yours BackPack breast pump and oh how huge a help it really was during the first six months when I had more than enough of those milk and they were even more than enough for Triz as well. It's usefulness was really big that I couldn't imagine my breastfeeding life without it. I still have it actually up until now. I know it will still be that useful on my next breastfeeding time.

madly monday

Nope, it's not in the 60s or 70s. It's still in the 40's but it is so much better compared to below zero temperature! :D I've actually planned of going out today but swithart has to go to the university to meet with his profs for his paper and I don't like to go out with just me and Triz so such plan was left undone. Been chatting with friends unendingly, and it feels great! Even despite the odds and sad news that had happened with my close friends, I am glad to have known about the latest. Thanks to Friendster and YM for the updates. Now I am so etching to hear something good from home. You see, I am waiting for something really big to happened to make my going home possible. This makes me so excited. If all things will turn out good, I and Triz will be able to fly home soon. Hehe.. I really really hope. But I won't blame swithart to be wishing for a somewhat negative part. You see, he sure wouldn't want us to go home without him. :P

cheering up excellently

My joining this blogging thing became an absolute blast! It wasn't long ago that I started writing for real and for money and I never regretted the chance that I have asked help from JennyR on how to start this thing. The gaining of so many online friends tops the fulfillment I felt not to mention the friendships that were developed and nurtured. Of course, the earning is a huge huge deal as well. And It is an awesome feeling to be reminded that in some ways in my stay online, I have cheered up some of you in my own little way. Thanks to the many of you who thought so. This "You Cheer Me Up Award" and "Excellent Award" I got from Yen, JennyR, Ate Tess, Darlene, Lovely, Bless, Emzkie, Chikai, Ritchiela and to others whom I forgot mentioning is a great thing. Whew!!! Walang bawian ito ha? LoL.

It is really really an honor to be acknowledged as having an excellent rating. And now I am going to pass this to my fellow bloggers in my list who have cheered me up through their comments and whose blogs I looked up to as excellent as well. You are Francine, In-in, Jen of New Zealand, Redlan, Rissa, rUsStOt, Shabem, Thet, and to all of you who gave this to me, too. I am giving this back because you guys are excellently awesome. Todo na ito! :)

Photohunt: Old-fashioned

It definitely is my first time to join Saturday Photohunt meme and I am so excited. Hehe.. Please bear with me though, I am not a pro photographer, just amateur and I'll just try to showcase my photos that I feel would best suit the theme. This week's theme anyway is old-fashioned and here is what I got!

Yep, it's my daughter Triz! Doesn't she looks like an old-fashioned lady with her shades on trying to concentrate on her Barney show? LoL.

up early

I am this early and I know that. Hehe... Last night I was able to sleep earlier after our long talk about home with SIL who just arrived from her one-month-vacation in Philippines. It took us a couple of hours (I think!) just to watch the pictures and videos she has with familiar faces from back home. Just a wonderful time! Now I gotta prepare earlier because Triz is having an appointment at 8:15 this very morning at the health department. Yes, that early, and I sure hope she won't be crabby and cranky if I have to wake her up earlier. You see, her usual waking up time is 8:30 to nine in the morning but the only available time for her appointment that's closest to her 18-month-old checkup was this very time so this will be a sacrifice. I am just hoping really that she won't feel bad if I have to disturb her from her sleep. Hehe... She likes driving around though in the cold so maybe the below zero (-6F) temperature outside will help. Haha. Yaay! You have a great Thursday friends! See you later!

geometric!!!

Yes, that's how swithart defines her daughter's ability to do the math. (Laughs!) First, she started browsing her baby books when she was still a baby, 4 months that is, when she started to flip over. Then by and by, she does that constantly. She prefers playing with books and papers and pens and pencils, rather than her stuffed toys. I put all of her stuffed animals away because it just won't work with her. We recently bought her building blocks and educational tiles as her flooring. She consistently shows off her likes and desires to arrange and organize things after she cluttered it. But this one's pretty amazing. Look!

You've seen it! It's a pen and a pencil. Who would've thought an 18-month-old can excellently execute that?

She did that without our attention at all. I was busy with my own thing in my lappy and swithart was with his own, too, and we were just curious what made Triz applauding her own self when she went back to our TV room from the kitchen. Swithart attended her first, and I rushed quickly to the kitchen when the dad called me to go and see. Aahh... such a skill, eh?

friendship, oh yes, friendship!!!

How cool and awesome is it to have a lot of friends? For me, it is so great! That's why I don't mind at all even if I've already got a lot of them! You see, in my lifetime, I've moved from one place to another. And with it came a chance to know and befriended someone (and more!), whom I could tell are still are my friends until now. Friends I have had during my elementary years, then high school, then college- I've got them kept in my heart (char!!!). And ever since I started blogging, meeting friends online even became more unstoppable. It's nice because even though this is just through the blogosphere, I still have the chance to know these people and I could say, this really works great! And when Bless, Ate Tess, Darlene, Ritchelle, and Lovely gave me this Frienship Ball, I couldn't be more thrilled and thankful.

Thanks a lot fellow mommies for this sweet and awesome friendship note. yes, this is very touching.. And I am dedicating this to you, too. Just as you have chosen me to be your friend, I consider a deepening friendship that would take place between us, too. And I won't miss giving this to my fellow bloggers as well who are in my list and who I treat as friends, too. If you could see me often in your blogs, then you are one of those fellas. Grab this friends for I am giving this with all my heart to you!

xtra challenge: a tag

My blogger friend Yza made me number one in her list of to-be-tagged friends and this one tag is pretty cool but a little hard. Hehe... Talagang mapapa-challenge ako nito so here, I'll show you my take!

