gotta go out

Triz took her nap so late this afternoon. Imagine, 2:30pm. That's very unusual because she usually will doze off from her active morning at around 1:30 the latest. The consequence? She still is so asleep right now even if I turned the music's volume a little louder as I badly want her to wake up because we still need to go out to two stores soon. Nyay! The day is almost ending and yet, we haven't gone out yet. Swithart was just home today since he canceled his tutorial duty at the university. All he did was took a break from his paperworks and downloaded those music and videos in the CDs and DVDs and MP3s. Yeah, he has done a lot. And me? Was waiting anxiously for the packages that I expect to arrive today. Yeah, I have them finally and I'm all set! Hehe... I think it's time to go now because Triz is now up. Thanks to the loud music! Hehe...

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Who was the last person you hugged?

=>My darling daughter Triz. She sleeps with us in our huge bed and we were hugging each other while sleeping! :)

Soup
Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.

=>I am not a beauty expert but I could say I have a very thick and healthy hair. And one strange thing that I sometimes do (sometimes only), is when showering or taking a bath, I put on conditioner first instead of shampoo to smoothen and lather my hair. Strange, eh? Hehe..

Salad
What does the color yellow make you think of?

=>Former Philippine President Cory Aquino as it's her motif. And my toddler Triz imitating Barney's song with a line that goes like this: "yellow- it's the color of the wonderful sun, sun, sun". You should have heard my daughter sing that line. It's really cute. :0

Main Course
If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?

=>Nature and kids. And happy faces of ordinary people. When you look at such kinds of photos, ahhh.... they're priceless.

Dessert
What was the longest book you ever read?

=>I remember I have read a novel which was 630 pages when I was in high school but I just forgot what book that was. Such was the time when I was a so voracious novel reader. What I could remember is having read the When Nietzsche Wept book by Irvin D. Yalom. It's 320 pages and I loved everything about it!

And oh... the Bible... It's the longest one! We (I and swithart) are not done yet though but since March 21st 2006, we're now in the second book of the New Testament. :) It's a nightly routine and it makes us feel good, especially now that Triz is able to listen to us every time.

Well, happy feasting! And have a great weekend ahead!

The Wood Dash Expert

Very recently, my older sister who I fondly call Yaya has granted my long-time wish-- to buy a PUJ for my big bro. For our Kuya. And that made everybody happy of course. Now, Yaya is planning of getting an SUV, too, especially that she's now planning to settle in Philippines for good. She first wanted to just bring one of her cars in Japan but since the cost of the tax would exceed the estimated actual price of the car, she has decided to just buy a new one in Philippines. Now the thing is, she just prefers the simple type of car, but Kuya is the savvy one. He is making sure that all those car parts and accessories are a hit and not a miss, including the billet grilles. I'll better show him what wooddashexperts.com has got. I bet he'll be drooling over those chrome trim, grille guards, and so much more! Hehe...

friendstering

Okay, so I have been a friendsterer since 2003. I'm sure you all know what Friendster is. It's a social networking site for those who don't know. When I started, I was just having fun with my seven college buddies. Yeah, we were just having fun with ourselves, posting our photos that we got from my own digital camera. I used to be the most sikat during that time because it was only me who owned a digital camera- 2.1 MP at that. It was a gift from Yaya and I loved it ever since I held it. So the circle of friends I had at friendster were just common college friends then. Until by and by, I've got several acquaintances and casual friends. Then discovering very common high school friends. And even elementary people. So it feels great to have re-live those memories I've got in the last fifteen years of my life. I studied elementary somewhere in Bukidnon, high school in Davao, college in Manila and CDO. And it's amazing to have met several wonderful friends back in those good ol' days through friendster. Now, I am enjoying the site more than ever. Swithart used to have his own account but since he's not really into it, I let him delete his because even the password we could hardly remember. LoL. Now he's also enjoying browsing my friends and my friends' friends, especially those that he also know.

How about you friends, are you a friendster, too? :)

I've Had Enough!!!

...of this so cold temperature that is! You see, Triz started to have a her stuffy nose a couple of days ago, and just this very morning, I am having it! Blame it on the crazy weather that we have here, and I sure don't like this. I am afraid my arthritis might attack and that would be terrible. No, I don't have fibromyalgia, but when I experience migraines, a little restless leg syndrome, and a little insomnia, I kind of have that fibromyalgia thing. I think it's normal for us women- all these PMS caused by our progesterone level. And you know what, UltraPMS.com is the site that I love to visit often! Women's health and wellness is all it promotes and gives and that's just absolutely informative. For you fellow women out there, have you tried browsing the site yet?

good morning, sunshine!!!

Nope, I haven't woke up yet from my slumber for tonight. In fact, I am about to sign off now. I am just posting the smiling photo of my darling daughter so this will be the beat that will meet me later when I have to start my Thursday after my slumber. Isn't this smile one of a kind?

Good morning, sunshine!
Worldless.
Priceless.
May you all have a great day ahead!!!

Vegas Someday

I would have loved to have tagged along with SIL and Nora when they went to Las Vegas last summer. Unfortunately, time and Triz were the factors which stopped me. Their stay in one of the Vegas hotels was just amazingly great and only in photos and videos did we experienced such time that they have had. Of course my dream of going to Las Vegas is still here, and I know that someday, somehow, we could still step on that magnificent place. We've got a couple of friends who are based in there and I've heard that my cousin as well is planning to move there soon. So that would be a nice thing if we could go there someday. How about you? Have you been to Vegas? Hehe...

up still!!!

