Green Mangoes

First things first. My first night here was filled with foods that I so longed to eat. Green mangoes you ask? Well, I'll give you this!

Irresistible? It sure is! My watery mouth was filled when I started to munch on this crispy yummy green mango. Super sarap! Thanks to Yaya who prepared a lot of this at the hotel where we stayed when we arrived here. Now that I am in CDO, such kind, or even those that are yummier arre flooding along DV-Soria and in any markets here. Makes me stop my craving any longer. Hehe... Would you like some?

On Diet? Hmm...

I already figured ahead what people around here will say about me once they get to see me after more than three years of being gone: that I look so big now since the last time they saw me. Hmm... so you would guess they're right, wouldn't you? LOL. Well, yeah. But what can I do? Our genes are bound to be like this eh? BUT I've thought of using some weight loss pills to reduce weight as per effectiveness, I believe it will be worth it. At weightlossresearch.net, the best diet pills in the market right now are being featured with prices so affordable and if you're so concern about how effective they are, you can go check the reviews, products and programs of a certain pill. Does that interests you?

Trade Shows

So far, I have only been in one of those trade show displays and it happened in Florida almost three years ago when we had our one-week-getaway. It was a lot of fun seeing beautiful arts and creations as well as marvelous display of talents and handiworks. I hope to be in one trade show display again in the future. I heard that there's one that will take place here in town during the city's feast. If ever there is, I sure won't miss such event as I believe it will be one awesome thing to watch for. How about you? Have you been in any trade show display yet?

from cold to super hot!

If you were to move from a so cold place to a super hot location, what do you expect to happen? SICK. Like me and Triz are right now. I've got my throat so sored since yesterday, while Triz is already coughing after she soaked in the beach. Terrible, I know but life's like this. Yesterday we went swimming in the beach and Triz was enjoying the water. BUT she still don't go to anyone other than moi. With all these sickness, it's no doubt I and Triz are missing someone. Hehe.. I am just relieved to have a lot of people around here. Later today, I have to head to a drugstore to find a medicine which I hope will work for us. Fruits and vegetables are of course the best, along with plenty of water, but OTC medications I believe will help as well. Hope you all have a great day friends!

i am soooo home!!! :)

Yes I am!!!

Monday night (Philippine time) was when Triz and I landed in Manila. Ever so tired but thankful that Yaya was just there anxiously waiting for us. It felt a huge relief when the PAL landed at NAIA Terminal 2 around 8 in the evening. Honestly, it was on PAL that I felt the most comfortable in all three planes we boarded for the the international flight. I hated my time with American Airlines. They didn't live what they claim they do most, that they know the reasons why we fly. I couldn't say I won't ride on AA again, as our trip back in the US will still be on AA, but I 100 % hope that it won't be the same airline alright. It was so tiring and wearying really that I have thought of not being able to make it. But GOD is so good, as HE has always been, that strength and blessings of good people still existed.

It was Triz's first flight and among all those passenger children we've been with, she was the most cooperative. You have no idea how far a distant Triz has walked. From Chicago O'hare alone, I could estimate she has walked a mile. As in. And in Shanghai, China, another more than a mile. She's only 20 months you see, but the angels indeed watched over us. Thank God! In Manila when we arrived, Yaya took us to Dusit Hotel in Makati where she has been staying for the past five days that she had been in Manila. It was a joy to see the beauty of Manila, it's as if I was still abroad. LoL. I wish to share with you these gazillion of pics. Blame it on my dial-up connection which is terrible! LoL. I even would like to say sorry for not being able to hop on your pages. I missed visiting you guys and checking on you. I hope I can do it all soon. Meanwhile, thank you for checking on me here and may you all have a great day! :)

Mortgage Lenders

It is no secret how hard Philippine economy is. i am just so thankful and glad that now, my family has found something to invest with. Thanks to those mortgage lenders who serve as bridges and help to ordinary consumers who are wanting to invest on something. I and my family are one of those who appreciate such business big time as we do benefit from them in any way. I have even thought of someday putting up our own business of this kind and by then, it will be our turn to return the favor we got. I just don't know when excatly but who knows? A close relative of ours is into this kind of thing and I can see it is doing well. How about you? What's your stand abour mortgage lenders?