1. Champion a child - target: Of course it will be my little one: Triz!
   
2. Encourage a co-worker - target: Hmmm... a co-blogger? hehe... all those who are in my YM list. :)
   
3. Read a great book - target: The Best News Ever by MH.M.S. Richards, Sr. I do it daily.
   
4. Do something that frightens you - target: hmmm... I gotta think about this!
   
5. Write a thank you note - target: our very good friend Jerry who is really really good. and swithart. and to all those who have helped me and my family in their own little way.
   
6. Do something kind for a stranger - target: in every opportunity that I am into and have. I'll try to not miss this one!
7. Wow a customer - target: the advertisers. so they keep on giving me votes and not bans. :P and G- for a needed PR. haha!
   
8. Learn something new - target: hmm.... i'll think about this again!
   
9. Let go of a resentment - target: i don't think i have one right now. hehe...
   
10. Do better work - target: aim at putting and writing quality entries in my blogs. I've got several so this will really be a challenge. :)
    
11. Be more passionate - target: always. always passionate, yes!
12. Speak truthfully - target: try some more. I always try my best to do this. and i will try some more.
    
13. Stand for excellence - target: i have always stood for excellence. and i will never let go of this motto. ever!
    

Quite a challenge, huh. And now, I am going to pass this on to Bless, In-in, Darlene, Marie, Ritchelle, Redlan, Vicky, and Ivy. Is it alright guys? :)

gotta get this!!!

I have been in search of a Children's Bible that I want my toddler to have. It is a must that I could get one soon as she's now in the stage that eagerness to read is becoming a real thing. Well, she's been browsing her children's books ever since she was very little pretending she's reading them. We even caught her in action blabbing and saying some things and words that only she knows and understands. All we've done was laughed our hearts out and complimented her through hugs and kisses and words that for us were to be of encouragement to her.

I've actually has two choices of these Children's Bible but this one is pretty nice because it as the word "my first". It would be a great souvenir to keep until she grows old and would be wanting a Bible for adult. Swithart and I just thought that right now is the best time to let herself get acquainted with this book that we treasure. It would be a great start to let her learn how to love the Bible. Gotta get this real soon!

fine day

I just logged in to my computer. Yep, I made it of not being online in the last almost almost 24 hours. Hehe! There's not much to write anyways so it's just fine. I did have a great rest today. Nice time at church even though we learned that our Pastor's father passed away in California. We all enjoyed a warm fellowship along with great talks and communion with our church friends. It was a huge thing because the temperature today was sooooo low. I tell you, this morning when we left home for church, it was negative 1 outside and the windchill was negative 20. How's that, huh? It's like something is biting your skin and your ears the moment you go out from your door. Whew! So bitterly cold! Only Triz was loving it I think. There's no works for me to do now and all I am waiting for is my family and swithart's to go online. It's our chatting schedule and the three of us here are excited to see them once again. :) How's your Saturday friends?

out and about

Yes, we were earlier! We went grocery shopping and we planned of going to one store only but something we were looking wasn't in the first store that we hopped on to making us jump to two more stores. Arrgghhhh! Of course I didn't like it! Plus given the so low temperature, it was really so cold outside. I haven't ironed like I said I should because tomorrow's Sabbath. Earlier I chatted with my college friend whom I haven't kept in touch for the last 4 years and who's now in Canada. Whew! I am so glad she buzzed me over at Friendster, now we're back to communicating once again. I just love friendster, really. It just makes me go out and about as well in the world wide web. How's your Friday friends? May you all have a great weekend ahead!

rejoicing stopped. hehe!

Yep, last Monday swithart was scheduled to not teach a class for this semester and was only given a task that will be done at home for his graduate assistantship. It was a great news for him because it would make him just stay at home and have much time facing his paperworks, as well as get to be with us even if he's still busy with his own thing. It was a reason for my rejoicing as well, why not. But... today such schedule changed. Huhuhu. You see, he was called up by the Mathematics chair in the university this morning and there he went and met the chair. He learned that he was asked and requested to report for 12 hours per week to the Mathematics tutorial department in the campus starting next week for the whole semester and will do tutoring to anyone who needs it at the university. Doing it isn't a problem at all, but it's the time constraint that he sees to be so hassling because it would break his schedule with his own class and his research thing. Now we both has stopped rejoicing over such matter. LoL. It's tough but life's like that. Hehe. We'll just have to deal with it fairly enough. Soon when all of these will be over, I hope to breathe normally. I mean, with his schedule and mine that is really tough.

triz and yurik

We were so delighted last night when we heard from the Magana family whom we missed so much now. They're now in their home place Belize after staying here for two years when Serjio, the head of the family was taking his Master's program at ISU, the same university where swithart goes to. We haven't heard from each other for a couple of months now and we missed each other. We became so close that tears were shed during their farewells. We missed Yurik, too, their grandson who is just two months older than Triz. And in their email last night was attached Yurik's recent photo and ahhh... I can't believe how big he has grown in the last 8 months since they left. Well, Triz has grown a lot as well and it's just their thing, eh?

Yurik and Triz now

Triz at 4 months and Yurik at 6 months.
We often talk about setting them up and let them marry each other when they grow big. LoL. Abuelo and Abuela adore Triz a lot!