I have been sleeping a little earlier in the past several nights. Eleven night time is already a long time for me. Blame it on my effort to put Triz to sleep at an early time so I can go to bed na rin with her. I even have to send swithart out of our bedroom just so we could have a dark room here because the toddler keeps her activity when the light is on. Tonight, it's just Triz who was able to sleep ahead of me. And the dad. Blame it on her not well feeling because of her stuffy and congested nose. I worry that she might catch some colds. It would be the most terrible time when we go travel soon and she is fighting with an ill condition. I hope not. She doesn't take her medicine but I have to force her to do so. She still is so active even the unwell feelings. But she gets cranky and fussy at times. I hope and pray she will be well tomorrow. As for me, right now, I am still up even if it's getting very late na. I still have some tasks to write here. Thanks to PayU2**** for giving me works to do. :) I am not complaining at all. :)

A Roller Shades? Hmm...

I've always prefer using those shades and blinds for windows rather than the usual curtains. I find them cool and simple. That's why when I was tasked by my older sister back then to decorate the interior of our house when we purchased it, I never hesitated to get those blinds. Those roller shades would have looked wonderful and pretty as well, unfortunately, I haven't seen some back in CDO, Philippines when I shopped. With this roller shade shown in the right side, who couldn't appreciate such?

I actually find it so nice and cozy. How I wish I have the same space here right now. Too bad we are only living at SIL's house and I couldn't do anything I want to do. I could only apply my artistry in our very own bed room but soon when we could move out from here, paylessdecor.com will be a perfect site for what I am eying for when it comes to these window treatments.

wednesday!!!

It's the bright sunshine that woke me up today. I was able to go to bed earlier last night. With swithart. We had so much fun laughing out loud when we talked about so many things like people back home who are already asking for donations and solicitations eventhough we are not there yet. I talked to Yaya the other night and she said a group has asked her that they'll be asking a projector from me or swithart. Yaya was irritated because she knew that right now, I can't afford such thing yet. Their way of saying it is that, such things are just being garbaged here. Hmm... how's that? She frankly told the group and defended how disabled I am for now. LoL. That's just one of those alright. And so last night, swithart and I have talked that when I get there and someone will ask any form of solicitation from me, I just have to say to wait for Jon. Hmmm... as if the husband has one to give. Now I am up for so many things. I have to call the Health Department and Triz's pediatrician to inform them of our trip and to make Triz's next appointment when we get back. I have to do it before Friday so next week, the hassles will just be about my packing up. I wish swithart won't go to the university today but it's just impossible. Exams are coming up and so a lot of students go to his office for tutorials. It will only be me and Triz again. I am dealing with Triz's a little crankiness because she's having a stuffy nose since yesterday afternoon and now she is congested. She doesn't take her Children's Tylenol and it worsens the situation a little. I hope she'll be just fine today. :)

my life, rated!

I do have a long overdue tag that Chikai and Ritchelle threw on me. It's all about the rating of my life according to the test that the link has shown me. If I have to rate it my own, I would definitely say I am content and satisfied with what I have now, but I still have the desire to accomplish so much things and goals that I have set as an individual and as a family member. I would have rated it a perfect 10 as I am but a simple person, but the test result only gave me this:

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	9
Mind:	8.7
Body:	8.6
Spirit:	9.6
Friends/Family:	7.9
Love:	10
Finance:	5.9
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Your Life Analysis:

Life: Your life rating is a score of the sum total of your life, and accounts for how satisfied, successful, balanced, capable, valuable, and happy you are. The quiz attempts to put a number on the summation of all of these things, based on your answers. Your life score is amazingly high. This means that you are in tune with your needs and on a path toward great personal fulfillment. Despite the challenges of life, you have achieved harmony and balance. Continue doing what you are doing right; do not allow yourself to slip or falter.

Mind: Your mind rating is a score of your mind's clarity, ability, and health. Higher scores indicate an advancement in knowledge, clear and capable thinking, high mental health, and pure thought free of interference. Your mind score is quite high, meaning you possess a high degree of mental clarity, ability, and health. You clearly understand what is required to maintain optimum mental function. Continue doing what works, and avoid pitfalls which may come along.

Body: Your body rating measures your body's health, fitness, and general wellness. A healthy body contributes to a happy life, however many of us are lacking in this area. You have an excellent body score, which means you are incredibly focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Continue in that focus, and your body will remain healthy and strong.

Spirit: Your spirit rating seeks to capture in a number that elusive quality which is found in your faith, your attitude, and your philosophy on life. A higher score indicates a greater sense of inner peace and balance. Your spirit score is dramatic. Continue on your path, do not stray. Continue to reap the rewards which your spirituality brings forth.

Friends/Family: Your friends and family rating measures your relationships with those around you, and is based on how large, healthy, and dependable your social network is. Your friends and family score is quite healthy. You have a social network you can depend upon. Count your blessings, but never forget that these bonds need to be maintained. Keep your friends and family close.

Love: Your love rating is a measure of your current romantic situation. Sharing your heart with another person is one of life's most glorious, terrifying, rewarding experiences. Your love score is very high, which means you are in a very happy situation right now. Do all you can to keep it strong.