Of Lugagges

I've been through in a 24-hour-flight in the past couple of days. Going home here in this hot Philippines from the very cold place in the central US is such a joy! BUT... the fact that I traveled with my toddler daughter alone was so tough a time! Imagine that I have to carry multiple luggages when I checked out. The good thing though is the modernity in today's times. Luggages like what Samsonite and Rimowa contributes a huge help to every traveler out there. Being a frequent traveler that we are, the presence of those kinds of stuff is such a must. And checking luggagesource.com every now and then is... yeah, a lot of fun for me! :)

off in the next 24 hours or even more!

It's 1:30 am right now. In three hours, we'll be leaving home to head to the airport. Yeah, that's how early. See, I haven't even slept yet. I was so busy since Friday till yesterday. Well, until now. :D I guess I won't be sleeping anytime soon. I still have a lot to think about. The husband and Triz are snoring right now while I am writing this. :D This may be the last post I will be doing while here at home. The next time I'll check my blogs, I'll probably be in my home sweet home already. Thanks all for taking time to visit me here. Again, I am so busy and I will make it up to you when I'll get the chance. I would believe such chance is when I am already in CDO. I'll share some smiles with you then! Stay safe....

And...

Could you wish me and Triz the safest? Thanks!

Tool Boxes

Jon's older brother has a love for autos and mechanics. I have learned that he has always been like that for as long as they could remember. When they started their business and got a truck, a van, and an elf for the carriage of products and stuff of their poultry farm and bakery, Jon's brother never failed to impress everyone how much he cared for those trucks that they use daily. He has an amazing sense of maintenance from the smallest part and accessory of those transportation thing to the biggest. His truck tool boxes serve as his help I bet! I've come across buyautotruckaccessories.com and that's when I thought of Edwin, Jon's older brother. The products and services of this online store simply fits the person I am talking about!

does she have any idea?

That's what people at church asked me when they say bye-bye to me and Triz today. Even if we will only be gone for five months, tears still rolled down a little bit. :) It's no doubt we will be missing each other in the following months and they requested me to always send them updates of me and Triz as they don't want to be not notified of any of Triz's developments and growth. So you see, this blog of mine will be a little trafficked then once we will be in Philippines as I've told them to just check my sites. And with the question that they raised, I would think yes, Triz has a little idea already of what's going on- that we're gonna be leaving soon. And how do I know? Well, the daddy always reminds her to be a good girl over there while he is not with us. She is being told to not give momma a headache but instead, be cooperative and good. She knows we're flying home soon as she does the action of a plane flying up above when we tell her we'll be boarding in a plane for 18 hours! Yes, that's how long! :D

Drug Rehabs

I always like to watch the show COP on WB channel and I almost never fail to watch every episode before. The statistics and rates of drug dependents and addicts are very alarming, not only in this country but I would guess, it's anywhere in this part of the world. I must say, the existence of a lot of drug rehabs out there I must say is a huge help to put a person into soberness. I am always positive with regards to how a drug treatment center can help, as I've known several people who were once addicts and now, fortunately are already treated. Well, if you are in the California area and a drug rehabilitation center is what you or someone you know needs, do consider drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com. They won't fail you!

hmmm...

In less than 10 hours, we'll be leaving here. I have had a lot of tasks which made me the busiest since yesterday. So much has been going on. You see, I was just feeling easy and cozy in the past days but yesterday, I felt like I have to do something na. Last night, I was able to finish packing our things up; swithart was done loading some files in the MP4 which I will be needing for our long flight to comfort and console Triz. Ahhh it's just last night that I am feeling the taste of excitement which I couldn't even describe. Hehe... Probbaly because today is the last Sabbath in the next five months that I'll be spending here and I was betting that the church is going to give me something of a surprise today, and yes, I was right. In the next few hours, I'll probably be just staying up to finish some more tasks here and then I'll be off. :)

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be?

=>Angelina Jolie. Hehe... Is it obvious that I like her? Her charitable deeds that is! :) And Brad, too? Haha! Lagot!

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

=>It depends with who I am talking to. When it's swithart or my family like my sisters, then that's a 10. With telemarketers, it's a 1! LoL.