This photo of the four us- Yurik and Triz, Consuelo- the Abuela and moi, was taken during their last Sabbath at church before they left. May 2007.

We hope to meet and see each other again in the future. They said we are always welcome to go to their place in Belize as they have the most wonderful beaches out there and if they couldn't come back in here soon, and if we are still here in 2010, we will be meeting each other in Atlanta Georgia for the World Congress of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It's still too long from now but we couldn't wait for such time. I am sure it will be a great time!

excited moi

I am so excited for SIL's coming back! Hehe... She's been away since December 24th last year because she took a one-month-vacation and she'll be back next week. I could imagine the escapades she's made back home. She's reached Palawan, Bora, Bohol, and a lot of spots in our own island in Mindanao. Well, that's just her thing really so it's never new to me. Even before I met her, I've already known her being an adventurous person. Lucky are her friends and those who have the guts to go with her on her every trip and tour because she does all the expenses! LoL. I know how broke she is, but for her, it's her life. And now again, I can't wait for her to be back. Why? Because I am craving for some atsara (papaya pickles), bulad (dried fish) and some other little stuff that my NangEls, Yaya, and Mama will be sending. Yum.

Nouveau Riche U

I am not into real estate really but sister-in-law is. She's currently taking her MBA now and her classes, she said, involved courses in businesses and real estates. I honestly don't have the desire to talk about those kinds of stuff because it would just envy me for being just a stay-at-home person that I am now. But every time she mentions about Nouveau Riche University, a school that teaches real estate investing and is known to be the premier real estate investment education, I couldn't stop myself from wishing to study in this institution. With sales marketing opportunities and students will be helped to learn to earn, that's just amazingly great! Now I am gonna browse the site for more info. Who nows, I might be admitted here for class and that would be good!

happy wednesday!!!

Time sure flies by and nobody's getting any younger. LoL. It's now the middle of the week today and am loving it! It would keep me going inspired to do my thing despite the odds I am beating everyday. We all do anyways so it's just fair! Haha! I still am not getting any richer until now (LOL) but each day brings me closer to achieving our goals so I am always go for it! Swithart's dissertation thing is getting harder and harder and he's getting lesser and lesser sleep. :D And yet, he's still is on for that. Now I am gonna wish you all a great Wednesday and may you'll find some reason to smile today. I always do even amidst the darkest part of my life. And more than that, may you'll stay safe and sound for the rest of the day. Happy Wednesday and happy blogging! :)

Dubai Apartments

My college best friend Ivy is based in Dubai since September of 2006 and up until now. She first worked as a receptionist in the Dubai hotel apartment as it was the job that she applied for when she was still in Philippines. I could tell she is loving her stay in there and according to her, even if it's hot very during the day, meeting a lot of fellow Filipinos out there especially during their day off was so much fun and exciting. I bet! I've seen her often as we always used a webcam every time we chat and that's almost every other day or the least, once a week. She said going to a beach there is one of their enjoyment especially if they get to stay in one of those luxurious Dubai villas in a resort. Well, she's got a lot to say and share I could tell, as I always ask for pictures of her and how great a time she has been having in those poses of her together with her friends are all shown through their smiles. Someday it is my dream to tour Dubai along with swithart and Triz, and when that time comes, I must be ready in all aspects. Finding a Dubai apartment first and booking it would be a must if such time would arrive. I was informed that there are a lot of short time rental portal out there and when you book, you have the chance to connect with tourists as well as with other Dubai furnished apartments.

All these got me intrigued actually until I found dubaiapartment.biz in the net. Such a very informative site! It sure is a must visit website if you or anyone you know is planning a trip and an adventure to Dubai. Dubai apartments- they are the most perfect alternative place to stay instead of a hotel as comfort an convenience are what they cold give at a much lower cost. Plus, if a less hassle stay is what you want just like me, the you would love to stay in one of the self catering Dubai apartments and dubaiapartment.biz can help you find this one. The site also has a list of properties from people and if you as well as your own property that you want to get listed, you could also do that in their "Join us for free section". Now you don't wanna miss this kind of information when you are planning of going to Dubai soon, do you?

Can't Stop

I can't stop calling my sister back home. Last night I immediately called her when I learned from Ate Eve in HK that Yaya is sick. Of course I was all worried. I know she'll be fine because Ma is there, as well as some of my older sisters and I am pretty sure she will not be left uncared but I still called her to hear her voice. I missed her so bad that is why. You see, there are a lot of us, 7 sisters and 1 brother. I am the eighth, Yaya is the fifth, but we are the closest along with our only brother, the 7th and whom everybody in the family calls Kuya. So last night, we had a good one-hour talk. (Yay! Imagine the bills!) Hehe... Earlier tonight, I called her again to check if she's now better but too bad it's otherwise. When I called, they were in a hurry because they're heading to the doctor to have her checked. She's suffering from a stomachache for days now and everybody thought it was just diarrhea and will be gone soon since she just arrived there from Japan. But today, everybody there is speculating that it's not a diarrhea and MIL suggested when they had talked to see a doctor. So there, today, I hope she's now checked and okay. I just can't stop worrying for her. Everybody in the family knows we're the closest and when we talked, laughters seem unending. I just am so sad to not be there during these times when they're on a vacation. Ahh.. life! Full of missings and reminiscence, eh?