Finance: Your finance rating is a score that rates your current financial health and stability. Your finances are somewhat in the middle, neither bad or exceptional. Keep doing what works for you, and improve what doesn't. Focus on long-term financial stability as your goal.

Oh well, I didn't get the perfect 10 but I'm near to it. But look at my financial aspect? Haha.. Now you know I am not rich. Materially rich, that is. But my heart and mind are. Aren't they the ones that matter? :) Thanks Chikai and Ritchelle for this!

lining up* and randOm thoughts...

I've posted in my other blog how Triz is so much fond of lining up things. Well, I could say everything she could do with what's available at a certain time is kind of a product of geometry. That's what swithart insists as well. She has done it with building blocks, with clothes, and with almost all of her other toys and so I just won't mind it because I see it almost all of the time. When when she lines up things that are a little unusual, that's when I spend some effort getting some shots. Like this one:

Well, they're just pieces of the Wheat Thin Crackers that she was eating before she made those forms.

She do knows they are food because she was munching on them first. That's just what she was able to come up with after being satisfied with some bites. I was glad she find some ways on how to keep herself busy.

At least, it made her busy alright. Kids in this country are often heard complaining how bored they are. Swithart and I would often wonder how could they dare say they're bored when they've got everything to do? They've got a lot of toys that they could play with, and a lot of things to really explore. But we just arrive at a conclusion that maybe because they rely too much on things that are instant. When a battery of a certain thing died, they quickly shout to mom and dad that the battery died. They don't find time to look for an extra one so they could give their selves something to do. Oh well, little things-- they are those that gives you much happiness instead of boredom, right? When we were young, our toys weren't that luxurious at all. We were the ones who even invented them because our parents were not able to buy them for us. In Triz's time now, she's got plenty of toys and most of them were hand-me-downs. We only bought her the educational ones but we've got a super duper generous donor right here in the family of Jerry who are kind enough to share what they have. And so, Triz is a lucky one. BUT then again... I wouldn't allow her to utter the word "boring" when she's a little bigger. There's a lot of explorations out there waiting to be dug in. We are just thankful that in her very young days now, she's giving us a hint that she's ready to explore, not to say bored. :)

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? If so, what did you do and who was your victim?

=>Well, it wasn't really me who played but it was me who was being played. Back in college, my friends and buddies, including our course adviser played on me when they told me that one of our close friends, our very course mate was pregnant and that her boyfriend wasn't willing to shoulder the responsibility. I really cried and that's when they told me they were just playing joke. I was a victim alright and trust me, I didn't bother minding them for a couple of days. They were truly sorry for that. Hehe...

Soup
What do your salt and pepper shakers look like?

=>Just the usual shaker that I buy from Wal-mart. :D

Salad
Where is the next place you plan to visit (on vacation or business)?

=>Hehe... This is great as I am actually up for our trip so soon. In a couple of weeks we will be flying home to Philippines for a looooong vacation! Who can beat that? Waaah so excited!

Main Course
What kind of lotion or cream do you use to keep your hands from getting too dry?

=>The Bath and Body Works Hand and Body Lotion. Smells so good. I have Nivea in my purse, too. Always.

Dessert
Make up a dessert, tell us its ingredients, and give it a name.

=>Hmmm... Creamy Banana. Bu too bad I could only make some in Philippines because the kind of banana that I am gonna make is only found there. I've tried making it several times before. It's baked and there's a coconut milk, condensed milk, and cream in it. Yum. I'd love to show you some when I could make it again. Hopefully soon.

Happy feasting everyone. And have a great weekend!

thursday!!!

Yesterday, I didn't have a lot to do online except surfing and friendstering. LoL. Yeah right, opps were that elusive really. And now, it's already Thursday! Yay!!! I can't believe how time runs so fast and my excitement is getting more and more intense. Haha. People back home-- my mother and sisters, and friends couldn't wait, just like I do. It's only swithart who is dreading the time of our departure you know! LoL. Well, I worried a lot at first, but knowing that Yaya's going to fetch us in Manila, I am left with less of that. I had fun talking to them last night. They made me drool over some puto, suman, saging, bulad, and green mangoes they have. Arrggghhh! As for us here, trying to consume so hard the rice that swithart cooked at the rice cooker which I doctored because he left the rice cooker un-on. So imagine what happens to that! Have you experienced such friends? Oh so bad really. Last night we had to cook rice again because SIL never eats such kind. LoL. Anyways, I was hooked to American Idol last night, too. Yeah, I have wished Ramiele to have belted the song out but I guess she has done what she thought was great. So kudos to her. But no, I am not voting at all. Haha! Anyway, you all have a great Thursday friends!

elite? accordingly!!!

I am going to thank Redlan once again! Why, you ask? Because he willingly handed me this award down below that made me feel the greatest. Ahihi! Ikaw ba naman kasi i-consider na may blog na elite, di ka ba mapapa-wOw!!! O eto, tingnan nyo! :D

Blog Choice Award ELITE. Now that's flattering!!! I am not gonna accept this sana kasi feeling ko di karapat-dapat ang blog ko, but since this came from Redlan who I consider has a blog worthy to be called Elite as well, here I am posting this with pride and honor. (Drama!!!) So thank you so much Red and this goes back to you, too. Now I am passing this as well to bloggers whose pages are sensible and that means, blogs I frequently visit. I won't name names, cause you know very well that I go to your blogs that often. So if you're one of those, go ahead and grab this from me. I'd love to see this posted in your blogs, too. :)

all about sleep!!!