Salad
Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

=>Mostly, religious affiliations like It Is Written and Amazing Facts. To American Cancer Society too, but I think only twice.

Main Course
What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

=>Hmmm... rice? LoL. Being a typical Filipino that I am, I just couldn't live without rice. :)

Dessert
Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

=>Fortunately, no one! Yet. But we caught little colds in the past few days though. Thankfully, grapefruits, oranges, chewable Vitamin C, and plenty of fluids kept us away from it. I hope we won't catch one soon. I really hope. :)

Happy Feasting everyone! And have a great weekend ahead!!!

structuring

The joy of parenthood is just incomparable. I am sure every responsible and sincere parent out there would 100% agree with me. It is such a huge fascination in swithart's and my part to see everything that our toddler Triz does . Each milestone and development is worth journaling and for our part, taking a snap of everything she does is a thing that we try to do as much as we could. Being away from our families back in Philippines, having this blog of mine is one good way to show them how Triz is doing. Now that she's 20 months old, structuring is what she does best.

Making lines out of the building blocks we have for her. Yeah, she does that best!


And then, building those blocks as if she's an engineer! :D Daddy is just beside to cheer her up.

And with this one, it's amazing how she was able to come up with this unique structure. You see, she made this out of the edges of these tiled letters that she has. Just one the a kind!

Sports Collectibles

I've known swithart to be such a sports fanatic. He is not the genius type though but when you asked him about the latest in the NBA, NFL, MLB, Golf, tennis, Soccer, etc., I am sure he will not fail you to give a concrete details of that's the buzz. He could trade almost anything for an NBA or MLB show on TV. Yes indeed, that's how much he loves sports. But he's lacking on one thing though: those sports collectibles out there! I asked him one time what he wants as a present one special day and I couldn't believe when he said he would love to own a basketball with Michael Jordan's or LeBron James' signature on it. Whoah! Of course I exclaimed how hard such want was! But hey, with hypedupsports.com, I would say it isn't really that hard. Why so, because at hypedupsports.com, sports collectibles and memorabilia, be it basketball, football, baseball, golf, and anything that a sports fanatic would love to collect are found at the site. One of the hottest right now? The Eli Manning Autographed NFL Duke Football! Every item from the site is authentic and being offered as high class. Fair enough to satisfy every one of you out there who are such a sucker of sports. Are you one?

warmer???

It is getting warmer today and I am not complaining at all! I went outside a few minutes ago to get the mails and I am glad for the warmer temperature plus the sunshine. I really really hope this will be a good start na of the spring. There are still ices outside but they will be gone soon. The forecast still has some snowy condition in the following days but I am hoping and praying that on Sunday, it will be fair. I wouldn't like it if flights here in the airport where we'll base will be canceled and we have to drive for more than two hours to O'Hare.

Anyway, SIL handed me a book last night that she has just finished reading. I thought I don't have time anymore to read books but after having a glimpse of the storyline and having learned of the author's background, I started spending time concentrating on it. LoL. It's actually this one:

The title itself fascinated me. Much more the author's name. And when I started to read the first page, that's when I became unstoppable. Heck, I've even neglected doing one of the tasks I am supposed to do here. LoL. It's actually a biography of Carmen Bin Ladin, former wife of Osama Bin Ladin's brother. Quite intriguing and alarming. But I find it really interesting. Now I am having a take on it! Okay friends, you all have a nice Thursday afternoon! Gotta continue what I gotta continue here! :)

award-full

My times spent blogging be it personal and paid posts have always been great! Meeting friends in general (not sergeant) is the greatest. I am sure you will agree with me on that one! And receiving awards like these ones below is the next best thing that's worth cherishing.

I used to be an outstanding student. Who would have thought I am an outstanding blogger, too? LoL

And a fantastic one? Hmm...

And this love plaque is kinda awesome. Makes me feel I am loved!