dined out

Cool Tuesday I got here! I was left with Triz the whole afternoon as swithart has to go to the university for his class and for his initial data gathering. It's strange because Triz was used to having her dad around especially when she wakes up from her nap in the afternoon. They would play with each other every time but today was different. When Triz woke up and saw her dad's computer seat empty, she cried and was looking for "dada". She was pointing the bathroom's door because she's used to believing that when dad's not around by her side, he's just in the bathroom or in the basement finding his research materials being stored in there. I told her that dad's not here, he's in school but she didn't stopped looking for him. I wanted to call swithart but nah... he's in the class at that very moment so it would be impossible. Well, I was able to find ways to let her stop from crying by playing with her until the dad came home at 5pm. Ah.. the toddler was so happy to see her dad in the driveway by the window. I told him about it and swithart was teary-eyed. Waaah! So corny of him, isn't it? Hehe... Then, he brought us out without my knowledge of where we are going. I thought we are just gonna go to wal-mart to send moolah thru moneygram but it just left me surprised when he drove us to our favorite DQ along Veteran's Parkway. there we had our dinner but I wasn't so happy about it because I didn't have my camera with me. LoL. He said he intentionally hid his planned treat so I won't be bringing it with us. Hah. Now you see he won alright. But I loved the dinner, too. Makes me rest from cooking. Hehe...

just so you know...

I have made a third page running right now and you are very welcome to take a peek in there! I call it My Written xPressions and you can go ahead, read the first entries I've had in there. I am making it a public but it was made for a sole purpose of experimenting. If this experiment I am thinking will work, then go na dayon! LoL. I'll add the links that I feel like adding and most particularly, only domains of you guys. So don't ask me to add a lot of your links in there! Haha. Ang taray ano??? Well, that's it. Just wanted to share. Enjoy your Tuesday friends! Here in our place, the sun is up, shining so bright outside but the temperature is still so low and it could still makes me burrrr to go out! I am gonna go out though later so I'll be fighting that sooo freezing cold still! Keep safe everyone! Happy blogging!

my name means...

I've responded to this tag a little later, and I am sorry guys. There's many of you who tagged me on this, and I could only remember Yen and Lovely. So here you go!

This one is easy. All you have to do is spell your name using the letters and their corresponding meanings.

Here's mine, baby!
R- good wife (matanong nga si mister!)
E- deeply in love with her spouse (well, I am just next to my swithart! :D)
C- really easy to fall in love with (aww!!)
E- deeply in love (na naman???)
L- best smile (hmmm... talaga ha!)
See that??? My name revealed it all! I am all for love and all about love. Wahihi!

Letter Stands for:
A: Gorgeous
B: Loves people
C: Really easy to fall in love with
D: Is great in bed
E: deeply in love with his/her gf/bf
F: People wild and crazy adore you
G: Never let people tell you what to do
H:Freakin’ beautiful eyes
I: Loves to laugh
J: Makes people laugh
K: Really silly
L: BEST SMILE
M: Makes dating fun
N: Sexy
O: Has one of the best personalities ever
P: Popular with all types of people
Q: A hypocrite
R: Good bf/gf
S: Lives life for fun
T: Great kisser
U: Gets blamed for everything
V: Not judgmental
W: Very broad minded
X: Never let people tell you what to do
Y: Loved by everyone
Z: Lives life for fun
I think most of you have done this tag already. If not yet and you're interested, don't hesitate to snag this from me anytime! :)

up but nothing new

Sunday has been a little busy here! Well, actually, just the term that's often expressed as busy doin' nothing. Haha! I haven't bloghopped in fact. I just chatted and chatted to loved ones back home. There's nothing wrong about it though! In fact, I am loving every moment of our laughters especially with the availability of this web cam that people back there are seeing Triz's kagagahan. Last night, we've chatted with my sisters for a good almost three hours! Tonight, Ma and Pa in-law were online, too and we saw how bibo they were back there. Now I am up with nothing's really new here! Well, I've got no PR anyways so there's nothing for me to grab. Hehe! Poor me and In-in. It left us talking and expressing our sentiments towards this ranking thing. Ouch! LoL. Anyway, we're used to this and so we'll just wait for the time that Google will be able make pansin to our effort. Aww! That is, if mapansin pa! So how's your Sunday friends? I hope you all have a great one!

birthday again!!!

Yes, it's already a history- that every January 10th and January 11th is a series of birthdays of the two important and loved people in my life. Yesterday, if you've scrolled down there below, was Pa in law's birthday. He turned 69 yesterday. Such a blessing, yeah. And today, it's my very loved niece Shaira's 6th birthday. Aah... been so long. This niece of mine is my older sister's daughter whom I call Yaya. I just love and missed this dear pamangkin of mine. Her name is Shaira, and here, meet her, will you?

The celebrant-- Shaira Remoroza Yamaguchi. Yes, you read it, her father is a Japanese. She celebrates her 6th birthday today, well, it's last night here and Friday noon back home with her mom and dad. I missed another huge event I know and you must know how sad it is! Hehe... I love this niece of mine as I became like her mom, too, when I was still there. She was 3 years old when I left and it's been 3 years now. Wow!!! See how time flies? This used to be little girl is now very tall. And very bright and talented. Now you know why I love this little girl so much! :) Happy birthday Lang.. May you'll grow to be a good girl doing things that are in accordance to God's will.