Redlan is amazing! You see, di sya nauubusan ng mga tags na sobrang kakwenta-kwenta talaga! At makwela rin! And with this one, he tasked me to post some photos of anyone who I captured sleeping! Usually, they are stolen shots, and I've got several whose subjects are my sisters and my husband as well. But for reasons I cannot disclosed (hehe), I am not able to show them to you. :D But don't worry, I've got cute photos of my little Triz which I believe are worth sharing with so ito nalang ang ipo-post ko. These aren't stolen shots but product of admiration with this lovely and amazing individual who is so precious in our lives. To start, here:

She used to be a sleepy baby that even when she was being worn the thick coat before going out, she still wasn't bothered. This one on the right was taken at church when the kids were portraying as angels in a play we had in December. Now I've got funny sleeping photos to share:

We caught each other. She caught me taking a pic of her while she's sleeping and that's the result! LoL.

And this is what happens when she dislikes the flash. But this last one is totally different!

This is the outcome however of a good long sleep! With hair standing up, laugh that cracks everybody up, and teeth that... ah.. you tell!

Thanks for tagging me Red! Told you, I've got a lot of these kinds of photos. These are just few. Pasensya na, sa kanya lahat tong mukha dito. Paano naman kasi, wala kayong makikita na sleeping photo ko, eh, I've told you all na rin, I am never a sleepy head person so you will never find a shot of me caught sleeping. :P

Now for fun's sake, I am wanting to tag these following people, too: Bless, Darlene, Emma, Emzkie, Juliana, and Lovely. The rule is easy friends. Just those sleeping photos of anyone that you personally got. Have fun! :) I really did.

Online Degree

It is never too late to get another diploma and that's for sure. Though I already have a daughter right now, nobody can stop me if I really would want to earn another degree soon. I and swithart are agreeing on the terms that when he gets to finish his Ph.D. soon, he will try to find a job, a stable job at that, and then, it will be my turn to go to school again, maybe for a Master's degree or for another bachelor, which is Nursing. And yeah, we do have consider getting an online degree as well. I mean, why not, when it's our child who is still the priority. So attending a class without really going to school personally is a bonus. Columbia Southern University is listed alright. They offer many online degree programs including associate, bachelor, graduate and doctorate degrees. And having a goal of getting a nursing degree works so well with their health care programs. At first, there are some hesitations of just getting an online course, but having seen a lot who finished their degrees successfully, there's no more apprehension whatsoever. In fact, SIL has got one of her certificates in IT industry through an online study, and right now, she's sure enough that she has what it takes to be named a successful computer programmer. That having said, an online study is still not left behind. And Columbia Southern U is sure to be there for you and me!

mamingaw nga monday

Haha.. That's just what I thought so, especially when I woke up this morning and it was just the three of us. Having a bubbly, energetic, and active little girl kept the room alive and thank God for the blessing! Well, even blogging companies are not giving a lotta work as well. It's President's Day today though so I would think it's because of that. I am just satisfied I've reserved one more task for the day. Swithart will be home a little later tonight. You see, he adjusted his schedule and that is, he has to stay one more hour in his office to do tutorials every Monday and Wednesday so he could be free on Friday. I am glad he finally accepted my proposal. Hehe.. It's just so hard if he has to go the campus everyday, leaving just me and Triz, that if I wanted so bad to go out, I couldn't. Now I am relieved. Anyway, time is running so fast and it's just less than a month left for me and little Triz to fly home. I talked to Yaya last night (Monday morning Philippine time) and she said she's on her way to getting the tickets she has booked for her flight to Manila when she'll go to fetch us. Weeee now that leaves me feeling so much more excited alright!

a break!!!

Notice I have had more than 24 hours of break here in this blog of mine? First of all, thank you to all of you who came and visited this page and cared to leave some missives. I appreciated that. My absence yesterday was due to a very busy Friday. Imagine going out for grocery shopping to three stores in the very morning? Triz was not even able to take a bath first when we headed to shop. Blame it on swithart's too busy schedule! Good, good thing that there were not too many opps that came out. Well, there were, but only with few slots, and with thousands of posties out there, I am left with less that one percent chance of still grabbing one when the loading took ages! Lol.

Okay, so today, we did have another great time at church. There were a lot of people that came today, and the church was full. Really. With it, the cradle roll's room downstairs was filled with a bunch of kids as well. Ahhh... there were even few who weren't able to make it because they were not feeling well, but this morning, we were really crowded. LoL. See this?

Thanks to the visitors from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and from St. Louis, MO. They sure made our Sabbath School fun and alive. Ah-uh, too bad Triz is hidden the the picture. She was behind this momma in black alright. Anyway, here she is on our trip to the library late this afternoon when we went to borrow some Barney and Elmo DVDs. After having picked the DVDs up, we jut dropped by at the toys' section and there, this was what interested her the most!

Notice she's solving the puzzle reversely? Amazingly challenging, huh?! Great Saturday overall. How 'bout you?

happy heart's day!!!