And lastly, amazing me??? Hah. Kinsay mo-palag? Swithart thinks I am and here in this blogosphere, Ritchelle thinks so, too! So now you know it's her who made me become a grandslam! LoL. Thanks a lot for these Chelle. I know Redlan gave me the fantastic award, too and I am grateful. Now I am passing these awards to everyone in my blogroll. I think everybody deserves to have these thoughts! :)

Mixed Emotions

I've chatted with my college buddy Ivy who is working in Dubai right now. She knew that I am going home soon and she is the most excited. Ahhh... the reunion and stuff that our friends have been anticipating to happen once I get there she can also feel. Mixed emotions, that is. She is actually set to go home for a month-long vacation, too but not until July this year. So we will be seeing each other there! She is also very excited because her older brother who they put in a drug rehab a year ago is now sober and is set to go out and live a healthy life soon. You see, she spent a huge amount of money and effort just to help her brother and I could tell how happy my friend truly is. We'll be seeing each other within this year and it will be a lot of fun for sure!

my ever first WW

...Yeah, this is my first ever Worldless Wednesday entry and I hope you guys will like it! :)

These photos were taken outside our backyard one wintertime!

Ahh... you should have seen how my toddler enjoyed
watching those lovely birds
feasting on the bread
that we fed. :)

For Plus Size Peeps

I was a slim and slender petite woman before I became a mom. When I got pregnant, I became unbelievably huge. As in from 98 pounds to 145 pounds at the peak of my pregnancy. Now, I don't know if I will ever get back to my slim and small figure back then. I have even considered getting those plus size clothing out there for my self. Swithart thinks I am exaggerating but when I think about it, I am really serious. Seeing Kiki's Fashion Plus website which has a huge selections of cute, trendy, and sexy plus size fashions, I worry no more if ever it is really the size of clothes that I am needing. I am trying so hard though to reduce as much as I could, and right now, I think I am getting there. :)

a new tOy

I am such a digicam fanatic. Shhh... I can't do anything about it, I just love taking photos eventhough I am amateur myself. Don't worry though, I don't like myself being photographed, I'm just the photographer. I now have an 8 MP Canon digicam which really really rocks and which I won't trade for anything (haha!) but very recently, I got myself a new one which is another awesome stuff for me. Look:

It's a brand new SVP Multi-featured 15-in-1 (Digital Camera/Camcorder/MP3 Player /MP4 Player/Movie Player/Portable Game Machine/PC WebCam/Mass Storage/TV-in/TV-out/Voice Recorder/Picture Viewer/ Calendar/Clock/Surround Sound Speaker/Fashion) digital technology. It's classy, huh. It's 12MP digicam, baby! I put a 2-GB SD memory card and it's really great. No, I am not after the digicam feature of this one as I have my 8MP Canon but it's the MP3 and MP4 features that I love the most. You see, Triz is into music videos right now and it's a consolation to her during her tantrum moments. Soon when we will be flying home, this will be a great thing for her while we travel. So this is what keeps the dad super busy besides minding his paperworks- transferring these musics and video clips that we have from our lappy to here. This is high-def video and dolby-digital audio and I could truly say... this rocks! LoL. Hey, it's $499 manufacturer's suggested retail price but I got this for less than a hundred thirty bucks! What could be better than that?! :D

8 things abOut Triz

JenR tagged me and she wants me to write down eight random things or description about my little Triz. I don't think it's hard, in fact, it's the easiest. And I think it's one of the advantages when you're a stay-at-home parent-- you get to know whatever, as in, everything that your child knows and learns. I've got so much to tell when it comes to my darling daughter, and I truly believe as parents, we tend to be too proud of our own kids. Hehe. There is totally no wrong with it though, as long as it won't lead them to being conceited and proud of themselves to others around them. Here, let me share with you what this child of mine is worth sharing with:

1. She's a sucker of Barney, Elmo, Teletubbies, and some more educational shows ever since she turned a year old.

2. She learns quick. She can answer when asked what's her name, how old she is, the what/where of her body parts, the sounds of the animals, etc.

3. She prefers books, pens, and paper rather than stuffed toys. She doesn't even play with dolls. She loves musical instruments, too, and she sings a lot.

4. She shouts "dad" and "mom" so loud when she's looking for either of the two.

5. She says please, thank you, and you're welcome sincerely. Hi and ba-bye warmly. Does "mano po", big hug, and kiss politely.

6. She can recognize Jesus in picture. She prays before and after bed kneeling down, folding her hands and closing her eyes. (Well, it's either moi or the dad who says the prayer though! :D).