Start-Up Financing

Most of my and swithart's families back in Philippines involved themselves in small business for them to make it for their daily needs. And so, every once in a while we always receive requests over here for a support in their StartUp Financing need. Yeah, looking for a capital is really hard back there. And as long as we have little things to share, we try to help our families with the Start Up Financing need for their planned investment. All I could wish is for them to have access to EZUnsecured.com in which easy process, fast funding, and excellent service are prioritized above all. Having an access for a Start-Up Financing would be a great consolation for them out there.

Career Development

Should swithart used his skill as an engineer, I am sure his life would have revolved around construction and stuff. It's no nonsense, though. In fact, I love such thought of him being in the field or just doing the planning and sketching. But now, he's not in such field anymore as he's concentration has shifted to his other love- teaching. But he still has the skills and talents to do construction and design I could tell. But I believe he needs further classes and attendance on career development on construction and with that said, CSkills, a partner of the sector skills council for construction would be the best option. I like browsing the site actually. It's so informative and helpful. It would be a great one for anybody who is involved in construction industry. Have you known about this?

it's Pa-in-law's birthday!!!

Yes, it's Pa's birthday today, January 10. I am not sure how they celebrate it back there but I know there is serenading and stuff. We missed it yes, and we wish him the best health now and in the days ahead. We haven't called him yet, but tonight we will. We're pretty sure that they're enjoying some foods over there right now. And people from church must be loving this day since they're used to going there and celebrating this big day every year. Last year though Ma and Pa were here so Pa's birthday was spent here with my cookings and with all our laughters and gifts, too. Hehe... Now, we really wonder what they are up to. Here's the celebrant by the way!

It's Pa (swithart's father with his first lady) :) after church one Sabbath noon.
A three-generation photo. The grannies, the dad, and the daughter.

We wish Papa a happy birthday today. May he'll continue to nourish his body with healthy foods but above all, feed his soul with spiritual enrichment together with Mama. These two people are inseparable I tell you. And they're the sweetest couple I have known, too. They grew this old, simply because their companionship and faith in God kept them together. Pa is now 69 years old, and we wish him more years to come. We can't wait for them to be back and I am sure they feel the same. We missed him and Mama and we love them both dearly.
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these "R" things

I am fascinated with how Jen of My 3 Boys and I have played this game and I am taking a play here! The rule? Read along.

Here’s how you play. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following categories. They have to be real places, names, things…nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same first initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

What is your name? Rece
4 letter word: rare
Vehicle: Revo
City: Reno, Nevada
Boy Name: Romeo
Girl Name: Rea (i like this name!)
Occupation: Realtor (hmm... richness! lol)
Something you wear: relos (wristwatch)
Celebrity: Reese Witherspoon
Food: Rice (ahihi! one i can't live without!)
Something found in a bathroom: rack of toothbrushes (hihi), now i'm being shouted by swithart the word "razor". it's his thing, eh?

Reason for Being Late: ranting first before leaving (hihi)
Cartoon Character: Rudolph the red-nose reindeer? LoL
Something You Shout: “Run!!!” (on times when the three of us are playing together outdoor.)

Awww! I had so much fun, really. Now I am wondering if Sarah, In-in, Darlene, Yen, Emma, Bless, Francine, Norma of Canada, and Vicky would want to play along. Give it a try ladies! I am sure you'll have fun! i really did.

windy wednesday

Yes, a little warmer still but it is so windy here since last night. You see, I've stayed up so late last night, until 3am, and the breeze and strong wind outside can be heard. That's until now. It's just a good thing that the huge and long dead tree has been cut down leaving us to worry no more in times like this. I am so happy last night after having seen my four sisters, my Kuya and my pamangkins in the webcam. Aahhh if you have seen and hear our talks, the laughters was overheard even to out neighbors! LoL. They are are all full of fun out there especially that they're preparing for my niece's 6th birthday. Awww!!! I so missed such big event, promise! I am just hoping they could send me their pictures so at least, I could still feel I am there. Hehe... They've seen the videos of Triz and us that we've sent thru SIL and they said they're watching it over and over again. Haha. Feeling celebrity tuloy kami. They were all appreciation when they saw with their own eyes Triz' abilidad. I am so missing home right now. Even despite the financial difficulty out there, it never fails me to dream of going home soon. And I am sure the same thing goes with you, too.
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Love Hate Tag

I was greeted by two early morning comments in this very blog letting me know that I've been tagged. Cool, eh? It's pretty mommies Yen and JenR who were kind enough to include me in their list and I am thankful. :) It's called a love-hate tag so here's my take!

1. I love to eat: ube ice cream anytime!!! :)
2. I hate to eat: half-cooked or raw meat. The kind that's a little bloody. Ewwww! LoL.
3. I love to go: to church every Sabbath. It completes my week!
4. I hate to go: out anywhere without swithart and Triz! Yes, that's how I am used to having them around!
5. I love it when: swithart emails me or calls me from work just to say iloveyou and I can't wait to be home. Weeeeh! Sweet!
6. I hate it when: I am greeted with bad and sad news back home. It's kinda terrible, ain't it?
7. I love to see: snow. And more of it! :)
8. I hate to see: corruption and dishonesty in the government. The effects are just overwhelmingly pitiful, esp. the poor ones. Look at the Philippine government now?!
9. I love to hear: everything my toddler says. Her words and voice are so precious, sweet, and always sounds music to my ear!
10. I hate to hear: and see a failing mark at school! ahihi!