Is Valentine's only for lovers? If so, then all of us deserve a Valentine's greetings since we all are lovers in our own different and special way. For us, there is no celebration here. Not even a date outside, nor a candlelight dinner here at home. Just a simple gesture of love and companionship with the sweet sound of the Valentine's greetings make it all the more perfect. Of course, when there's plenty of time and tokens and gifts of love, that's a plus. But nah... it doesn't really happen that way in our vocabulary. LoL. For us, everyday is always a special day to love so for the mean time, have a...

Enjoy the day with those you love- whether near or far away. It's all worth it! :)

just loving red

Well, I snagged this tag once again from JennyR since I find this one nice and I could say I I can relate to this one. I used to love the color red a lot, that's why I am wanting to giving this tag a shot. The rule is just easy actually and here it is:

START COPY HERE
Here’s the rule:

1. Post YOUR photo wearing red, may it be a red top, bottom, the least would be red accessories if you hate wearing red… If you can’t find one, you still have an option…. Either post your Significant Other’s photo or your child’s photo, if you have one. Of course, they should be wearing red.
2. Let us know the reason why you were wearing red that particular day. Was it your birthday? Is red your fave color or was it the shirt that you first saw in your closet that day?
3. Tag 3 people close to your heart. By the way, they have to be in your blogroll. No cheating heart pleaseeeeeeee!
4. Once you’re tagged, could we please keep it going - just for this month?

END HERE

Here's mine:

Weeeh we're loving red. Can you tell? Swithart has several red shirts and this one is his favorite during summer. Nike made it well. LoL. While my photo is kinda old (was still in college hehe), but as I've mentioned, I used to like red a lot, so there! :D

It's Triz on her very first birthday at the park while we were waiting for the fireworks display.

Isn't that too appropriate for the season? Hehe... Now I am going to tag In-in, Vicky Neis, and Ritchelle on this. Come on fellas, show us how red you are! Happy Valentine's everyone!

the 5 randoms

I considered myself tagged by Jen of NZ about this interesting tag that I find to be cool.

THE MISSION:
"Share five random/weird things about myself.
Share five places that I “want to see or want to see again.”

So here I go!
1. I am definitely not a sleepy head person. Getting at least 3 hours of sleep in the night is always fine!
2. I love to read. And a fast reader I am. But my time spent in reading was lessened when I started paid blogging.
3. I've dreamed of riding in a bullet train in Japan. Hehe...
4. I cook a lot. But I don't eat a lot.
5. I love the ocean. But I haven't taught myself to swim ever since. Shame on me! LoL.

**

1. I've always wanted to be home, and Philippines is my home here on earth. So anywhere in Philippines is a place I want to be again. :)
2. I'd love to be able to visit my sister's mansion in Japan.
3. China. Hmm... My stopover next month is Shanghai, China. How's that? :D
4. Florida is in my list! Now that Triz is here, an adventure to a theme park would be awesome. And not to mention my HS best friend Sha who has been so eager and insistent with their invitations to come over.
5. Belize. We are longing for a trip down there to see our good family friend and experience the beauty of their rainforest and beaches.

Thanks Jen for this one!

avocado indulgence

Everybody here loves avocado! And so, how lucky we are that Wal-mart is selling their avocados right now for only 77 cents. Gosh, that's been pretty cheap compared to it's regular price of $1.29 each. So when we learned about that, we indulged ourselves to a lot since it's one of the most loved fruits in this household. LoL. How would you like some avocado smoothies, ha?

Well, doesn't that just looks yum and tempting? Ah... it's been ages since we desired a lot of this fruit and swithart and I both pride ourselves with how gorgeous our avocados looked back then when we still lived in a farm. We are hoping that when we can go home soon, we can see a lot that's being sold in the market. Then we can have the time of our lives in indulging some more of these. I know, I know it's rich in carbo and cholesterol, but heck, it's still healthy and yummy for us! LoL.

laughing out loud

As I've said in my Written Xpressions blog, Triz just turned 19 months old. With all the pride and joy a parent can ever have, I could say she is simply the best of them all. Well, when she came into our lives, it's true-- she did changed everything in us. There is something in her that makes everyone, esp. me and the dad laugh out loud. Even when she is this young, we could see some potentials in her already that, when nurtured and developed, will make her even more accomplished. At the end of every day, however exhausted life is, this smile of her always never fail to brighten up our atmosphere here. Believe me, this house where we are living right now (my SIL's) will never be the same again without this little girl that we have. From her tumblings and acrobats, to her effort of attempting to imitate all our doings, those stuff simply make us laugh out loud. But this time around, in this picture, it's her who was giving us the REAL laugh out loud that she's capable of giving. Ahhh if you could only hear the giggles!!!

tgif, and thankful notes.