7. She knows that Sabbath is a time for church, a day to wear modest dress, a day off from her TV shows, and a time for happiness and rest.

8. She loves snow and cold. She hates wearing socks and an end to a bath. She hates going to sleep but she wakes up happily when having slept for a longer time.

Nah.... I could go on and on. And on. Told yah, I've got a lot to say about this darling daughter of ours. But I was just asked to list 8 so there yah go! Thanks Jen and for you fellow moms out there, why don't you share those wonderful things about your kids too? I'm sure you'll have fun! :)

Pencils and Pens

I was surprised when I came in this country and learned that students and teachers here don't use ink pens but pencils. It's what I have observed in the schools, and it's what Cyndi, SIL, and swithart are using- the pencils. We've got a lot of pens here, most are gifts and some are bought- all for items to be sent to Philippines. You see, students in Philippines are so choosy and picky when it comes to ink pens. And pencils? It's only for second graders and below! Yeah, I still remember full well how eager and anxious I was back then to reach the third grade level because by then, I am free to use a pen. But when I was in high school till college, I only used one single brand of pen- the Pilot. Hehe... But BIC pens? They're great, too!!!

Have you tried using one of this brand?

of tuesday and cash

I didn't realize it's already Tuesday now. Well, eastern time that is! I haven't really blogged the whole day today, have hopped to only few sensible blogs because I am having a really bad headache starting last night. PMS!!! And sure I am not loving it! I've got some pending tasks despite the fact that I don't have the PR which, I don't know if google has ever banned me. LOL. Thanks to the kind PayU****** for giving me works. Triple P has not been very kind to me and to some others in the past few days and I am expecting not many works from them anymore. Well, I am going home anyway and gonna spend some good five months in hot Philippines and internet connection will just be a dial up back there so it won't help either. Hmmm... it's Tuesday now, and yes, it's not gonna be long. I've chatted with my younger sister earlier and they said they're the most excited for Triz's and my arrival. I asked them to prepare me a manok nga bisaya soup (with green papaya & dahon ng sili you know!) and suman on the very day we'll arrive, and they said it's not a problem at all. :P I've just chatted with Emzkie as well earlier who is now in the super hot Manila and she said she's gonna prepare a lot of durian as soon as she gets home to Davao. Tsarap!!!

So, it's 1k Tuesday at triple P today, right paid bloggers? Well, I am not really wishing for the best luck as I know I will never have some luck on it. Hehe... The first 50 has just pop out and as usual, it's autogray. But hey, if we're talking about cash, have you heard about the Win $Cash in July Contest that Juliana of New York is buzzing about? Well, you can have the chance to win up to $100 cold cash with just some very easy things to do. It interested me a lot since like her, I too started my blogging career in July of last year. Yeah, that's the reason behind her pakulo. If you're in, go give her a visit. Right now. I just did. :)

Donate 'em!!!

...donate car I meant! If you've got extra of them- may it be a car, a boat, a plane, a trailer, or an RV, go donate it and help! How, you ask? Car Angel is the true angel that will serve as the channel. Car Angel is actually a non-profit company that will help ask you to help them as they help others. Quite a good mission, eh? The ministry's goal is to help those single mothers, homeless, teen and adult rehab, food distribution, and orphans across the country. When you give and donate, you are helping the ministry as they create videos of Children's DVDs and anti-drug movies for the current and soon generation of kids to imitate. The difference with Car Angel among any other charities out there is their fast and free nationwide towing and you could receive and instant receipt as well for your taxes. So, have you got some to donate? Also, check this video to see a sample of the product that you may want to help.

february roundups

I am feeling the heat to do this monthly roundup once again after giving this regular post a halt. Now I'll try to recall so hard what had taken place in my life in general. Here goes!

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Book: I Love You Daily Morning Devotional, Do It by Joani Schultz, The Bible, And Triz' children books.
Magazines: Parents, ALL You, American Baby, BabyTalk, Adventist World, Lake Union Herald, and Newsweek. They're my sleeping aides, you know!