There yah go friends, what do you say? Find this tag interesting? You can snag this anytime. I just wouldn't tag anyone in particular right now cause I'm a bit busy. Enjoy!!!

the its it's, there their they're

I am up for a challenge! But this one's pretty easy (wooooh!) alright! Haha! It's Texas sweetie and preggy Anne who challenged me to take this blogthings test and I dare not refuse this! LoL. Actually, I've made this already and I've posted it at my bravejournal quite a long time ago, but I am up for a new one just to see if the questions are different or what. But I still got the same result, so I must say nothing is different. The Its It's There Their They're test this is called, and I think this is a good one to review my elementary grammar. So here!

You Scored an A

You got 10/10 questions correct. It's pretty obvious that you don't make basic grammatical errors. If anything, you're annoyed when people make simple mistakes on their blogs. As far as people with bad grammar go, you know they're only human. And it's humanity and its current condition that truly disturb you sometimes.

There you have it Anne! So if my English teachers from elementary till college would see this, I am sure they'd be proud. Nyakz!!! Pero grabeng paningkamot naku ani ug tubag ba! LoL. What about you guys? Are you interested to take this
The It's Its There Their They're Quiz?

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Sporting Bet

Last Christmas holiday, swithart and I had all the time in the world to play chinese checkers once again after so long a time! It's been like ages since the last time we played it- it was even before Triz was born! Whew!!! We were asking each other if sport betting would be possible for us to do. His quick reply? "Yes, if it's a chess!" Waaah! That's how a challenger he is when it comes to chess! I shew him bet365.com to find the game in their featured sports and he said there is. But he added that such site is worth sharing to all and everybody who is fond of online gaming plus betting. Why? Because the site offers a full range of online betting facilities. Online casino, Sportsbook betting facility, interactive games section and a dedicated online poker playing area can be enjoyed at bet365.com so if you are one online better of whatever sports and games, hurry and check the site now!
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thinkin' tuesday

Well, it's still a bit warm today but gloomy. We were out almost the whole morning as it was Triz's 18-month-well check appointment with her pedia. I always love it when it's checkup time because I like to see and talk with Dr. Boe, the doctor. Not only is he good and good-looking (hehe), he also is really very friendly and approachable, and I could tell he adores Triz so much. It's just odd cause every appointment, the toddler is not liking the things done to her- the undressing, the measuring, the weighing, the checking and all those stuff. What she likes is just being talked. So there, expect a cry and a kind of rebellion from her once she'll be placed in the weighing scale. It's kind of a struggle really to me and the dad, as well as to the nurse but after all those things, it's great to see the developments through the record and statistics. Everything is pretty good, she's doing the things that she's supposed to do, and often, even exceeds. We spent quite some time outside today. A run to the post office, did some grocery shopping, toured Circuit City to find a cheap blank CD-R in bulk which swithart needs so much now for his recordings and downloads, hopped at the Dollar Store to get several CD cases and it's tough to have Triz slept in the van. It's just a magic that she still is able to take her nap right now even if she has taken some few minutes of sleep while driving. Of course I am not complaining!
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big enough!!!

So the latest technology has it now! A big, giant flat-screen TV set! Whew!!!! It's the latest of the Panasonic- the 150-inch plasma TV! So you think it's cool? Or do you really think it's that big? Hmmm... take this: this thing is a marvel to behold. It's so big, it's hard to take it in, really. With a viewing area that measures 11 feet by 6 1/4 feet and 8.84 million pixels of resolution, the TV (which has no model number and no date for being commercialized) is regularly thronged by crowds of slack-jawed onlookers, unable to comprehend the thing.

Can you tell how huge that TV is? It's so big that all the other flat-panel companies have simply removed signage that might indicate how big (er, small) their sets are in comparison. There are obviously some big sets here from Pioneer, LG, and Sharp, but exactly how big their biggest sets are remains a mystery. Don't think that woman modeling right there is short. No she's not. In fact, that one in the left is the last year's biggest model. So you see, you can really tell the difference, can't you?

Whew!!! I only stand 5'2 baby! And so, I don't think I need one like this. Hihihi. Anyways, even if I do, I don't think I can afford to get one. And then again, even if I can afford, I am sure I will not be willing to pay for one! What for, huh? Don't you think I am more than contented with my lappy? :P

Source: tech.yahoo.com

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warm monday, yey!!!

The weather is unbelievably warm today- 65F. Amazing!!! In this very wintry January where it supposedly has an average temperature of 30F, now we are loving this very warm day! I can't believe seeing kids playing outside just in shorts, and people just in sleeveless. I am not complaining, no no. It's this kind of weather that's perfect for me! It has just snowed last week and reached 6 inches accumulation but yesterday, it all melted away. Now there's no more beauty of those sugary whites in the ground. But the forecast tells the warmth is just for this week. And come Friday, it'll snow again. So we better take this chance to enjoy the warm weather outside! Swithart's been at the university early this morning for his teaching assignment schedule this semester and I am left with Triz's kakulitan. Hehe! She's on her nap right now, and later when she wakes up, we're gonna go outside, stroll in the next block or two and just enjoy the warmth! Yes, we are loving this moment!
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green brain!!!