Thank God it's Friday! But swithart has to go to the univ still, so I won't be able to mess around in here with all of my household to-do chores. Tsk tsk tsk. Anyway, we went out so early today. Well, not really early because it was already 9:30 am, we went to Wal-mart to buy a thank you card that I am gonna be personalizing tonight to give to our very generous friend Jerry and his wife Janice and daughter Amy who have been so kind, so good, so helpful, and so thoughtful to us. Ahhh words just aren't enough for our gratefulness to this family. I hope they could feel how thankful I and Jon are for having known them. You see, countless have been the times that this family has extended their help to us, and just the other day, when Jerry learned that I and Triz will be flying home next month, and Jon will follow in late May, he and Janice and their 7-year-old daughter Amy wrote us a short letter of bon voyage and inserted in the envelope a three-digit-amount of check (as in too huge for me to accept it), and a 30 bucks that Amy gave which, according to the dad, has been Amy's savings. Isn't that too generous of them? I should say, we are the most privileged, the most grateful, and the luckiest people for having known this family. Their all-out-support ever since we've known them have been immeasurable, and all we could do for them is just pray to God to give them the best of everything that their lives desire. I am sure the angels are the happiest, and that, heaven is rejoicing for all their good deeds that they have shown, not only to us, but to others as well. We are so blessed to have known them....

signing off...

I am the only one left here who is still awake, and soon I have to sign off. I know it's too late already but I am so used to this. Triz slept a bit earlier tonight- no struggles at all. Maybe because she napped this afternoon for just a short time, and the tiredness caused by her hyperactivity knocked her down. Hehe.. While swithart wanted to stay up a little longer to do something very important- his sermon for this coming Sabbath, BUT, he along with Triz was knocked out as well. Now you know I am a survivor. Haha.. Well, I actually am chatting with my family back home, talk some things that matter and some things that don't really. Just for laughs, as they say. I am having a little headache and I've taken a thousand mg of acetaminophen earlier. I guess it's taking its toll now as my eyes are becoming too weary now so I am gonna leave you with this thought:

Stone Hawk Is The Right Place

It is so sad to see more and more teenagers and adults engaged themselves into drug addiction. When you look at the statistics and facts of drug abuse in this country, sadly enough, it is increasing in numbers. And I meant to say, the victims. When I see a lot of bad news on TV particularly shooting, rampage, and any other crimes committed by young adults, one common denominator with their behavior is that of illegal drug usage. Now if you or someone you know- be it a friend or a family member is into drug addiction these days, then you as that someone close to them have the greatest role to do- your help of bringing them into a drug treatment program land facility ike Stone Hawk.

It would be the best decision to get help from the professional and care experts on drug addiction if you really want to extend your helping hand to that someone you know. My friend who is working abroad right now is, I could say, a good model on that. You see, she has an older brother who turned to illegal drugs when he experienced the greatest depression and frustration in his life. With my friend's family's all-out-support on their fellow family member, they put him in a drug rehab treatment center more than a year ago and the last time that I have talked to my friend, she said that it was all worth it, as her older brother is now becoming sober. Such a consolation, indeed!

There have been a lot of drug rehabilitations that existed anywhere in the world right now to cater to anybody who wants to be sober. If you are you in Michigan area or near the Michigan state, then Stone Hawk is just so prefect for your healing on drug dependency. At Stone Hawk, drug addiction is a problem that they take very seriously and everyone has a room of healing in their very treatment center. If you are still in the process of choosing the right drug rehab, then check the blog page that Stone Hawk has for you and be informed with a lot of things about drugs and things that matter towards healing and detoxification. This will be the right time for you to extend your help. And Stone Hawk is the right place as well.

snowing!!!

I totally love the snow, no doubt about that! It's the cold-- the soo low, below freezing temperature that I complain most of the times. Soon I and Triz are gonna go home to Philippines and it will be the warmest ever in Triz's life. Hehe... When she will be sweating all over, I'll just have to remind her of her thousands of pictures that we took when she was playing in the snow. It will be a nice thing, eh?

We had fun playing outside when it snowed a couple of days ago. It was nice because it wasn't really cold. It was bearable that even Triz didn't put her gloves on.

When she started to hold the snow and ices, that's when she felt the cold. But nah.. she refused when I let her get inside after 10 minutes I think. Yeah, she was liking it!

itinerary ready..

OMG! I am the most excited right now! Hehe... I think this will be for real alright. You see, we've already booked a ticket for my flight with Triz next month. So that would be very soon na jud. Whew! Who just can wait for that, huh. While swithart is praying that such day wouldn't come (lol), I am doing the opposite. I may have to do some shopping soon. I have to get summer clothes for Triz (if I can find any), if not, sa Pinas nalang. I worry though because I have learned how hot and humid in there right now. I am sure my migraine would be attacking then. And Triz who I could say is so used to the snow and cold temperature will surely be sweating all the time. Hmp!!! Mahimo na pud namo nga ikaduha nga balay ang SM ani. Haha. The jollibee, the chowking, the greenwich, the lanzones, the rambutan, the marang, the... the... the... Gosh, do pardon me for my excitement friends. I just can't help it. But heck, there is still a chance for all these to be canceled though so I still have that reserved strength in case. Haha. Hope you have a nice Thursday everyone!

staying up!!!

I will have to stay up tonight for some reasons. I've struggled too much for Triz's sleeping habit. Ahh she just slept after the soo long time of trying to let her sleep earlier because she's been yawning big time, giving us signs that she is that sleepy already and yet, she's fighting it. If not with my way of giving her reasons to cry, she still will not be sleeping. Now that sure worries me much when we will go home to Philippines and swithart will be away from us. It would be real hard. I just wish that her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grannies will be able to help me. Hehe.. Jon said if I am in doubt of going home ahead of him with Triz in tow, it may as well be better to just wait for the spring semester to be over so we could fly together. But I want to be there when all my siblings will be gathered together. Anyway, SIL has found a way to solve MIL and FIL's situation. She has moved their stay from April up to when we will be coming back so we could come back together. Their return ticket will be extended, so a penalty is expected. SIL has received a notice as well to report on her military duty. Whew! We are worrying she might be due for a deployment soon. I hope not. But if she will be, then we can't do anything about it.

missing the beach!!!