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?
Movies- Happy Feet, Wynn and Dixie, and whole lot more of children's movies. The Barney, Elmo, Teletubbies, and some more children's programming are counted. And then I watched the Dance War, the BBC Nightly News and World News regularly, and just very recently, the American Idol. And oh... the Philippine's Marimar via Youtube. Kainis nga lang kasi walang kwenta na ngayon. Haha... I am busy, am I not? LoL.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
Since it's February, the only unique day was the valentine's. But would you believe it, it was just an ordinary day for us still. Nothing fancy really. No gifts, no roses, no sweet treats, no candle light dinners. LoL. Swithart just gave me some cold cash pambaon daw sa Pinas. Haha...

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
*Hmmm.... I bought a lot- for me and for everyone back home. And one thing that's worth mentioning is the 15-in-1 digital stuff (MP4/3, cam, etc., etc.) we got for Nicanz who recently became a doctor! And what I received? A huge amount of check from Jerry and family! We are so grateful.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Nothing really. We did have some little colds but we are fine now! Thank God!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Daily chatting with my blogger friends, playing with this toddler of ours, driving around w/ swithart, shopping, Sabbath Day, and... did I mention playing with triz? hehe... It is so much fun, really! As for the trips and tours, nah.... pass muna sa ngayon!

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
I regularly make the Vegetable teriyaki with chinese seasoning. It feels really good!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Things to bring home to Philippines.

What were this month’s disappointments?
Nothing. I am always looking at the positive side. Though I've got little frustrations but no big deal at all!

What were my accomplishments this month?

Triz is doing excellent and it's a huge one. Her growth and development is marvelous! She's growing more beautiful each day. :) Also, a trip back home is another big achievement. Thanks to Yaya and Kuya Tom for making it possible. To SIL for the help as well. And then, swithart's dissertation which is gaining some positive remarks and feedbacks. I hope all will be well in the end. And... Nicanz's success with his board exam in medicine. Now he's a certified Medical Doctor. See?

I do have a huge month that went well. Do you?

Tankless Would Be Great!!!

Right now, we are using a tank as source for our hot water. But having one or two tankless water heaters around here would be excellent. I saw one at a friend's house, it's kind of modern since it was a new house and and of a very nice model and I couldn't keep myself from having one soon when we could move to a new place which would really be ours. Call it trying hard and yeah, it is what I want to have soon. There is absolutely nothing against it as long as we could afford to have one for ourselves. In the first place, having a point-of-use and tankless water heater would reduce operating costs so in the end, it still will be a huge savings on our part. Ahh... I am talking about all this stuff because globaltowne.com has a lot to offer about these tankless water heaters. Did you know about that?

done chatting

Yes, I am done chatting with family and friends around the world. LoL. At this late but I don't complain. Saturday night is our regular chatting schedule so it's a huge deal indeed. Swithart and I have a big time discussing political matters regarding our beloved country Philippines, as well. Hahayyy poor Filipinos! :D Anyway, I know you knew what I am talking about. If not, do leave me a question and a buzz. Haha. Have talked to Ate Eve in HK who is counting the days and nights till she can go home. It's not until March 21st though so I am a bit ahead of her. It's March 2 today and I can't believe still how time flies by so quick. Later this month, I will be a year older, but sad to celebrate the big day away from swithart! By then, I and my family will be in Davao if God wills, and I hope things will turn out great as planned. I and Triz are doing good now after days of having some little colds. Too bad it's swithart's turn. Right now, we are facing each others lappy and if you could only hear him sneezing every couple of minutes. It's really awful. I did let him took a thousand mg of the Robitussin cough and colds though and I hope tomorrow he'll be better. We have a lot of things to do tomorrow. It will be a long day, but I want to wish you all a good Sunday! :)

An Emily Crib

One of the most valuable presents we received during the baby shower that was given to me by our church family here was a crib. I don't know if it was an Emily crib or not, but it was one great thing for Triz. Unfortunately, we didn't separate her when she was an infant because I was fully breastfeeding her so she was in bed with us, cosleeping. And the crib? After several attempts of letting her sleep in there, it was a failure so what we did was, with the gift receipt that was included in the package, we returned it to where it was purchased and the money we put to our savings under Triz's account, so there, it still means it went all to her. It was a great deal. Or so swithart and I thought. :)