I snagged this link from Utah mommy Darlene. I am sorry Darl, I prefer doing this rather than knowing what's in store for my future thru that astrological horoscope tag you have for me. Hehe... I just don't want to be foretold about my upcoming destiny. Hihi... Anyway, this "what color is your brain" test is kind of cool. Lets me know I have a green brain here! (Really???) No, I am not green-minded! LoL

Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

Balance? Maybe. In all sorts, I always try to get the two sides of the story. Objecivity- yes. That last statement works real good for me. Being a lover of silence that I am, it's just natural to be defined as spending a lot of time thinking. Yes, every moment for me is spent thinking, reminiscing, meditating, and more thinking! LoL.

How about you,

What Color Is Your Brain?

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Engagement Rings...

There's a lot of them that you can choose from at jamesallen.com! If you are a woman and you prefer diamond engagement rings, no problem, simply let you man know about the site! With a huge selections of engagement rings, jamesallen.com has been known to have sold over 20,000 rings in the past 10 years! The site is all about professional jeweler James Allen and the variety of diamonds made into finest jewelries that every diamond lover wants. I never got to wear a diamond ring myself when I got engaged as I never really wear any jewelry at all aside from a wristwatch. And do do swithart. But I do believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, and real diamond photographs of different shape, color, and clarity at jamesallen.com paint more than a thousand words! Won't you visit the site and see it yourself?

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...and what is she up to?

It started with Barney, and then Teletubbies. After those two- Sesame Street and Boz the Bear. Then Curious George and just about every Children's show on PBS every morning of weekdays. It became Triz's companions. Is it bad? Tell me about it! It does good to me. With those kind of shows, it keep her occupied and I am able to do my household chores, especially the kitchen. And of course, taking a peek at my pc for paid blogging! :D And this is how she behaves:

But not all the time though! I just have to strive hard to do everything I can while she's that composed. Later on, she will start to stand up and make a mess and serves as my tail and imitator. Ahhh motherhood, eh? I am just glad that video music helps me babysit her, too, just like those PBS children's show do. With the help of DVDs and VCRs that we have of religious music, I could let this little girl stay relaxed and focus. Hehe! And youtube, too! Yeah, this video that The King's Herald sang became a favorite!

Well, of course I am delighted videos like this helped!
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The Right Loan

Yes, life is getting harder and harder each year, if not every day. With the financial needs we have that keep on increasing, and yet salaries hardly go up, financial burdens remain to be a burden, and oftentimes, a worst one. Could anything gets better with that? How about payday loans and cash advance? Well, christianfaithfinancial.com has these two services. And they have more. More loan services that's right for you! Won't you check them out today?
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too bad!!!!

I just hate I when I hear bad news back home. Who doesn't eh? It 's indeed terrible because during those times, I feel so helpless and sometimes, useless. News of sickness, death, accidents, and anything related like that, however small it is, always scares me to death. Last night, it was unusual for Jon's family back home to go online as Saturday night (Sunday morning Phil. time) is the regular schedule of chatting. I immediately called swithart and asked him to log in using his own YM when I was notified at my YM window that they're online. I wonder so much, that's why. And so, after some few minutes, we've learned that Ma (MIL) was admitted two days ago, and that, they're planning to admit Pa (FIL) as well yesterday for reasons that they've been sick and have been coughing on and off in the last six days and Ma doesn't eat anything while Pa complained of hard breathing. I am so sad. Of course, swithart is, too. We are just hoping and praying that they'll be fine soon. SIL is there right now for a month-long vacation but she's in Palawan currently for a getaway. Bro-in-law is there, too, for a break from his Medicine board exam review in Cebu and we are just expecting all of them out there to take care of Ma and Pa. We really hope they'll get better soon.
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First Feast of 2008

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

The other day. My older sister's holiday greeting card from HK just arrived and there beautiful pictures in it of my nieces. Loved it!

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

A summer home would be perfect somewhere in my hometown in Philippines! Somewhere near a beach! Awww!

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Orange-- all-time fave!

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

Hmm... I've got a lot and there's no criteria? LoL. I would just have to choose my Sabbath dresses. They're the nicest because they're special. They're only being worn on Sabbath, not on any other days! :)

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

When my mother left us temporarily for some reason. Well, it was a valid reason on her part, yes, but it made a huge impact in everyone's part in the family. She's with us now, and that day has been long over, but then still, tears could come out anytime among us siblings if such event would be brought up. But no matter how painful such time was, things will not turn out the way they have now, so it still would be impossible to wipe that day out give the memory it has made! :)

Thanks for feasting with me on this very first one of the year!

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Online Casino

Have you ever tried playing online casino? I haven't. But for someone who've had, it's quite addicting I was told. Well, with 32vegas.com's casino games in a site that's glamorous and fashionable making you feel your in the real Las Vegas casino, I think you will really have the time of your life! Why? Because when you sign up today, you will be given a massive 320% bonus, and Vegas casino actually has more than 130 popular games of the highest quality, therefore, you've got a lot of choices which one to play! Stop dreaming of going to Las Vegas just to play if you couldn't really go. Check 32vegas.com now and see what you can do!
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i am missing!!!

Yes, I received a text message from my NangEls back home that Yaya with Kuya Tom has just arrived from Japan! Weeeee I am so homesicked right now! Made me more and more lazy with what I should be doing here! I can't wait to call them and ask them to go online so I could see them in the webcam. I so missed them all right now! As in jud. Now you can't blame me if I am even longing for home as I am sure Yaya would be making the favorite meal she used to make for me back then. I hate it but for sure, I'll be shedding some tears later when I'll be able to talk to them. Huhuhu.... I better prepare some kleenex here first! :P
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pairing the unpaired!!!