I am not a swimmer. I am fond of going to the beach but I don't swim for long. I just love the sand, the breeze, the sound of the waves, and taking pictures in there!

And since I am going home pretty soon when all is well with what we are waiting, for sure I am going to be hitting the beach! Whew!!! I can't wait! It will be Triz's first time to swim, too. I wonder how she will like it. Swithart's been too keen about it and we haven't even left yet but he is already telling me to watch for her daughter cautiously. Tagaan jud ko ug assignment ba!

Anyway this picture that I have here is with my college buddies. Well, we lack three friends here as they weren't able to join us in our escapades at Duka Beach Resort somewhere in Misamis Oriental. Soon when I could go home, I hope to be seeing these gals and those who are not in the picture. But heck, only if they're in CDO too since mostly aren't. We'll see. I'll be posting pics then! But wait, can you find me in the pic? Hehe... I am still sexy and beauty back then. Kafal fez, eh? Haha! (I am the one in red top and golden yellow sarong!)

double x-traOrdinaiRe

Okay, so it feels great to be acknowledge with what you are doing, doesn't it? I have been a consistent honor student when I was in elementary and high school. In college, I kind of stop excelling. But I tried my best still and made myself getting good grades especially in my major subjects. It just felt different when I was in college. It somehow gave me the impression that I didn't have to compete academically like I did in elementary and high school. What mattered was that I pass all my subjects and see to it that I understood the lessons I took. Yes, it was all that mattered. Now that I am in the state of my permanent status as a wife and a mom, it still feels awesome to be acknowledge with what I have done to my husband and daughter. When I hear someone say to swithart that he looks great, happy, and contented ever since I got here, that's an achievement to me. When I see something excellent that my toddler daughter does, that's even more extraordinary. And in this blogging thing that I do, when a fellow blogger considers me one extraordinary blogger through this award:

...what could be more exciting than this?! Hehe...

Thanks a lot fellow moms Ritchelle all the way from Ireland and Utah Mommy Darlene for considering me as one extraordinary blogger. Nyay!!! I wonder if there's a cash hidden in this hearty-ball award? Harharhar! To all my fellow blogger moms, I am giving this award to you too. Because I thought what you do as mommy and blogger is extra ordinary!!!

Social Media

In my Mass Communication course before, particularly in the Communication Theory and Social Media classes, I've learned that communication in the organization plays a huge, if not the hugest factor in the success of the industry. Now there's this current press release that I have come across with at www.prbuzz.com and I just found it to be or worth reading, especially if you are a business grower yourself. The site is called the ultimate entrepreneurs playground and it's at www.millionimpossible.com and it mainly talks about how the social media is evolving these days. Here's the whole scoop of it:

Press Release:
The Changing Future of Social Media Websites- The Global Entrepreneur
Written by bradley chapman
Social Media is adapting and ever changing. 2008 will see a new breed of Social Media Web sites emerging with more specific and targeted audience participation and captivation. Businesses, lifestyles, sports and Social Agenda are all up for grabs.

Business Media sites and forums are increasing and one small Essex based PLC is capturing the minds of UK Entrepreneurs and Business people and ruffling a few feathers along the way.

Million Impossible plc recently launched what they are describing as “The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Playground”. The Million Impossible business and Entrepreneur website is primarily aimed at people in business, however, anyone with an interest in business that possess and entrepreneurial flair including students and retired individuals can become a member of the MI PLC. www.millionimpossible.com

Million Impossible has a unique twist and has a totally unique approach in their business model. The concept is that anyone can start in business that has and idea, has courage and the passion and determination to reach their desired goals.

Million Impossible believe that no-one should have to do it alone and by uniting together creating “Strength in Numbers” that anyone can go from “Dreams to Reality” and achieve TOTAL success regardless of their current financial position. Can you imagine that if you had hundreds of people behind you willing you on coaching you and supporting your own business attempt?

What if Million Impossible managed to reach global status and you played a key part in that and your own success was determined in part by being a member of MI PLC.

After 7 weeks of live trading Million Impossible now has over 200 members with over 2400 years of combined business experience and expect by then of January 2008 that they will have 500+ members.

From February 2008 the business expects that the member count will double if not triple every month. Members that are joining Million Impossible right now are the pioneers of what the Board of Directors believe to be the first of many focused and targeted industry specific Social and Business Media opportunities.