Triz has always been fascinated with every stuff that she gets to wear. She started to want what we have and wear what we do, but more than that, she started to teach herself how to do things the right way.

Or is it really? Hehe... What about wearing her shoes without momma or dada's help? We all had a laugh when she tried undressing her self after I washed her for bedtime. Swithart and I just let her do what she wants to do, be it trying to dress herself up, or changing her clothes. It's really funny how kids imitate the adults around them big time. Makes you think of your past and how you ever did those things, too.

Shoes are just easy to put I tell you and our little toddler is so good at that this time around. Only that it doesn't pair and sometimes, it doesn't go to the right foot. Haha! But we never fail to compliment her each time she does such effort. Even if I badly wanted to help her, her tendency to be independent at such young age is starting to be visible. She would then refuse any help we want to extend by saying "no" a couple of times. Just a precious development!

See how much effort she put in there? Hehe! Doesn't her looks show it all?

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missed this!!!

Awww! I sure missed this! It's not rambutan season back there but I am just thinking about this thing real big because my Ate Eve in HK has mentioned to me last New Year's eve that she's munching on a rambutan that very time. Kinsa'y di maglaway! LoL

We used to grow two trees of this in our farm and the fruits it yielded were just so bountiful that we need not buy in the market for our consumption. When my friend Charis' former fiancee visited her in CDO city we let him tried this fruit and I couldn't forget his expression. He was like, "oh... I could live with just this one or we could exchange with our apples and grapes in America." Hehe... He was such amazed by how yummy it was! Who will not, right? I have been here for almost three years now and I have only eaten this fruit once, ever. That was when SIL and Nora brought some from Vegas and they were already frozen. It didn't looked very nice at all anymore but we still managed to consume them all! Saon man, wa man lain! LoL. And look how bounty these are!

Awww! So yum, right?

"Courtesy of Photobucket pics"

When They Moved...

It was such a tough time! It's our friend Lynn family that I am talking about. You see, they moved from here to Indiana, just a state away, yes, but the hassle and tiredness of keeping things together was sure to be a tough one! They needed help in their move from Moving Companies and it was such a relief that homebulletin.net was there to provide them with free moving tips, especially that they were on for a long trip. Moving companies in this country are a lot, and it is always helpful to get assistance from them. When we moved out soon, for sure, it would be a big thing to contact one.
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Year 2007 Highlight

This is a tag. In-in asked me to list 7 highlights of the year 2007. I asked swithart what huge thing took place in our lives in the early part of the year and he said listing seven *only* isn't enough. So here, I'll just give you my own version as asking for swithart's contribution would take me a whole page here! :D

• First, I remember we welcomed the year 2007 with Ma and Pa-in-law here. Our times with them were always great till they went home last Oct. Well, we couldn’t wait till they’ll be back and so we’re always looking forward to it. In spring they’ll come back and we're excited. :)
• Second, in March was our 6 years anniversary of being sweethearts and in April- 3 years of being married. Whew! That’s long!!! J And it’s one great highlight of course!
• Third, July 4^th when our little daughter Triz turned one year old! Having her celebrate on the very Independence Day is unforgettable. Who couldn’t call it a highlight?
• Fourth, ‘tis another big one: swithart passed his written and oral comprehensive exam and was graded A+ unanimously by his three panelists. Now he’s up for his dissertation proposal which will be this month when Spring semester starts. One immeasurable highlight, isn't it?
• Fifth, let me mention so longs and goodbyes. Well, there's been death in our loved ones and friends' family back in Philippines and they're unforgettable persons you know, so it is still a mark. And we bid "till we meet again" to our friend "The Magana Family" who went home to Belize after spending two years here while the husband was an international student at the same university where swithart goes.
• Sixth, I've joined the blogosphere and have met wonderful people who I am thankful for like JenR's helpfulness, Ate Tess' being down-to-earth, Ritchelle's witty and real writeups, In-in's great time shared at YM, and so much more bloggerfriends who I considered as bloggers I so treasure. I have the hope and the desire to keep my friendship with you all! :) And, not only that. The paid blogging rocks, too! :)
  
• Seventh, communication I have had with my loved ones and friends the entire year . Open communication, that is. It's one I am gonna highlight as I appreciate so much how our church family here understand us- swithart, me, and Triz's situation, as well as our very own family here- SIL. Without open communication, t'wud be awful.
  

There you go! Thanks In for letting me evaluate the good points that happened last year. What about you friends? Could you list 7 highlights in your 2007 career, too? Hehe...
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i am greeting....

It's New Year's Day!!! Yehey! And I am up to greet you all happy new year! BUT... one special person in swithart, Triz, and my life is celebrating her birthday today, too, and so, this post is dedicated to her:

Yep, she's the one. :)

Happy birthday sistah Nora! You're more than a friend, cause you're like a sister to me. I am so thankful I've known you dear. Your generosity, kindness, and being talkative are incomparable. We sure missed you here! Triz isn't forgetting you and it's a privilege to have you as her aunt. Hehe... I hope and pray you're loving your time in there! If not, balik lang diri, cause you know you always belong in us. Sweet di ba? Hehe... We wish you more smiles ahead. And more healthy years to spend with your loved ones! Take care and keep smiling! :) God bless you sis!!!

And here, lemme show you how your car looks like sis!

Don't worry, we're taking good care of it! It's the snow that we can't control! :D Mingaw na ka no? Weeeh! I got you!!!

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