- Million Impossible was formed with 7 main Board Directors each who has wealth of business experience ranging from Fatima Whitbread MBE and former world champion through to property development, manufacturing, logistics, sales and marketing and corporate experience. The Co founder even started on a Duke of Edinburgh award scheme some 20 years ago.
- Each member that joins the business is offered a small number of shares in the PLC. The members can hold on to the shares with the hope that as the business grows the share value will grow. Million Impossible intends float on the AIM market in 2009.
- Each Million Impossible member has their own personal profile showing their field of expertise and the number of years experience they have and members can communicate with other members via email, instant chat and of course the phone.
- Members can share their dreams and aspirations as well as concerns within the Million Impossible exclusive member forums as well as networking their businesses
- Million Impossible memberships also come with free online nationwide advertising via www.businesssourcer.com for all members to help promote their business. The Million Impossible design team create members adverts with no design charges.
- Each Million Impossible member is enrolled to the UKEA www.ukentrepreneurassociation.com this is where members can offer discounts to other members, which helps to increase sales leads or reduce purchasing costs.
- Every Million Impossible member should they choose can put their business plan forward for equity investment. “The Going for Gold” section in the member’s zone allows businesses to do just that. MI plc has connections with a number of business angels who look for varied, interesting and profitable business models to invest in.
- Entrepreneurs can now network with like minded individuals and share their experiences using “Strength in Numbers”.

Million Impossible plc intends to re brand their web site during Q2 2008 and offer a global Entrepreneur presence creating a “Global Entrepreneur Experience”.

The PLC has created The Sourcer Group Brands and has already successfully launched Business Sourcer and now has their sights firmly on Holiday Sourcer and Car Sourcer which is due for launch Q1 2008.

Million Impossible is leading the way for small and medium sized business in proving that from humble beginnings and with limited capital, that you can become successful.

Why was the business named Million Impossible? – Because to the contrary, the company believes that it is possible and Impossible signifies everything that cannot be done.

MI plc owns and operates the following web sites:-
www.millionimpossible.com
www.ukentrepreneurassociation.com
www.businesssourcer.com
www.numbersourcer.com
Tel: 0845 468 5000 Fax: 0845 468 5001
Email: info@millionimpossible.comThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Contact: Executive Office

she did it!!!

I don't know if it's unusual or not but our toddler likes doing things the hard way. When she started crawling, she liked to look for humps and bumps as hurdles. When she started walking, it has gotten even worse. She likes it when she has to step on something even if it seemed too difficult for her to do. It gave us a real laugh and amazement when she does that. And doing things that are unusual for kids like her age do- we find it totally awesome. So when she first did this:

...we then thought it won't be the first and only time she will do such thing. And we were right. When we had our party at a restaurant somewhere, we had this small piece of paper with numbers in it which we used for numbering our gifts and the order that we were gonna have as our turn to pick for our gifts. I got my piece of paper with a number 14 on it, and after I knew what number I was, Triz took that piece of paper from me, played with it, and after a while, this is what she was able to came up with:

Absolutely amazing, eh? Now you must know it made everybody in the room applaud for her. Just impressive. If that doesn't impress you, hmmm... I don't know what else does. :D

This little toddler of ours has it! There's more to those of that kind, making us get her a lot of building blocks that she could play with. We're not expecting too much from her, but we're sure that she will not fail us with the little expectations and dreams that we have for her! :)

i am... but sooooo excited! :P

Who can blame me? You see, I am counting the days, and it won't be long baby! Haha. Can you feel my excitement? Oh well, it is still gonna be days, and weeks, and maybe even month(s), but heck, as long as I am going home, that's it! I was asked by MIL to wait till May so swithart and I could fly together and it won't be too tough for me to just be alone with Triz but nah, I think I am unstoppable. Hehe.. I have to be there when all of my siblings will be united so I won't miss the huge gathering! It will be a long and tough trip but I'll try my very best to bear with it. Awww! I can't wait to see everybody- the church family, my friends, and of course, my very own family. And the foods? Whew!!! I'll sure have a blast on that! The beach, too! And the commuting! LoL. Ahhh... I've got a lot of things to be excited about, but in the meantime, I just have to close my eyes every night and wait for the time. :P

Saturday Photohunt: NARROW

It's my second week of joining the Saturday Photohunt meme and I would say I am loving it! As I have said previously, I am not a pro photographer so bear with my photos. This week's theme is narrow and here's what I got:

It's my sister-in-law Daisy carrying on her back her daughter Cyndi who got tired from our eight miles of hiking in this narrow wooden road at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois last May 2005. Narrow is the road, don't you think?

what my child(ren) need to know...

I have been tagged by JennyR with a task to write five things that my child(ren) need to know when they grow up or as they are growing up. You see, when I was growing up, I was surrounded with love, encouragement, and support despite the odds that came my way. I am blessed with my family and so, for my kid(s), I should let them know that family and home is always the best persons and place to turn to no matter what.

1. I should instill in their hearts and minds the desire and longing for heaven. It's what I was brought up with and I will continue doing it to my children. Heaven would be more than perfect with them.

2. With number one follows the obedience to God's will and commandments. I and their dad will try our very best that we are their example for that. Studying and worshiping together is what we can do now that they're still under our care. "Train up a child in the way he should go, so when he is old, he will not depart from it. -Prov. 22:6" is our best motto for them.

3. That each of them is unique and special in their own different way, and yet all of us are created in God's image. That each has each own talent and ability and it's up to them to develop and nurture such. We will be there for them in every endeavor.

4. Support, encouragement, love, and care they will be able to get from us. For their physical, emotional, academic, financial, and spiritual needs, we will be there for them.

5. Respect for their fellow humans and responsibility over their dominion, they should learn that from us.

Right now, we only have Triz as our child but our nieces/nephews and close relatives who we come in contact with will always realize these motives of us. Children are a heritage from the Lord, and so they must know how to act and behave as God's children.

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